Am I a total jerk?

[Thinking about my career]

I got my first reporting job in December in market 170+. I first day was December 15 and I signed a one-year contract which expires December 1, 2002. Before I got this job, I had interviewed in many different markets. A ND from a top 80 just called me to see if I was still available. I'd go from 170 to top 80, plus I wouldn't one-man-band, which I'm doing now and the gig is M-F dayshift, whereas I'm now working Friday-Tuesday nightside. It's an all-around better deal, but I feel like a complete scumbag asking to be let out of my contract. I'm not worried about them suing me (although they could) since they never sue. Many people have broken contracts since I've been there, and not once have they taken action. But I'm worried about the ethical problems with breaking a contract. I hate to do it, but this opportunity may not be there in a year. It isn't just about the market size, but I'd love to live in this city. What should I do?

[Jim Hansen]

You have already answered your own question. The ONLY reason you have listed to stay in the smaller market is that you would "feel like a scumbag". It seems apparent you are going to leave and you are using this board to get others to help you justify getting out of your contract. I know I am old school, but I would honor the contract. I am sure they asked you about it (if you would bail when the bigger fish came calling) when you applied. What did you tell them then?

The smaller station took a chance on you. I think you would respect yourself more, show a bit of class, honor, and dignity, and help yourself down the road if you honored your contract. You also probably need to learn a few pratical applications a "one man shop" can teach you.

I am sure someone else with an anonymous handle will soon post "screw em man, do whats best for you!", and that will be the advice you take. Good luck whatever you decide.

[Thinking about my career]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Jim Hansen:
You have already answered your own question. The ONLY reason you have listed to stay in the smaller market is that you would "feel like a scumbag". It seems apparent you are going to leave and you are using this board to get others to help you justify getting out of your contract. I know I am old school, but I would honor the contract. I am sure they asked you about it (if you would bail when the bigger fish came calling) when you applied. What did you tell them then?

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Actually no one asked me that. Thanks for the advice though.

[Coot]

I guess I'm old school too. You might consider going back to the bigger market station and telling them, "Look, I really would like the gig, but I'm under contract. I made a commitment and I'll stick by it through December 1. I hope you'll consider me then, if there's an opening." It's the stand-up thing to do...many will respect you for it. Some don't care. You don't want to work for the ones that don't care.

[ENDLESS LOVE]

Screw it.

Go.

You'll get over it...in about five minutes.

[newzguy]

Have you even told "market 80 station" about your contract? I bet you haven't. Chances are THEY don't want to you break it, because if they sign you, what keeps you from doing the same thing a year and a half later when market 30 comes calling?
See what I mean? I would say stick it out and start sending out tapes 4 months before the end of your contract. That's more realistic.
The grass is ALWAYS greener...

[pondering aloud..........]

Is the station a solid one or is it revolving door policy? Is it a city that you are famailiar with: politics, culture, college town/big city? Will it be a new environ where you can learn, grow, and be nurtured for your next move up? Is the money congruous to the new cost of living, apts., utilities, deposits, etc.? Are you near bigger markets now that could be in your forseeable future? Closer or further from family & friends? Is that important? Will you need to purchase a 2nd wardrobe, i.e.: are you in the south currently & the move is toward snow country? Weigh all the factors. Then, listen to your heart.
Keep us posted & Good Luck!!!!

[Thinking about my career]

Thank you for all the replies. I did tell the current station about my contract. They asked me if I had an out. I said no, I didn't even think about that (with my first job and all). They told me to talk to my ND and find out if I can even get out of it and to let them know ASAP.

This job I have now is a learning experience, with one-man-banding especially, but the new job would put me about 300 miles from my family (I'm 2000 miles away now, about the same kind of weather, closer to friends, a city I would like to live in, and it's just outside a college town. It looks better from all angles, in my opinion, but I really want to honor my commitment. If I turn it down, I'm scared of not getting a better job in a year. I hear my co-workers complaining now because so many of them are nearing the end of their contract with no offers. I guess I'm just worried I'll be stuck in this small town -- so far from friends and family -- forever.

[sindilouhoo]

I say go for it. The little station knows they are only providing you with a place to start. Move on. They know you won't stay there forever. If you don't you might lose a good opportunity.
Do it dude - I would!

[DUH]

GO!

Your current station wouldn't think twice about firing you if they wanted to.

There's no such thing as loyalty in TV News anymore.

[take the plunge]

I'm all about being ethical and 'taking one for the team' but in this current job market, that opportunity might not be there 7 months from now. It's obvious the station has no problem with letting people out early... They don't and shouldn't expect you to stay forever. If they let others out, it would be a bad decision for you to stay, miserable and wanting out, just because you felt it was your sense of duty.
And if you pass up the opportunity now, who says a comparable one (or even better one) will come along again in the future?
And as another poster said, they wouldn't even think twice about firing you. They'd just do it. He/She is right- there is no loyalty in television.

[Grumpy EP]

Are you READY for market 80? Maybe you should spend the year in your current market actually learning the craft. If you take the market 80 gig now and you're not ready for it, I pity the poor saps at the station who will have to deal with your incompetence.

[Psychic Chick]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Thinking about my career:
They told me to talk to my ND and find out if I can even get out of it and to let them know ASAP.

[/B]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Dude, DO IT NOW! What are you waiting for?

[aeutv]

A contract takes into consideration a term (length of contract) in determining what the station is willing to pay an employee on a weekly basis during that term.

If you walk on the contract, you've failed to give the other party that to which you have agreed. They, on the other hand, have dealt with you in good faith by paying you the weekly compensation to which you both agreed.

It is an important ethical issue. But, believe it or not, managers are not always completely heartless, especially with someone who is upfront with them. If you have been approached with a firm offer, talk to your ND or GM (both together if possible) about your situation. Tell them you will pay them back any moving expenses, etc. they paid to move you to your first job. Don't try to screw them out of vacation time in the process, either. You're the one with your hat in your hand. If they say "yes," thank them and head on out. If they say "no," bust your ass for them till December. Then go get another job.

BTW, any station (company) which would have you break a contract with another station to come work for them is not worth going to work for.

Just a point. What kind of howling would appear on these boards if the tables were turned...if the station one day arbitrarily announced it was going to reduce a contract employee's weekly compensation while insisting that the term of the contract be enforced?

[sindilouhoo]

Waaa Waaa Waaa! Stop crying and take the job!

[Gil]

It seems to me that you are asking the wrong people. You should be having this discussion with your boss. He or she has also been in that situation, I suspect, and will understand your feelings.

I'd make it clear that you intend to honor your obligations, unless they are willing to let you go.

I never attempted to hold someone to the term of their contract. After all, who wants an employee working for them who would rather be somewhere else? My main concern was getting the commitment, and those who would not honor their promises were generally people I'd not mind losing.

[anchor]

the thing about the news industry is you never know who is going to end up where... and who you may be calling on in the future for a job. I don't think you should screw your current station. It could come back to bite you later on.

Stay your year... learn everything that you can... and down the road you'll be glad you did.

One-man banding it sucks... I did it through three Missouri winters... but it's an experience that will make you better in the long run.

[!]

If you quit, if you don't do what you said you would do, which is stay a certain amount of time, you forfeit all right to ***** when management screws you someday down the road--because you were willing to screw management if it suited your needs.

[The Whole F'N Show]

Ask the HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of tv folks that have been screwed what you should do.Ask veterans where does the companies loyalty lie? With employees? Yeah right...You better have loyalty to yourself because you better believe they would cut you to save 1.13 cents if the ND or GM was told to.This is the type of business where it really doesn't what happened at a previous station as long as you can produce at your present station..This is no knock against you but they will replace you as soon as you turn in your badge with someone else.....

[Risky move]

What if you get to 80, and you can't hack it. As above posters have said, there's no loyalty in news anymore (on either side). I'm sure you'd be under a probationary period when they REALLY can axe you easily! Then you're screwed twice...you're then known as a contract-breaker AND can't cut it in the 80's. Imagine what your resume would look like then!

[betruetoyou]

forget everything that everyone has just told you on this forum. there are clearly ups and downs to both sides. do what will make YOU HAPPY. life is too short to ignore your own happiness.

[Photojournalist]

What kind of 80's market station would hire someone with no experience? Would you really want to work for a place like that?

And you should definitely get an offer in writing before approaching your boss about this? What if you get let out of your contract, and then your dream station backs off. You're screwed. You can't even collect unemployment because you quit.

[Screw Managers]

DO IT NOW!!! THEY WOULD SCREW YOU IN A HEARTBEAT IF THEY WANTED !!!!

[gopherit]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Thinking about my career:
I got my first reporting job in December in market 170+. I first day was December 15 and I signed a one-year contract which expires December 1, 2002. Before I got this job, I had interviewed in many different markets. A ND from a top 80 just called me to see if I was still available. I'd go from 170 to top 80, plus I wouldn't one-man-band, which I'm doing now and the gig is M-F dayshift, whereas I'm now working Friday-Tuesday nightside. It's an all-around better deal, but I feel like a complete scumbag asking to be let out of my contract. I'm not worried about them suing me (although they could) since they never sue. Many people have broken contracts since I've been there, and not once have they taken action. But I'm worried about the ethical problems with breaking a contract. I hate to do it, but this opportunity may not be there in a year. It isn't just about the market size, but I'd love to live in this city. What should I do?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I knew of a guy in the same situation..He stayed and honored his contract! then he got fired 6 weeks later for somthing he did not do! Now he has nothing. Think about it

[RedJen]

Have you talked to your ND yet?

If you choose to stay at your current station, it's very likely you'll be even more desirable to larger markets with a full year of experience under your belt. You obviously have something they want.

[i'm here]

I did the same thing. Went to market 180 and two months later, a better job came up in market 117. I moved 2,000 miles to that job and took a chance. I would not be where I am today had I not taken the chance. Go for it. You WILL regret it if you don't.

[eastcoasttvnews]

70 Des Moines-Ames, IA 404,910 0.384
71 Rochester, NY 400,090 0.379
72 Honolulu, HI 398,460 0.378
73 Tucson (Sierra Vista), AZ 391,840 0.372
74 Springfield, MO 391,450 0.371
75 Omaha, NE 386,160 0.366
76 Ft. Myers-Naples, FL 384,950 0.365
77 Paducah, KY-Cape Girardeau, MO-Harrisburg-Mt Vernon, IL 382,930 0.363
78 Spokane, WA 380,480 0.361
79 Shreveport, LA 372,490 0.353
80 Portland-Auburn, ME 372,470 0.353
170 Billings, MT 97,710 0.093
171 Yuma, AZ-El Centro, CA 95,750 0.091
172 Dothan, AL 94,530 0.090
173 Elmira, NY 92,420 0.088
174 Lake Charles, LA 91,480 0.087
175 Rapid City, SD 88,500 0.084
176 Watertown, NY 84,900 0.081
177 Marquette, MI 84,370 0.080
178 Harrisonburg, VA 84,120 0.080
179 Alexandria, LA 81,920 0.078
180 Jonesboro, AR 81,370 0.077

If it's Portland, Rochester, Tucson, Omaha or Spokane at a Big 3 then you have a really nice opportunity here and you need to think a lot about this. If it's Missouri or Kentucky or something at some #3 station or Fox operation, it's not such a great opportunity as you think it is. Basically you need to sit down with your GM or your ND or whoever. If they're OK with you leaving and you're not going to feel guilty then you should probably go. The TV business is very fickle and like everyone is saying you don't know when mgmt could up and fire you. I think you know what the right thing to do is. But just remember, as Mother Love says, that grass usually isn't greener on the other side of the fence, it's usually just Astroturf.

[News Director]

Your not just a jerk but also a loser! A contract is an agreement, a promise. How would you like it if the station didn't come through on some of the promises they made you? You make me sick. You should become a lying, cheating lawyer...that's where your talents will be best used.

[WHAT?!!]

To News Director,
You have to be kidding. Why should any newbie feel bad about leaving a station that doesn't care about them. Newbies are paid peanuts and work crazy hours because management doesn't care. They know full well that it's a revolving door and that's how their consciences let them get away with paying pathetic wages. If they saw a better talent this kid would be out the door, should why should he blow a great oppotunity for them?

[A Good Laugh!!]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by News Director:
Your not just a jerk but also a loser! A contract is an agreement, a promise. How would you like it if the station didn't come through on some of the promises they made you? You make me sick. You should become a lying, cheating lawyer...that's where your talents will be best used.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

First of all this post is LAUGHABLE!!! Ignore it. Aren't we all glad we don't work for this news director.

On to your question. Be honest with everyone. Tell your current employer exactly what has been presented to you. Some in management actually want what's best for their employees. You might be surprised by their willingness to let you out of your contract. Also, be very honest with the station that has offered you a position. Tell them you are very interested, but are concerned about breaking your contract. Finally, having worked in a small market long ago, (where management DIDN'T come through on it's promises...attention above poster) I would encourage you to thoroughly weigh what is better for you as a person and a professional. My gut is telling you to take this job. Just be up-front with all parties. Good luck. Tell us what you end up doing.

[!]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by gopherit:
[I knew of a guy in the same situation..He stayed and honored his contract! then he got fired 6 weeks later for somthing he did not do! Now he has nothing. Think about it<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


Okay. I knew of a guy who stayed an honored his contract and got a raise and a better shift.

So?

[Movin' On]

I'd love to tell you that loyalty and integrity are appreciated in this business...but I can't. Yes, there are still a few stations that put their employees first, but they are the exceptions. If you like the city and the station where you've received the new offer, I see no reason to stay at your current station.

[Adolphus Busch]

A couple years ago, I was under contract at a +100 market. I had about three months to go, when everyone came calling. But none of them were willing to wait a measly three months for my contract to expire.

After picking the best of the offers, I talked with my news director, who graciously agreed to let me out of my contract after sweeps (about 30 days). Well, about 2 weeks later I got fired for some BS reason. Seems the ND wasn't so gracious after all and was trying to derail my new job in a top 40.

My advice is. . . watch your back.

[I know]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Adolphus Busch:
A couple years ago, I was under contract at a +100 market. I had about three months to go, when everyone came calling. But none of them were willing to wait a measly three months for my contract to expire.

After picking the best of the offers, I talked with my news director, who graciously agreed to let me out of my contract after sweeps (about 30 days). Well, about 2 weeks later I got fired for some BS reason. Seems the ND wasn't so gracious after all and was trying to derail my new job in a top 40.

My advice is. . . watch your back.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

See, another example of being screwed by mgt. I've seen this happen several times. But there is a reason why they do this.

First, the ND gets pissed because he's going to have to start looking for a replacement sooner than he/she had thought. Then when the new person gets there, they have to be "broken-in".
Second, once someone (let's say a reporter) gets a new job and gives notice, it gives that reporter a chance to talk crap about anyone at the station about the station, to anyone...including friends at the competition, because they are leaving and have nothing to lose. This has happened more times than I care to think about.
Third, the ND may have let you out of your contract, but the GM may have gotten pissed about you wanting out of your contract and said "Let him/her go."

I've seen all these scenarios.

[Asst ND]

It's as simple as this. Look in the mirror and ask "what's my word worth".
This isn't about anybody else but you. Elaborate rationalizations about all the jerks in this business won't change that basic fact. You gave your word.
I look at a ton tapes in a month. There are a lot of people in this business who really should be selling shoes at the local Dillards. Instead they are stinking up the airwaves in palookaville and ranting on medialine.
If you really have talent you will do just fine when your contract is up and if the fish aren't biting that month get an out written into your next sheet.
At the end of the day you have to look yourself in the mirror bunky.

[OhSoConfused]

I have a smiliar question and would appreciate some feedback. I recently received an appealing job offer (smaller market, but better hours, pay, etc). I'm not under contract right now.

Do I accept the offer or stay where I am? I like to tell myself that market size doesn't matter... but I'm not so sure. Also, I feel a sense of loyalty to my current station.

Any thoughts?

[OhSoConfused]

I have a smiliar question and would appreciate some feedback. I recently received an appealing job offer (smaller market, but better hours, pay, etc). I'm not under contract right now.

Do I accept the offer or stay where I am? I like to tell myself that market size doesn't matter... but I'm not so sure. Also, I feel a sense of loyalty to my current station.

Any thoughts?

[Wow...]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by News Director:
Your not just a jerk but also a loser! A contract is an agreement, a promise. How would you like it if the station didn't come through on some of the promises they made you? You make me sick. You should become a lying, cheating lawyer...that's where your talents will be best used.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Making the jump from the corporate world to journalism, it absolutely floors me regarding the lack of good communication and managerial skills in news directors. You, my friend, are a perfect case in point.

[I can relate...somewhat]

First of all, I apologize for this being such a long post! I can somewhat relate to the difficult decision you have to make. I have been in the business for less than a year and was faced with a similar dilemma when looking for my first job.

The bottom line...as with most any job decision, there will be both good and bad to whatever path you take. If you stay, there will be valuable benefits, but you may lose out on a great opportunity. If you go, it may be a great experience, but you might miss out on doing a variety of things. You never really know.

I had my first job offer from a market in the upper 120s. I verbally accepted the job, but the difference here with me is that I had not signed a contract...yet. In fact, I had not even started working there yet. A couple weeks later I got a call, then an interview, then an offer from a station in a low 70s market. It was a great station, closer to home and family, better benefits...all that good stuff. I wrestled with the decision, but I ended up choosing to go to the larger market. I was well aware going into the gig that I would be sacrificing some things...benefiting from others. I felt bad about calling the other station back and telling them "no," but I have survived. My new news director was also very sensitive to what the situation was with the smaller station. He made sure we were going about things the right way. I don't think he would have taken me if I had already signed a contract...and to tell you the truth, I don't know if I would have gone either.

I'm happy with my decision to go. There are ups and downs. At the bigger market station, you may not get to experience everything you would like to do. I know that's true. Sometimes I long for the job at the smaller shop because I would be doing much more and playing a more key role in the operation. On the other hand, the larger market station offers great job opportunities that I wouldn't have gotten elsewhere. Plus, I'm around family and friends, enjoy the city and hope to move up in rank over time. I know I would have been in and out of the smaller shop as soon as my contract was up. I'm much more likely to stick around this larger station for a longer period of time.

Do what your gut tells you. If you're in this situation, you've obviously got some talent. You'll be just fine and be able to make it work either way you go. Just carefully weigh your options on both sides. And remember, there will be good days and bad either way.

[loyal employee]

Just remember, it's your career, not management's career. I'm all for being loyal to the very end, but when it comes down to it.....it's not a two-way street. I can't tell you how many countless times management has passed over good loyal workers for promotions for no reason at all, except maybe because they can.....then they come back with "you're only as good as your word"......if that's the case, then there is nobody good in management. The fact that you care shows me how much integrity you have, but in the long run, you have to do what makes you happy and nobody else. It's a tough thing to do when you care, but that's the way it is television. If you want to stay in the lower market because you want to learn more, that's fine, but don't stay because of them. That station survived before you got there, it's surviving while you're there, and it will survive after you leave. Good luck and let us know what happens.

[Asst ND]

"you're only as good as your word......if that's the case, then there is nobody good in management."
I'm management and I make it a point to treat people the way I expect to be treated.
My boss and the GM are the same way. I know that there are some managers who don't behave this way but they don't work at this shop.
If you spend any time reading this board it's easy to get the idea that all broadcast managers are slime. Of course if you are a manager and read this board it's also easy to come away with the feeling that all non-management employees are lazy, dishonest whiners who think their word is their bond, unless something better comes along.
Fortunately my experience has shown me that these stereotypes are not typical, but you sure couldn't tell from what you read here.

[loyal employee]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Asst ND:
"you're only as good as your word......if that's the case, then there is nobody good in management."
I'm management and I make it a point to treat people the way I expect to be treated.
My boss and the GM are the same way. I know that there are some managers who don't behave this way but they don't work at this shop.
If you spend any time reading this board it's easy to get the idea that all broadcast managers are slime. Of course if you are a manager and read this board it's also easy to come away with the feeling that all non-management employees are lazy, dishonest whiners who think their word is their bond, unless something better comes along.
Fortunately my experience has shown me that these stereotypes are not typical, but you sure couldn't tell from what you read here.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

It's a shame I didn't get a chance to work for you. I would have liked to work for someone that cares about their employees. My last job was a living nightmare. The news director would find new lows in treating people badly. He once expected a reporter to take vacation time to go to a funeral of his grandmother. He was vindictive, and what's worst, his way of treating people trickled down to the most of his managers. Fortunately, I don't have to work for him anymore and have bosses that are cool to work with now. You're right though, there are good management people out there like yourself that are a joy to work for...but unfortunately for the rest of us, they're not too many of them.

[Asst ND]

Glad to see you landed on your feet. I too have been employed by some real pieces of work over the years.
The point I have been trying to make on this thread is that it always comes down to you and your integrity.
The few jerks I've encountered still got 100% of what I had every day I hit the door.
It's not about them. It's about me. The net result is that the jobs I have had always came to me not the other way around.
This is a small business and the good managers know who the bastards are. How you deal with working for a low life says much more about you than it does about your employer.
Find a shop where they treat you right and can make a living (they are out there), drop anchor and have a life.
The rest is up to fate.
At the end of the day or the end of your career you are going to walk out the door on your own two feet. The kind of person you were along the way is the only legacy you will leave behind. Make it a good one.

[loyal employee]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Asst ND:
Glad to see you landed on your feet. I too have been employed by some real pieces of work over the years.
The point I have been trying to make on this thread is that it always comes down to you and your integrity.
The few jerks I've encountered still got 100% of what I had every day I hit the door.
It's not about them. It's about me. The net result is that the jobs I have had always came to me not the other way around.
This is a small business and the good managers know who the bastards are. How you deal with working for a low life says much more about you than it does about your employer.
Find a shop where they treat you right and can make a living (they are out there), drop anchor and have a life.
The rest is up to fate.
At the end of the day or the end of your career you are going to walk out the door on your own two feet. The kind of person you were along the way is the only legacy you will leave behind. Make it a good one.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I couldn't have said it better myself. Great advice for everybody!!!