If Only The Public Knew.

[Mark_Giardina]

I’ve often wondered how many people would donate to their local public broadcasting operations if they were aware of the salaries paid out to top executives?

Years ago someone told me about a website, www.guidestar.org that provides the salaries and benefits paid to the top five wage-earners at any public radio or TV station. When I saw what my former boss and his litany of vice presidents were making, I was astonished. This CEO and President for that non-profit was making more than the Governor of New York State. And that didn’t include extra perks like a brand new SUV every other year along with a gasoline allowance.

One year employees were told that there would be no raises because the station couldn’t afford it due in large part to the on-going efforts to raise money to convert the TV station over to HDTV. Yet, when going to www.guidestar.gov I discovered that not only did the President and CEO get a raise that year, but also a nice bonus. Same goes for a few people in the front office.

This is why I get such a kick when I hear this same individual on the radio pitching for people to considering adding public broadcasting in their will, or to give a year-end donation for tax purposes.

Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against public broadcasting or anyone making a decent living. But is it fair that most people who work for public broadcasting stations are paid far less than they are worth while a select few get, what I believe, are outlandish salaries; Especially when you take into account that it would take one or even two pledge drives just to pay one person’s salary.

<P ID="signature">______________
"I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted and I won't be laid a hand on.
I don't do these things to other people and I expect the same from them".</P>

 

[uncamark]

> Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against public
> broadcasting or anyone making a decent living. But is it
> fair that most people who work for public broadcasting
> stations are paid far less than they are worth while a
> select few get, what I believe, are outlandish salaries;
> Especially when you take into account that it would take one
> or even two pledge drives just to pay one person’s salary.

That's one of the things the classical music buffs who complained about WNYC's cutback of classical programming used as a point (they pointed out that GM Laura Walker, who they already didn't like because she used to work for the "Sesame Street" people, made more than NPR's boss). That's also been used in Minnesota against Bill Kling, along with all of his for-profit divisions.

But--are these select few making the same or more as their counterparts over at the Clear Channel or Entercom clusters?

 

[gr8oldies]

Like most companies, there's a going rate for someone who has the expertise to run a public broadcasting station (not just programming, but fundraising and everything that goes with it). Decide you're only paying $20 k and that person you need will be in the private sector so fast it would make your head spin.<P ID="signature">______________
Have a Happy New Year!
http://www.thebig8.net/have_a_happy_new_year_with_cklw.mp3</P>