Oregon Media Insiders

As I read the number of comments regarding KMTR and other Eugene news stations I don't know who to believe. As all of the posts are anonymous, I don't know if people are speaking from first hand experience or hearsay.

As any good journalist knows, rumor and hearsay are worthless and usually wrong. I don't know how much weight my comments carry, I'm probably lumped in with the "really bad field reporters" or the Overpaid (slave driving) anchors, or the glut of weather people. I call that the trifecta. (Take that anonymous!)

I really wanted to post this to clear something up and that's regarding a post by "anonymous" accusing KMTR anchors as having a "Slave owner mentality." Wow! beyond being incredibly tacky it's also incredibly wrong. As I work side by side with Matt Templeman and Renee McCullough, it's all we reporters can do to keep up with them. They demand a lot from us, simply because they demand so much from themselves. Matt and Renee are not only hard working but are two of the nicest most genuine people you will ever meet. It matters not whether you like their on-air performance, that's subjective, but don't ever criticize their character because that is unquestionable. I believe they are worth every penny.

I don't mind the criticism of the quality of news product in Eugene. We work in market 122 and our ranks are filled with young journalists trying to make their mark in this business. Some succeed, some do not. We work with small staffs and smaller budgets, but I can speak for those I work with, we still take pride in our work, even on our off days, which at times are many.

The personal attacks bother me. That's usually a sign of high insecurity and self doubt from the attacker. They are bitter and meant to insult and injure. And worse they are made by those who have little or no relationship with the target. I'm astonished at the hostility found in these posts and wonder what generates it.

I for one do what I love and simply try to make a living for me and my family, which includes those at KMTR. Unlike any other newsroom I've worked in, this one is filled with camaraderie and kindness from the interns to the General Manager.

We're not obsessed with being number one, but being good people. And that's why this place is so special.

Just ask those who work with me on the weekends, that is, once I let them out of their cages.

I hope that people take this post with more sincerity since it is backed with real knowledge from a first hand witness, and not the brazen bumblings of an anonymous post.