Jonblog

As some of you know WAGM-TV is now broadcasting most CBS Shows in high definition. Since my station has gone to the expense of upgrading to this technology I decided to upgrade my television to view this latest techological advance.

After only one night of watching high definition programming I can honestly say I am hooked. The clarity and overall picture quality is astounding. Granted I was watching a standard three camera sitcom, but still it was pretty amazing.

I didn’t go out and buy the most expensive high definition television, it was infact the least expensive, but so far I am impressed. I am looking forward to Patriots games this fall in high def. What I am not looking forward to is news in high def. Granted the stories will be sharper and the weather graphics super detailed, but I will need to become much better looking before that day or start wearing a pound of makeup. It’s the price one pays for technology. (JG)

Hello and Happy 4th of July.

The 4th of July has always been one of my favorite holidays. Some people would say Christmas or Thanksgiving, but for me those two days have too much pressure attached to them. The 4th, for me, has always been a time to kick back at one of Aroostook County’s magnificent lakes or sit by my Dad’s pool in Houlton. Low key. 

Think back to 4th of July 1776. That was anything but low key for signers of the Declaration of Independence. So to John Hancock and our other founding fathers, thank you.

This is the first 4th of July I have had to work in the past 16 years. My favorite holiday will be spent at work. I would complain but what’s the point. That would only irritate the people who read this blog at their workplace on this holiday. I feel your pain.

That’s it for now, I am going outside to burn a sparkler and toast the United States of America with a diet coke from the vending machine.

JG

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