Jonblog

It’s Memorial Day and NewsSource 8 was able to get out to Caribou, Presque Isle and Mapleton for parades. On Sunday we had a crew in Fort Kent for that parade. We wish we could get to all the communities from Sherman to Allagash but with a small crew it’s impossible. There are so many good stories which go uncovered due to time constraints, distance and schedules. We are working to fix these problems with the help of you viewers. Did you know you can upload video from our website? Here is the link http://www.wagmtv.com/news/upload.php. Please keep the files small Windows Media or MPEG 2 are best. Try to shoot a closeup, medium and wide with the shots held for about ten seconds. If you feel ambitious Windows XP has a movie maker program where you can edit the clips and then send the completed movie. If it’s a breaking news story like a major fire we will pay you for the video and give you an onscreen credit. If it is a feature unfortunately it’s just the onscreen credit.

 JG

If you are familiar with television you have probably heard of ratings. Ratings determine how much money a television station, network or cable company can charge for advertising. In big markets like New York ratings are a 365 day a year fact of life. In markets like Presque Isle ratings are gathered four months a year, May, July, November and February. Those are the sweeps months. Regular viewers will see the networks promoting hard. “The Survivor Finale right here on CBS.” “Who will be the American Idol. Tonight on Fox” and “Please watch NBC, there must be something you like.” Sorry NBC.

News also jumps on the sweeps band wagon. Stations will pump up news promotion with info on Special Reports. Ninety percent of Special Reports are special in my opinion. The other ten percent not so much. If you shoot ninety percent from the free throw line you’re a great free throw shooter, so I can live with the ten percent not so much.

Sweeps end on Wednesday May 24th. Neilsen families can put down the diaries and viewers can settle in for a summer of reruns and marginal reality programing. The fall season starts in September, but remember the News is new everyday.

JG

To give of one’s time is truly commendable.

The American worker often puts in long weeks, well over 40 hours, but many of us find time to help out and become part of the community. This Friday at the University of Maine Presque Isle several of WAGM’s employees will be taking part in The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. The event raises money for cancer research and raises awareness of the disease. Other employess regularly give of their time to Kiwanis, Rotary, Catholic Charities and other organizations.

It’s much easier to write a check or throw some change in the Red Kettle at Christmas, but for all of you who help with your time, thanks.

If you would like more information on volunteering log onto www.volunteermaine.org

 JG

Like many of you I like a few cups of coffee in the morning. My problem is I also like a few cups in the mid morning, around noon and again at 4:30 in the afternoon.

Coffee for me is simple. I like it black with no almond mocha suprise or hazelnut delight.

I have been a coffee drinker since I was about nineteen, but it wasn’t until I was the morning anchor here at WAGM-TV did it become an addiction. Coffee was a boost when you were getting up at 3 am. I am no longer on that shift but I still drink coffee as if I needed it. Maybe I do.

Sipping on a cup of coffee gives you time to reflect on what will come or what has passed. Soda, water or lemonade doesn’t have that same reflective quality, at least to me. I try to drink half decaf coffee now, and eventually I will switch to full decaf.

By the way coffee tastes best in a Potato Pickers Special mug. They will be available for purchase in September.

JG

WAGM-TV has been very lucky to have some extremely professional and watchable weather forecasters and presenters over the years.

Currently both Samantha and Mark are meteorologists and come up with their own forecasts. In the past when we have utilized weather anchors the forecast comes from the National Weather Service.

What I have learned in both cases, people are mean to weathercasters. I don’t think that’s their intent, but getting mad at someone because it’s raining and they said only showers is a little ridiculous. Meteorologists can’t control the weather. If they could they would be making a ton more money.

I love weather and try to incorporate as much as I can into the newscasts. Studies and surveys show viewers love to watch the local weather as well. So here is my idea, show a little of that love for the presenters and cut them some slack when it’s minus 23 degrees.

That said I have heard some pretty funny lines when it comes to the weather. One view told me a few years ago to tell the meteorologist, “I had to shovel 12 inches of partly cloudy.”  Pretty funny and the viewer had a smile on his face.

JG