July 15th, 1985…
I’m sure the alarm clock seemed very loud that morning, my first as an employee at WNCT-TV. I had to be at work at 5:30 in the morning…as the newest production assistant for the Carolina Today Show.
As I stood outside the door, nervous of what I was about to do, I pushed the button on the buzzer outside the employee entrance and immediately a voice came back “Can I Help You.” I had been told to say that I was the new production assistant starting today, but before I could stumble thru even half of it, the door clicked and I opened it to a dark long hall.
I wasn’t sure where to go, so I just followed the noise…yes, that noise that used to permeate thru every TV station in the country, a noise that has now been replaced by the silence of computers…back then it was actual machines made out of metal and air compressors that kept TV stations going. I really miss that noise.
So yes, today marks 35 years I have been in this career…July 15, 1985 was the beginning of a long and very rewarding career.
To those early in my career who gave me the chance and helped me to feel comfortable, I thank you - specifically Mr. James Whitehurst who hired me as a kid still in college, and to Mr. Port Wilson, who mentored me while at WNCT and helped me to realize that my path was in creative services, and not news :)
The broadcast industry has definitely changed over 35 years, but there is one constant - the people inside the walls of a TV station are all still very passionate about what they do, passionate about the communities they serve and the importance of being there each day for their viewers, their clients and for each other. And on my side of the building, passionate about the creative process and what great work can be done if we continue to push ourselves each day…or as Mr. Walt Disney would say - “How can we Plus it?”
Today I am still a proud member of the broadcasting fraternity, and I hope I have a few more years left in me still.