By Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-CT.com
Longtime Channel 8 weather guy Geoff Fox reported being “shell-shocked” after being told yesterday that he wouldn’t be offered a new contract to replace the one that 
expires at the end of February. “I’m disappointed,” he told “The New Haven Register.”
No kidding. But that’s the way TV and much of the working world operates. Employees aren’t people as much as disposable, replaceable cogs. The betting line here is that Fox simply made too much money and the prudent bottom-line decision was to find someone cheaper.
What News 8 loses, though, is a popular personality with 26 years of market experience; someone who actually knows where the towns in CT are located. That’s crucial for a weather person. How many times have you heard an imported TV news person or radio announcer say “BerLIN” instead of “BERlin” or some other faux pas and immediately dismissed them?
In cases like this, management always bets that viewers have short memories and, usually, that’s the case. Seldom is the case that the loss of a key player on a TV newscast cripples the ratings because – hard as it might be for some who work in TV news to acknowledge - watching the news just isn’t an important element in people’s lives. It’s simply a habit.
Having had the same experience when working in TV news in Phoenix – my contract wasn’t renewed after eight years with a station – I can sympathize with what Fox is feeling emotionally at the moment. The best reaction is simply to say thanks and move on. We’re all replaceable.
Thank you Bud. I appreciate your kind words.
Geoff
You 2 should team up! I’d tune in! : )
Bud, are we WJMJ listeners going to miss you too?
If my email Inbox and Facebook wall are any indication, you are already, and I say that with humility. Yes, I’ve left WJMJ. Rather abruptly, too, last month. I’ve been trying to take the high road. My short explanation that I’ve been telling the dozens of loyal listeners who have written and called is that I was tired of working for a mean-spirited and verbally-abusive boss. Life’s too short. I miss the listeners and appreciate their support and participation over the past couple of years.
Loved you in the afternoons….mystery artist….etc. sorry to hear about the mean boss….. ‘bin listening at various times hoping to hear your voice… but alas… will miss you. best of luck and “keep the rubber down!”
“Seldom is the case that the loss of a key player on a TV newscast cripples the ratings because – hard as it might be for some who work in TV news to acknowledge….”
I think you’re wrong on this one, Bud! With almost 4,000 “likes” on the “Keep Geoff Fox on Channel 8″ Facebook page, and growing every hour, we have a great chance at keeping Geoff at WTNH. We’re all organizing for a letter-writing campaign to all of WTNH’s advertisers/sponsors. Do not underestimate the power of organizing people of FB for a “cause”. If all goes well, Mark Higgins will be sent packing back to Arizona!! Where he BELONGS!
I appreciate your enthusiasm and your support of Geoff, but you’re wasting your time. TV news is all about “shelf life” and everyone who works in the biz does know that their’s will eventually expire. Management is always on the lookout for someone younger and more handsome/prettier and who will work for less money. Knowledge, ability and even talent often don’t matter. I once worked with a reporter who couldn’t write a complete sentence – the executive producer would check her copy every day, and I’d sometimes look over the E.P.’s shoulder. Today’s she host of a program on a network. She is very pretty. I’ve seen talented, skilled anchors, who know and understand national and world politics and events, and who could sit and talked into a camera for a half-hour unscripted, get replaced by bubble-headed, bleached blondes and boy toys who couldn’t say their names without a TelePrompTer. TV news is a business that eats its young. Geoff has been very classy in handling this situation and, given his quotes in the newspaper, has wisely saved. I do think another local station would be wise to pick him up.
Bud, that STINKS! The ONLY reason we watch 8 is BECAUSE of him. The other stations weather reporters leave your head spinning and have ZERO for personality. I have to get to work to deliver the U.S. Mail and dress accordingly to the most recent report. My health DEPENDS on it at 60 years of age, I can accept Geoff’s apologies when he’s incorrect, a lot easier than the others. He’s sincere and pours his heart into it. You can tell. Looks like we’ll miss the adorable faces of Sonya and Anne when we switch to the other alternatives….!
As a 40-year veteran of radio, Bud, I can empathize with your comments on radio and TV’s injustices to talented people. The thing is, I looked forward to every day on the air. No matter how poor-paying management was, or acerbic the program directors, general managers, etc. were. And these miscreants know of the passion for being on the air is to these broadcasters. There’s always some other chump (their word) who will work for nothing and be treated harshly. Only heard your work recently, Bud, but it was instantly obvious, you are a pro’s pro. God bless and good luck.
Jim Senich
Hey, Bud… I know exactly what it’s like. I was in broadcasting for eight years after I left th Army. I worked in the greater Waterbury and New Haven markets at both rock and easy listening stations. I can speak from first hand experience, having a wife and two small children to support. When I had reached top pay for an announcer at the station, they brought in some green kid to take my place. I did full time cleaning to make ends meet. Being flexible, I took the Postal exam, and within nine months I was hired for a fulltime career position. That was over 35 years ago. Now, I’m receiving a good Federal pension, and will be collecting Social Security this year … as a “double dipper”. I never looked back and never missed radio.
Bud:
As one who listened to your afternoon program (you kept me sane as I painted my house this past summer) I’m disappointed you’re not on WJMJ anymore. I found you to be both interesting and entertaining. I assume Dick Iscra suffered the same fate as you and that’s a shame.
Bud-
Just want you to know that you are deeply missed each afternoon. Your personality, character, spirit and enthusiasm for life and people brought and provided an enjoyable experience each afternoon. I understand what it is like to work for someone mean spirited and abusive, have been there myself, left employment , too, it is horrible , negative,and robs life from you , as well as being seriously detrimental to your health both physiologically and psychologically. To have to endure those conditions does take its toll. It is sad the situation was not resolved or rectified to prevent your departure. Know that the decision to leave, although you are missed, is respected, as I, as any and all of us would, want your well-being and happiness to be the most important issue. Thank you for a wonderful program that was incredibly enjoyable, and I wish for you all the best, and happiness, in your present and future endeavors and interests.