Building It Right

Into their second month they move. A team of engineers. Some days, they are six. Other days, ten. Weaving a tapestry of technology through PVC piping hidden above drop ceiling tiles. A nervous system of digital intelligence that will deliver around-the-clock news to Western New York.


Guys like Anthony (above) are part of the reason why Time Warner Cable will be able to deliver on its promise to have news on the air before the end of March. Normally, Anthony rises each day in a home in Hoboken, NJ. Had he not been enjoying the finer, frigid days of a Buffalo winter installing the systems for the news channel during the third week of January, he would have likely had a front row seat to The Miracle on the Hudson. His home looks out on the river. Anthony called home with some of the first eyewitness accounts. He would have been there the day the U.S. Airways jet skimmed its way to safety, leaving 150 people seemingly walking on water.

Anthony was on a ladder with his head through the ceiling grid when Barack Obama was trying to correct Judge John Roberts on the steps of the Capitol; busy wiring what will be Master Control.

Anthony, Frank, Ghun, Brad, Scott and the entire team of specialists are on schedule with their end of the launch effort.


Hiring people as specialized as they are with their craft is a luxury I will not have have in building the news channel's initial staff. There will be talented people joining us. Half a dozen already have. In the age of the videojournalist and multi-tasked media, our search begins with a premium on two qualities in candidates: journalism first and, then, entrepeneurship. So far, we're six for six in that category.


Many have applied for the few jobs we have. Most are already very talented, very knowledgeable media professionals. Some are journalists. Most are broadcasters. Some technicians. Most are on the brink of emerging into the professionals they will become.


And while some on the list are not native to the region, most are; excited to return to their hometown or remain as a contributor to a place they believe in.