Still, this time, he’s got his work cut out for him. KSDU is the number four news station in the market – and it’s far behind the other three. But one reason Steve took this job is that he likes the management group that owns the station. The “suits” he reports to upstairs at KSDU are also new, and they’re working hard to help him get the funds he needs to raise the quality – and ratings – at the station. But so far, no results.
General Manager Gene Drummond has given Steve almost everything he’s asked for. But Drummond has made it clear: Steve has a year to raise the ratings. If that doesn’t happen, Steve knows what will: he will get replaced by someone younger and cheaper, and will have to start looking for another gig. Slow news days like today don’t help.
Another reason he came to St. Louis is that he knows the major story in town – crime – has consistently been ignored. “That’s rare for local TV news,” Steve thinks to himself, remembering what his first news director told him… “Kid, local TV is all about murders, rapes, and fires …”
Steve climbs in his car, puts his coffee in the cup holder and his headphone in his ear. He heads to work, listening to the police scanner app on his iPhone.
CONTINUE: Section 2