Today, my cousins and I took a trip to Albany. After leaving the state museum, we walked around the capital. While walking around the capital I saw the one and only John McLaughlin shooting a story for News10. John, as viewers know, often reports on political issues. And, he's been at WTEN for more than 35 years. I yelled "John" and told him I'm a big fan of his and I watch everyday. Then I asked "so what's going on at the Capital today john?" He told me not much, adding that's what the story is.
Then he asked me if I'm in college. I said Yes, I go to St. Rose. He said are you going for communications? I told him, no I'm not. He said good, save your parents money. I told him I'm going for teaching, and he said good.
I don't think I even told him my name (the same thing I forgot to tell Benita Zahn when I ran into her at St. Rose). We didn't talk for long, as I knew he was busy and needed to get back to WTEN. But just getting to meet him was amazing!
While it was sad to hear a local legend speak of the communications industry that way, it's just another person pointing out what's happening at local TV stations across america. The communication industry, including the Albany area, is in disarray with people being fired to save companies money and companies fighting to come out of bankruptcy.
