CAROLE’S MOTTO: PUT PEOPLE FIRST

Blaise Labbe, Former Kneeland Board Member, 2002 Kneeland Fellow and Group News Director for Sinclair Broadcasting in San Antonio, shares his thoughts about the future of the industry. Blaise encourages news executives to remember one of the most critical lessons Carole taught: PUT PEOPLE FIRST.

The New Year has arrived and history proves that our economy will likely rebound sometime soon and many industries will be getting back to “normal.” But the new normal for our industry is here to stay, and it’s clear that broadcasting has changed forever.

As we begin the shift in our thought process, I am reminded of one of Carole’s key principles: put people first, and product will follow. Technology, new trends, and trimmed budgets will force us to manage our staffs differently. For us to succeed in this new environment, we must put people first.

This is a time of leadership more than it is a time to manage. Executives must be more involved in the newsroom and with staff. Start now by making yourself accessible so your people can meet with you. Set up a calendar with open dates and times so they can schedule one-on-one time with you.

As the technology continues to evolve, make sure you understand it so that you know what folks are tackling. This will help you and your team create systems to make your newsroom more efficient, more productive, and less mistake-prone. It is incumbent upon you to create an atmosphere in which your staff understands there are standards and expectations that must be met, but allows them time to have fun in the process.

Most importantly, we must believe that our newsrooms are just that: our newsrooms. Doing more with less is only possible when we include everyone on our team. You and your staff will grow because you made inclusion a priority. Your team’s appreciation for success will have new meaning because you all did it together.

Seems like that’s something Carole figured out a long time ago.