I've been mulling over this blog post for quite some time now, and, in light of tonight being one of those nights where I find myself "tired, but not sleepy", I'll take the opportunity to opine.
I can pretty much tie anything that happens in life to an episode of my all-time favorite television show......"The Flintstones".
One of the more thoughtful episodes was at the Slate Company picnic, where Fred begins in his usual rotten mood, not wanting to partake in the annual three-legged race. He ends up getting away to himself and actually falling asleep somewhere in the park.....
....and he dreams that it's 20 years later. A gray-haired Fred, complete with LONG beard, proceeds to run back to Bedrock to discover what's happened to Wilma, Pebbles, the Rubbles, et al in the 20 years since his apparent demise. It made him realize he should enjoy every moment.
Even the three-legged race.
He wakes up, goes flying back to the picnic, and he and Barney are the hit of the day.
Carpe Diem.
------------------------------
After completing my fourth week at a job yesterday, this is a good time to share my "similar to Fred" story. Going back to Aunt Sharon's sudden passing in February, my life schedule started to get back to a reasonable normalcy. It certainly has since April 11th. And I've realized how much has come and gone over the past nine years.
For example:
--I'm still trying to get my head around the fact that it's 2011. It doesn't seem like it's been almost 10 years since 9/11.
--I've realized how much pop culture has come and gone, much of which I don't know, know bits and pieces of......now, don't get me wrong, it's not that I regret it, it simply is a barometer of the volume of what's gone on while I've slept.....
....and slept.....and rested......and tossed......
Now, add to that the egregious error of allowing myself to live at my job at Clear Channel the last four years I was there, and it all adds up.
My son is now 19?
My daughter starts high school in September?
What happened to Blues Clues?
Has it honestly been seven years since we left Longdale Elementary in rezoning?
Some of what I've experienced (and missed) the past several years was truly out of my control. Concoct a potion of sleep apnea, depression, bipolar, then throw in some diabetes, and there have been many days where I may have wanted to conquer the world, but, in the end, I was lucky to get to the bathroom. I know some who read this will truly not understand. That's okay. I certainly never want you to experience it simply so that you'll "get my point".
Other things, though?
One of the coolest things about the new workplace is everybody looks at each other just before 5:30 each day and implores the others to "get up and get out". We get there at 8:30, we work throughout the day (thankfully it's close enough to home where I can come home for lunch and check on Harry!), but then, when it's time to go home, WE GO.
I'll never make that mistake again. Am I saying I'll never stay late? Of course not. But if I ever get back to working 70/80 hours a week again (and I KNOW that can't happen in my current physical condition), somebody slap me silly.
Fourteen years of mostly seven day a week newspaper delivery, having 2 or 3 jobs for 17 straight years, working 80 hours a week in the mid-2000's....they all had a hand in the permanent crater that now occupies my half of the mattress, I'm sure.
--------------------
But what I'm really trying to convey is simply this.
1) Remember what's important in life, and focus the most on it. I gave Clear Channel the bulk of my energy and devotion, and it got me.....a pink slip. I married Bonnie, I'm hired to do jobs. BIG difference.
2) When the kids are young, breathe it in. ALL OF IT. Even the hard times. Rachel and I are at Roy's Big Burger in Lakeside today and in line is a dad with his son, probably three years old. Some of the boy's behavior reminded me of Rachel when she was that young. Then I smiled, looked at the practically grown Rachel in front of me....part of me kept smiling, part of me sighed with great disappointment. That Rachel, the one looking for her binky, is gone forever.
3) Enjoy the current moment. If you've experienced/are experiencing similar regrets to what I've shared here, DO NOT dwell in them. Period. You must live in the moment, enjoy what's happening NOW, otherwise "now" simply becomes an extra day in the regret column.
In the past ten years, I missed many things in life. Some I couldn't control. Others I could have. Those which I can, from here on out I will. I suggest you join me. :)
Showing posts with label Clear Channel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Clear Channel. Show all posts
Saturday, May 07, 2011
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Clear Channel, Bless Their Hearts.......
I wonder if they'll let any of the 2,500 EMPLOYEES THEY FIRED IN 2009 ALONE take advantage of this opportunity.
Not to mention the thousands like me in years and years before that, regardless of the "economic climate" of the time.
From Radio-Info.com
Clear Channel gives unemployed listeners in 21 markets a chance to find a job using radio
It’s a reality show that’s all too real in this economy – each station will pick five entrants a week, who will then record a quick :30 resume for airing within a station-produced spot. Potential employers can then follow up and check details on the station website. CC Radio president John Hogan says “We realize this is a difficult time for many individuals and families…radio is all about community and serves as the perfect platform to connect job seekers with employers.” The 21 participating stations include an urban AC in Detroit, WMXD (92.3), a talk station in Sacramento, KFBK (1530) and a rock station in Youngstown, WNCD (93.3).
Not to mention the thousands like me in years and years before that, regardless of the "economic climate" of the time.
From Radio-Info.com
Clear Channel gives unemployed listeners in 21 markets a chance to find a job using radio
It’s a reality show that’s all too real in this economy – each station will pick five entrants a week, who will then record a quick :30 resume for airing within a station-produced spot. Potential employers can then follow up and check details on the station website. CC Radio president John Hogan says “We realize this is a difficult time for many individuals and families…radio is all about community and serves as the perfect platform to connect job seekers with employers.” The 21 participating stations include an urban AC in Detroit, WMXD (92.3), a talk station in Sacramento, KFBK (1530) and a rock station in Youngstown, WNCD (93.3).
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
No Inaugurations For Clear Channel People........
From Allaccess.com:
Mark Mays: Clear Channel Reduces Workforce By 9%
A 9% Reduction
Today, we had the unpleasant task of bringing our Outdoor and Radio businesses’ staffing in line with these challenging economic conditions.
This has been an historic and yet bittersweet day with the inauguration of President BARACK OBAMA, and the dramatic downsizing at CLEAR CHANNEL that affects 9% of the workforce, across the board, totalling approximately 1,850 postions.
CLEAR CHANNEL CEO MARK MAYS sent the following companywide email out, today:
As I've mentioned previously, we are facing an unprecedented time of distress in the general economy – and the ripple effects have hit some of our largest customers hard.
Today, we had the unpleasant task of bringing our Outdoor and Radio businesses’ staffing in line with these challenging economic conditions. In doing so, we enter 2009 as a solid company and in the most competitive position possible.
We have thought carefully and at some length about the steps we need to take as a company to succeed during this unprecedented downturn. As a result, we have eliminated approximately 1,850 positions across Corporate, Outdoor and Radio. While a significant portion of these positions represent a realignment in our sales departments, the positions span all departments and represent approximately 9% of the total CLEAR CHANNEL COMMUNICATIONS workforce.
One of the things that has kept CLEAR CHANNEL strong throughout our history is a willingness to deal with difficult situations in an immediate way -- to make the tough decisions today in order to secure a strong future. It is this trait that has gone furthest in enabling us to weather many difficult downturns in our 37-year history. It always requires clarity, collaboration and courage.
Please know that these have been difficult decisions -- yet necessary ones. We will miss those who are departing -- even as we renew our shared commitment to success among all of us who will stay.
Everyone in our investor group, on the Board, and in the executive leadership team remains bullish about the long-term growth prospects for CLEAR CHANNEL. We continue to believe that the Outdoor and Radio businesses offer excellent opportunities.
We need to remain highly entrepreneurial and innovative. We also need to remain focused and compassionate. If we continue to manage our business carefully, and invest with discipline in the right strategic opportunities, we will navigate this downturn effectively and emerge even stronger and better positioned when things improve.
Starting now, it is our ability to bring creative thinking to the current business climate - to focus on the benefits we deliver for customers - to show extreme focus and commitment -- that will create results.
CLEAR CHANNEL COMMUNICATIONS has more resources than any of our peers. The tools are here. The support is here. It's time to use them to create lasting competitive advantage for our customers - and for our company.
Please know that we continue to be extraordinarily appreciative of all of the passion and hard work that each of you continues to commit to this phenomenal business. We will get through this together.
We're in this together. We have the best team. And we all have important work to do.
As we head into the New Year, I know we will meet the oncoming challenges with focus, determination and grace.
Please let me or your management team know if you have any questions.
With Regards,
In support of the downsizing, the company supplied the following Power Point presentation.
ALL ACCESS reached out to CLEAR CHANNEL with some specific questions.
The company declined to answer specifics about percentages of cuts from specific divisions, job levels, and how this would affect bonuses, or pay adjustments in the wake of the downsizing.
We did learn that there is a total cost-savings of approximately $350 million, but they declined comment regarding additional downsizings in the future.
ALL ACCESS also learned that there will still be national sales and there will still be direct sales on a local level as well.
Q: Were reductions predicated by certain operating cost goals dictated by recent loan covenants tied to the privatization of the Company?
A: Reductions were made to bring Clear Channel in line with the changed economic and advertising realities and outlook. In this sense, the company is among all in American business today that are taking these types of prudent actions.
Q: There are a lot of rumors that the changes in programming will lead to hub & spoke programming where music decisions are centralized, and no longer taking into account for individual market tastes. Will this be taking place?
A: There is no absolute approach. Clear Channel Radio is focused on delivering the best and biggest audience to our advertisers. We have no room for low performers. That’s true all across the company – whether in Radio or Outdoor.
Q: Do you feel these moves will signal where the radio industry is moving as a whole as an operational trendsetter?
A: We’re focused on our business. Our colleagues in other companies need to make their own decisions.
Q: Where does the company see itself in six months, in a year, and in two years?
A: Continuing to employ the most talented and highest-performing professionals in our industries. Continuing to provide those professionals with the best and broadest array of resources. And continuing to attract and deliver the largest and highest quality audiences.
Q: Will there be additional waves of staff reductions?
A: We will continue to watch the advertising and economic situations closely.
-------------------------------------------------------
My analysis later on. Suffice it to say this is just the first wave. :(
Mark Mays: Clear Channel Reduces Workforce By 9%
A 9% Reduction
Today, we had the unpleasant task of bringing our Outdoor and Radio businesses’ staffing in line with these challenging economic conditions.
This has been an historic and yet bittersweet day with the inauguration of President BARACK OBAMA, and the dramatic downsizing at CLEAR CHANNEL that affects 9% of the workforce, across the board, totalling approximately 1,850 postions.
CLEAR CHANNEL CEO MARK MAYS sent the following companywide email out, today:
As I've mentioned previously, we are facing an unprecedented time of distress in the general economy – and the ripple effects have hit some of our largest customers hard.
Today, we had the unpleasant task of bringing our Outdoor and Radio businesses’ staffing in line with these challenging economic conditions. In doing so, we enter 2009 as a solid company and in the most competitive position possible.
We have thought carefully and at some length about the steps we need to take as a company to succeed during this unprecedented downturn. As a result, we have eliminated approximately 1,850 positions across Corporate, Outdoor and Radio. While a significant portion of these positions represent a realignment in our sales departments, the positions span all departments and represent approximately 9% of the total CLEAR CHANNEL COMMUNICATIONS workforce.
One of the things that has kept CLEAR CHANNEL strong throughout our history is a willingness to deal with difficult situations in an immediate way -- to make the tough decisions today in order to secure a strong future. It is this trait that has gone furthest in enabling us to weather many difficult downturns in our 37-year history. It always requires clarity, collaboration and courage.
Please know that these have been difficult decisions -- yet necessary ones. We will miss those who are departing -- even as we renew our shared commitment to success among all of us who will stay.
Everyone in our investor group, on the Board, and in the executive leadership team remains bullish about the long-term growth prospects for CLEAR CHANNEL. We continue to believe that the Outdoor and Radio businesses offer excellent opportunities.
We need to remain highly entrepreneurial and innovative. We also need to remain focused and compassionate. If we continue to manage our business carefully, and invest with discipline in the right strategic opportunities, we will navigate this downturn effectively and emerge even stronger and better positioned when things improve.
Starting now, it is our ability to bring creative thinking to the current business climate - to focus on the benefits we deliver for customers - to show extreme focus and commitment -- that will create results.
CLEAR CHANNEL COMMUNICATIONS has more resources than any of our peers. The tools are here. The support is here. It's time to use them to create lasting competitive advantage for our customers - and for our company.
Please know that we continue to be extraordinarily appreciative of all of the passion and hard work that each of you continues to commit to this phenomenal business. We will get through this together.
We're in this together. We have the best team. And we all have important work to do.
As we head into the New Year, I know we will meet the oncoming challenges with focus, determination and grace.
Please let me or your management team know if you have any questions.
With Regards,
In support of the downsizing, the company supplied the following Power Point presentation.
ALL ACCESS reached out to CLEAR CHANNEL with some specific questions.
The company declined to answer specifics about percentages of cuts from specific divisions, job levels, and how this would affect bonuses, or pay adjustments in the wake of the downsizing.
We did learn that there is a total cost-savings of approximately $350 million, but they declined comment regarding additional downsizings in the future.
ALL ACCESS also learned that there will still be national sales and there will still be direct sales on a local level as well.
Q: Were reductions predicated by certain operating cost goals dictated by recent loan covenants tied to the privatization of the Company?
A: Reductions were made to bring Clear Channel in line with the changed economic and advertising realities and outlook. In this sense, the company is among all in American business today that are taking these types of prudent actions.
Q: There are a lot of rumors that the changes in programming will lead to hub & spoke programming where music decisions are centralized, and no longer taking into account for individual market tastes. Will this be taking place?
A: There is no absolute approach. Clear Channel Radio is focused on delivering the best and biggest audience to our advertisers. We have no room for low performers. That’s true all across the company – whether in Radio or Outdoor.
Q: Do you feel these moves will signal where the radio industry is moving as a whole as an operational trendsetter?
A: We’re focused on our business. Our colleagues in other companies need to make their own decisions.
Q: Where does the company see itself in six months, in a year, and in two years?
A: Continuing to employ the most talented and highest-performing professionals in our industries. Continuing to provide those professionals with the best and broadest array of resources. And continuing to attract and deliver the largest and highest quality audiences.
Q: Will there be additional waves of staff reductions?
A: We will continue to watch the advertising and economic situations closely.
-------------------------------------------------------
My analysis later on. Suffice it to say this is just the first wave. :(
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Clear Channel, Inaugural Costs, Jack Bauer, and other things.........
Things I'm thinking about......
1) Clear Channel--my lovely former employer prepares their blood-stained guillotine for another round of job cuts, this time apparently around 7% of their workforce, or somewhere near 1,500 jobs. We're hearing ad sales will take a hit (and no offense to my friends in sales, but it's way past time this happened; the programming departments are already at bone at many stations), plus MORE programming, as the company heads further toward its ultimate goal of "national programming". The word I don't like hearing though is that some "back-office operations" will be consolidated, and that's where my best friends are.
The cuts are allegedly scheduled to take place on Tuesday, so as to allow the bad news to receive minimal publicity, what with the media world all focusing on the Inauguration that day. Only that fact has been publicly known for close to a week now. Part of me does honestly believe this whole "bury the axe-swinging on Jan. 20th" stuff is actually done on purpose, so the "Clear Channel haters" would have meat to chew on.
I don't care what is ever said by anyone in Clear Channel corporate, trust me when I say this company does not care for the majority of its employees. The suits who have the power and opportunity to be in jobs where they can improve cashflow for the company, when they DO produce positive cashflow.....they are the ones who are cared for.
Everyone under said person who creates that environment and that success is given ubiquitous emails from Mark Mays once in a while under the guise of "pumping up the troops and thanking them for their continued service despite these harsh economic times....blah, blah, blah.....".
And now, some of those people, many of them great professionals (and others, frankly, dead weight, which is found at all companies), are going to be rewarded for carrying their bosses to their bonuses by being given their walking papers, and the ever-popular "Future Endeavors Box".
Little known fact, my Future Endeavors Box had been sitting half full under my cubicle for three months before I got the axe.
So, thousands of Clear Channel employees have spent the past two weeks watching the fat lady being escorted into the building and they've now heard the orchestra tune up. I'm sure Monday, where Clear Channel offices are open, there will be all the excitement of an upcoming wake, knowing that some people you see Monday, and maybe have seen for years in the office, won't be there 24 hours later.
LOTS of companies have laid off thousands and thousands of people recently (my home city is the corporate home of Circuit City, trust me, we know ALL too well), BUT, few companies "drag out the painful pre-firing show" quite like Clear Channel.
If a company really cared about people, decisions would be made privately, action would be made swiftly, with little fanfare and LOTS of compassion, complete with the best possible severance and aid packages possible for the people who are being thanked for all their unpaid salary hours, nights and weekends in the office, etc, etc, by being kicked to the curb.
A quick study of news reports and radio Web sites over the past two weeks will show you that Clear Channel does none of that. It's like they want people to know when they're going to do all this. Otherwise, why do it this way??
---------------------------------------------------------------
2) The Inauguration-----I simply cannot help but think two things:
----This is an historic event, and should be treated as such
----In light of the State of The Union, historic events need not be expensive
Remember early 2005, when Democrats were SO upset that the second Bush inaugural would go on with the usual celebrations, Inaugural Balls, etc, during a "time of war"? They felt that any celebration should be toned down.
Fast forward to 2009, and with the popular Democrat on deck to take The Oath, the Dems are already in party mode. Even with the Obama Inaugural Committee raising some $41 million to help defray costs, it looks like some $150 million (and probably more once security costs are finally figured out in hindsight) will be spent on an event that, at its heart, consists of about 20 seconds of activity.
We're still at war----and now we're supposedly on the precipice of the 2nd Great Depression, yet there will be ten Inaugural Balls? Where are Anthony Weiner and Jim McDermott now? They are the two Congressmen who wrote a letter four years ago calling on President Bush to tone down his Inauguration, saying such festivities would be undignified.
This time? We hear from former CBS/ABC News reporter, now Obama spokesperson Linda Douglass------
"That is probably not the way the country is going to be looking at it.....it is not a celebration of an election. It is a celebration of our common values."
Excuse me? What? Heh?
Let's simply be honest-----this event is historic because we are seeing the Inauguration of the first African-American President in American history. That deserves a VERY dignified and extremely positive celebration!!! But it's like planning a birthday party for your child. You can have a great celebration, but do you have to hire the live band and the inflatable train the kids can crawl through?
Historic and dignified does not equal nor demand expensive.
Five balls instead of ten, maybe? Would having five less Inaugural balls forever shatter the historic nature of this event? Ah, no.
MY POINT----This is case proof number #374410 of how liberals, when pressed to use their own solution to certain problems, proceed to ignore them and let the party keep on going.
Those two aforementioned Congressmen, in their 2005 letter, noted how FDR's final Inauguration in 1945 consisted of the Oath, a short speech, and a lunch for guests consisting of cold chicken salad and plain pound cake. In 1917, President Wilson didn't have a party, as the country continued in World War I.
OH----and the best piece of irony? Raising up to $300,000 for the Inaugural effort? A leading Obama campaign fundraiser......his name?
LOUIS SUSMAN---he just retired THIS MONTH as vice chairman of....CITIGROUP!!!
You might be aware that Citigroup posted a LOSS of $8.29 BILLION yesterday. You might also know that Citigroup has already received $45 BILLION in bailout money, and that may not be the last of it.
Just think---six former Citigroup workers who made $50K annually and now can't pay their mortgages could have kept their jobs if ol' Louis had decided to take that $300K and help bailout six struggling Americans, rather than paying for the catering at TEN Inaugural Balls, or whatever the crap his money is paying for.
Anyone for chicken salad?
-------------------------------------------------------------
3) "24" IS BACK!!!! And not a moment too soon. This review pinpoints the strengths of the first four hours of Season 7, points out how the show is evolving with the times, isn't leaning too heavily on Jack, and how, so far, there isn't a glaring "weak link" either in storyline or in character (REMEMBER PALMER'S ANNOYING SISTER????).
And I love the portrayal that brings to the forefront the current controversy over torture. Agent Renee Walker of the FBI (a new character) interrogates a suspect while he's in the hospital with a breathing tube. He taunts her about how she cannot use "certain methods" of interrogation.
Keith Olbermann's reply to this would be, "Oh, you're right! Need a fresh pillow, Mr. Enemy of All Innocent Americans?"
Walker's response was to crinkle his breathing tube and tell him to use his last breath wisely.
Say you have Osama Bin Laden, or Rommel, or Mussolini in that hospital bed. Who do YOU want trying to break them before thousands of Americans die?
Whenever I hear people decry "interrogation" of prisoners in the War on Terror, all I have to do is remember the sight of one innocent, hard-working American, jumping to their death from a tower of the World Trade Center to remind myself these are not "criminals", they are "war prisoners", and they'd better be glad they don't have much worse treatment given to them.
Go Jack!!!!
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Lately I've "watched" Music Choice channels on my cable more than actual cable channels. I'm paying a cable bill to listen to music. That's a pretty big indictment of the complete dearth of decent television programming.
I felt like I had more choices 30 years ago, living in the country with a TV antenna, and the choice of ABC, CBS, NBC, or PBS, with an occasional appearance by an out-of-town independent station thanks to certain atmospheric conditions.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Could Bert Blyleven please just get elected to the Hall of Fame already? A friend of mine, local sports broadcasting legend Terry Sisisky, and I once had a debate on this issue--------back in 1996!!!
Andre Dawson--get him in there, too. Good Lord. Baseball purists take themselves so seriously. It's a game, folks. A game.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
And to close, with my Giants now out, I turn to the true underdog and give my support to the Arizona Cardinals to do the seemingly impossible.......make it to the Super Bowl. :)
1) Clear Channel--my lovely former employer prepares their blood-stained guillotine for another round of job cuts, this time apparently around 7% of their workforce, or somewhere near 1,500 jobs. We're hearing ad sales will take a hit (and no offense to my friends in sales, but it's way past time this happened; the programming departments are already at bone at many stations), plus MORE programming, as the company heads further toward its ultimate goal of "national programming". The word I don't like hearing though is that some "back-office operations" will be consolidated, and that's where my best friends are.
The cuts are allegedly scheduled to take place on Tuesday, so as to allow the bad news to receive minimal publicity, what with the media world all focusing on the Inauguration that day. Only that fact has been publicly known for close to a week now. Part of me does honestly believe this whole "bury the axe-swinging on Jan. 20th" stuff is actually done on purpose, so the "Clear Channel haters" would have meat to chew on.
I don't care what is ever said by anyone in Clear Channel corporate, trust me when I say this company does not care for the majority of its employees. The suits who have the power and opportunity to be in jobs where they can improve cashflow for the company, when they DO produce positive cashflow.....they are the ones who are cared for.
Everyone under said person who creates that environment and that success is given ubiquitous emails from Mark Mays once in a while under the guise of "pumping up the troops and thanking them for their continued service despite these harsh economic times....blah, blah, blah.....".
And now, some of those people, many of them great professionals (and others, frankly, dead weight, which is found at all companies), are going to be rewarded for carrying their bosses to their bonuses by being given their walking papers, and the ever-popular "Future Endeavors Box".
Little known fact, my Future Endeavors Box had been sitting half full under my cubicle for three months before I got the axe.
So, thousands of Clear Channel employees have spent the past two weeks watching the fat lady being escorted into the building and they've now heard the orchestra tune up. I'm sure Monday, where Clear Channel offices are open, there will be all the excitement of an upcoming wake, knowing that some people you see Monday, and maybe have seen for years in the office, won't be there 24 hours later.
LOTS of companies have laid off thousands and thousands of people recently (my home city is the corporate home of Circuit City, trust me, we know ALL too well), BUT, few companies "drag out the painful pre-firing show" quite like Clear Channel.
If a company really cared about people, decisions would be made privately, action would be made swiftly, with little fanfare and LOTS of compassion, complete with the best possible severance and aid packages possible for the people who are being thanked for all their unpaid salary hours, nights and weekends in the office, etc, etc, by being kicked to the curb.
A quick study of news reports and radio Web sites over the past two weeks will show you that Clear Channel does none of that. It's like they want people to know when they're going to do all this. Otherwise, why do it this way??
---------------------------------------------------------------
2) The Inauguration-----I simply cannot help but think two things:
----This is an historic event, and should be treated as such
----In light of the State of The Union, historic events need not be expensive
Remember early 2005, when Democrats were SO upset that the second Bush inaugural would go on with the usual celebrations, Inaugural Balls, etc, during a "time of war"? They felt that any celebration should be toned down.
Fast forward to 2009, and with the popular Democrat on deck to take The Oath, the Dems are already in party mode. Even with the Obama Inaugural Committee raising some $41 million to help defray costs, it looks like some $150 million (and probably more once security costs are finally figured out in hindsight) will be spent on an event that, at its heart, consists of about 20 seconds of activity.
We're still at war----and now we're supposedly on the precipice of the 2nd Great Depression, yet there will be ten Inaugural Balls? Where are Anthony Weiner and Jim McDermott now? They are the two Congressmen who wrote a letter four years ago calling on President Bush to tone down his Inauguration, saying such festivities would be undignified.
This time? We hear from former CBS/ABC News reporter, now Obama spokesperson Linda Douglass------
"That is probably not the way the country is going to be looking at it.....it is not a celebration of an election. It is a celebration of our common values."
Excuse me? What? Heh?
Let's simply be honest-----this event is historic because we are seeing the Inauguration of the first African-American President in American history. That deserves a VERY dignified and extremely positive celebration!!! But it's like planning a birthday party for your child. You can have a great celebration, but do you have to hire the live band and the inflatable train the kids can crawl through?
Historic and dignified does not equal nor demand expensive.
Five balls instead of ten, maybe? Would having five less Inaugural balls forever shatter the historic nature of this event? Ah, no.
MY POINT----This is case proof number #374410 of how liberals, when pressed to use their own solution to certain problems, proceed to ignore them and let the party keep on going.
Those two aforementioned Congressmen, in their 2005 letter, noted how FDR's final Inauguration in 1945 consisted of the Oath, a short speech, and a lunch for guests consisting of cold chicken salad and plain pound cake. In 1917, President Wilson didn't have a party, as the country continued in World War I.
OH----and the best piece of irony? Raising up to $300,000 for the Inaugural effort? A leading Obama campaign fundraiser......his name?
LOUIS SUSMAN---he just retired THIS MONTH as vice chairman of....CITIGROUP!!!
You might be aware that Citigroup posted a LOSS of $8.29 BILLION yesterday. You might also know that Citigroup has already received $45 BILLION in bailout money, and that may not be the last of it.
Just think---six former Citigroup workers who made $50K annually and now can't pay their mortgages could have kept their jobs if ol' Louis had decided to take that $300K and help bailout six struggling Americans, rather than paying for the catering at TEN Inaugural Balls, or whatever the crap his money is paying for.
Anyone for chicken salad?
-------------------------------------------------------------
3) "24" IS BACK!!!! And not a moment too soon. This review pinpoints the strengths of the first four hours of Season 7, points out how the show is evolving with the times, isn't leaning too heavily on Jack, and how, so far, there isn't a glaring "weak link" either in storyline or in character (REMEMBER PALMER'S ANNOYING SISTER????).
And I love the portrayal that brings to the forefront the current controversy over torture. Agent Renee Walker of the FBI (a new character) interrogates a suspect while he's in the hospital with a breathing tube. He taunts her about how she cannot use "certain methods" of interrogation.
Keith Olbermann's reply to this would be, "Oh, you're right! Need a fresh pillow, Mr. Enemy of All Innocent Americans?"
Walker's response was to crinkle his breathing tube and tell him to use his last breath wisely.
Say you have Osama Bin Laden, or Rommel, or Mussolini in that hospital bed. Who do YOU want trying to break them before thousands of Americans die?
Whenever I hear people decry "interrogation" of prisoners in the War on Terror, all I have to do is remember the sight of one innocent, hard-working American, jumping to their death from a tower of the World Trade Center to remind myself these are not "criminals", they are "war prisoners", and they'd better be glad they don't have much worse treatment given to them.
Go Jack!!!!
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Lately I've "watched" Music Choice channels on my cable more than actual cable channels. I'm paying a cable bill to listen to music. That's a pretty big indictment of the complete dearth of decent television programming.
I felt like I had more choices 30 years ago, living in the country with a TV antenna, and the choice of ABC, CBS, NBC, or PBS, with an occasional appearance by an out-of-town independent station thanks to certain atmospheric conditions.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Could Bert Blyleven please just get elected to the Hall of Fame already? A friend of mine, local sports broadcasting legend Terry Sisisky, and I once had a debate on this issue--------back in 1996!!!
Andre Dawson--get him in there, too. Good Lord. Baseball purists take themselves so seriously. It's a game, folks. A game.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
And to close, with my Giants now out, I turn to the true underdog and give my support to the Arizona Cardinals to do the seemingly impossible.......make it to the Super Bowl. :)
Sunday, January 04, 2009
2009: SHOCKER in radio; another "forced" Witham vehicle buy......
I'm (finally) relaxing at big bro's house Saturday evening during NFL action, catching up on news from home, when I get to vartv.com and get the early candidate for "shock of the year".
Hoffman Communications has apparently laid off the entire staff of WGGM and WZEZ. I worked for Hoffman for nine years (1988-97), so this surprised me, but the second sentence floored me.
Apparently also exiting is long-time VP/GM Paul Scott. He was my boss there, and had been a fixture there for over 25 years.
The only conjecture I have as to why this has all happened is that Hoffman has a buyer and is getting out of radio. Back in the 80s and 90s, Hoffman owned WDYL here in town as well as WGGM, plus stations in Baton Rouge and near Atlanta and almost acquired one in Norfolk.
As the 90s progressed, the company shrunk, selling off the Georgia, then the Louisiana station, before selling WDYL in 1999. WZEZ was a new sign-on in 2001, a station won via FCC auction. Its signal has never been good enough to attract a large Richmond audience, and thus, firm placement in ad buys unfortunately.
My prayers are with my friends in Chester. This was not the way I wanted to see 2009 begin.
And we haven't even touched the 900-pound gorilla in the radio room known as Clear Channel. All CC GMs are headed to Texas for a "budget meeting" this week, and I am expecting to start reading about tons and tons of "layoffs due to budget cuts" at about anytime, as the new privately owned CC gets ready to swallow tough, and very high, debt payments.
Don't be surprised when, one day, one person will be the program director for every Clear Channel-owned station in America that shares the same format; say, country, for example. Rather than having a person in-house in each city programming the station to fit the taste, culture and styles unique to that city, one human will cookie-cutter the country format from some "format lab" and they'll magically determine what country listeners want to hear in Birmingham, Boise, Bismarck, Boston, and Baton Rouge, and pipe it nationwide.
Scary, isn't it? Radio's BIGGEST advantage is being sacrificed at the altar of high debt payments. LOCALISM. Why pay the money to have locals when one guy or lady can decide what songs to air on your favorite station from the CC corporate offices in San Antonio, and thus, cause 75 program directors across the nation to lose their jobs? That'll save some money!
At the costly expense of radio continuing to lose touch with its listeners.
BEFORE television, the "network" model (CBS, NBC, et al) was the way of radio. You listened to your favorite network shows on your favorite station, and they offered local programming when the network wasn't on (sound familiar??).
In the case of the behemoth companies like Clear Channel, this is where they're going (Ryan Seacrest, come on down!), and it's not just them.
Radio's best hope? That the big companies, in order to survive, have to sell lots of stations and a new generation of owners that understand RADIO will be able to independently own, or build companies that will re-introduce localism to radio.
We'll see what happens, but I'm not looking forward to reading the radio web publications for the next few weeks.
---------------
I'll save the vehicle story for another post. Suffice it to say, the Withams never get the chance to sit down, decide when they'd like to buy a "new to them" car (we don't buy new cars anymore), then start shopping, dickering, etc.
We always have a car self-destruct, forcing upon us a car buying experience within 24 hours or so. Such was the case in North Carolina during our New Years getaway.
We left for Carolina in a Ford, and returned in a Hyundai.
Even though I hate the car payment, the preceding sentence does promote the fact that we've upgraded. :)
Hoffman Communications has apparently laid off the entire staff of WGGM and WZEZ. I worked for Hoffman for nine years (1988-97), so this surprised me, but the second sentence floored me.
Apparently also exiting is long-time VP/GM Paul Scott. He was my boss there, and had been a fixture there for over 25 years.
The only conjecture I have as to why this has all happened is that Hoffman has a buyer and is getting out of radio. Back in the 80s and 90s, Hoffman owned WDYL here in town as well as WGGM, plus stations in Baton Rouge and near Atlanta and almost acquired one in Norfolk.
As the 90s progressed, the company shrunk, selling off the Georgia, then the Louisiana station, before selling WDYL in 1999. WZEZ was a new sign-on in 2001, a station won via FCC auction. Its signal has never been good enough to attract a large Richmond audience, and thus, firm placement in ad buys unfortunately.
My prayers are with my friends in Chester. This was not the way I wanted to see 2009 begin.
And we haven't even touched the 900-pound gorilla in the radio room known as Clear Channel. All CC GMs are headed to Texas for a "budget meeting" this week, and I am expecting to start reading about tons and tons of "layoffs due to budget cuts" at about anytime, as the new privately owned CC gets ready to swallow tough, and very high, debt payments.
Don't be surprised when, one day, one person will be the program director for every Clear Channel-owned station in America that shares the same format; say, country, for example. Rather than having a person in-house in each city programming the station to fit the taste, culture and styles unique to that city, one human will cookie-cutter the country format from some "format lab" and they'll magically determine what country listeners want to hear in Birmingham, Boise, Bismarck, Boston, and Baton Rouge, and pipe it nationwide.
Scary, isn't it? Radio's BIGGEST advantage is being sacrificed at the altar of high debt payments. LOCALISM. Why pay the money to have locals when one guy or lady can decide what songs to air on your favorite station from the CC corporate offices in San Antonio, and thus, cause 75 program directors across the nation to lose their jobs? That'll save some money!
At the costly expense of radio continuing to lose touch with its listeners.
BEFORE television, the "network" model (CBS, NBC, et al) was the way of radio. You listened to your favorite network shows on your favorite station, and they offered local programming when the network wasn't on (sound familiar??).
In the case of the behemoth companies like Clear Channel, this is where they're going (Ryan Seacrest, come on down!), and it's not just them.
Radio's best hope? That the big companies, in order to survive, have to sell lots of stations and a new generation of owners that understand RADIO will be able to independently own, or build companies that will re-introduce localism to radio.
We'll see what happens, but I'm not looking forward to reading the radio web publications for the next few weeks.
---------------
I'll save the vehicle story for another post. Suffice it to say, the Withams never get the chance to sit down, decide when they'd like to buy a "new to them" car (we don't buy new cars anymore), then start shopping, dickering, etc.
We always have a car self-destruct, forcing upon us a car buying experience within 24 hours or so. Such was the case in North Carolina during our New Years getaway.
We left for Carolina in a Ford, and returned in a Hyundai.
Even though I hate the car payment, the preceding sentence does promote the fact that we've upgraded. :)
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Avalanche of Media News......
There is SO MUCH to blog about......
....that it must wait until tomorrow afternoon. I need sleep tonight to make it through my half-day of work tomorrow, followed by a BBQ at work (a place of employment that likes to have families together! Wow!!).......
....then I'm coming home to say ALOT, because I have alot to say about the LA Times, Rush Limbaugh, Less Is More, when a TV station should NOT announce layoffs, and more!
And did I hear Brett Favre might be thinking there's more to life than NFL Sunday Ticket?
Happy almost 4th, everyone!
....that it must wait until tomorrow afternoon. I need sleep tonight to make it through my half-day of work tomorrow, followed by a BBQ at work (a place of employment that likes to have families together! Wow!!).......
....then I'm coming home to say ALOT, because I have alot to say about the LA Times, Rush Limbaugh, Less Is More, when a TV station should NOT announce layoffs, and more!
And did I hear Brett Favre might be thinking there's more to life than NFL Sunday Ticket?
Happy almost 4th, everyone!
Friday, February 15, 2008
Death of the Old Media II: Radio Stocks......
.....local radio isn't dead. It will be awhile before it takes the full effect of the new media onslaught that is occurring. That's why radio companies are diligently working to train terrestrial listeners to go to their station websites to listen to music online, download music, and check out exclusives.
BTW, Clear Channel needs to be applauded for its work in the website arena, as their listenership of internet radio recently surpassed Yahoo!, and, they are savvy about partnerships with artists, focused on producing events that can only be seen on their sites.
But the OTHER reason why radio is tying themselves into their websites is simple. Terrestrial radio has begun its descent into a new level of oblivion. It will take years for aspects such as the local morning drive show to end. But radio itself has already given up ground by saying goodbye to localism, news departments, night DJ's, even afternoon DJ's. One station in Charlotte is now making their morning show team record a show for that afternoon.....for no extra pay. Gee, originality there, eh?
The first radio patient in critical condition is on Wall Street. Let me let Jim Cramer talk about from a (yeah...) "web-exclusive" on TheStreet.com on 2/8/08.
BTW, Clear Channel needs to be applauded for its work in the website arena, as their listenership of internet radio recently surpassed Yahoo!, and, they are savvy about partnerships with artists, focused on producing events that can only be seen on their sites.
But the OTHER reason why radio is tying themselves into their websites is simple. Terrestrial radio has begun its descent into a new level of oblivion. It will take years for aspects such as the local morning drive show to end. But radio itself has already given up ground by saying goodbye to localism, news departments, night DJ's, even afternoon DJ's. One station in Charlotte is now making their morning show team record a show for that afternoon.....for no extra pay. Gee, originality there, eh?
The first radio patient in critical condition is on Wall Street. Let me let Jim Cramer talk about from a (yeah...) "web-exclusive" on TheStreet.com on 2/8/08.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
You should read the articles in "Witham News".....
....scroll down some and look on the right side, where I continually bring you news headlines, thanks to Google, on the keywords that are "the buzz" in my life right now.
The first category is always "Witham". After 40 years, I'm still fascinated by learning there are people out there who share my last name. For example, read about:
...Michelle Witham, helping Kent, Washington build a new arena for a hockey team;
...David Witham, getting a great review on his unique music style (and pictured beside someone famous!)----plus another story, featuring an audio interview with him (he's been George Benson's music director for over 20 years now!!)
...or the Witham Wharf Development in Lincolnshire, UK.....
-----------------------------------------------------------
Here's a great review from the Moody Blues' recent Toronto show, to get us pumped up for our night at Wolf Trap next Sunday......
-----------------------------------------------------------
Under "radio commercial", I see a good report...selfishly speaking, because the company I work for made $$$ in 2Q.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Finally, Jessica Biel's advice on how men can be truly "sexy", courtesy of a wire report from, of all places, Pakistan. Her picture will make the qadi there rather unhappy.
So check out the Witham Headlines; I change subjects weekly. It's just another way to help cure your insomnia here at All Things Witham. :)
The first category is always "Witham". After 40 years, I'm still fascinated by learning there are people out there who share my last name. For example, read about:
...Michelle Witham, helping Kent, Washington build a new arena for a hockey team;
...David Witham, getting a great review on his unique music style (and pictured beside someone famous!)----plus another story, featuring an audio interview with him (he's been George Benson's music director for over 20 years now!!)
...or the Witham Wharf Development in Lincolnshire, UK.....
-----------------------------------------------------------
Here's a great review from the Moody Blues' recent Toronto show, to get us pumped up for our night at Wolf Trap next Sunday......
-----------------------------------------------------------
Under "radio commercial", I see a good report...selfishly speaking, because the company I work for made $$$ in 2Q.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Finally, Jessica Biel's advice on how men can be truly "sexy", courtesy of a wire report from, of all places, Pakistan. Her picture will make the qadi there rather unhappy.
So check out the Witham Headlines; I change subjects weekly. It's just another way to help cure your insomnia here at All Things Witham. :)
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