I'd been hearing rumors for months, and Monday, my worst fears became reality: As many as 40 people or more losing their jobs at WTVH.
For me, it's a sad moment in Syracuse TV history. I'm told the building at 980 James Street is going to be closed and sold, with local news and CBS programming carried out through the facilities of WSTM at 1030 James Street.
I worked in the WTVH building when it was WHEN-AM AND WHEN-TV. That was from 1967 to 1976. Back then, it was owned by Meredith Corporation, which publishes Better Homes and Gardens, and still owns a chain of TV stations. They were a wonderful and generous employer.
But the broadcasting and newspaper business has fallen on hard times recently. In fact, thousands of people across the nation have lost their jobs.
I wish I could be more optimistic, but right now I don't see economic improvement on the horizon.
For WTVH employees, this is a painful day. I pray they'll all find new jobs. Unfortunately, those jobs may not all be in broadcasting.
