It’s all about a connection…
Submitted by 10News Acting News Director, Sean Kennedy.
Breaking news, spot news, investigative stories, health news, consumer news, weather, sports… That’s what we do at 10News. Of course we do, but the other stations in San Diego do, too. Some less, some more. What’s different at 10News? It’s the connection — a connection to each other and a connection to community.
The 10News team is a family. I know it’s corny to say, but it’s true. What you see of Carol, Kim, Hal, Steve, Loren, Bill, you name the person, that’s what you get. Actually they may be nicer and more approachable and more caring in person than the people you welcome into your living rooms via a box of electronics, nuts and bolts. Beyond the folks you see on TV, there are dozens of folks behind the scenes. They shape what we do and how we serve San Diego every day. I wish you could meet all of them. Over my 20 year career I have never worked with a more caring, committed, passionate group of people. All of that comes from their drive to serve you and everyone in San Diego with their very best every day. Over the next few weeks and months, I’d like to introduce you to at least a few of them.
I want to start with one of our photojournalists. In the spirit of full disclosure, you won’t read anything here, that he has not heard from me directly. Additionally, he was not allowed to proof this or edit this post. He can post a response if he wants. To protect privacy, I did clear with this photojournalist that I wrote about him and the subject.
Off the top of my head, I can’t recall exactly how long David Villegas has been at 10News. Trust me it’s a LONG time in a profession that is not terribly kind or forgiving of the meek and mild. David himself can seem not terribly kind or forgiving at times too (same for me). As you might expect, David and I have had our share of run-ins. David is good people. One thing David and I have come to agree on is the passion he brings to what he does. David will go to extremes to make sure we provide the best coverage for San Diegans. One of those extremes includes climbing buildings like the US Grant and The Westgate Hotels in downtown. All of it in an effort to ensure 10News can provide live coverage of the two front runners in San Diego’s recent mayor’s race.
There are other examples I can offer up too, but that’s just part of really knowing David Villegas. It’s a big part yes, but this past Monday David came into my office rather abruptly shutting the door behind him. I figured he was here for a rant or idea, but it was neither. I wish it had been. David shared with me that the cancer is back. My heart sank. My blood ran cold. David’s wife Maria has fought a long tough battle with cancer. Now it’s back. It’s back in the liver again. It’s back, and that means chemo again. I thought I knew David Villegas. To an extent I did, but not like I do now
Those who know us both and have some history with our relationship may be shocked to read this next statement. David Villegas is one of the most positive people I know. While I choked up, David remained strong and resolved. I won’t forget his words. “Don’t worry,” David said. “We’re not worried. We caught it early, and my wife is a strong woman,” he explained. After a few minutes, our conversation went to the television networks planned project planned for September to shed a light on cancer detection and research. David and I, both touched personally by cancer, vowed the day the network program was announced that we, through 10News and Azteca America San Diego 15 and their websites, were going to make the most of that opportunity to profile and spotlight local cancer research and programs for treatment and detection. We renewed that vow during our talk Monday. David summed it up saying, “you know Sean, my wife and your mom are lucky. They have means and resources. Think about the people who don’t. How do we help them?”
That’s the connection Photojournalist David Villegas brings to you and all of San Diego!
You didn’t mention Lisa Lake who’s been with your organization for 13 years, whay is that?
If it’s all about a connection … as you say, why is there a lack of African Americans within your organization?
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In response, on June 22, 2008, Jane Curry-Lee said:
I’m shocked that you have taken Lisa Lake away from her Anchor position on the 5, 6 & 11 oclock news after 13 years of exemplary work. Lisa is by far one of the best anchors on your station. The reason I watched Channel 10 news faithfully was because of Lisa. She connected with the African American community as well as the Hispanic (because of her fluency with the Spanish language). I will no longer watch your newscast without her. And I am sure there are many more who feel the same as I do. You are upset because someone called you racist? What else are we to think when we hear that she is being removed because the population in San Diego is now more White and Hispanic than African American. If that’s not based on race what is? Do what’s morally right and put Lisa back in her role as New Anchor.
You didn’t mention Lisa Lake who’s been with your organization for 13 years, why is that?
If it’s all about a connection … as you say, why is there a lack of African Americans within your organization?
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Dee–
David V. just made me aware of your comments. My apologies for not getting to them sooner.
This is the first of what I hope will be many posts that will help you and all of San Diego know something more about the people at 10News who work magic every day to serve you.
On the issue of diversity and hiring, 10News is committed to a renewed focus on diversity in recruiting.
Sean Kennedy
Acting News Director
10News
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In response, on June 21, 2008, Eric said:
Sean –
While that may be true, Lisa does bring in ratings. Its just odd, that KGTV does not defend itself as to why it has made a decision to remove Lisa from the morning news, yet allows Kimberly Hunt to leave and then return. While I have no ill will towards Hunt or any other anchor, I do think that an presence of a black anchor would be beneficial for KGTV. It would show your “diversity in recruiting”, put into action instead of words.
Your organization already has your viewers doing “the” job. “See it, shoot it, send it in”.
Bring Lisa Lake back, or 10news/KGTV will loose another viewer.
Eric.
Eric–
Thanks for your comment. Lisa Lake is still a part of the 10News team.. She is currently taking some time off at her request. When Lisa returns she’ll continue co-anchoring 10News Midday with Bill Griffith. She’ll also report dayside for our highly rated 7pm newscast. The assignment is similar to other anchor/reporters at 10News. Sean Kennedy, Acting News Director
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In response, on July 2, 2008, Maria said:
Sean,
Sounds like a demotion to me. I watched Lisa, Bill and Jimmy Q every morning from 5 to 7. I am hispanic and I can tell you that Lisa was the right mix in the morning and the team had a great quemistry. You did not even make an announcement, just pulled her away. What’s that about? Did you think we would not notice? I highly doubt that the hispanic community is a factor here since you have Azteca America so please do not try to put us in the mix as your reason for making your change. Not only that, you have Jimmy Q if you want to fill your hispanic quota. Besides, no one ever speaks spanish much on the morning news. I can’t blame Lisa for taking time off, you pulled the rug from under her and expect her to be all smiles after basically demoting her. Shame on you Channel 10!
In response, on July 13, 2008, Eric said:
Sean –
While Lisa may still be a part of the 10news team, I hardly believe “The assignment is similar to other anchor/reporters at 10News”. I do not see Bill Griffith out on the field, nor do I see Carol, Kimberly, or Hal. Why claim it is “similar to other anchor/reporters” when it is not?
Lisa is not just another reporter.
Lisa’s professionalism is worth–financially or otherwise–far more than being “put on on the street” to do a news report. She is a highly qualified anchor for the 5pm and 6pm news.
In my opinion as well as lot of the viewers that watch 10 news, Lisa is just as much a part of the “A” team as Lee Ann, Kimberly, Carol, and Hal.
Eric.
I’m shocked that you have taken Lisa Lake away from her Anchor position on the 5, 6 & 11 oclock news after 13 years of exemplary work. Lisa is by far one of the best anchors on your station. The reason I watched Channel 10 news faithfully was because of Lisa. She connected with the African American community as well as the Hispanic (because of her fluency with the Spanish language). I will no longer watch your newscast without her. And I am sure there are many more who feel the same as I do. You are upset because someone called you racist? What else are we to think when we hear that she is being removed because the population in San Diego is now more White and Hispanic than African American. If that’s not based on race what is? Do what’s morally right and put Lisa back in her role as New Anchor.
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My morning routine is to watch Channel 10 with Lisa Lake & Bill Griffith. I cannot believe you removed someone as professional and personable as Lisa. I have so much respect for this single mother who always brought a caring soul to the news. This really stinks. You can call it what you like but it sure sounds like a demotion to me and I cannot believe you would treat a long-time employee this way. I may have to turn off the TV and just read my paper over coffee.
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Channel 10,
You are full of it! If your move isn’t a blatant show of racism. Lisa Lake was the morning smile that sent you off to work and started your day. She has paid her dues many times over and is a great anchor. I no longer watch your station, as well as other associates of mine. As is already evident San Diego does not have much black culture as it is and whenever there is someone of the black race that rises up here, sooner or later they disappear. Hmmm, let’s see a name of Margaret Radford comes to mind. Your station is not representative of diversity.
I hope Lisa lands something huge for herself and tells you where to go. Kimberly Hunt returns and it’s all well and good, why isn’t she in the “field”. Give me a break, after decades of watching your newscast. I would rather just read the internet!
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Channel 10,
Please return Lisa Lake to her regualar position. My wife and I enjoyed seeing her every morning. We are Americans with a hispanic roots and we really enjoy the way she (LISA LAKE) connected with us.
Now we do not even watch Channel 10 news anymore. Once lisa returns then we will return!!!
Lisa we miss you
Can’t wait for you to return!!!
Please fight back for your position!!!
we do miss seeing you at Rice King at Lemon grove location!!!
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