-- Forwarded message --
Date: Tue, 28 May 2024 19:18:17 +
From: WDIV GM Bob Ellis via Insider
Reply-To: newslet...@e.clickondetroit.com
Subject: Why 4 longtime WDIV journalists, others are retiring in July
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From the GM: 4 longtime WDIV journalists, others are retiring in
July. Hereâs why
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I got into journalism by accident. I grew up here, went to high
school in Southfield and got placed into the journalism class
responsible for publishing the school newspaper first term my
freshman year.
It was a class for juniors and seniors, but the teacher of the
class gave me my first break. He said letâs give this kid a
chance. I think he might have a knack for understanding the news
and whatâs important. I havenât left since.
I share this story because having worked in and around newsrooms
for 30+ years I knew it would be newsworthy when the most watched
and trusted local news organization in Detroit did something
weâve never done before. Because for me this is home, I knew this
news would affect our loyal viewers.
Last March we offered a small group of long tenured employees a
voluntary retirement incentive program. It was a package that
helped bridge the gap between now and retirement for people who
were near or at that time in their life. People whoâve been here
a long time. Some of that group said yes.
Four of them you know well because you see them on TV every day.
Bernie Smilovitz, Rod Meloni, Paula Tutman and Mara MacDonald
will all be saying goodbye in early July. A number of
behind-the-scenes employees, equally important to our station,
will be leaving that same day.
Why did we do it?
At our company, we deeply value the hard work and loyalty of our
employees. We work hard to create an exceptional workplace that
attracts and retains top talent. We had a unique opportunity to
reward a group of long-serving individuals who have been
instrumental in building our stationâs success over the years.
And while its bittersweet to see these friends and colleagues
depart, it reflects our commitment to recognizing and
appreciating our employees, which is a key reason we consistently
attract and retain exceptional people.
You might have heard from someone or read a comment on social
media that these people were pushed out. Thatâs just not true.
But donât take my word for it, read a snippet of an email Paula
Tutman wrote me after making her decision:
After a lot of consideration and soul searching, I am happily
accepting the offer. I already miss the people I havenât met and
the stories I still want to tell about our wonderful State and
its people. I am also incredibly appreciative that my employer
thought enough of me to forgo the gold watch and give me
something truly generous and usefulâa great start to an early
retirement. They didnât have to do it, yet they did. Lots of
organizations in our industry are just slashing jobs and salaries
in this changing climate. Thatâs not what happened here. I can
only speak for myselfâI am being treated well and am excited to
travel, sculpt clay, raise orchids, work on screenplays, teach
workshops, and do whatever the H*** I want to do without a
pressing deadline.
Of the group offered, some didnât take it. Mostly, they said, it
was because they had more left to give. And thatâs where you come
in. More left to give. More stories to tell. More people to help.
More things to celebrate with you. (Detroit Lions weâre looking
at you.) More Go 4 it events to coordinate. More Parades. More
Fireworks. More special events.
At WDIV things might look a little different but our commitment
to serving our local community will never change. It canât. We
owe it to this special group. Weâve got to honor these people who
are leaving by continuing their legacy. As the promos on TV say,
at WDIV, you should always Expect More.
We work everyday at this station to make Detroit and Southeast
Michigan a better place to live. Sometimes we do it very well.
Sometimes we make mistakes. But never do we ever waver from our
commitment to you. Itâs ingrained in all of us because of people
like Bernie, and Rod, and Paula, and Mara. Now some new faces
will get opportunities to earn your trust and carry on where
these people leave off. Same with the behind-the-scenes folks who
are also equally responsible for making WDIV who we are today.
Itâs news. I get it. But as my high school journalism teacher
said to me many years ago, make sure the facts are correct. Now
you know the facts.
By the way, if youâre wondering where that teacher is today, heâs
the Mayor of Southfield. Itâs good to be home.
-- Bob Ellis
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