Thank God that's over. I can't tell you how nervous I was to start a new job, working the morning drive show on weekends at the ABC RADIO NETWORKS. I pretty much told all of my new co-workers and bosses that I was a nervous wreck leading up to the 5-11am shift, but they were right there behind me, supporting me every step of the way.
Let's face it, you work at one place for 11 years and then start a new job. That's not easy. New rules, new technology, new format, new faces. But, the folks at ABC made me feel right at home. They had more confidence in me than I did of myself. Just a few thank yous to Andrew, Cheri, Dan, Oleg and Mary Joe. There are many more.
Sure, I made a few mistakes, stumbles, formatic issues...but overall after a few hours on the air, I finally got it. Yet, I'm still learning.
Network life is a different place. I'm sitting in a small studio talking to even more people than I ever did at WABC. Hundreds of radio stations around the country carry our newscasts.
I really have a new appreciation for the network news life, having spent all of those years in local radio and quite frankly having a pretty easy job. This is tough work and you have to be on your toes 24/7.
I also had a chance to meet some of those voices I've listened to for years. Funny, they listened to me, too. My God, there was Bob Schmidt! I was in high school listening to him and he still sounds great. Larry Jacobs, Cheri Preston and imagine this I'm anchoring a newscast and introducing Ann Compton, ABC's White house corespondent.
I can't monitor WABC when I'm on the air at the network, but my Mom told me she listened to the station and heard Mark Simone mention that you should listen to the voice coming up at the top of the hour. Mom was glowing.
She really didn't have to strain herself to listen to WABC just outside of Wilmington, Delaware. I'm sure there's some small station down there that carries the ABC Network newscasts.
I've also received lots of emails from old listeners at WABC. Thank you all so very much for your support.
As for my schedule, unless the network execs decide that I stink, you should be able to hear me Saturday and Sunday mornings from 5:30-11 on a radio station near you.
Thanks for all of your kind words and support and I'll talk to you on the radio.
