WETM

Racial Discrimination, An Overall Toxic Work Environment

There is a clear lack of diversity at the station. New hires are talked about before even getting in the building because team members search them up and gossip before meeting them. Almost every MMJ/anchor is fresh out of college because of team members moving up and the scandal with the previous ND/anchor. No one is humble including web staff who can't even say hello to their Black team members. There aren't any seasoned MMJ/anchors there to provide guidance beyond the ND who shares personal conversations with team members which is completely unprofessional. You're a "know-it-all" for expressing your skill set and opinion or speaking up for yourself. But there is no issue when a White team member is assertive, there are even jokes and comments about previous Black MMJ and anchors who have moved up or quit. People are placed in roles like anchor and producer because the station is short staff, and some aren't compensated. The ND gives you a paper saying you cannot discuss your pay rate with employees; however, it is COMPLETELY LEGAL to do so. Some of the current anchors like to believe they have their role because they are the best choice, but it's only cause staff is short and they have been there the longest. Everyone needs work at this station and rather than taking that criticism and improving it taken personally when the fact is everyone is NEW. Looking back at 2021 newscasts compared to 2023, you can see a lack of energy and skill with anchors at the desk and MMJ on stories. Even meteorologists are assigned stories and the web team must go into the field because staff is so short. Team members twist comments or misinterpret actions and fail communicate concerns as a team. There is no real teamwork at WETM, just a bunch of kids who enjoy gossiping but can't write original copy for their own newscasts. The ND pressures you into quickly accepting the offer and doesn't really get to know you beyond the initial zoom call/interview. Feedback can be positive if you're doing well, which I was doing well, but the current team and the city itself is lack luster and rather than suffering through it, quitting before signing a contract, that the ND withheld for his own personal reason, was the best option. If you're good at working independently and keeping to yourself and not needing a sense of community WETM is the place but if you're looking for diverse, open, and friendly staff that truly believes in teamwork find another station. It should be okay for people to have different personalities and it not come off threatening, everyone plays a role and has a job to do, and some people may just be better than others and THAT IS OKAY! This is a starter market not the big leagues! Rather than thinking "I'm better and know more because I got here first", you should be thinking, "what can I learn from this person and what can I teach them to help improve our station." You should also look to help your team members, new or old, and just because deadline is approaching. Holding grudges only hurts the station and brings down morale.

Not everyone at the station is bad like the awesome team in the control room, sales, and the GM who is barely around. However, the newsroom is only going downhill. Even if you secretly plan to leave the station, lack luster storytelling and a lazy work ethic will not catch the eye of ND's in higher markets. The morale needs to change so ALL team members in the newsroom can do better work. The conversation in news shouldn't often be about the past, it should be about what is now and next, ALOT of current team there needs to understand this.