Well friends, it has been an "interesting" last couple of weeks for yours truly. On July 19, I received a phone call from J.R. Runyon, the General Manager of Crain Media in Searcy. In the course of this phone conversation, I was informed that I was no longer the voice of the Badgers. Not only that, but I was also informed that the Programming Director of Crain Media, who is a Searcy resident, would be assuming my duties. I was not, I repeat, not, given a specific reason for my dismissal. Over the past couple of weeks, I have undergone a variety of different emotions. First, it was shock, then anger, then resolve. I want to let all of the Badger fans, my friends, and those who read this, know what happened and what I hope will transpire.
I have been the voice of the Beebe Badgers since 1999 and have worked for two different broadcast groups. In the nearly ten seasons as the voice of the Badgers, I have called 85 football games, over 140 basketball games, and a combined 30 baseball/softball games. I have poured my heart and soul into my duties. There is not much that I just totally put 110% into, and this was one of them. I felt like my heart was ripped out. I politely disagree with the management's decision and I am fighting to regain my job.
I feel that a local person should be announcing local games. Now, I am not nor will I not bash Crain Media or any of its employees, but I don't feel that by having an outsider to come in to do the Beebe games is right. I feel that it is a disrespect to the people of Beebe, alumni of the Beebe School District, and the district in general. One of the things that I prided myself on is my passion about Beebe sports. An outsider cannot produce the same passion as someone who is a resident and has been here for a while. An outsider cannot know the history and tradition of the school, nor will that individual know the coaches and the players like someone who is a resident would. Also, I have never been late to a broadcast, nor have I ever embarassed myself or the station by coming to a venue looking less than presentable. I have too much pride in myself and in my employers and school district to ever do that.
As far as the reasons for my dismissal, it was hinted to me that economics played a role. If so, I do understand, as the economy is in a recession. However, and I told this to management in an e-mail and a letter, that I would and will gladly do the games for FREE. No salary and no gas reimbursement at all. I am at a point financially where I don't need the announcing checks. If economics was the case, then I am more than willing to do what I can to help Crain Media. Another possible reason for my dismissal was an opinion that I posted on
www.fearlessfriday.com back in February concerning the broadcast of another announcer in a post about the state basketball tournament. It was blunt, but it was not demeaning toward the announcer as a person. Despite my contention that I feel that I have the right to an opinion, I probably was too harsh, and for that, I humbly apologize towards that individual and to Crain Media. It was not, nor will it ever be my intention to ever hurt anyone like that. However, I still feel that I have the right to an opinion, as long as I do not slander or commit libel. However, there are ways to say something and ways not to say something. Once again, I apologize.
It is now August 5, one month from Beebe's season opener at Greenbrier. Will I be up in the press box? I sure hope so and I am optimistic that I will be back. I am posting this on my website, as to not take up space on Fearless Friday and not to offend anyone on there. I hope that all my friends on Fearless Friday will take the time to read this. I can use all the support I can to get back into the press box. I am more than available for comments and/or questions if you desire. I feel that the community of Beebe, plus all of my friends, need to know what happened from me personally, versus rumors or second hand information.
One last thing. One of the reasons why I love doing this job is because, I love being around the coaches and the kids. No amount of money in this world can equal the personal satisfaction and joy that I have received in watching these kids grow up and getting to know all of these families. Some of these individuals have a special place in my heart. I have even had one young person refer to me as a "father figure". Man, that's heavy. If that comment doesn't get you or touch your heart, then nothing will. Being around all these kids also fills a huge void in my life. You see, both of my children are deceased. My oldest, Terra, would've been a senior at Beebe High School this upcoming year. My youngest, whom my wife and I lost on Valentine's Day, 1999, would be going into the fourth grade. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about my two kids. I often think about whether or not Terra would've played basketball or softball or been in the band or to just be a student. In a way, being around these kids is a sort of therapy for me. Most holidays mean nothing to my wife and I. Anyways, as I have told the management of Crain Media, all I want is to be re-instated as the voice of the Badgers, nothing more. I do not want money, a fancy title, or anything like that. If any of the management from Crain reads this, please know that I hold no ill will towards you. Crain Media has done a lot of great things for me, however, I simply do not agree with the decision of July 19. I thank everyone for their support and I look forward to being back in the press box very soon!! Thanks everyone!!!!
Sincerely,
Shane Smith, aka bondfan4ever, formerly 99.1radioman on Fearless Friday
