Am I a total jerk?

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.

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.

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.

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?

<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?

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.

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.

<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.

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.

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?

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?

<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.

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.

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.

"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.

<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.

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.

<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!!!