Jonblog

Rene and I were trying to think of all the people we have worked with at WAGM-TV over the years and the numbers are staggering.

Due to our size and rural locale we are considered a training station. Reporters come here for a year or two and then move on to other stations. In the past people have left for less money just to be in a bigger metropolitan area. There isn’t much we can do about the population of the region, what we can do is encourage local people to apply.

I like Aroostook County. The quality of the people can’t be matched. I lived in Augusta for nearly two years in the mid 90’s and the folks were less friendly and helpful than most you find in “The County.” This may be biased but I also respect the Aroostook work ethic. I picked potatoes as a youngsters. I think of that when my current job isn’t going as I would like. Guess what, this is still much better than picking potatoes.

Over the span of this month and next Jillian Mele, Mark Shanaberger and Katie Graham have or will be leaving the station. This leaves a big gap for a short time, but as always we will continue to do our best and eventually fill the positions.

If you like to write, have a curious mind and want to discuss a career as a reporter or anchor feel free to email me.

JG

For the past three days a mother bear and her cubs have been taking up residence in a residential Caribou neighborhood. Interesting enough, but not that unusual in Northern Maine.

According to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife the state has a bear population of about 23,000. According to last year’s wildlife management report that is a conservative estimate. With 23,000 bear in Maine the odds of a few popping up in Aroostook County are pretty good.

Today in Portland a moose was spotted meandering in traffic. The television stations in Portland scurried to get footage of the wayward bullwinkle. Animals and television go together like peanut butter and jelly. If that isn’t the case how can you explain the long run of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.

JG

 

Yesterday the May Nielsen Ratings books were delivered to the station. I am always anxious before they arrive because ratings play a factor in how much the station can charge for advertising. I have seen ratings go up and go down. Up from my perspective is much better.

May treated News quite well. I appreciate the fact people tune in on a regular basis. At 6:00 pm 64 percent of every television turned on in Aroostook County is watching WAGM-TV.  We try to present the news that is important to the folks of Aroostook County and Western New Brunswick. We couldn’t do that job without the help of people calling in tips and story ideas. We are eager to here what you think, both good and bad. Please remember to keep the criticism constructive and not mean spirited.

A friend of mine once told me if you are a journalist it’s best to be either loved or hated, anything in between and you are not doing your job. An interesting concept, but sometimes the middle is where you can do the most good.

 JG

I heard someone the other day complaining there is nothing to do in Aroostook County. I disagree.

“The County” is full of opportunities if you are willing to look. You can hike in Aroostook State Park or head off with the AMC mountain guide and find a few more secluded spots.  You can go fishing on Long Lake or one of the hundreds of ponds, lakes and rivers in the region. The Universities and Community College offer a chance for intellectual stimulation and recreational opportunities.There are two world class biathlon facilities in Aroostook. Check them out.

Camp, swim, hunt, fish, drive, leaf peep, bicycle, join a civic organization, volunteer for a charity, sing, boat, atv, snowmobile, etc., just don’t complain there is nothing to do.

 JG