UPDATE
https://www.washingtonpost.com/syndicati...rrette-jr/
EXCERPT:. . . Variety magazine reported that Smiley is accused of having “sexual relationships with multiple subordinates ... Some witnesses interviewed expressed concern that their employment status was linked to the status of a sexual relationship with Smiley.”
In other words, based on what has been reported so far, it sounds like Smiley was dating subordinates. That’s not smart, but nor is it unheard of in the American workplace.
I’ve known this man for 23 years in a friendship that started when we co-hosted a Los Angeles radio show in our twenties. Smiley went on to build a media empire and provide a powerful voice for Black America. He made a few enemies along the way -- especially when he bravely criticized Barack Obama, the nation’s first black president, for not being sufficiently attentive to the problems facing the African-American community.
The professional talker has hit the airwaves to blast PBS for making a “huge mistake” by rushing to judgment after a “sloppy investigation.” PBS accused Smiley of being inconsistent in his public comments. Smiley responded that the network is bent on “public humiliation” and “personal destruction,” and that he was denied due process.
With respect, that’s where my old friend goes wrong.
Media personalities are not civil servants. You want tenure and no pressure to produce results? Become a professor. You want to duck accountability? Schools need teachers. You like having a union to protect your job? You might make a good police officer.
But if you begin a career in media, you need to know what you’re in for. If you want fame and a decent salary, you’ve come to the right place. But if you want job security, you’ve taken a wrong turn.
Ratings down? You’re gone. On-camera friction with a co-host? Adios. Publisher telling departments to do more with less? Great working with you.
In the last 27 years, I’ve had no less than two dozen media jobs in seven cities. And I’ve been fired six times.
Media work offers no guarantees. You work at the pleasure of whatever company employs you. That’s the trade off....
MORE:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/syndicati...rrette-jr/
Dec 14, 2017 02:38 AM
