Television's Life Lessons
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In about a month I will be starting my 37th year in television. Lots of life's little instructions are learned over that period of time and below is a list of my favorite "life instructions."
1. You catch more flies with honey than you do vinegar. Larry Clamage, my GM at WTSP-T V in Tampa/St. Petersburg, reminded me of that in 1981. Boy did he remind me. And I'm glad he did. Too many people use way too much vinegar.
2. Stay young. Ed Trimble, GM of KTVT from 1989-1995, used that phrase as a guide to successfully program a TV station. That also applies to being young at heart and mind. Maybe that's why I like current hit music!
3. There are things in life we have to do and then there are things in life we don't have to do. Charlie Edwards, GM of KTVT from 1984-1989, used that phrase constantly. Lots of truth here. Translation: think before you act.
4. Thinking out loud about something is one thing, doing it is quite a bit different. Dick Bove', GM of KXTX in the 1980's, taught me the joy of thinking out aloud without worrying about being criticized.
5. The only people in an office who don't make mistakes are those not doing anything. Gene Bohi, GM of WGHP in Greensboro NC, my first boss and a former CBS man from WBBM-TV, was right here. If you make a mistake, at least you are doing something. If not, you are unproductive.
6. OK class, what did we learn from this? Kathy Saunders, GM of KDFW/KDFI, used that phrase all the time after she got after people for not executing things properly. You learned quickly here! But I am grateful for that.
7. Stand up and take it like a man. John Massey, my long time mentor and investment banker, taught me to take responsibility for my actions. Don't see too often anymore. People will respect you more.
8. Let's go see them! Steve Mauldin, my longtime colleague and now President & GM of KCBS-TV/KCAL-TV, used this phrase every day when it involved an advertiser. Lasting relationships are made in person, not through email or social media.
9. You see this? This is the world's smallest violin playing "My Heart Bleeds For You." Alan Henry, President of Anchor Media, Gulf Broadcast Group, and Metromedia Radio taught me the importance of not complaining when the going got tough.
10. Treat others the way you want to be treated… but don't be a doormat for them! That is my piece of wisdom… be respectful but stand up for what you know is right.
I am so thankful of the men and women that I have reported to over the years, mainly because you can learn something from anyone. See you next time.
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