What my workplace could've done?

In commercial media outlets throughout the nation, they are firing highly paid anchors to save money. I make $36K a year, which in no way qualifies me for the highly paid category. So, why was I fired? It certainly is not for the quality of my work on the air or off the air. It seems that non-commercial radio is following suit, except, they are eliminating the four highest paid managers (probably because on-air talent is so rarely highly paid in public radio). Read here.

It seems to me that listeners develop relationships with the voices they hear on the air, and not the behind the scenes folks. Yet, the behind the scenes folks hold themselves often in a higher place than the on-air "talent." Actually, I've always resented being called "talent" beginning with my acting days. It makes me feel as if I've been given this "talent," and not that I am good because I've worked hard to make it look and sound easy. As a singer I strive to make what I do seem easy, and that only began to sound so after years of mindful study. What my workplace could have done is to preserve and nurture the listener-host relationship, first, rather than to disrupt it. An easy way to do so would not even have involved anyone getting fired. How about a pay cut for the four highest paid people? You can decide who they are by going here, where all non-profits post their tax returns.

Still on the air

Okay, so I was told on November 4 that I was being laid off. But here it is, December 30, and I am still on the air, with no end date determined. In the mean time, I have to finish my doctoral requirements by September 23, 2009, so this whole job debacle is actually a good thing. Tomorrow is New Year's Eve, and I am looking forward to a fresh start. Yeah for 2009!

We had a magical Christmas, full of Temko/Yang/Mickler/Barnes togetherness. There was gut-busting Chinese hot pot at my parents' on Thursday; an incredible meal at Bacchanalia on Friday night; dim-sum at Happy Valley Seafood Restaurant on Saturday; and Ben's awesomely yummy beef short ribs on Sunday. Yes, our lives revolve around food. Aren't yours?