So here we go again at the troubled WKBW-TV Channel 7. Our hometown team has lost another of it’s local family members in John Murphy who has resigned after contract talks did not reach an agreement that he was willing to sign. That may be because that new contract included a $30,000 salary decrease over the next 5 years. After an 18 year run at the station, Murphy decided he had enough turmoil at the station that goes bankrupt and up for sale with the changing of the seasons. Morale at the station is at an all time low, with workers never sure that they will have their jobs when they come into work each day. I am sure more staff cuts are on the horizon, but that seems difficult to imagine since Channel 7 only has 1/4 of the staff of Channel 4 in terms of reporters and anchors. I sincerely hope that John Murphy lands a great opportunity, since he deserves better than the treatment he has received. To think that he wasn’t even given the opportunity to let his audience know he is leaving and to say goodbye on the air. I will miss him and he has been extremely helpful to Medaille students over the years, so we all wish him the best in the future. His professionalism will put him above the management that so rudely tried to discredit him by barring him from his last session in the sports desk. Please tell me what you think this will do for Channel 7 and Murphy’s future.

Lisa Van Valkinburgh
September 18, 2007

To read more:
COMMENTARY Murphy regrets being barred from final show by Alan Pergament

Channel 7’s Murphy becomes free agent By Alan Pergament
Updated: 09/16/07 7:21 AM