FRUSTRATED, DISGUSTED ... ANGRY
Just got off the phone with VERY close relative who's been with a CBS affiliate for 20+ years until XXX bought them out.
Sent them info over past year re Y2K. Been sending more info recently.
NOW station is interested - One of top 10 markets in U.S. In a meeting this morning, producer of one of the shows brought up that there's been a lot lately about "Year 2000" ... "we should do a story/segment".
My name was brought up. Mentioned that I was at a recent Y2K hearing with where the local market congressman/senator participated. Thought it might be a good tie-in for local market. Thought I could be a good source of information.
HERE'S WHY I'M ANGRY, AND REFUSE TO SUPPLY INFORMATION.
When I said, I'd be glad to help.
I was told, FAX me what you have on Y2K (by my relative, who's not directly responsible for story). I said I can't ... it's too extensive. Have the them email me. I can provide story ideas which tie-in to the local market (I grew up there). I'll provide research info with back-up links on the net or send info I've compiled in Word97 format. I was told they can't - they're not on the net.
I said, "You're in one of the top markets in the US. How can your station do a segment on Y2K without adequate research ... without access to the net ... where most of the information is available?"
Response was, "We're only one show. We don't have a big budget."
I said "If someone REALLY wants to succeed in the business, they put in extra time and take initiative. If they don't have access to the internet at the station (WHICH AMAZES ME), they do it on their own."
"You guys have an AOL account. That's all that's needed. If you don't have anyone at your station who's interested in taking any kind of initiative, I'm not going to help."
Conversation (which started on a good note), ended on a bad note. "I'll tell them what you said." CLICK
Many TV stations have people going around with clipboards ... and no direction. (I know this from another source here in Houston.)
The engineers at THIS particular station have gotten copies of my various reports and certain engineering notes - GRATIS. They're probably gonna have better contingency plans than others. Besides generators (which are obvious), they're planning on storing food and water.
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN TANDEM WITH Y2K IN BROADCASTING ...
Is switch to digital.
My xxxx was curious about a possible tie-in with Y2K. Timing's weird. There is a government directive that top 30 markets MUST be broadcasting digital AND analog (current) by November 1999. No one has ever seen the government step in with such a short deadline on something that consumer market is not prepared for.
So, we got on the net.
Ends up channel 60-69 is for emergency services. PLUS, at FCC site you find out that there are MAJOR problems with digital right now. New problems they're encountering. Doesn't look feasible nor likely within timeframe. But, TV station knows nothing about this. Only knows they MUST be ready by November '98.
With digital ... we're talking NEW equipment. New training. Broadcasting both analog AND digital in tandem. Far more complicated than many think. But, no one knows if it will work yet. Just knows they have to do it.
Engineering assigned task. NO increase in personnel. They're supposed to:
- Do their regular job
- Inventory/assess/remediate for Y2K ... PLUS
- Investigate/purchase equipment/set-up/train for digital - a new technology???
No increase in personnel? No SPECIFIC direction from parent company - just "do it".
GIVE ME A BREAK. THIS AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN.
Cheryl
P.S. If someone is interested in what FCC said in July '98 about MAJOR problems with digital - why not feasible nor likely by Nov '98 - email me or send me a private message, and I'll give you the link. I have it. Just don't feel like searching right now. My mind's been in the Y2K mode.
P.P.S.S. My relative is not a peon. I wish I could explain further but don't want to jeopradize xxxxx's job. GEEZ I HATE THIS KINDA STUFF. But, you gotta do what you gotta do. |
