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03/15/2004 Archived Entry: "NBC fires employee for talking to 9/11 widows."
NBC fires employee for talking to 9/11 widows.
I got this email from a friend who, until attempting to videotape 9/11 widows on the set of the Today show, had been a freelance editor working for NBC News.
Hey Don,I just found your business card today and wanted to keep you updated on the story below that I sent to both you and Mike last week about Rush and the 9/11 widows.
In a personal update to this story - I was "let go" from WNBC for trying to video tape the 9/11 widows (with their exclusive permission) in a behind the scenes scenario at the Today show on Friday March 5. I was planning on getting shots of them arriving to the studio, getting set up etc.
The Today Show said I was a security breach and should have known that I was not allowed
to shoot in that building. Even though I was admitted into the building with my official NBC photo ID and was told I was allowed up to the makeup room to meet Kristin and Mindy - when I arrived there I was told I was not allowed to shoot and asked to wait for the permission of the producer.
Well, the producer never arrived and I was escorted out by some gruff Today Show employee with too much "authority."
Later when I arrived to where I work at WNBC in the adjacent building, I was dragged into Human Resources and seemingly accused of impersonating a producer to knowingly by pass security in some pretense. Naturally, This is not what happened and I explained the story as it really happened and about my intentions of simply shooting some B roll for my documentary.
Footnote: No where is it written in Union policy of the rule of no shooting in this building.
I worked another entire week of work and this last Friday I was again dragged into Human Resources where I was once again accused of intentional security breach in their sacred space. Legally I had a Union rep. with me who is required to go to bat for me in these situations. NBC persisted to no avail and I was unceremoniously removed from the freelance pool after 6 years of dedicated work. 6 years this media giant has been using my services - Allowing me no vacation pay - no sick pay no retirement benefits and health insurance that I myself paid for! I asked them if it had to do with the 9/11 subject matter. This was quickly dismissed.
I guess we can just chalk this up to another incident of Big Business shutting down the small guy (gal)....
Wish me Luck as I join the ranks of the Bush unemployment line.
Yours Truly,
Denise
Replies: 5 people speak up
Well, looks like NBC stands for Nasty Butt Crap. I never watch NBC and now I know why.
Posted by Paul @ 03/15/2004 09:27 AM NY
Watch out! Let us make no mistake. These dudes are formable opponents. Chris Matthews should call his show 'wiffle ball' next to these guys....
Posted by Aristophanes @ 03/15/2004 10:32 AM NY
As Moe once said:
"I'm gonna get myself a cheap lawyer!"
Sounds like LAWSUIT TIME to me...
Later.
Posted by Daddy-O @ 03/15/2004 11:18 AM NY
Good luck Denise, I hope you'll get a new (and better) job soon and of course the opportunity and freedom to tape and broadcast all the documentaries you want to make.
Posted by Frederik @ 03/15/2004 05:33 PM NY
Good luck Denise, I hope you'll get a new (and better) job soon and of course the opportunity and freedom to tape and broadcast all the documentaries you want to make.
Posted by Frederik @ 03/15/2004 05:34 PM NY
