CONFESSIONS FROM A VETERAN JOURNALIST AND COACH
(Huntsville, Alabama)--If I have
said it once, I have said it a million times, "Everything that comes up
doesn't have to come out!" (Out of your mouth that is). That sobering
reminder echoed in my ear as I woke up to the national headlines Tuesday morning. Let’s just
say, I was more than a little surprised
when one the more controversial headlines was breaking in my own backyard.
Huntsville’s own, Shea Allen, an investigative
reporter who worked at WAAY-TV (ABC Affiliate) for nearly two years was
terminated last week for publicly revealing too much about herself. She was
reportedly fired after her general manager viewed her blog entitled:
"Confessions of A Red-Headed Reporter." (SEE THE TODAY SHOW
PROFILE/REPORT AT THE END OF THIS REPORT).
Shea had her blog
confession; now here’s mine.
NEW ENTRY:
This week, “confessions" of an older, wiser,
brunette-reporter who has learned a thing or two about how your activities are
monitored, both on and off camera.
 |
| FILE PHOTO-WAAY-TV |
First confession: Total transparency! Many of
the rookie reporters I coach everyday believe I coined the phrase
"Everything that comes up, doesn't have to come out!"
But honestly, I did not. All the credit for that goes to
another seasoned, award winning journalist, Valorie Carter. I fondly
remember Valorie reciting that phrase as apart of her daily morning devotion.
The only difference is when Valorie said it she was pointing to her temple and
then her lips.
Quite honestly it became the "tag line"
to both of our lives as Valorie and I were still finding our way during our rookie years in a
Birmingham, Alabama television newsroom nearly ten years ago.
I missed the days when television newsrooms were
filled with trusted, Emmy-award winning veteran anchors and reporters who
looked out for younger reporters; and would help to instill in them
credibility, integrity and ethics.
Unfortunately for Shea Allen and many other 21st
century multi-media journalists, the newsroom environment I worked in doesn’t
exist anymore.
After coaching rookie reporters for the past few
years, I’ve come to realize many of them are entering the newsroom without
filters. Sadly, they don’t know what to keep to themselves.
I am constantly reminding my clients through my
company about compromising photos or "excessive profanity" on
Facebook, Instagram and other social media outlets.
Experience has taught me that not only is a
journalism degree necessary to succeed in the business; having a mentor and or
coach is necessary in order to survive in this competitive industry. That’s
exactly why I created Walton and Associates.
Everyday I coach the next generation of news makers
on the “art of journalism.” This
situation is exactly why I’ve chosen to become an advocate for my clients who
are constantly schooled about a certain decorum that is expected as long as
they have a television station's call letters behind their name! Bottom line
when you are hired your integrity becomes the station's integrity and more
importantly--their credibility!
Second confession: I have never met Shea Allen.
In fact, I’ve only watched her reports from a distance whenever I am on
assignment in Huntsville. It is a shame because I am one of many in the
industry who thought Shea was more than just another pretty face.
Third
confession: Call me old
school, but no matter what generation you fall in, the fact of matter is we all
have made mistakes! Television news is based on “human interaction”. It is a sobering reminder of what we are
called to do and to never lose focus.
I truly believe Shea Allen has all the makings of a
good investigative reporter. Honestly, I often thought, given time she could
find herself in a TOP 10 market or perhaps the network. I'm sure
however, she never dreamed in a million years she would finally make it THE
TODAY SHOW but, for all the wrong reasons.
Chalk it up as a teachable moment Shea. As you go
forward remember this. It's something
that this sustained me for nearly two decades; "You don't have to share
with the world your every thought," that includes your religious and
political views.
Do it with me now, (pointing to your temple
and then your lips) "everything that comes up -doesn't have to come
out!" Again, my friend and colleague Valorie would be so proud to learn that she is also "influencing the next generation!"
Hang in there Shea; “this too shall pass!” I only wish you the best of luck in all of
your future endeavors.
http://www.today.com/news/tv-reporter-fired-over-blog-didnt-think-it-would-come-6C10791942
CLICK HERE FOR SHEA ALLEN'S EXPLANATION ON "INSIDE EDITION"
http://www.insideedition.com/videos/1662-tv-reporter-discusses-blog-posts-that-led-to-firing
