Posted by Bud on May 28, 2010 at 08:49:00:
In Reply to: Nancy Loo back on the air in Chicago posted by Word on May 28, 2010 at 08:47:10:
Yes, I'm joining WGN-TV!
By NancyLoo on 05.28.10 at 8:28 AM
On Tuesday, I will report to work at WGN-TV. I've accepted a job as a Reporter/Fill-in Anchor and Robert Feder had it partly right in his blog. While I am joining Channel 9, I won't be working the evening shift (unless they tell me to - I'm very obedient). Believe it or not, I LOVE morning television and prefer the early shift despite the need for three alarm clocks. I've long viewed the schedule as ideal for working moms - weekends off and free afternoons.
So, after nine years of competing against "WGN Morning News", I'll be helping the team to keep beating my former station. I admire the show and everyone on it (hello Larry, Robin, Pat, Paul, Valerie and Ana) and I am proud to become one of "Chicago's Very Own".
Contract negotiations are always a fascinating process to me. I've been through a few now. Salary numbers are thrown back and forth between agents and news managers. My demand for a Tom Skilling Snuggie nearly quashed the deal.
Who doesn't love WGN's Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling? He's Tom Freakin' Skilling! When my agent told News Director Greg Caputo I wanted a Skilling Snuggie, he had to search around for a few hours.
It's a hot commodity and now I have my very own!
In a way, I already work for the Tribune Company. This ChicagoNow blog is part of the empire and I've enjoyed working with the ChicagoNow staff. As many people know, I'm an aspiring geek. I love web technology and broadcast journalism, so I look forward to supporting the synergy.
In fact, I was with the Tribune's Director of Social Media just last night taking part in a panel dicussion for the Social Media Club of Chicago. I didn't even tell him that we'd soon be colleagues. To all my social media pals, tweet away! #NancyLooWGN.
The first day of work at any company is always like the first day of school. I have never been to the WGN studios. Since news travels fast in the news biz, I met with my new boss away from the station. I already know I won't be on the air Tuesday. There's paperwork to fill out, new colleagues to meet and a new newsroom computer system to learn. Of course, I'll be sharing my new adventures here in Big Tiny World.
Perhaps I wouldn't need a Skilling Snuggie to survive the Chicago winters if I had pursued opportunities in other television markets more aggressively. But the top priority in my job search was staying in Chicago. This city is second to none.