By Scott Scanlon – There used to be a monastery in these parts where the monks were required to stay silent, except for two words every 10 years.
A certain monk appeared in the abbot’s office after a decade and was granted permission to speak before the venerable leader.
“Bed hard,” the monk said.
Another 10 years went by and again he appeared before the abbot, who welcomed him to say two more words.
“Food cold,” the monk said.
Another decade passed and the monk again was summoned to the abbot’s office to say two words, now 30 years after he’d arrived.
“I quit,” the monk said.
“I’m not surprised,” the abbot replied. “You’ve been complaining since you got here.”
I heard this joke more than four decades ago from Fat Brat lead guitarist Ken Wilczak. I’ve thought about it quite a few times over the years during conversations with fellow editors who were labeling a reporter, photographer or other staff member as too critical.
It reminded me to take the time to listen, something that became more and more vital as The Buffalo News staff continued to shrink during the last decade.
It’s been my privilege, and lifetime goal, to work at my hometown newspaper – and a blessing to work with all of you.
I joined the staff 20 years ago. My job title has been assistant city editor through those years. I’ve long believed the most important job titles at our workplace have been News staff reporter, business reporter, sports reporter and photographer.
These front-line workers have the best sense about what happens in communities and on beats they cover. Their voices need, and deserve, to be heard.
Steve Watson, Bruce Andriatch, Dan Herbeck and I – members of golfing’s regionally renowned Fearsome Foursome – along with Louie “Tomatoes” Michel and several others have become close friends.
Ed Cuddihy, Bill Flynn, Jerry Goldberg and Howard Smith were among mentors during my work as Niagara County editor. Bill Michelmore, Tom Prohaska, Nancy Fischer, Paul Westmoore, Gail Franklin, Denise Gee and Aaron Besecker helped make me look good during those years.
Former Buffalo Newspaper Guild leaders Jay Bonfatti and Henry Davis also helped inform my approach as a Buffalo News assistant editor.
Bruce, Vince Chiaramonte, Christina Wilemski, Leah Samol and Susan Kelley helped me look good for a decade as WNY Refresh editor.
Barbara O’Brien, Mark Sommer and Ben Tsujimoto did the same during my last 20 months with The News as Quality of Life and Solutions Journalism editor.
Through 20 years, I’ve viewed Barb, Tommy Pro and Margaret Kenny as the unsung heroes of our newsroom.
Ben is among the rising stars with The News, and among so many that Margaret and Bruce can be thankful for going forward.
What’s happening at The News isn’t new.
I’ve worried about losing my job since 1996, when then-Syracuse Newspapers Publisher Stephen A. Rogers announced the Post-Standard and Herald Journal – competing morning and afternoon papers – would combine their staffs.
I got to The News in 2004, three or so years before Rogers announced 100 jobs in the Syracuse newsroom would be cut, though a small number of workers could reapply for their positions at half the salary.
Several announcements came during the following years that remaining staff would pay higher and higher percentages of health and dental insurance that for decades were provided free.
I’m told Margaret and Bruce have made it a greater priority going forward to get staff input as The Buffalo News forges new paths. I hope it stays that way.
I encourage Guild members to speak their truths to them and other bosses – even if it brings a reputation or rebuke – with the faith that your words may result in meaningful change at The News or wherever you go from here.
I don’t recommend you save two words of constructive criticism for every 10 years of service. I also advise against making it a daily or weekly practice. But with Lee Enterprises at the helm, those still working at The News would do well to say something when working conditions reach the nearly unbearable.
Journalism provides a significant window on our communities and the world. We’ve all been better for it – and have had the blessing of connecting our readers and region in more meaningful ways.
Many make more money than we have. Many don’t. I hope all of us can agree that much of the time we’ve spent in the profession has been priceless.
No workplace is perfect, though I suspect craft breweries may come close.
I count my blessings for a 38-year career that included reporting, writing and editing honors for investigative and breaking news, business – and even sports. Most of my stories focused on everyday people, or wrongs that needed to be addressed. Sometimes they were. Other times, they were not.
A strong pool of story ideas, sources, resources and newsroom supporters buttressed my success.
Times have changed. Newsrooms across the country continue to shrink. But I encourage you to look at what is happening nationwide as a transition that in many cases can be navigated with hard work, an open mind, mentors and good fortune – but, most importantly, strong relationships with colleagues that love journalism and share a healthy skepticism, but not cynicism, over challenging times that come your way.
As I step into semi-retirement – at least – I continue to be most grateful for my faith and family, which serve as the foundation for my meaningful life, regardless of what happens at work.
I so love and appreciate my wife, Karen, our four daughters, their partners and our three grandchildren.
As I continue to count my blessings, I’ll sleep in – even later – work out at the YMCA, golf more and enjoy hanging out with friends and family. I’ll keep on traveling. And don’t be surprised if you see me doing some volunteer work or serving customers in a taproom.
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This article is part of the Fall/Winter 2024-25 edition of The Frontier Reporter.
Buffalo Newspaper Guild CWA Local 31026 