Oregon Media Insiders

ND Sean fired. Promotions director named temp ND. Weekend weather girl quit. Medford ND named new GM for all stations.

When it comes to the news department: ND is gone and a new GM is in. More changes to come I'm sure.

I could be totally wrong about this, but if memory serves me right the promotions director is Alan Beck, who was the former ND before Sean.

Great!

Get ready, Eugene, for a newscast featuring, "how EVEN YOU can get financed for a new car"... "lazer tooth whitening comes to the south willamette valley"... and "weather from the home and boat show!"

Wait, that's what we're already seeing. Remember Kerri & Korenza in vegas presented by Allegiant Air?

At least the "weebling" and "prancing around the newsroom in cowboy boots" will diminish.

and Alan Beck was the "Special Projects" producer. He probably won't be a candidate for ND or anything else. He has talent and skill, which precludes him from the Hatfield hiring process.

Sean was in way over his head and couldn't lead a team so this had to happen. Still, before anyone gets too excited and celebrates keep in mind he's a father of four and his wife doesn't work. He might have had good qualities we never saw or maybe we saw all there was. In any case, his life sucks tonight and probably will for a long, long time.

I imagine Scott got the news when he stopped by Ma Chambers' house yesterday.
"Here's your Mother's Day card, Mom."
"Thanks, son. By the way, you're fired."

They appointed Michelle the interim news director???!!! How does that make any sense? Oh, wait, it's KEZI were talking about. They have a long tradition of appointing all the wrong people to key positions within the company. Michelle was/is the most ineffective promotions person the company has ever seen, so why not put her in charge of the newsroom? This is Hatfield's first bad move as GM, putting an inexperienced little girl in charge of the most disgruntled group of people in the Willamette Valley. Furthermore, it's a total slap in the face to long time anchor and Executive Editor Rick Dancer, Executive Producer Amy Phillips, and Assignment Manager Syd Bates. By the way, hiring a news director by 4th of July? Well, that proves that they aren't going to take the hiring process seriously at all. They just going to rush the first person they can find into the job. One more thing: with Scott Chambers staying on as President, nothing will change. Right now things are about as grim at KEZI as life was in America when Bush was re-elected to four more years as President. GL, Niners.

I wonder what's in store for the folks at KDRV? The current Assistant ND there has "limited experience" to put it nicely and is not very well respected. If Hatfield puts her in the ND position, he will end up with another KEZI-esque situation there.

who will be the new news director in Medford? Is the assistant ND moving up? Did the weather girl at KEZI quit because of the meeting yesterday and where is she going? I'm curious to see who KEZI will end up hiring for their ND position. I guess only time will tell with that one. I wonder if that person will be competent and experienced.

Wow. "Journalists" who can't spell, (Hear - Hear!) can't stand the fact that the company is moving in a new direction, (every newsperson is a photographer and a reporter) who aren't paid enough and can't (even) stand the shoe (boot?) choices some random person makes.

You people do have it rough. Just like a bunch of 12 year olds who aren't in charge of their choices - but wait; you are all adults: Make better choices!

I really must be dumb, I've read that post several times and just kind seem to wrap my meager mind around it. RE: KDRV. Hatfield wouldn't put the current AND there. It would be an open revolt KEZI style, and Mr. Hat knows it. He'll bring in some new blood is my guess.

I think tonight's newscast (is it still sweeps?) showed what we can expect for the next few weeks. Coming in a minute light even after credits was a good way to end the newscast... At least the weathercam wasn't painful to watch.

"Here, here" for "hear, hear" is a common mistake, as is giving someone "free reign" when the term is really "free rein,"

Not really a common mistake among those that know how to spell and know the proper word to use.

People in the communication business should know how to spell and the proper words to use in context. I am sorry to report that too many people don't and, additionally, don't care.

For those who do know proper usage, it is hard to read writings of those that don't.

However, I won't flame for spelling because some say it is boring and because they don't care, anyway.

Yes, the weathercam system is a reliable old standy at KEZI as is the pop machine.

anyone in Medford have an update for us?

You can almost guarantee KEZI will bring in a ND from out of town the way they brought in the last guy, even though there are at least two people in town with plenty of experience and ability to do that job. Hatfield will find someone who doesn't know anything about the place, who's looking for experience as a ND, who's not smart enough to research the station, and who's more a less a yes man. They certainly don't want someone with experience who will want to do it their way. Is there some hope? Well if Chambers is stepping aside then yes. If he's simply letting go of the title, and will stay play the role, then no. Was Sean's firing the last of house cleaning and now they're going to rebuild? If so, then maybe things will get better. The move to put Michelle in there though is not encouraging. If Hatfield isn't smart enough to know why that was a stupid move, then he's not going to be smart enough to find the right guy for the job. Just let the 7 people who are left do what they're doing. It's not the like the product was sparkling anyway, so what would it matter.

Well, since you care so much (and I agree the grammar/spelling debate is lame, but you opened the door):

"Not really a common mistake among those that know how to spell and know the proper word to use." Incomplete sentence.

"People in the communication business should know how to spell and the proper words to use in context."
Should read: "People in the communication business should know how to spell and use proper words in context."

"I am sorry to report that too many people don't and, additionally, don't care."
Very awkward and also grammatically incorrect. Should read: "I am sorry to report that too many people don't, and additionally, don't care."

"For those who do know proper usage, it is hard to read writings of those that don't." Tell me about it. Your posting is a perfect example.

Sorry for the digression from the topic at hand. It just seems if someone is going to be the English teacher they would at least get it right themselves.

[Which is why I consider spelling/grammar/usage flames boring. Remember that many of us here write for the spoken rather than printed word. There is a difference between verbal and written English. That said, it does make me sad that most Americans can't write a simple declarative sentence, can't spell, and dangle participles wildly. Well, the latter doesn't make me sad. I rather enjoy that.--L]

I'll probably be lambasted for something I'll write incorrectly here but so be it. Thank you for making some excellent points and for caring enough to do so. I'm certain I still make a lot of grammatical errors in my speaking and writing but I only improve when my mistakes are pointed out.

A viewer once politely corrected me when I said "The reason is because..." which is redundant. I know the mistake now and haven't made it since.

Go ahead---eat me alive.

Perhaps and this is a longshot I admit, Scott Chambers can spend all his time and Mom's money on the project in Bend!

...they've already spent an insane amount on the Bend project. Underbidders on the Bend license are shocked at how much the license and construction permit (fcc permit) went for. From their perspective the Chambers bids couldn't be justified even with the rosiest projections. Hope that isn't so because the only beneficiary would be the Federal Government.

Hate terrible grammar and spelling? Try sitting in front of the prompter at KEZI every day. Oy vey.

Anyway, I just wanted to say a few things about the recent "personnel changes" around the station. Funny thing, I walked by Sean McClelland's office on Monday and saw Michelle Johannes sitting at his desk. I was rather confused by this sight, but being on my way elsewhere, I didn't give it much thought except "surely Sean just stepped out and Michelle needs his computer for some reason." Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised to later find out that Sean had been fired, but confused as to why Michelle Johannes became interim News Director. Seriously? She works in promotions. PROMOTIONS. That's not even in the News department. I don't know the woman personally, so I don't really know what qualities she has that might qualify her for the position, but it just seems weird.

I'm optimistic about the future, but at the same time, I'm staying realistic about the situation the station is and has been in for a while now. These changes aren't suddenly going to catapult us up to #1 in the market. That requires a sufficient number of employees, and not just anyone, but people who are good at what they do and care about doing a good job (not many of whom can be found at KEZI).

OK, I think that's all. I'll just go back to the prompter now and watch things scroll by.

I like your style. I think you'd be a smokin' reporter. Your eyes are open and you're noticing the odd stuff that goes on. I can't really recommend journalism as a career anymore but if you're considering it---consider it some more.

Is Hatfield also the GM of the Medford station (KDRV)? (Note above says he was made GM of both stations). What happened to Renard in Medford? Why is Medford so quiet, don't they read this down there?

Can you do your job with strings tied to your wrists and legs?
Do you have a brown nose?
Would you like to run a news department made up up 8 employees? (No we're not in market 180!)
Are you willing to work for half the pay that other News Directors in similar markets are making?
Do you love wondering day to day if you might be fired for decisions made by your bosses?

If you said yes to these questions, then KEZI is the place for you! Come work in this exciting environment, where employee morale is worse than a Viatnemese Nike shoe plant! Work with award winning photographers (that is, you would be if you yourself happen to BE an award winning photographer, because we don't actually have photographers)! Dream about all the great live shots you could do!(we say dream because again...we don't have any photographers, so our live truck just sits out back collecting dust) It's a great opportunity to test your hiring skills, as our Weekend weather anchor, and our 11pm anchor have both quit, and employees leave this place faster than a room of boy scouts clearing out when Micheal Jackson walks in. Pay no attention to what happened to the last three News Directors! Pay no attention to the owner who seems to be following you around each corner. KEZI is the place for you! Don't bother sending a resume - If you're qualified you'd never take this job to begin with. If you're graduating soon, then you could be our man! Or woman! And when we say graduating, we mean from High School, not college. (even college graduates are smaert enough to avoid this pit). Don't think High school provides enough experience? Then you haven't seen our fill in News director. Don't delay, apply now!

You can also call us at 1-800-463-36663
That's 1-800-IMDOOMED

KEZI isn't as bad as all these people will have you believe. It really, really isn't.

Yes, morale is low, hence the constant complaining from everyone. But come on. We're not in a big market -- we're in Eugene. There are exactly two people here (Rick Dancer and John Fischer) who have a good reason to stay forever, and they get paid through the nose. Everyone else is here to learn, gain experience, enhance their resumé, and find better work.

So what if management is clueless? Yes, KEZI is #2 perpetually, in spite of having the most recognized talent. You're not going to be here forever -- what's it to you? We all know KEZI doesn't even value experience or loyalty -- this year they've fired at least three people who had been working here for more than a decade. If you're any good at what you do -- and if you work at KEZI, there's a 50% chance that you are -- then you won't be here long anyway.

In the meantime, it's like going to broadcast journalism school, except that they pay you -- not much, but it's better than the alternative. You're not here to win the Pulitzer. You're here to get to Portland. Do your job as well as you can, keep your head down, and wait it out. The worst thing you can do is dwell on how the Chambers family decides to run its product into the ground. Keep telling yourself, "it's not my concern."

Oh, and re: the photog who got fired after writing an email to everyone in the newsroom reiterating everything we already know...what were you thinking? Based on your comments on this site, it looks like you were SURPRISED you got fired. When I read your email, the first thing I thought was, "he must have another job lined up." The Chambers family will fire you for much, MUCH less than that. They'll fire you if they suspect you know how to spell the word "union." Come on.

An a outside observer comment:
The majority of the employees at KEZI are not cherished,
honored, or even respected. Everyone needs to feel that they can make a difference.
No matter how small ... or large. It all matters.
It is not about how they do their job, it's reflects the sad fact that the Chambers family
can't see the potenial in their employees. How very, very, sad.
I pray that Carolyn can save her best asset . . .

There are many talented people at KEZI, but they are not valued. It is sad that the Chambers family can not understand that their best asset is really in their employees.
There is only so much real estate to trade/develop to pick up their economic slack.
The Chambers Family Trust: please invest in this community with living wage jobs, great news casts and the potenial of creating solid community relationships.
Step up, please.

I love it when people complain about people complaining. Incredibly ironic.

"Keep your head down and wait it out" - It doesn't appear you're keeping yours down if your spending time reading this blog, and responding to it. And you've clearly been reading this blog for a long time.

"You're aren't going to be here forever, so what's it to you?" - really, what's it to you if other people want to complain? Who cares?

And it's not as bad as people are making it out to be? Are you kidding? If that were true, then why has this subject been so popular with so many people, specifically with ex-employees? Why aren't people who worked there and are now in different shops, writing about how it's just as bad at their new station? If it's just as bad at other stations, why isn't there a KMTR and a KVAL blog ripping into the way things are done there? Why have at least a dozen employees quit the job even though they didn't move on to bigger markets(and spare me the 'they must not have been good enough line' I'm referring to the ones who were but realized the station wasn't worth it anymore).

It is a bad place to be. And when an environment is bad, people are going to complain, partly because it's fun, and partly because they need to vent. Blogs like this allow people to communicate - and just doing that can make their crappy job a little less crappy. If you have a hard time comprehending all that - well, then maybe you're the guy or girl Scott is looking for! Good luck with the news director gig!

I'm not in the news business, but I do know this...Chambers Media Center is one of the best broadcast facilities in the Northwest, if not the West. I guess it proves the point that it isn't the facility, it's the people. Too bad that this facility can't "facilitate" quality people and a quality product. The problems start at the top.

Ladies and gentlemen, Scott Chambers dream employee!

1-All the complaining is wearing you down? But you advised the rest of them to keep their head down and wait it out. That they shouldn't be bothered by everything going on around them. So why haven't you done the same, but in relation to all your co-workers. You felt compelled to not only write something, but to respond as well. So you should know exactly how they feel. They cant always take what happens over and over again without feeling the need to vent, which is exactly what you did.

2-Wondering if they've never had jobs before did not address the second point. If KEZI isn't any worse, then either no one would be saying anything, or all 3 stations in town would be. You're right,complaints about management is par for the course. But you obviously aren't getting the fact that KEZI is worse right now, otherwise people wouldn't complain about it at this level.And again, all the ex-employees aren't chiming in with "Wow,it sucks just as bad here!" They're coming and saying,"Yeah, that place sucks."

3-You're knowledge of the people who quit is shortsighted. These problems did not begin recently. It's at least 4 years in the making,and can really be traced back to the hiring of Denise as ND. Count all the people who left from that point on, who wanted to stay, and you'll come up with way more than 12. And I know most of them, and have talked to them ,and the reason was the same: Chambers.

4-Put up or shut up? What are you going to do with the 12 people who work there? A new GM? He's been running the show for the last year anyway. And Chambers isn't moving away anyway,so if you think he's really going to stay out of it, you're dumber than you sound. Sean M was a new ND, what did that matter? That station blows, and everyone knows it. You simply don't get it, much like the management there. You'll go far at KEZI. Your "only worry about yourself" view is exactly how Chambers does things. And that's exactly why things are what they are there.

Yeah, who ever wrote that "keep your head down" post is obviously in the extreme minority. But we've all see those type of people. "I'm here to do my job damn it! Not fraternize with the others." I didn't realize Dwight Schrute got a job at KEZI.

I will take the bait, Here are somethings that are noticable about the "Other" stations. KMTR, they have 2 maybe 3 decent anchors,
Matt Templeman, Kellie Warner, Renae (cant think of last name). The reporters are sooooo bad and the weekend achors leave alot to be desired. KVAL, Good strong anchors and almost all of the reporters are very good. Don't get me started on who I think is bad. Yeah thier building may be old, but they still be put out a great product.

Umm, isn't that the crux of the problem? That when people have good ideas they don't get anywhere? Who's more creative, a reporter sent out to shoot 3 vo's,or a team sent out to cover a sory? What, do you think, people are negative because they themselves are that way? Or is it more realistic that management has bread that environment? Who ever "head down" is, they're just as unhappy as everyone, except they're directing their scorn to their fellow employees for complaining, rather than the people who have created that situation. You're way more bitter. I know you don't think you are, but most people bashing KEZI are simply making the obvious observation that it sucks there. Who ever you are, you see yourself as being above it, but you are no different. You've posted at least 3 times now defending yourself. Go look up the definition of ironic. I would say people incabable of being able to accurately analyze a given situation won't go far in this business,here or anywhere else, but some of the worst producers, reporters, and photographers have gone on to bigger markets. So there is hope for you. Good Luck.

They have a lot to manage? Like what, the 3 employees left. What a joke!

Michelle doesn't know news. She was a producer for about 5 seconds, then rushed away to a more cushy job because she couldn't handle the cut throat news culture.

Good for Andrew. He's paid his dues and he's one of the last true reporters left in the Eugene market. I wish him the best, wherever he's headed ('Here here' ;-) )

But if the rank and file at KEZI feel better for having a place to vent, we're glad to be of service.

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Lynn Siprelle * Fairy Blogmother