President’s Message: July 2024 HELP…. I Need Someone…. Let JAG Answer the Call!!

by Bob Duthaler

I sent an email the other week because I needed a special cable and that reminded me of an older article I did. I thought an updated version of it would be appropriate now. When you run a station sometimes you need additional support and information. How do you get that information? Who is available to give you that added help? With JAG as a resource, there are many places you can get the information and help you need.

Information …. tell me how to get it!

The first and easiest way is on the JAG website, https://jagonline.org/. The JAG website is great for finding information and resources. It includes everything from access to past newsletters with pertinent information, articles and posts, conference information, videos from league presentations, a members only section and much more. This resource should always be your first stop when looking for information. 

What if you can’t find what you are looking for on the JAG website?

Where can you turn to next? Look no further then you email inbox. As a JAG member you have access to a very powerful tool, the JAG Email List Serve. It’s a place where you can ask questions of both JAG members and vendors alike. You get the advantage of multiple responses from multiple resources. Plus, you get the benefit of asking others who may have already experienced what you want to find out about.

Are there other tools available?

Another powerful resource for JAG members is our organizational members. These are vendors who have already committed themselves to working with JAG and our membership by becoming part of the organization. You should always consider them as a valued tool. These are both companies and people who understand the unique nature of what we do, the budget constraints we are up against and the need for updated technology. Whether you want to update your current equipment, add new technology or just plan for down the road, be sure to take advantage of their expertise.

What if I need just a little more?

That is a question many people have asked. And where did they turn to? A consultant. First, I must reveal that professionally, I am a consultant. With over 35 years of experience in the television industry, my knowledge and expertise—and the knowledge and expertise of others like me—become valuable tools for stations just starting out or those wanting to make the next move or stations who just need additional operational support. Paying to “pick the brain” of a consultant who is qualified to analyze your unique needs, plan a course of action, and help you achieve your goals is another tool in the toolbox. Consultants can help you with technology, management and franchise negotiations.

Where can I find additional crew?

I know many station managers in JAG have reached out to each other to share a very important asset: crew. Many of us in this industry who operate a station part-time, as a volunteer or even with full-time staff, also do freelance work on the side. You may also have camera operators and editors that freelance. JAG understands the importance of these resources and has a special section in the Members Area of the JAG website that allows freelancers to share their information and experience. Freelancers make their information available so JAG members can hire them for additional production support. You never know when you might need an additional camera operator, editor, or all-around production support. When you do, look no further than our JAG members. This information is only accessible with a password that is available from JAG’s Treasurer.

The value of JAG to its members.

My continued goal in this article is to help you realize the value of your membership in JAG . JAG membership is an extremely valuable tool that helps you achieve higher quality operations, create better content and expand your  industry knowledge. Most of this is easily accessible from your computer, web browser or email, but you need to make the first move. If you still need more help, you can commit yourself to the next level: paid support with a consultant. Whichever path you choose, the goal is to help advance your knowledge and improve your station’s operations. In case you were wondering, I did get the cable I needed, it saved the day and was a key in making the event’s coverage successful.  Thank you, Piscataway TV!