posted July 29, 2008
Re: Suspension of Jed Mescon at Channel 3:
So, is it true that WRCB-TV is no longer interested in promoting local events of a charitable nature? Fine. Just so we know.
What a great opportunity this is for the other area television and radio stations who'd like to become even more involved in our community.
This, of course, is "coverage you can count on."
Sorry, Jed.
Jim Stevens
* * *
Channel 3 has officially lost all the screws they have loose. First, they fired all those nice reporters. Then hired a handful of college kids. I had to switch to 9. Next, they threw that Brian Travers out like trash along with at least a dozen hardworking behind the camera folks.
Why would they do such? To hire that blue collar criminal Neal Pascal. Boy, that guy sounds like he got some marbles in his mouth, but I do the opposite of what he says and that treats me just fine.
Now this - Jed Mescon. I heard the man was fired or suspended for mentioning helping children or some charity. What the heck's going on over there?
Zane Waber
Ooltewah
* * *
Just when you think Channel 3 can't sink lower, they go after Jed Mescon. The guy's practically a Jewish Santa Claus, come on now.
Heard he was suspended on Friday by some news director, who I've heard is still in diapers, because Jed mentioned a BBQ for the Kiwanis Club.
I'm very disappointed a station that "used" to pride itself on family values can't support the simple things in life any more. Instead, some idiot has to slap a nice anchor who's worked there forever in the face. It's just plain wrong.
Elena Gilmore
Lookout Mountain
* * *
Another day, yet another disappointment in the cynical and nonsensical world of Channel 3. First in February, the highly intelligent (yuck, yuck) leaders of Channel 3 decided to sacrifice four fine reporters in the name of progress (Oops...I mean egos).
Then, last month, they put meteorologist Brian Travers out to pasture in exchange for the well-liked and highly ethical businessman and former Channel 9 meteorologist Neal Pascal, no doubt another fine example of back room buddy politics.
This week, they continued their fine tradition of compassion and professionalism by suspending Jed Mescon for his mention of the Kiwanis BBQ on the morning show. This is something I have seen Jed do for years because he cares for his community, and in years past, mentioning local events on the morning show was not considered to be something akin to blasphemy. It was comforting and showed he was real unlike the cold, poor excuses for men who told him to take a day off.
On Friday, Jed Mescon was reportedly called into the news director's office and told not to bother coming in on Monday morning because he was to be suspended without pay for not sticking to the news. I feel the need to inform the Chattaoogan readers that the Kiwanis BBQ was covered by Channel 3 (and every other station) that very evening. I guess it was considered to be real news at that point or maybe they didn't have anyone or tragedy to exploit.
I think most of Chattanooga's citizens will agree that this sounds like dictatorship in-lieu of leadership. Jed Mescon has been at Channel 3 longer than the news director and has a great rapport with the community at large. Jed was only trying to do his part to support the Kiwanis. I would suggest that Channel 3's news director get over his inflated ego. Hopefully a 'permanent' suspension is in store for him for his lack of judgment to what constitutes a suspension and frankly everything I've seen on that Channel since he slithered his way in to town.
In conclusion, I would like to encourage Jed Meson to continue to hold his head high in the black abyss that is Channel 3 or Titanic as I like to call it. After all it is only a matter of time before Channel 3, too, will sink.
Rebekah Griffitts
Marion County
***
Hey Jed...
Maybe it is time Jed for you to re-evaluate your professional career goals and determine if WRBC Channel 3 is still part of your destiny for your continued success in the news media and entertainment industry. Why would WRBC go this route to embarrassed such a professional and a shining star of our city? It could be that you just heard from the man upstairs that you should open other doors of opportunity that has been waiting on you.
It is always difficult to leave a place where you have called your professional home since 1989. However, with changes comes opportunity. You are young, bright, upbeat, articulate, extremely talented and one of the most professional media broadcasters who have come along since Luther, Harry and Roy. Hey Jed, don't let them push you around in a box, step out and reach to the next level. God has given you such great abilities to reach the public, Chattanooga is proud to have you here.
WRCB Channel 3 will realize someday ... you have reached your potential ... are so much above this level of media politics at Channel 3. Keep soaring with the Eagles.... These prayers and support are always with you.... Now enjoy this beautiful day, go fishing in the big pond...Jed.
Mark A Herndon m.a.herndon@comcast.net
***
I have to say, I am very offended by Jed's suspension from the morning show. I was immediately drawn to the article because I watch him every morning and wanted to see what was so "bad" that he could have done to possibly get him suspended. I know he has been with the station for a long time! When I read that he merely mentioned a bbq event, I was appalled! Then I read to the bottom of the article where this new guy has fired a lot of people since he has started! That explains it! Sounds like this new
"manager" has a power trip!!! I understand has the station has to have rules, but this station manager is really making a bad name for himself by firing all these great people his first year of employment. He is offending the audience more by getting rid of all the long time, hard working, faithful employees that the audience watches. I just wanted to say that if Jed loses his job, I will stop watching News Channel 3, and that's going to be hard to stop watching my favorite, David Karnes!
Amy Mickler
Bridgeport, AL
AOMickler@aol.com
***
You're better than that Jed. Everyone knows , Luther Massengale is a legend. and Jed reminds me of a young Luther . I have a feeling Mr. Stalvey will live to regret this decision.
Channel 12 or 9 should grab Jed up and quick .It looks as if someone can't handle authority very well. I think my lucky stars that Mr. Stalvey is not a police officer. He would be beating people over the head with his nightstick for jaywalking.
I watch all of our news channels at some time or the other throughout the day. I TIVO them most of the time and fast forward thru the nonsense. What I have found is , It takes 5 - 6 minutes to watch the news and you won't miss a thing. You only see the weather once instead of 10 times. The weather doesn't change much during the news broadcast.
Why do we need to know the temperature of each community within the viewing area? If its 89 degrees at Lovell Field , wouldn't it make sense that it would be pretty darn close to 89 degrees. In the winter time , Crossville , Murphy NC , Ft, Mountain and a few other places I can understand. But in Soddy Daisy, Red Bank, Rossville & 30 other places in between?
F Roper
Chattanooga
***
WRCB....what are they doing? They shoot themselves in the foot and then reload! Their coverage of the VW announcement was filled with black screens, terrible sound and first grade production quality. Geesh, I finally turned to channel 9 and immediately noticed a more professional and informative broadcast. Don't get me wrong, I've been watching WRCB for over 20 years, but they have lost their direction and it shows in every telecast.
The recent Jed fiasco is just another nail in the coffin. I'll miss watching Cindy and David, first class talent in every sense of the word, but I'll enjoy the on-air consistently higher quality of channel 9 in the long run. I'm no Einstein, but why not find some technicians that can press the right buttons, get some reporters not in diapers, replace Neal and apologize to Jed? You will only be doing yourself a favor.
Wes Ellis
Hixson, TN
***
When I moved here from Florida 4 years ago I shopped around for the news with the best anchors. I wanted someone who wasn't a puppet, someone who added the fun stuff in between all the script, and someone who would make my morning. I had been traveling around the country for 20 years and I have seen my share of news anchors. I am not from Chattanooga and I had no idea who was who nor did I care. I found my morning news on WRCB with Jed and Latrice. I wanted someone to watch in the morning that would be interesting and fun. I don't even watch Channel 3 any other time except for in the weekday mornings. I think the station should rethink their choice in News Directors. I don't know how anyone can work there waiting for the axe to fall on a whim. Pretty soon Channel 3 will run everyone out and you would fit right in with the city of Red Bank; noone will be there.
I like Jed, he is the nicest person I have ever met. Keep doing what your doing Jed, we've got your back. WE LOVE YOU!!!!!
Patricia Mallard
Lupton City
***
Jed Mescon is a wonderful man; Chattanooga is lucky to have him. I have personal knowledge of his community spirit; his selflessness commitment to promote charitable events (on his own time) and his giving nature to causes involving children.
If Channel 3 cannot recognize what a jewel they have in him, at least there are a great many in the Chattanooga area who treasure Jed. Shame on the management at WRCB. After all, this is still a small town (for the time being) and items about the Kiwanis BBQ, Boy Scout events, or even a Lions Club BBQ, etc. constitute news that we, as viewers, want to hear about. Put the heart back into your news programs or watch your viewers (and advertisers) go elsewhere. Keep up the great work Jed, and thanks--we're proud of you!
Lady Walker
Signal Mountain
***
This 30-year broadcast veteran is incredulous.
News anchors aren't suspended for plugging community charity events. In fact, no broadcast employee is suspended for plugging community charity events!
A principled management would not support any such action by a news director.
Jed Mescon's dedication to the community is well known and appreciated by the viewers, and he is the victim of an outrageous and unjust decision that does not reflect an industry standard.
Bill Holt
Chattanooga
***
First I would like to extend to Jed my condolences, not only for getting suspended but for having to work at the nightmare known as Channel 3. Channel 3 has done some pretty crazy things lately, however, I was willing to give them a chance, since it's been the only news station I watch for years and years. I figured whatever was going on over there would blow over. Boy was I wrong. Anyone catch Neal Pascal's weather forecast the other night? His speech was so slurred you couldn't understand a single word that came out of his mouth. He looked like he had slept in his clothes, and he kept getting lost in what he was saying. You could practically smell the booze coming through the tv. This is really the professional image Channel 3 is shooting for? Give me a break. I am boycotting Channel 3 until some people get their walking papers. Those people would be the general manager, and this ridiculous news director they have over there, not to mention Neal Pascal. Firing close to a dozen people just to hire one convicted felon is completely unfair and absolutely outrageous. Channel 3 used to be THE station to watch. It has gone completely down the toilet.
Ryan Mitchell
Chattanooga
***
I must take exception with the comments made here about WRCB. I can speak from first hand experience about their interest and commitment to community events and charitable organizations.
I am on the committee for the Volunteers in Medicine/ Randy Smith Golf Tournament. This is the second year we have held the tournament and WRCB has been a key to our success both years. They have donated their time, resources and even precious minutes during their daily newscast and web space to promote this event which benefits the medical clinic for uninsured Hamilton county residents.
Sports Anchor, Randy Smith was gracious enough and believed in our cause enough to put his name on it from the very first year. He has attended countless meetings and beat the streets and bushes for corporate sponsors and celebrity golfers for the event.
Promotions Manager, Ronnie Minton's input and help with the tournament has been a Godsend. He too has brought on corporate sponsors, attended our weekly meetings, arranged for interviews with VIM staff and patients, cut commercials, along with Randy, advertising the tournament and run the spots daily on Channel 3.
Without their help, we would not have been able to raise over $20,000 for VIM in the inaugural year of the tournament and fill the field, with a waiting list, and bring on new corporate contributors for our second annual tournament. The projected benefit to VIM for this years outing will exceed last year by over 25% and they helped do all of this for nothing in return. Their only interest is to help provide healthcare to thousands of local citizens who do not have medical coverage and they should be praised for their efforts with this event and the many others with which they are involved. Because of the support of people like those at WRCB and many others, the VIM clinic has been able to provide over $14 million worth of FREE medical care in the three years of their existence.
None of us know the details of the situation involving Jed and the Kiwanis BBQ and we should not be so quick to pass judgment on an entire organization when the facts of the event are not public knowledge.
Randy, Ronnie, Mr. Tolar and WRCB, we at Volunteers in Medicine thank you and salute you for your community involvement and for caring "for the least of these".
"I was sick and you cared for me...Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me -- you did it to me." Jesus of Nazareth
Greg Gray
Chattanooga
***
I think they really have fallen and bumped their heads at Channel 3, Jed you were the only reason I was still watching, I have a wonderful story of how Jed will help anyone, me he really didn't know me well but when he heard that I was having heart surgery he went out of his way to send me cards flowers and food doing my down town, he really cares about the people that wath and the one's that don't. Jed I love you and I have to say this is it if they don't do something about this new guy I will have to change stations, I know the other news channels would LOVE TO have you come and work for them..Now that would be a story to report.
Denise Shropshire
Chattanooga
***
Talk about poor management; Channel 3 takes the cake. Jed Mescon creates immeasurable community good will for Channel 3 over nearly twenty years, and the management takes it away. If Channel Three tried, they couldn't do a worse job in community relations.
Steve Daugherty
* * *
News Director Stalvey,
I used to be a reporter for WRCB Channel 3 Eyewitness News. I'm positive if I would've been around when you came to town, I would've been canned. No doubt about it. Anyway, I don't know how much you get out and about, but when I was a reporter people were constantly approaching me, but not to talk about the story or me personally. All they wanted to know was if:
1) Cindy's eyes were really that beautiful close up
2) If David Carroll had a mean bone in his body
3) If Bill Markham talked that sultry voice in real life
4) If Jed was always the ball of energy he appears to be at 5 a.m.
My point is, people listen to what Cindy, David, Bill and Jed say. I would love to know what hard news story Jed neglected to talk about for the umpteenth time that morning. I know it's easy to get caught up in the bubble of what you do, but since I've left local news I've realized people don't want to hear about another shooting at 3 am. (I'm using the "if it bleeds it leads" theory here to demonstrate what is considered "hard", "real" news.) People want to know why shootings are happening at 3 a.m. and what we can do to change this behavior. Nothing feels good about hearing hard news stories without solutions. Bring on the invitation to a barbecue (that has been going on for decades) any day.
I recommend you go to something like, oh I don't know, the Brainerd Kiwanis barbecue and tell them you work for Channel 3. I guarantee 9 out of 10 people won't comment on your coverage of the lead at 5 a.m., 5, 5;30, 6 or 11. They will ask you about Cindy, David, Bill and Jed. Those attending the Brainerd Kiwanis Barbecue are your audience. If you don't allow those who have clout to help out their communities a bit, no one is going to care what far-stretched story angle you're going to take on the Volkswagen plant for the next two years, just to keep the story alive.
Like I said, you would have fired me if I still worked there. I would've done a story on a cat getting rescued from a tree or someone turning 100 any day over a burning building or car accident. But, I challenge you and Tom Tolar to take a hard look at the state of local news today. Who knows, maybe some out of the box thinking or throwing out what you learned in TV 101, might help the ratings improve.
Jed, I hope you slept in Monday morning. I know that's something you haven't done in years.
And for those wondering the answers to the questions others have asked about Cindy, David, Bill and Jed, all four answers are yes.
Gina Brown
***
It seems that Channel 3 has lost totally lost it! Mr. Tolar, what's going on at your station? Channel 3 used to be the top station in town for "Coverage You Can Count On," now it's total crap. When I learned that Jed had been suspended because he mentioned the Kiwania's Club Charity BBQ I was totally appalled. It seems that Channel 3 doesn't want there employees to do charitable work. Lesley Dale (one of the 4 who were fired in February) hosted a benefit at the Chattanooga Golf and Country Club for the Brain Injury Association, on behalf of Kirk Wilder and his family who speak very highly of Ms. Dale. A few hours after she hosted the event, I read she was fired 5 minutes before the newscast along with the rest who were about to go on air. Matt Johnson was one of those canned. Coincidentally, he volunteered countless hours with the Salvation Army and even won an award for his coverage of the wildfires in California. I'm sure none of the new "talent" could even attempt to handle this type of work, they're babies. Look who I found, quite a difference:
Lesley Dale on YouTube
But after all, the right out of college talent that can be paid minimum wage probably made it possible to hire the ex con who replaced Brian Travers, who also, coincidentally, volunteered at my cousin's school to teach kids about meteorology. The coincidence between charitable work and job security are mind boggling. Jed, maybe this is the beginning of your liberation from (as one contributer put it) that Black Abyss that is Channel 3. To all of the current and former Channel 3 employees, keep volunteering!!! Charities need more people with big hearts and a selfless nature!!!
Previous Channel 3 Viewer,
C. Watson
Chattanooga
***
Re: Jed Mescon's Suspension
Sounds to me like Mr. Stalvey, news manager at Channel 3 could use a suspension himself, but a permanent one. Where did this totally unenlightened manager come from in the first place and what are his credentials? Everywhere I went today in Chattanooga the subject of Jed's suspension was the buzz. The town is outraged by this whole ridiculous incident and Mr. Stalvey has delivered a slap in the face to a lot of us as well.
We want Jed to know that all of the time and talent he gives to charitable causes are greatly appreciated. His efforts have been tireless and too numerous to mention here. So hang in there, Jed. As far as I can ascertain you have the whole community behind you.
Lucy Keefer
2127 Mountain Hollow Drive
Signal Mountain, TN 37377
423-886-9961
***
Derrall Stalvey at Channel 3 is using the same rawhide business model that the new new owners of the Times-Free Press used in 1998: "Head 'em up, move 'em out."
Problem is about 20,000 readers left with them.
There's nothing wrong with the new reporters for Channel 3, but then neither was there anything wrong with the ones they fired, especially Lesley Dale, who always gave our TV a smiley face.
Channel 9, Channel 12: Congratulations.
Jashley41@comcast.net
***
Suspended? Jed? I am shocked! Obviously, Mr. Tolar is not aware of the love that Chattanoogans have for Jed. I fear that the station will suffer without Jed. If anyone from VW is reading these opinions, it would be great to offer Jed a public relations position. Jed, update your resume and turn this obstacle into an opportunity. Can't wait to see what lies ahead for you.
Karen Lee
South Chattanooga
***
Seriously? Jed Mescon was suspended without pay for mentioning the Kiwanis BBQ?? I don't even watch channel 3 with the exception of Jed Mescon's morning show and now will no longer ever watch any local programming from channel 3. Perhaps someone should contact the news director's proctologist and see if he has located his head.
Debbie Rodriguez,
Harrison, TN
***
Mention the name of Jed Mescon to a Chattanoogan, and the first response you will get is "what a great guy! He helped us at our benefit for..." Jed gets more done before 9 a.m. than most people plan on trying that week. He would make an excellent ambassador for the city, and I am proud to call him my friend.
If Mr. Stalvey is not interested in promoting local events through a local news channel, perhaps he should focus on working at a network.
Bill Hopkins
120 Morningside Drive
Chattanooga TN 37404
***
I can't say that I know Jed personally but I have seen him while working out at the YMCA. I remember the last time I saw him there, he was running on a treadmill. He of course was watching channel 3. I laughed when I realized that while I wasn't watching he had eventually been to all the TV's and all were on channel 3 when he left. He is so very loyal to WRCB and to Chattanooga. Too bad they aren't as loyal to him.
Elaine
Chattanooga
***
WRCB's Derrall Stalvey Must Go
I agree with so many once devoted WRCB viewers who are saddened by the decline in the station's management. News Director Derrall Stalvey has repeatedly made poor decisions since arriving in Chattanooga. I don't know where he came from, but he needs to be sent back. Suspending Jed Mescon shows poor judgment and no knowledge of the local news market. For more than 20 years, Jed and his colleagues have shown their genuine love for the community by participating in and promoting charitable events. Obviously, that is now frowned upon by Mr. Stalvey and WRCB management.
We have seen a steady parade of good people leave WRCB this year, and now surely more are on the way out. I guess if anything good has come from the latest controversy, we now know who is responsible for the turmoil at Channel 3, and his name is Derrall Stalvey. And I guess we now know why our beloved Veggie Lady, Marilyn Geraldson switched from Channel 3 to Channel 9, like many of us are now doing. She must have tried to "ad lib" a recipe that wasn't in Mr. Stalvey's script.
Ross Bullock
***
Jed Mescon is a "prince among men." What a golden opportunity for the other local media to hire a great man for twice what he makes now. Channel 3 must be brain dead. Jed spends countless hours quietly working for so many charities no one knows about. Jed, you deserve so much better.
Jim Robbins
***
I find it absolutely disgraceful that someone of Jed Mescon's popularity and local service be suspended for something so ridiculous! Disparaging remarks? Yes Cursing? Yes, but something as innocuous as promoting a local fundraiser is beyond belief! Maybe the new guy should be suspended for making bad decisions!!!
Judy Kleinstub
***
So, the new guy at Sarkes Tarzian's "You Can Count On Us" station suspends Jed Mescon for doing what he does best: Promoting Chattanooga's non-profit, charitable, and civic organizations, instead of doing some "Rip and Read" news which any fresh faced kid out of Broadcast Journalism school could do, except that four of those types were already let go by this genius. So he needed Jed to be a copy-reader.
Jed has single-handedly raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities -- perhaps even millions. It looks like you CAN'T count on channel 3 to give us news about that. Since the "new" FCC has abolished the requirement for broadcast stations to provide community service content, WRCB might want to fire everybody and simply download programs off a satellite.
I respectfully contend that Jed Mescon's activities on behalf of Chattanooga ARE, in and of themselves, newsworthy, and that this "new guy" should redeem himself and at the same time educate himself by researching Jed's history, and personally producting and moderating an hour long story on the good Jed Mescon has done for Chattanooga, and charged with doing such a good job on the story that it could be a candidate for an award from a Journalism accreditation organization.
If this Tom Tolar does not insist on this News Manager's "redemption", then perhaps it is time for a true community minded station to offer Jed a job where he talents are recognized.
Mark Regan
***
Jed Mescon is a friend, neighbor, and an outstanding citizen for the Chattanooga community and one of the people I most respect. My family has lived in 9 states and I have traveled and done business in over 18 countries and have seen many different types of local programming. I watch the channel 3 morning show because of the people and approach that differentiates the show from others in the area and on cable. I can find the news anywhere, but I cannot find Jed and the staff just anywhere!
Chattanooga is one of the most caring and giving communities in the world why not applaud that fact through examples of help and promotion?
Why would any management executive reprimand a staffer for working to enhance the lives of the community and the good work of those wishing to help others in need? Business is more than just reading the manual and making policy that is not effective for appropriate to the market served. Don't reprimand someone for doing the right thing!
Jed, thank you for all you do to make Chattanooga one of the best communities in which to live. Thank you for the endless exuberance you have displayed to my family for over 12 years. Thank you for such a professional approach to your job while showing a great heart for the community, your viewers and those who need help. Your being here in Chattanooga makes our wonderful and unique community a special place to live. Just ask the VW folks and others leaders considering locating their businesses to the greater Chattanooga area!!!!!
Scott Rix
Signal Mountain
***
If you are like me, you have been waking up to Jed for a long time and he almost always has a smile on his face. To think that there is an upstart News Director that is rocking the boat over at Channel 3 and could lead to Jed's departure is infuriating. This community loves Jed and he has our utmost support and prayers.
There was nothing said on the air that could in any way be construed as offensive, and certainly didn't warrant a suspension. It was said that Mr. Stalvey earlier in the year fired three other reporters, Lesley Dale, Will Carr, Matt Johnson and Webb Wright. Now, even though I'm not too familiar with their work, this action to me, along with Jed's suspension, screams of a power hungry totalitarian who's trying to make a name for himself. Unfortunately for the community, and Channel 3, it's a bad name.
If Jed Mescon leaves, so do I as a viewer of Channel 3.
Jason Conley
6003 Porter Dr
Harrison
***
When I heard the news about Jed being suspended for promoting the Kiwanis Bar-B-Q I couldn't believe it. I worked for the YMCA for 20 years here in Chattanooga. Jed was always more than happy to mention us and any other non-profit. In my opinion Jed is Mr. Chattanooga and he was loyal to Channel 3. Unless there is more to the story than is being told, I think Mr.Stavely just made the biggest mistake of his career.
Jed, you were stabbed in the back. Why don't you go to channel 9 or 12 like I will now.
Latta Johnston
Ooltewah
* * *
When I worked for Channel 3 back in the late 90s, Jed and Latrice were two of the first people I met. In true Jed fashion, when he heard that my mom was a loyal viewer, he went straight to his desk, pulled out one of his smiley pictures and scribbled his name with a big thank you for me to give her.
It’s true that we do not know the entire circumstances behind the events of last Friday, but it is also true that a number of talented individuals have been removed from the broadcasts only to be replaced by less experienced, poor substitutes. I was watching a broadcast a few nights ago where the reporter was teasing the lead story for the 6 o’clock news regarding two teens killed in Athens by a drunk driver. The reporter literally sat on live television and said “uh, well, I can’t remember her name right now, but she was killed,” regarding Rachael Slade, one of the teens. That’s pathetic, yet she is still on the air.
Am I saying she deserves to be fired? No, but I am saying that whatever Jed did or didn’t do, he is a fine morning anchor. The sincerity that comes through when he reports a story instills a kind of trust that is rare in today’s media. Jed was back on Tuesday, but I haven’t seen him since.
If he decides to stay, I give him kudos for his courage and determination, and I will continue to be one of his loyal viewers. If he decides to leave, I will certainly respect him for it and will tune out all together from Channel 3 (sorry Latrice and David).
Jed, hold you head high and know that you have the love and support of the entire Tennessee Valley behind you.
Angela S. Haines
Chattanooga
Haines143@msn.com
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