KREM joins others in laying off personnel…

Good morning, Netizens…

It isn’t about the talent or skill, nor is it about their on-air personalities. It is all about the MONEY just about like what is happening to the newspaper industry nationwide. That is the story, according to the Spokane Inlander’s (p://www.inlander.com/content/newscommentary_layoffs_krem) Nicholas Deshais’s story about the evolution sweeping KREM-2’s news room. The news came down from Belo Corporation, and everyone stepped into their respective positions. Nothing on their web site suggests that people are now unemployed; they are simply not there anymore.

The portion of this story that truly makes me sad is that thus far this year, KREM-TV has already won four regional Edward R. Murrow awards for exceptional journalism, a statistic that, no matter how you look at it, gives them bragging rights that no one else in Spokane can claim. Orders are orders, and everyone stepped in lockstep to comply.

Their news stories about the Valley View fire, Joel building fire, the Sage Tavern closing and record severe winter snow storm all received national recognition, as well they should. KREM was able to put the most people on the ground in situations where needed, and although I question their claim to top honors for their winter snow storm reports, because until the worst of the storm had passed, they did not cover the residential neighborhoods.

Still, some of the brightest and best of the KREM-2 news room are gone, budgetary cuts taking precedence over talent and awards. One has only to wonder where this erosion will all end, but without a robust national economy I simply do not see it stopping soon.

Dave