Good morning – News that WHYY sold its studio space in downtown Wilmington brought back some nice memories. (See story elsewhere in this newsletter).
As a monthly business journal, the Delaware Business Ledger had only one chance a month to make an impression in a crowded media market with a News Journal that had half-dozen business reporters and an editor at that point. That number is now down to one or two.
This is why the Ledger embraced the Internet in the late 1990s. When WILM came calling, I quickly agreed to a one-minute daily business report that lasted for several years.
A few years later, WHYY and Delaware Tonight newscast producer Micheline Boudreau asked if I could provide content for their newscast.
I agreed and before long I realized that breaking, fast-paced business news was the way to go.
From time to time, I would appear on Delaware Tonight and give a quick run-down on a business issues at the downtown studio.
I was surprised by the response I received from both the WHYY and WILM work. One person told me she knew she was on time for work if my WILM morning drive segment was heard near a certain intersection.
But the digital Grinch was waiting in the wings. Both WHYY and WILM changed directions as did the Business Ledger.
WHYY shifted to an online site and a weekly TV magazine for Delaware. (Delaware Business Now serves as a contributor to Newsworks, WHYY’s digital news operation).
WILM was sold and I was fired by a long-departed morning drive host.
The Business Ledger folded in 2010 under an owner who bought the company for little or no money down at a time when print advertising revenues were plummeting.
But as the kids say, it was all good. The exposure to electronic and digital media shook me out of a print-centric mindset and set the stage for Delaware Business Now.
Thoughts and prayers
This is an unspeakable tragedy that happens far too often in this country. Las Vegas is a town that one cannot help but like.
My best experiences in Vegas came in talking with residents and visitors. I’ll leave the instant analysis to others.
I would also be remiss in not mentioning the suffering we have seen in Puerto Rico as well as earlier in Houston, the Gulf Coast, and Florida. Here’s hoping and praying your friends and relatives in these locations and others are safe and sound.
Your thoughts, news tips, and ideas are always appreciated. If this newsletter was passed along and you would like your own copy click here to subscribe at no charge. – Doug Rainey, Publisher
– Doug Rainey, Publisher
