When I left the quiet halls of a small town newspaper, and eventually embarked on a career in broadcasting, I was warned about the big heads. Not literal giant heads, but the egotism of the field I was about to enter. These friendly pieces of advice could not have been more right. And they could not have been more wrong.
I began my career at KKOW radio in Pittsburg, spent time at WIBW in Topeka and have spent the last two years, and hopefully, many more here at KMBZ. And while I have certainly run into my share of strange, full-of-themselves individuals, the people I have worked with could not have been more welcoming.
For instance, when I was hired as News Director in Pittsburg, there could well have been jealousy. I was 22-years-old, with no radio experience, and was being put in charge of one of the most prestigious newsrooms in the area. Instead of jealousy, I found only hands extended in welcome. Program Director Thom Watts would stand up with me at my wedding years later. Then-DJ Dalton Windsor and I are still close friends. Sales Manager “Danger” Dave Fink still screams “Jeffrey! Jeffrey! Jeffrey!” whenever he sees me. I could say the same for the staff at WIBW. Greg, Dob, Dave, Jan, Jen, Jerry……and on and on.
When I came to KMBZ, I encountered more of the same. Short on egoes….big on family. I’m not trying to paint an unrealistic picture here. We all have challenges with co-workers from time to time. But our News Director Nichole has offered to help with my kids. I have attended church from time to time with Bill Grady. Eric Bushman and I share an odd sense of humor that most people cannot begin to understand.
The point is, in a field where big heads and big egos should be everywhere, 90 percent of the people I consider colleagues are also great friends. We all want to be the best we can be. But most of us want to see our co-workers succeed just as much. I wouldn’t still be doing this if I didn’t feel that way.