| Topic Name: |
WDIV - Come On! |
| Message Name: |
WDIV isn't drowning in red ink. |
| Date Posted: |
05/29/2005 |
| In Reply To: |
"The Customer Is Always Right!"
I would rather swallow some pride than to swallow red ink.
I am keeping my eye on this thing where the Post-Newsweek news directors go to other P-N stations for the next two weeks and what becomes of it.
WAR GOING ALL IN! |
| Message: |
But they are ignoring viewer mail.
Men and women across Metro Detroit still make it clear - they want Emery King on the news.
Ask anyone who works there who is honest, and has received hundreds (all together thousands) of angry emails, letters and phone calls since his abrupt axing in March.
The number one business axiom may be the customer's always right. But not these days at 'DIV.
Meanwhile the people who work there are tired of answering unrelenting mail and taking all those calls. Not to mention having to explain to people on the street, at school, in stores and at sporting events why Emery King's been fired.
The customer's always right, but apparently not if you must admit you may have made a mistake.
It would be understandable if he were a drunk or drug addict, child molester, or involved in some scandal that brought the station shame. But it seems all he or his representative did was make the bosses mad. Who knows what goes on behind closed doors at negotiation time? When humans let off steam things can get real ugly real fast. And human nature can lead both sides onto a path of war. The folly is when something's said that one side or the other receives as a mortal wound. As Donald Trump quips, "It's not personal, it's just business."
Why is WXYZ so good at forgiving Frank Turner, and before him Bill Bonds, yet WDIV can't forgive Emery King? They must be convinced he can't make money for them. But if that's true, what was he doing all those years at 6pm? A former WXYZ insider tells the story that for years talent, producers and top brass were beyond frustrated over WDIV's winning streak at 6pm. The source also says, one of the best things to happen to Channel 7 was the removal of Emery and Ruth Spencer from the 6pm news. After 13 years the mysterious stumbling block was gone - 7 was free to lure 4's suburban viewers who'd related to the unique chemistry and credibility of Emery's team.
It may be true that chemistry is dead, and all viewers want is interchangable anchors between fast paced, flashy effects. But it could also be - viewers want anchors just like them, who relate well, read news well, and provide a comfort level in an uncomfortable world.
WDIV should try a little forgivness and pay attention to viewer mail. It couldn't hurt and it just might help. In fact it could start a revolution...in the ratings.
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