One market anchors

Years ago I was visiting a friend who worked in another market, and of course I watched his newscast. Then we went to dinner, and he asked me what I thought of the news team.

"No offense," I said, "But your anchor is just awful."

"He's a piece of the furniture," he said. "That guy is our star."

I'd never heard the furniture reference before, but I have many times since. It refers to someone who has been at one station so long that he or she has literally blended into the woodwork...

And become a viewer favorite.

It's like a favorite old pair of slippers. You love them but wouldn't throw them away even though Goodwill wouldn't take them. Or a crusty old Uncle you love even though he's embarrasing out in public.

You can find a piece of the furniture in most markets, and if you look up their bios chances are you'll find they've been there forever.

Which brings me to the point of all this... if you find a place you really like, why not become part of the decor yourself? Even if you're talented and could go elsewhere, longevity can be extremely attractive to a News Director... and very lucrative for you. Moving every two years doesn't do much to establish yourself with an audience, but sticking around does.

You'll get to a point (if you haven't already) when you realize the network anchor shot just isn't gonna happen. At that point, look at your current situation. Could you be happy and stay there forever? Could you be the favorite Uncle or pair of slippers for the local viewers?

There's nothing wrong with being a one market anchor. Plenty of them out there making lots of money while being very happy. Just something for you to consider when you stop chasing the brass ring.


***Coming this weekend... something special for photogs!