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Dual get-tough memos to the staff from honcho-in-chief Nancy Bauer Gonzales hit desks today at CBS-2 and KCAL-9. The first responds to this week's criticism over the station's use of video news releases put on the air as "news." The second issues a last warning to refrain from wearing "any type of body lotion, after shave lotion, even heavily scented deodorant" to the office.
To: KCBS/KCAL News Staff
From: Nancy Bauer Gonzales
Date: April 12, 2006
Subject: VNR Policy
We are making an immediate change in our policy on VNRs and HANDOUT VIDEOTAPE. Beginning today, we will no longer take in Video News Releases by Satellite or by any other means. We will no longer use material from Video News Releases which come to us via CBS Newspath, CNN Newsource, APTN or any other service or Digital Media Gateway in anything we produce. (News, Weather, Studio 2 and our WEBSITE).
We will still have instances where we must deal with the issue of whether to use handout video. I will decide these uses on a case-by-case basis. We will continue to adhere to a very strict policy on identifying any and all handout video that is approved for air. The source of this video will be identified in both chyron (to be displayed over every second of the video) and in copy read by the anchor, WITH NO EXCEPTION.
The key here is that every piece of video, which airs on our television stations we do not shoot, must be closely scrutinized. Reporters, Producers, and Writers are all responsible for this. You must know the background of the video you want to use before you ask permission. This means researching and asking questions. If feed information is not clear, or if you have a question, make phone calls to determine the origin of the video.Please read this memo very carefully and keep it close at hand so you can responsibly carry out our policy.
I'm not sure much will change though, considering how the staff apparently blew off her last crackdown. Exhibit A is today's second memo from the boss—on an issue of supreme importance to the news:
To: KCBS/KCAL News Staff
From: Nancy Bauer Gonzales
Date: April 12, 2006
Subject: Fragrance Sensitivity-Second Notice
Effective Immediately
On March 2, 2006 I sent out the following memo:"Because of concerns that have been brought to management's attention regarding several of our colleagues with sensitivities to fragrance, effective immediately, employees (both male and female) in both the news area and all edit bays are directed to refrain from wearing cologne or perfume during work hours (all shifts included). This is being implemented in an effort to make a more comfortable, healthy and safe work environment for all employees.
Your cooperation regarding this matter is greatly appreciated."
It has recently been brought to my attention that this situation continues. In an effort to resolve the concern for our colleagues with sensitivities to fragrance, I would again, appreciate that you refrain from wearing any type of body lotion, after shave lotion, even heavily scented deodorant, etc. The same goes for anyone coming in to the station during "off work" hours, or before or after your shift. Again, we are making every effort to make a more comfortable, healthy and safe work environment for all employees.
Please know that I appreciate and expect full cooperation from every individual.
If you have any questions regarding this memo, please contact me.
Thank you.