WARNING: Sometimes I say controversial things in these journals. And from time to time I must remind readers that these are solely my opinions. And while all of my thoughts are worthy of biblical canonization, not everyone agrees with them. For example, Satan. Of course, all my detractors will rot in hell. I feel pity on them, but I don’t make the rules. Like my philosophical idol, Del Griffith, the late John Candy’s character in “Planes, Trains & Automobiles,” I’m just a twig on the shoulders of a mighty stream.

Let me tell you what I’ve learned about the news business over the years: It’s absolutely brutal.

They don’t tell you that in journalism school. If they do, you don’t listen.

We’ve all seen a boat load of people leave over the years… in every newsroom across the country. It’s a fact of news life. From the little people to the big shots, almost every one of us will meet an untimely ending.

From the books I’ve read on the subject, the timing of Walter Cronkite’s retirement wasn’t entirely amicable. And the person who pushed “the most trusted man in news” out the door, Dan Rather, has now been shown that same door. In time we all stay a little too long or make one too many mistakes. It’s a little like pro football. Very, very few people get a John Elway ending. Locally, Bill Walker at Channel 9 went out on top after a long, successful career in Charlotte. Rare. Very, very rare.

Like pro football it’s a transient business. How many times have you heard an announcer say, “This team has only 10 players left out of 53 from its last super bowl run just three years ago!”? You see so many people come and go in any local newsroom that you stop introducing yourself to the rookies. No point in getting attached, they’ll be gone in six months or a year maybe two. I don’t even bother to figure out who are the new Associate Producers or News Assistants and who are the interns. I figure if they’re still around in the fall, they work here. I know. I’m awful.

More than once I’ve reached out my hand and said to a new face, “You’re new aren’t you? I’m Mike.” One guy responded, “I’ve been here almost two years!” That actually happened. Another time, a young lady said, “I’ve been here six months!” Ouch! In my defense, I do a magazine show separate from the daily newscasts so I don’t interact with everyone like I used to when I was a general assignment reporter. But come on? Two years? TWO YEARS?

I used to spend a lot of time and energy getting to know each person in the news department. A new hire would join the team and I’d invite them out for a drink and try to get them plugged into our news “family.” I’d make sure the new kids had a birthday gathering. I tried. But that was years ago. Now I stick to the handful I trust and the rest, well if they’re here long enough maybe I’ll attend their going away party. Maybe.

You say goodbye to a heck of a lot of people in this business. It sort of wears you down. I’ve been at WCNC for just over eight years. Of the 90 or so people in our news operation, nine of them were here before me. That’s it. Nine. And it’s not just foot soldiers coming and going. I’m into my second helping of big bosses (News Director and General Manager). And we’re on our 5th assistant news director. It might be 6th. I’ve lost count. Some got promoted, some didn’t work out… all of them left before I could get to know them.

I’ve heard the word continuity. Ask around any newsroom. You won’t find much of it.

Welcome to the news business. Don’t get comfortable.

I keep seeing e-mail announcements for going away parties for people who barely warmed a seat let alone made an impact. I read them and look at my co-producer/photographer/sidekick Andy and say, “Who is that?” …as I scan the room. Andy shrugs and says, “I think it’s the guy over by the new blonde girl.”

My response? “Which new blonde girl?”

Fret not rookies. It’s only a matter of time before I wear out my welcome.

That is the uncomfortable truth of the television news business.

Mike Redding