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An Overall Toxic Work Environment

As soon as one person is out, someone’s schedule is being changed, and workloads are tripled. There is a cliche. If you’re young and single you should be fine. If not, be prepared to listen to how drunk one of them got with the group the night before.

It’s not a strong learning or development environment. Newer journalists are often expected to perform at a high level without adequate training, correction, or mentorship. Mistakes are more likely in this environment, yet constructive feedback and coaching are limited.

Staffing shortages contribute to high workloads and stress, but management practices further compound these issues. In particular, manager Lisa Burger frequently communicates in a condescending and dismissive manner. Feedback is often delivered without support or guidance, which discourages questions, learning, and professional growth.

Prospective employees are encouraged to read publicly available reviews from Lisa Burger’s previous stations to better understand recurring management patterns.

Employees are largely left to figure things out on their own rather than being intentionally developed. This is not a station I would recommend for early-career journalists or anyone seeking mentorship, support, or a healthy workplace culture.
Also don’t listen to Luke or Jacqueline.

This station is a dream come true for young and old journalists alike. Under Bruce Carter and Brian Neal, who were named in previous reviews, the station was completely toxic. Employees were unhappy and morale was incredibly low. Under the current News Director, Jennifer Smith, everyone has a voice. She and all of the other managers, GM included, are all easily approachable and take the time to listen to any concerns... and address them right away. They give credit where credit is due, and also highly encourage everyone to give their fellow employees a "high five" on the newsroom chat platform, bringing attention to good work/attitude/contributions/ideas/etc. Employees, with with few exceptions, lift each other up and help each other out every single day, no matter the position, tenure or level of experience. It's a true team and employees really do enjoy coming to work every day! It's a unicorn, and I wish I had realized how good it really was before I moved to another market. I would have stayed put if I had known first-hand how other stations operate, and now hope to get back there someday. The grass isn't always greener... unless the other side is WLEX.
Scripps, on the other hand, isn't a great company to work for, but I'd still go back in a heartbeat if given the chance.

An Overall Toxic Work Environment

Competition matters most here. Couldn’t trust coworkers. ND wants to beat other stations always. Many times, we will be the only station to do a liveshot at a location. Have to convince them it’s unsafe, then get a mouthful and retaliated against for it. Newbies, don’t expect a steady schedule for at least a year. As for big things, this is a station with great branding that is trusted by viewers and gets the job done. Low pay for the market. Overall, not the worst. Not the best. They play favorites, just do your best to be one of them I guess.

Always check on a station retention rate, especially at a station that has a sunny amazing climate and is a top 15 market. If it has all that to offer and most people don’t stay, it may be worth inquiring as to why that is.