[BC] Happy Holidays ?

[Gary Peterson]

I just received a call from an old radio buddy.
We have worked for the same stations a couple of
times over the years.  He does good
on-air/production and I do technical work for
radio stations.  He is now in a different market.
First, he asked if he could use me for a
reference.  I said "You bet!"

He told me that, late last week, he and several
other full-time people were given their "walking
papers."  He was asked to turn in his keys and to
leave, immediately.  He asked about his personal
effects and was told to leave immediately, or the
police would be called.  He left without his
expensive laptop and a couple of vintage radios,
among other things.  I suggested that he contact a
lawyer or consider, immediately, filing papers to
take the station to small claims court and sue for
the dollar value of the  items that he was forced
to leave behind.

Now, that I think about it...when he was told to
leave immediately or the police would be called -
he should have said "Don't bother."  "I am calling
the police right now."  "I am going to file
charges for theft of personal property."  Any
opinions as to what should have been, or should
be, his behavior will be most appreciated.

I've been in the radio business since 1965 and
just can't believe how much it has devolved.  The
meanness, nowadays, is just incredible.  Radio
used to be mostly run by nice people, who were
real broadcasters.  It doesn't appear to be so
common, anymore.  I am really thankful that I work
for some of the nice, broadcaster-type people that
are still in the business.

Gary