| February 2009 |
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I'm writing this President's Note in the wake of the big announcement that Ken Griffey Jr. is back. I remember like it was yesterday when he started for the M's. It was the same year I started my Seattle broadcasting career. It was 1989. I'm not sure which station won the Emmy for best newscast that year or which anchor was honored with a statue, but I can tell you (because I just looked it up) that Junior hit 16 homers his first year with the Mariners, with 61 RBIs. And speaking of stats, I was ready for some grim news and numbers when I asked NATAS Administrator Diane Bevins the question I didn't really want to hear the answer to: So how'd we do this year with the number of Emmy entries? I was certain there would be a sharp decline and therefore a dramatic drop in revenue for the NATAS organization. With stations facing hard times, and with many NATAS members uncertain about their futures, I was prepared for the academy to take a financial hit. As you know, the money that comes in from the entries and the revenue from our Emmy Awards are what keep this organization going. "We have as many entries as last year!" Diane responded. And both Diane and I knew that last year was a record year with 850 entries. I had a one-word response: "Wow!" I couldn't believe it, just as I couldn't believe Griffey was coming back. I think the huge response to our call for entries is a testament to the strength of the Northwest region and to the great work that is produced every day in the five states. Keep up the great work, and we'll see you at Emmy All Stars on April 10 — that's when the Emmy nominations will be announced. Good luck everyone! John Sharify President NATAS Northwest
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Newsletter February 2009
Newsletter February 2009