BOOK ONE: DECEPTIONS
Chapters One to Twenty Six
Vignettes 1 - 140

BOOK TWO: YESTERDAY ECHOES
Chapters 27 to
Vignettes 141 -

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Vignette #176: Justyn Negotiates

Next up, his first contract negotiation with Frank Hartman. Both Hartman and Zaundra Gleason, the anchors of “America Alive!” had contracts up for renewal within 30 days of each other. This was unusual, but since both had been with the program since its premiere ten years ago, standard five year contracts weren’t unheard of.

Ian’s only problem was that he had to let one go, neither really fit in with the ideas planned, but he leaned toward Hartman, he was older and respected while not exciting, at least he seemed accessible. Zaundra Gleason, on the other hand was overtly staid and came off uncomfortable with unscripted banter. In fact she often just shut up and looked bored if air time was spent on anything other than what was written in her notes or on the teleprompter.

Since it was a coin toss, the negotiations were to be the deciding factor. If Hartman was interested in staying and seemed excited by the changes he would be resigned but only for two years, if not then Zaundra would get the renewal and Ian would be willing to give a little.

In mid-June, Pierce Warner would be joining the show as a warm up to the changes. Ian was anxious to see how the on camera chemistry would be. The dynamics of pairings may very well be the final call. Gleason and Hartman had worked so long together, but Ian never felt they worked as a team, which was foundational for any news or talk program.

Turner had agreed to sit in with Ian, along with Denver Metcalfe. Wella and Blake would be there as well. Metcalfe and Turner were there simply serving as a reminder that although new to the position, HRT would stand behind any decisions made by Ian. Blake was Ian’s walking file cabinet and Wella was just simply Ian’s right arm, in today’s case his left one as well.

In most scenarios, Hartman and his manager or agent would meet with the executive producer and bandy about terms face to face. From that point on representatives from both sides would either hash out disputes until settled or fine tune the wording until the contracts were signed.

Ian wasn’t nervous, partially due to the fact that the mild dose of Percidan he was prescribed made him mellow. He knew what he wanted and how he wanted it and this meeting, regardless of the outcome, was the final cog that making all the wheels roll.

The initial introductions were uneventful. Ian had met Hartman on several occasions and had been cordial. Blake served coffee and tea in the conference room. Hartman and both this manager and agent expressed their pleasure at Ian’s ongoing recovery.

In turn, Ian thanked them and apologized for the inconvenience it may have caused in communication. He stated, and truly felt bad that he had not been able to discuss one on one with the production team changes being planned for the show.

“I have to admit, Ian…” Hartman stated matter of factly, “both Zaundra and I were surprised to be informed that the show would not be expanding to four hours, but we understand the reasoning behind it.”

“I appreciate your approval.” He said.

“Oh, I didn’t say that either of us approved. We both think it’s a mistake.”

“And you’re reasoning?” Ian raised one eyebrow, and Wella shifted a pencil from one hand to the other, her sign for “good words, be ready for a change in tactic.” Wella and Blake seemed to have ears in every hallway. Ian had been dully warned and fully prepared for this meeting to get tough. Hartman and Gleason were determined to get that fourth hour and felt their tenure was strong enough to pressure the network into taking their side despite formal announcements of planned changes.

Hartman shifted in his chair. His manager spoke up. “Both Frank and Zaundra feel that in order to keep up with the race in morning news it is imperative to follow the leads made by the other networks and expand to that fourth hour.”

Frank held up his hand to stop the man and started him self, “We both insist that cutting up three hours of news for gardening tips and presentations of Fairest of the Fair contests undercuts the dignity and expectations of our very loyal viewers.”

Blake opened a file folder in front of Ian as Wella touched her knee, i.e. “hit him with the facts”. Ian cleared his throat. “Thank you for your directness. But first let me point out that while I am sure Zaundra appreciates you’re speaking for her, she is not in any way part of the discussion today. This is strictly about your continuing on with “America Alive” and whether or not you feel comfortable enough to stay with us and make the program something that everyone wants to watch.”

“I think our consistent ratings attest to the fact that we already have what they want.” Hartman’s agent spoke up.

Ian looked at the file in front of him. “We can be very proud of the fact that of the five major morning news programs “America Alive” has the most consistent viewers; there isn’t the hourly fluctuation of the other networks. However those consistencies are marginal over all and when examined closely you see without a doubt that the overwhelming majority of those loyal viewers are over the age of sixty. Not a demographic that draws sponsors.”

“Pardon me...” Wella jumped in, “We need point out that if that demographic were increasing we wouldn’t see it as much of a problem, but the ratings, while consistent over ten years, has declined by 1.5%, also consistently, over the ten year history…”

“You mean you feel the demographic is simply dying out?” Denver interjected.

“Precisely…” Ian agreed. “Our job is not to offend and lose our audience but to see it grow, and changes have to be made. We will not follow the leaders, Mr. Hartman; we will be the leaders.”

“But these remotes…it’s not what Zaundra and I do.” Hartman insisted.

“And you are not being asked to do them. That is why Pierce Warner is coming on board.”

“We don’t…I don’t approve of him.” Hartman wanted no further discussion of Warner.

“Not your call, Frank.” David Turner reminded him.

Wella put both her hands on the table. Ian knew what was coming. They figured that both Hartman and Gleason would double barrel, starting by pointing out how integral they were to the ratings of the show, and if that didn’t work to insinuate that they would not be interested in renewing. Ian was prepared.

“Ian I understand why you feel changes are necessary, in order to increase ratings we cannot continue doing things the same way, and I acquiesce to your position and hope that we can come to an agreement in terms.” Hartman folded his hands in his lap.

“I appreciate that, sir, and I hope you understand while I have and will make the final call on all changes, as we continue further I expect you and the production team to be a party to decisions made…” Ian suspected that was way too easy, but in his head put a check by Frank’s name and drew a big black line through Zaundra’s.

Hartman’s agent spoke up. “I think then, let’s just make this short and sweet and start talking about terms…of course Hartman does expect an increase in salary and benefits.”

“Actually”, Ian said, “We aren’t willing to negotiate any increase. Frank’s air time will be cut by a third, although I am willing to make an addendum should ratings increase that salary and benefits befit that increase.”

Hartman and his team turned red in the face. “I don’t think that…” Frank started to spit.

Ian put up his hand, “Forgive me Mr. Hartman, but you are the second highest paid morning anchor already…and unfortunately the rude fact is that you anchor the seventh lowest program. Change that, change the other…”

Hartman put his hand to his chin and nodded at his agent. “Frank does have other offers…in order for these discussions to continue you will need to match them.”

Blake pulled a file from the bottom of the pile and opened it. Ian picked up a few typed papers and perused. “I see no problem with that…”

Hartman and his team smiled momentarily until Ian continued. “I understand that TV Guide channel had offered you a commentator position at half the salary and benefits, Icon the same, and an affiliate in Washington State has offered you the lead anchor for their 6 PM news…”

“CNN has offered Pierce Warner’s old position…” the manager spoke up.

Wella looked at Blake. Blake looked at Ian. Ian smiled. “Then I see no reason for these negotiations to continue…”

“Oh, we are willing to talk…” the agent blustered.

Ian stood. “Well thank you, but I wouldn’t want to stand in Frank’s way. Enjoy the new job. You deserve it.”

Hartman and his team all stood and began to dance around. “I’d much rather stay with “America Alive”. I’m sure we can work out the difference in money.”

Ian extended his hand to Hartman, who breathed a sigh of relief and shook it. Ian smiled as he shook the man’s hand. “We so appreciate the job you have done for us, and wish you all the best of luck. I’ll make an announcement at the next press conference that you’ll be leaving for greener pastures…”

The man’s face fell. “But I…”

“Frank, you play hard ball very, very badly. I’m sorry. You lied and now I don’t trust you. I won’t allow our loyal viewers to get their news from someone I don’t trust. I wouldn’t even let them get gardening tips from you…”

“Ian…” Hartmen smiled, “Let’s be reasonable…”

“I am being reasonable. I’m not firing you. Your existing contract will be honored. We will make the announcement that we regret that you have decided not to renew with us. I hope you like Spokane, it sounds like the best offer you have on the table.”

The agent stood his ground, “CNN has…”

“CNN has squat for you.” Ian told him point blank. “I might have bought it if you hadn’t added the bit about Pierce’s position. Pierce didn’t have a position, just an offered contract for freelance journal assignments, proving that you are not only a liar, but don’t even have a concept about what the news really is. You’ve just been doing things be rote for ten years. You blew it.”

“Dave…?” Frank turned to the big boss.

“Sorry, he’s right. I’m disappointed. Carl Steadman retires in two years. Ian and I had discussed a two year contract for you on “America” and then to move you into the 6:30 anchor position, but that’s now off the table ass well.”

“But, I’ve worked hard…don’t I deserve…?”

“Frank…” David Turner shook the man’s hand. “One of you had to go, and you made up our minds. And I’m sure Ian won’t mind you speaking to Zaundra on our behalf, we have things set, we will not negotiate. While that may give her some leverage in the next thirty days, we will have no second thoughts about replacing her as well.”

“If you would like, Frank, I am willing to allow you to finish out your contract in the air, no bullshit or I will get publicly ugly.” Ian extended his hand.

“Fuck you asshole.” The team stormed out the door.

“Well…” Blake smiled. “That went well…Plan B, C or D?”

Ian tapped his fingers on the table. “Go with C for now.” Blake and Wella nodded and scampered off.

“Plan C?” Denver asked.

“Someone signed Ray Everett to a contract which the network has been doling out quite a large sum of money to for the past few years and he hasn’t done a thing. He’s consented to fill in when needed.”

“The ball player?”

“That’s the one…very All America. He can read and knows how to work a camera. He’ll do just fine.” Ian looked through some paperwork.

“We’ve had him under contract for two years?” David Turner blinked.

“Yes…you didn’t know?”

“Actually…no….Kent’s doing?”

Ian nodded. “Wella is off giving him a call to start Monday morning. I’m sure we’ve seen the last of Hartman.”

“A nice man, I’m sorry to see him go, but obviously he doesn’t fit in with the changes we’re making.” Turner pulled his paperwork together. “We should all be prepared for some nasty maneuvering from Zaundra Gleason and her people.”

“They have the same agent.” Ian said slipping some files in his backpack and slowly rising from the table.

“He’ll definitely be thinking twice before he speaks now.” Metcalfe said. “Personally, I’m not sure how so many got to the point they believe we’ve been offering what the public wanted to see when no one has been tuning in for over a decade.”

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