Pages

▼

Saturday, May 9, 2009

A Heartfelt Farewell

To my friends and colleagues at WPIX,

Yesterday, I received word that this will be my last week as a WPIX employee. All good things come to an end. I am grateful for having had the privilege and pleasure to work along side the nicest group of people and finest broadcast professionals in our industry for over a decade.

I started as a PA at Sesame Street in 1978 as a tough skinny kid without a clue about television, but with a passion for the medium. My athletic build has long since vanished– I still have six-pack abs, they're just hidden under the keg. It has been a good run, I've loved being a video engineer at WPIX more than I can put into words, and am sad to see it end. But the idealist and optimist in me refuses to walk gently into that good night.

While it has taken me some time to process the damage these harsh economic realities and technological changes have done to the business I love, I recognize that I have the opportunity for a whole new adventure: I get to start again!

The only thing I like doing as much as shading cameras is working with the union. I've served as an elected officer of NABET, IATSE, and IBEW over the years and I believe I can make a difference as a union rep. To that end, I'll be taking the LSATs and applying to law school, while looking for a job in organized labor.

I will continue to moderate http://broadcastunionnews.blogspot.com/ my blog that serves as a clearing center for information of interest to people working in television, film, and theater. A chance for IATSE, CWA-NABET, IBEW, DGA, AFTRA, SAG, AEA, WGA, Newspaper Guild, and non-represented entertainment industry workers to share information with an eye towards improving wages, benefits, and working conditions for all.

So, to all of you that have made my time at WPIX truly a joy, thank you for your inspiration, your kindness, and your friendship. Keep in touch.

All the best,

Bob Daraio

Robert R. Daraio
45 Hunter Street
Ossining, N.Y. 10562-4612
914-944-9626 home
914-774-2646 cell
bdaraio@yahoo.com
at

11 comments:

  1. AnonymousMay 10, 2009 at 8:09 PM

    Bob, I’m very sorry to hear that you will be moving on to other things at this stage. I can only assume that all the info. that you shared regarding the decline and fall of Tribune Broadcasting and unionized labor there finally hit your number.

    Mine will likely be similar, it’s just a matter of time. Of all the changes that the IBM ”efficiency study” did that would “not affect union workers” at ABC, 42 NABET represented employees have been laid off. Period. End of story. Management has learned how to hide themselves more efficiently, but not to reduce their own cost or numbers. There is additional automation installed in the new HiDef network integration control room. Once this is proved out it will likely require approx. 30-40% fewer TD’s since the SD “network release” facility will be shut down after only about 3 years in service at a cost of approx. $40 million.

    See you soon on the street.

    Jack

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMay 10, 2009 at 8:10 PM

    All the best to you, Bob! I'm glad you will be continuing your work with the union.
    yours, Mark
    _________

    Hey Bobby,

    Sorry about that door closing, but very excited to see what will be next for you! You have a lot of skills and great ideas - And support!

    Love, Barb

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousMay 10, 2009 at 8:14 PM

    I'm sorry to hear that the bastards finally got you; but happy that
    the stress is finally done with.

    Much love, and anything I can help you with, just ask - I'm here.

    Rachael
    _______

    Bob,
    I'm sorry to hear the news that you will be leaving wpix, but its good to know that you have so many plans for the future. You always looked out for me when I was just starting out as an intern at pix and I have always been grateful to you for that. It was wonderful getting to know you and I wish you all the best for your future plans.

    -Laura-

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousMay 10, 2009 at 8:18 PM

    May I say that was as graceful an exit letter as I’ve ever read?
    You continue to be a class act and I am proud to call you my friend.

    GT
    __________

    I'll miss you Bob, I am so sad to hear this. Tonya in our dept was let go also. It's really sucky. Please keep in touch ok?

    Vas

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousMay 10, 2009 at 8:20 PM

    Good luck Rob, your efforts and hard work are truly appereciated and you should be commended for them.

    Thanks again, Sal
    ___________

    I am truly sorry this company refuses to follow the rules they have agreed to. Take solace in the fact that your karma will be positive, which will not necessarily be the case for all parties involved. This is a small business, and I have a feeling that corporate and management burning bridges will eventually come back full circle. Be well. Best to you and yours.

    Eric

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousMay 10, 2009 at 8:24 PM

    OMG Bobby, you were the one face I thought I would always see at wpix...... your smiling face with all those silly jokes.... but I know our paths will cross again. hell I'm hardly at pix anymore anyway.... I will see you again, if this upscoming week is your last - I will see you monday nite!!!!!! I love your attitude and I loved working with you! and I love your wife!!!!!

    Tere

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousMay 10, 2009 at 8:24 PM

    OMG Bobby, you were the one face I thought I would always see at wpix...... your smiling face with all those silly jokes.... but I know our paths will cross again. hell I'm hardly at pix anymore anyway.... I will see you again, if this upscoming week is your last - I will see you monday nite!!!!!! I love your attitude and I loved working with you! and I love your wife!!!!!

    Tere

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousMay 10, 2009 at 8:28 PM

    Hi Bob,

    I just checked my email. I am so sorry. Look on the bright side, something good will come out of something bad.

    Take care of yourself and if you need anything let me know

    Zina
    ________________

    Bob
    I'm so sorry to hear your news. If things get better in the economy is there a a possibility of a rehire? I may be joining you in that new adventure, it doesn't look good for the chopper.

    Chet

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousMay 10, 2009 at 8:29 PM

    Hey Bob

    So sorry to hear of these latest decisions.

    I have to tell you that I have not worked with someone with as much passion and love for his job as you. Everyone should have your enthusiasm. Too many times you put yourself on the block for others because you only wanted to "make it right," only to get kicked and stomped on yourself.

    I want to thank you for all you have done at pix, for the betterment of the shop and striving for the higher standards that this employer obviously could not satisfy but are obviously, the "right" way to do business.

    If there is any thing that I can do for you, in any way, please don't hesitate to ask, at anytime.

    Please, Keep in touch,

    Mark

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousMay 11, 2009 at 11:53 AM

    Dear Bob,

    Reading your farewell brought me to tears. I know its easy to say, but I'm a big believer in destiny and karma, and I hope your destiny leads you to a prosperos future filled with happiness.

    I think we as a people are living through some of the toughest and sadest times. Hopefully, the pain will be replaced by the joys of success. Please do keep in touch.


    All the best, and God bless.

    Shashi
    _______________

    That's what I'm talking about Daraio!!! Law School...that's very inspirational...you have an entire new leg of your journey waiting for you!

    Rashida

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnonymousMay 12, 2009 at 10:55 AM

    Hi Bob,

    Good luck and be well.
    My plan B is to work at the local retirement community (they even have a theater!).

    Will stay in touch, warmest regards, sincerely, Dave T

    ReplyDelete