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 the first term of my freshman year.
It was a class for juniors and seniors, but the teacher gave me my first break. He said, “Let’s give this kid a chance. I think he might have a knack for understanding the news and what’s important.” I haven’t 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 we’ve 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 lives. People who’ve 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 station’s success over the years.
And while it’s 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 saying these people were pushed out. That’s just not true. But don’t 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 haven’t 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 useful: a great start to an early retirement. They didn’t have to do it, yet they did. Lots of organizations in our industry are just slashing jobs and salaries in this changing climate. That’s not what happened here. I can only speak for myself: I 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.
Paula Tutman
---> More: Paula Tutman: It’s time to happily exit stage right
Of the group offered, some didn’t take it. Mostly, they said, it was because they had more left to give. And that’s where you come in: More left to give. More stories to tell. More people to help. More things to celebrate with you. (Detroit Lions, we’re 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 can’t. We owe it to this special group. We’ve 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 every day 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 waver from our commitment to you. It’s 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 equally responsible for making WDIV who we are today.
It’s 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 you’re wondering where that teacher is today, he’s the mayor of Southfield. It’s good to be home.