No such thing as a meaningless story

This afternoon, my New York Giants play a meaningless football game. The outcome has no bearing on their position in the playoffs. Their goal is simple; don't let anyone get hurt.

TV is a little different. There's no such thing as a meaningless story.

This time of year the phrase, "No one is watching" is heard in every station. Ratings bear out that viewership is down during the holidays, and the scenario feeds on itself. Networks put garbage on the air, so why should anyone watch? Trust me, this year, more than ever, people are home watching television because they don't want to go out and spend money.

And when everyone else is phoning it in, it creates a perfect opportunity for you to knock out some great work. A great package can stick out like a sore thumb in the middle of stories that have no life.

Who's watching? You never know. You may be working in Podunk but might not know that a big market ND is from the same town and visiting his mother. So he turns on the TV to check out the local news and sees... you doing a great package.

A GM is driving cross country and stops in a hotel in your market, turns on the TV and sees... you.

I'm willing to bet the people who work in Las Vegas give 110 percent the week that RTNDA is in town. They're just hoping someone will spot them. Because lots of people are in town who could change their lives.

Someone is always watching. Make sure when someone who can change your life is watching, you're out there doing your best.