Catenya McHenry Gone

“Well, everyone, I'm no longer at KXAN.  My contract was terminated last week.  It's so unfortunate, especially at this time of year,  but I thank you all my friends and fans for making our show #1 this year. It's been amazing telling your stories and being a part of your lives.  Thank you for what you've given me. Pray my family will be blessed in the future.  Merry Christmas!!”

 

Frankly, I’m astounded.  Ms. McHenry is a pro.  She is smooth and concise in a live shot.  She had a fun morning program.  I don’t know who will be on the air in her place.

 

As a 40-plus year veteran of broadcast news, I find it a sad, sad solution for these stations.  No, I don’t know what precipitated the decision-making, and it’s impossible to find out at midnight.  I do know that I recommended Ms. McHenry for hire.

 

Yes, I did post, “Damn TV news” in response to her post.  TV news is like a predator that chews off its arm when caught in a trap.  Supportive Facebook posts from friends—real friends—were climbing above 80 within hours.

After getting good, if not great, weekday ratings, the “suits” do something like this.  In my opinion it was capricious and ill conceived.

 

It smacks of the same mentality KXAN had some years ago when they ran off or laid-off veteran staff members, people who know where to find stories and knew how to report them.  It looks like the same kind of mentality found at today’s Austin American-Statesman. 

 

Of course, these actions don’t just take place here in Austin/Central Texas.  They are industry-wide.  

The viewing, reading, consuming public is not well served by them.

 

How do I really feel?  

 

© Jim McNabb, December 13, 2011.