My office is quiet. In 25-minutes we have a staff meeting to discuss our election night coverage on WHBU. We’ll have pizza and make sure everyone is ready for the night. But, for the moment, it’s quiet.
Twenty-one years ago today I started covering elections. As a scared Ball State student I put on my blazer, one good pair of tan pants, and a thin tie. My boss, a wise sage in his 20’s, was John Althardt. He explained how to cover a headquarters, what questions to ask, and when to call in breaks. This was before cell phones, so we’d race from the headquarters to the nearest pay phone. A pocket full of quarters was standard-issue.
Twenty-one years ago this night people I was looking to “old pros” for answers. Now, we have a young staff who look toward me for answers. I pass the same advice on that was once given to me, “have fun, and talk to candidates…paint pictures with words.”
Some of the folks I interviewed those years ago have passed away and some have dropped from public service. Some have moved up, others have remained.
In this moment of calm before the election night storm, I can’t help but think all the candidates have something in common. They all wanted to help their community. I think voters are able to spot a phony…even if it takes a few elections.
So, before we begin election night coverage on WHBU, I’d like to wish all the candidates a good evening. I’m proud of our crew, our station, and most importantly of America. We have a lot to be thankful for this evening. Democracy works.
Here, Here!
The election coverage sounded great! You guys had a large staff of people covering every aspect of the election tally. I enjoyed the coverage very much.
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