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3TV BLOGS |
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October 2009
Categories
Brad Cesmat Music New Season Skylights The Girls The Guys More 3TV Blogs
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During the grief and chaos of this past week, a friend of mine (who does not work at 3tv) said to me that he was sick of hearing viewers say they were part of "Arizona's Family." He said those viewers don't know us, and "Arizona's Family" is just a creative marketing slogan. I love my friend but this comment really upset me. Maybe it started out as a marketing slogan, but that's not what it means to any of us anymore. Channel 3 is a unique place. When you love where you work and who you work with, those people become family. When you go on "road trips" and spend many long days together, enjoying each others company while respecting each others work, you are like family. I am fairly new to 3TV, heading into my third year now in the weather department, but even when I first started here, I knew this place was different. Actually, I knew that *before I even started. Channel 3 is known all over the country for several reasons. First, it's uncommon for an independent (non-affiliated) station to have such success in television ratings. But more than that, so many people who previously worked at 3TV, remember it as one of the best places they ever worked. Then there are the people here now. At most stations, there are a few people who've been at a station for a long time. At 3TV there are many...and I think that says something. I grew up watching Dan Davis and Frank Camacho. (They hate hearing that :) Now, I work side-by-side with them. I also used to watch Patti Kirkpatrick and Royal Norman. Soon after I started at 3TV, I caught a cold and had to call in sick. Royal brought me chicken soup....it was homemade! Olivia and Claudia took me out for drinks when I was stressed out planning my wedding. There are many little stories I can think of like this that make me think fondly of my co-workers. And just like family members, we don't always get along. We tell each other what we think and sometimes fight. I can think of a time or two when I've wanted to smack Brad Perry, in fact. :) But time goes by and we are friends... and family again. Brad even offered to work for me on a Sunday night this past December, so my new husband and I could go to the company holiday party. As for viewers not being part of our family....that's just ridiculous. I think our whole goal is to "connect" with viewers, and judging by the public's reaction to this past week's tradgedy, I think we have. When I go to the grocery store, people I don't know congratulate me on my recent wedding. We are familiar to people, and because of that, they let us in their homes, not just when they watch the news, but sometimes to tell their own stories. Just the other day , I covered the story of a Valley family who lost their home to a monsoon thunderstorm. They were devastated, but yet they still let me and the photographer in to share their story. I am amazed at that. So many people these days don't trust the media, but our viewers are different. They know us and they treat us with respect. And I'd like to think that's because we treat them the same way. Thank you to everyone who emailed condolences, dropped off flowers or food, and especially to those said a prayer for us this week. I may not know you, but I am thankful you are part of Arizona's family. 10 CommentsLeave a comment |
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Dear April,
Cudos to you for your comments regarding your friends comments on Arizonas Family and how people don't really feel close to the people who work there. Well, I hope that the way this city has reacted toward the events of this past week, changed his thinking on that statement. I have been a faithful member of Arizonas Family for over 40 years and when I learned of the crash, I felt as if I had lost my own brothers. I can remember coming to Channel 3 as a child and coming to the station to be on "Peanut Bandstand" back in the late 50's. It was a takeoff of American Bandstand and we would come down to the station and dance to our favorite songs. I can also remember the time back in the late 70's when my little sister, Connie performed on the show that was for and about our deaf community( can't recall the name of the show) She was selected as the first ever Miss Deaf Arizona and she came on to perform the song she "sang" for her competition. There are so many more stories I could share just regarding my family's contact with TV 3, however, I will spare the readers.
Just please tell your friend, we are and always will be a part of the family at TV 3 and please tell him THANKS FOR THE COMPLIMENT...The phrase Arizonas Family turned out to be a great marketing slogan, look at how many viewers believd it in their hearts this week!
April, this is such a nice post. Often we as viewers take it for granted that we *are* members of 3TV's Arizona's Family for the very reasons you suggest - we invite you into our homes everyday and in doing so follow some parts of your private lives as you reveal. Sometimes it comes as a shock when we meet a news personality on the street and they snub us, ignore us, or treat us with frustrated contempt (this happened to me with a sports reporter from another station once when I said hello). I have only met a couple of 3TV's reporters over the years, but each time they were gracious, interested, and warm. In sending emails and posting comments, each of you has been equally as kind.
I understand that your friend would probably like to have you all to himself, but please tell him that we are happy to share you with him in return for his sharing you with us.
From the shores of Lake Powell
April, I agree with all you said,I have watch Tara, Dan,Brad,scott and now Olivia for going on Ten years and they are still there, this is comment from these group of people and then I watch you on the weekend and Beverly and Royal in the evening how can we not be part of your family. I think the world of all of you and I get such pleasure seeing how much fun ALL of you have with each other. You are the shy one , but you can tell that all that are employed by 3tv LOVE what they do and we love watching what you all do best , (have fun and report the news)
Jennifer
Dear April:
You're right we do feel like we're your friends because you are all very welcoming. Most men would probably think the same as your friend I know my hubby would, but who cares what they think, the viewers that count have shown how much 3TV means to them this past week.
By the way has your mom sent any more pictures? :) lol!
We love you guys, thanks for the weather reports...& I too feel like reaching thru the tv & smaking brad sometimes!
April I just read your statement and I am not part of Channel 3 (would have always like to work someplace like that) but we started watching Channel 3 when we moved out here in 1998. We consider you all as family and are so sorry for what you are all going through. We will continue to pray for you and God will help you so very much. As for your friend tell him or her to get a life.
April, I just wanted to say what you said is so very true. I had the chance to meet you about 2 years ago now (Dec 06) at a shop with a cop program in Peoria. You interviewed the table that I was at. Sitting at the table was a very special child who little did the officer and I know would pass in a house fire just a few days later. That Child was so happy to be able to be on TV and you made her feel so special!!!! Not only were the officer and I sadden by what happened I thought of you because you I consider channel 3 part of my "AZFamily" and offened wondered if you were even told of the loss. I just really wanted to say I am so sorry for your, channel 3 great loss and can understand what AZ Family really is!!!!
April,
I am so sorry for the loss that has occurred for your family. I remember the brief time we had to talk when you visited and interviewed the 5th graders visting our buisness. When we talked I mentioned my background as an AF pilot and airline pilot. We all suffered grief with the lose you and your co-workers experience. I've lost friends in aviation as most of us who fly for any length of time have experienced. While we don't want this to happen to anyone we know it is always possible.
I can only say that for the pilots who are suffering they need to get back in the air NOW!
I know from experience when pilot experience a lose of a friend it's most important to get back in the air sooner rather than later. The longer you wait the harder it is for the pilots to get back in the air. Take this for what it is worth but I know from experience, please get Bruce and the other pilots back in the air.
Hi April,
I just read your blog above and I can't believe that your friend would feel that way at all. I have been watching 3tv for many many years now and I feel like your my family.
I was at work when I saw what had happend and my first thought was oh my god that would be Bruce flying, and it sent me goose bumps thinking about Lisa and her children.
I ran back and fourth from my work area to our Tv in the break room wondering who it was, when I heard it was Scott and Jimmy I started crying, I felt like I had lost a part of my family. It was hard to go back to work.
I sat and watched the Memorial Service and cried my eyes out. It was very touching and I thouht it was great that we could sit at home and watch it. It felt like I was there.
You do feel like you are family when you let people into your homes everyday, even if it's only on Tv.
I feel sorry for your Friend if he/she doesn't feel that way and thinks it's just a marketing slogan.
I know I feel that you are all a part of my family.
Thanks for being a part of my family.
April,
I have the same feelings about TV-3. I worked there for 13 years and it is still my Family. The people that you work for are very special. It is a family because the Lewis family made it that way. They are GOOD PEOPLE. I have been on my own for 12 years and I miss that family. Del, John, Kara, Del Jr and Bill. Those folks are and allways will be good in my book
Jim
April,
Channel 3 IS Arizona's family!!! You are such great people.I enjoy watching every day and every afternoon.
We all felt so sad about Scott and Jim.I commend you all for being so human with your emotions.Such a terrible loss for you and for the state!
Keep up the great work and I shall be watching as I have for many years!
Nancy in Mesa