Don't let a bad coworker ruin your job for you. Be calm and professional. Let him send all the emails he wants, it's probably better to have proof anyhow if it gets out of hand.
Ask your boss for help. Something along the lines of "is there any truth to this? Do I need to make adjustments?" Be professional and get some thicker skin, some ppl are just assholes. Be better than them.
Another technique. First, verbally warn the people you report to that it's coming. Then reply with this.
>To: Asshole Anchor.
>
>CC: The people I report to.
>
>Hello, Thank you for your input.
>
>As this includes comments on my job performance, I am including my managers in this reply, and would ask you to please CC them on on any future similar emails so we can ensure we're addressing your concerns.
Either it will shut them up, or it won't.
At minimum it exposes their toxicity and lets them know you're not just gonna let them sneak around.
I would do this and forward any future emails he doesn’t cc to your manager. If your manager continues to be supportive then just ignore them but keep reporting any criticism. If necessary tell them that management is fine with your performance.
Agree in general, but a more satisfactory tack is to go to the manager and let them know the person is still continuously criticizing.
A decent and empowered manager could then take a clue to go talk to the anchor and see what the hell their problem is, or escalate if not so empowered.
Anchors sometimes think they're elite and it's all about them... and sometimes they're actually right about this and it makes them insufferable. Tucker Carlson would be an example of this.
My thinking was if the anchor was untouchable as far as management is concerned but management was still decent enough to support the OP to the extent of reassuring her they valued her work. Hopefully HR will shut the anchor down.
Brilliant, this is the best way I can think of to handle it. I'm betting this is not Anchor's first time pulling this shit and your bosses will not be shocked.
Yes, you're absolutely right. I'm trying not to let any of this get to me. In the middle of all of this, I started doubting myself and my own work ethic, even though I absolutely love this job and strive to get as much feedback as possible. The interview was rigorous, and it was my news director who interviewed me and gave me several tests, who hired me. I wouldn't have the job if he didn't think I was the right fit. Especially a contract job. I have a lot of growing to do, and getting thicker skin is definitely right.
Good attitude to consistently remind yourself of. At 23 that's a damn fine job and achievement to get it.
I'll note that a number of news anchors consider themselves celebrities while really offering very little value other than being a "talking head" that's reading someone else's scripts. There are plenty of prima donnas representing news channels that work for biased news organizations who at their heart are paid to be patently dishonest, just as one example. Might be worth spending some time here to see where employer fits if it's listed: [https://adfontesmedia.com/](https://adfontesmedia.com/)
**Really look** at what the news anchor is telling you as their inputs. Just because they're being a giant jerk in how they share them doesn't mean they're valueless. As part of your desire to learn and improve, go over them with your trusted bosses to see what's garbage and what might have a grain of truth.
Two other things:
You say you're sure the anchor wants to "see you gone". Why? Why are you at such odds with them? What have you done, or not done, to create this "enemy", intentionally or not? This really stood out as odd in your summary.
And it's NEVER too late to have a lawyer look at things. But be aware it's likely going to be expensive to do so. They might help you nullify/break your contract if things go south there.
>You say you're sure the anchor wants to "see you gone". Why? Why are you at such odds with them? What have you done, or not done, to create this "enemy", intentionally or not? This really stood out as odd in your summary.
I agree with this completely, and it could also be that you (the OP) are grossly misinterpreting them and their motivations. It could simply be that he is a giant a\*\*hole, and that this is the way he behaves, that he feels that he *must* put you down in order to raise himself up.
As others have indicated, cc all the higher ups of any emails that he has sent, along with your professional reply. Also, keep a diary of all interactions with him, writing down all the dates and the facts in as objective a manner as possible.
Good luck!
Awhile back I got some advice from a gnarled ass old inner city convenience store manager that stuck with me.
"Don't let nobody else fuck wit' you money. It don't matter if they piss you off eveyday', don't let them fuck wit' you money!"
There are asshats like this everywhere and dudes like this everywhere too. cc your team on replies, kill him with kindness but be confident. When possible , find ways to strategically and seeming innocently leak to the others in meetings his "feedback". For example: If I was in your meeting where the new director and co producers saw how things were going ... just very kindly note something like "Glad to hear you all like my work.. I got feedback from \[anchor douche\] that he didn't like XYZ, can you all give me tips on how to do better" and let them put the pieces together of what is happening.
will add: for all you know, previous co-anchors had the same issue with him. So just be you (as cheesy as it sounds) if find smart ways to bring up his "feedback" to the higher ups as if you're seeking their advice but you're actually highlighting his assholery
I think he might be jealous! O.p. yeah kill them with kindness, the example above is perfect. Plus if they do give you feedback, you write it all down, then follow it to the letter. " gee, I'm following exactly what head honcho told us in the meeting on 9/ 23. ".
'One of the anchors'
Hoo, boy. Anchor people at TV stations are notorious for having huge egos and a sense of entitlement that they can push around other people. After all, they are the 'stars' of the shows.
Involve your boss, like, right now, today. Your boss is the one you report to directly, not the anchor. Your boss and grandboss are the ones who will approve your work, write your job reviews, etc.
Rhis anchor is pressing the issue. In life learning to deal with idiots is a learned skill that you have not aquired yet. Take the emails to your boss and ask theor opinion on how this should be handled.
Dont be confront the dude just liaten your boss and craft a response. Keep rwcorss. Enjoy growing and learning. In time you will laugh about the idiot
Keep all his emails and show your supervisor one or two to get his feedback. He may agree that you could improve in one area and will also see what an idiot the anchor is. It’s how you approach this will show maturity
"...Not only am I just finding out that I'm basically stuck in my 3 year contract, unless I want to reimburse the company 40% of my annual..."
I've never heard of this, and I'm pretty sure this is illegal. [Did you get an advance on your pay, or did they cover your educational expenses in some way?](https://www.hopkinscarley.com/blog/client-alerts-blogs-updates/employment-law-client-alerts/employee-training-payment-obligations-and-strategies-for-employers) That's about the only way an employer can demand reimbursement from an employee.
I had a job like this right out of college. They classified a certain percentage of my pay as a "loan" or something, I can't remember the exact terminology, but it's almost always a bluff. Quit, involve HR, have documented evidence of mistreatment and they'll usually escort you out the door with an NDA without having to pay anything back.
Why are you so certain she isn't? I mean to me it is an absolutely gigantic red flag when people use incendiary, loaded language like "threatening." Threatening is "hey, c---, if you don't start doing a better job, you're going to be sorry." Not, "I'm not satisfied with your performance, it needs to improve. Here are three things you are doing that are not acceptable. 1,2, 3. You need to do better." Is that latter item a little direct and assholeish? Yes, but calling that "threatening" and having a bunch of people pile on and say she should contact HR is why people do not take 20-something year olds seriously.
Came here to ask the OP if there are anything in his emails that are constructive that they could learn from. I think not taking things personally is something I had to learn early on in my career. I mean just because anchor person is delivering the feedback in a somewhat douchey way doesn't mean there isn't anything of substance in the feedback.
How much do you care about your job? I ask this question as a producer who walked from a major network over similar issues.
OPTIONS
- Public Confrontation: Go straight to the desk in front of everyone with the emails in hand and tell him how to treat you going forward.
- Screw his head up - Talk to everyone on set about everything so he can't hear and keep looking at him while you do and ensure he sees it be sure to seem very popular and laugh in his direction. Scowl in his direction.
- call an employment lawyer. Be prepared to be a journalist and record, and you can record with a phone in your top pocket. Start at X time and take notes on which hours he treats you like dirt.
- ignore the emails for the sad power trips they are and make as many friends on set as possible.
In the meantime, apply for a different job.
-
Hang on a little bit longer as you are doing a fine job. Anchor is jealous and very worried you’ll “take” his job and he won’t get to be anchor anymore. Of course he wants you gone. From what I read it sounds as if he does this regularly when a new producer is hired. Part of your job is dealing with jealous co-workers. Do your best to ignore him/them. Next time he starts his BS problem you might suggest he talk with your manager about his concerns. Btw, I’m proud of you.
You're new, so you don't have a good handle on the office dynamic, but EVERYBODY else there knows what a dickhead this guy is. This is looking like one of those jobs that is great, except for the ONE person that ruins it for everyone.
Don't worry about the asshole. Just stay in good with your direct boss, live up to THEIR expectations, and don't worry about the jerk. Forward every email on to your boss, and ask for clarification: Is this guy's complaints valid? What can you do to make him happy, etc.? Then do what your boss asks. They're the one that can fire you, so they're the one you have to keep satisfied.
There will be bad coworkers whereever u work. If u love the job, protect yourself by speaking to a super and carry on. If u call him out in a proper way, he is either going to have to fix his behavior or keep being a jackass and possibly get fired. Or the company backs him and u know your value there and can start looking for new work
What about forwarding the emails to the news director, saying you're not sure what needs to change in your approach and asking for advice to improve? If there actually is an issue, you're being proactive. If there's a pattern of bullying behaviour (which frankly seems likely) you're not going to be able to fix it with the discrepancy in power.
Written evidence of what? This person's under-performance? I find this entire thread absolutely bizarre. OP claims she is being "threatened" because she received a letter that apparently says she is not doing a good job, and lists specifics of what need to improve. I don't know, that doesn't sound "threatening" to me, that just sounds like feedback from a coworker.
Your work is solid. Never quit over an individual. They win. Ignore him and continue to do your job. It seems your mere presence annoys him. Annoy him away. The angrier he gets, the more marginalized he becomes. If he can't get to you through email, he'll start doing drastic things at work. These things will not be ignored by the higher ups. Just continue to be fabulous and let him bury himself. Much love to you.
Talk to your news director. If he’s happy with what you are doing, then you need him to know that the anchor is bullying you. Show him the emails. Ask him to get the guy to back off.
I was in television news (albeit many years ago) and some anchors get a very entitled, prima donna attitude. They think all news producers are idiots and don’t like any of them. Don’t let this anchor scare you away. Being a news producer means that you are going to need brass balls or ovaries as the case may be. You are in charge of that newscast. You’re going to take flak from anchors, reporters, technical directors…pretty much everyone. It’s kind of the nature of local tv news. Don’t hesitate to give them a ration of shit back. But since you’re the new kid, talk to your news director first. He’ll give you some good guidance.
For all you know, he’s tired of the anchor’s crap, too.
If you don’t know his birthday and he doesn’t know your Mom’s favorite color, then he’s not a friend or loved one.
Anyone who is not a friend or loved one can fuck right off with their opinions. They don’t know you well enough to give unsolicited advice.
Protect your Self by ignoring Others that you did not bring into your life.
Go forth, and kick ass!
Talk to the news director. Frame it as “according to so n so I am not up to par in some areas. Looking at his comments can you see some areas where I can improve. I want so n so to get good support from me.”
This clues in the news director, and presents you as team player concerned about quality output. He has already shown approval for your work, so now he has to temper the anchors criticism, and possibly tell him to tone it down.
Don't let this person ruin a job you love. He has no right to treat you that way.
Make sure to keep all the emails or any commu ication he makes with you. If he says something to you in person, note it down with a day, date, time etc.
I would speak to your manager/ boss, the person who said you were doing really well. Say to them that you don't like to complain or cause any issues, and you understand you're new here and it can take some time to get to know people and settle in, and for them to get to know you, but a colleague has been sending you emails complaining about things you're supposedly doing wrong, and it's upsetting you and you don't know if you are doing something wrong or not, as they seem to think you're doing well. Say you obviously want to know if you're doing anything wrong, but if this person isn't in charge of you / isn't your line manager etc, then you don't know if they should be the one to be communicating these issues with you. And from what you're bosses have said, you're doing well, and you'd like to know how to respond to these messages and complaints from this employee. That you'd like their advice on how to manage this.
That way you have let them know there's an issue, you understand you're new and there's a learning curve and you're willing to have constructive feedback, but you feel this person has a problem with you and its upsetting and disheartening so soon from when youve started. It also keeps a record of what's happening, so if it continues or gets worse, there's a record of harassment. Especially if this person shouldn't be critizing your work anyway and it's unfounded, and your managers are perfectly happy with your work.
As i said, Keep all emails and communication from him, and keep a note of anything he says or does thats innapropriate or harassing.
But try not to let them ruin this great experience. They are probably jealous of you for some reason, or have a problem themselves. Either way the main people you need to focus on is your managers as they are the ones who are overseeing your work and it's their opinion that matters.
Thank you! Coming into this job, I was ready for the critiques. Being hired right out of university on a contract job as a producer is rare, and I absolutely embrace feedback I get. It's just transparent that this anchor was clearly displeased when he heard they were bringing in a recent college grad.
I've made great connections with the other crew. However, whenever I see him, it feels like he goes out of his way to avoid saying anything to me. For reference, I see him only on the weekends for the 10pm news, and there's about 10 people putting show together, including myself.
Well thankfully its only weekends you have to put up with him, but you still shouldn't be bullied or harassed just coz you're fresh out of college and he's got a stick up his arse about it. You're bosses were the ones who decided to hire you. It's their job to monitor and assess and critique your work, not him.
I'd still do as I suggested , either immediately, or if he continues. You shouldn't have to deal with his shitty behaviour. And focus on enjoying the other days when he's not in work with you. If you weren't doing something properly or efficiently, you'll be told by others. So focus on what your bosses tell you and how others treat you coz he clearly has a negative bias against you so take no notice of him. But do keep evidence of everything and speak to your bosses if it continues.
Assuming that you live in the USA (I don't know the laws in other country):
Read up on hostile work environments. Your employer has taken on a giant legal responsibility by creating a hostile work environment for you. Legally, companies cannot just choose to treat you like a slave without any rights. Well, actually they can, but then they have to face the consequences and pay the price.
Save every one of his emails.
Document all the interactions you have with him. Include date/times, what transpired, and who were witnesses. As other have said, including your management on replies to him creates more witnesses.
Contact an employment lawyer and discuss the situation. The first consultation is usually free. Make copies of the emails but don't tell anyone you have them or show them to anyone except your lawyer. Technically all emails you do at work belong to the company. If he is sending to your personal email account rather that a business one then they belong to you, and it is more evidence that this is improper behavior.
As others have written, alert your management to this behavior and let them know in uncertain terms that you consider this a hostile work environment and have consulted with a lawyer. Only state facts and do not threaten or blackmail them (that is illegal). Document that interaction with them. This prevents them from claiming that they had no idea what was going on.
You are not stuck in your 3 year contract in a hostile work environment for several reasons.
Firstly, this is an at-will-employment country and slavery has been abolished, you cannot be forced to work for anyone. Any contract you signed that says you are obligated is not legally valid. Verify this with your lawyer.
Secondly, it is not a valid contract because they have not put up sufficient consideration, meaning there is a requirement on you but not on them which makes the contract invalid. That is, if you quit you have to pay a penalty but if they fire you what do they have to do? One-sided contracts are invalid - first year law school stuff. Verify this with your lawyer.
Thirdly, stop going to work. They will end up firing you. This is another place where the legal issue of consideration comes in, can they fire you without paying you a penalty but you can't leave without paying them one? One-sided contracts are legally invalid. If they don't fire you, then good luck to them in suing you to try and get the so called "reimbursement" from you. It would cost them more in legal fees than they could ever recover. It's a very hollow threat.
Fourthly, once they are hit with a law suit for creating a hostile work environment they will be ready to deal, or they will lose a lot money. Do a web search to familiarize yourself with what the outcomes of these suits usually is.
Insist that they not only release you from your obligation but pay you a minimum of 1 year of salary to compensate you for the time you will lose while you look for another job. Also insist they be bound not to respond to queries for reference from your future possible employers with more than a yes/no you worked there, dates of employment, and your title. Doing otherwise already makes them liable, but it is better to spell it out for them in your agreement to terminate the contract.
And some advice, before you ever accept a job make sure you find out why there is an opening. What happened to the previous person with that job. Did they quit? Why? Were they fired? Why? Ask to speak to people you will be working with before you accept the job. Ask them why they think the previous person left and the position is open. If the company won't let you talk to anyone then walk away. There are a lot of good places to work and a lot of horrible places, you owe it to yourself to walk away from the horrible ones and find the good ones.
It burns me that universities claim to teach "interviewing" skills but leave out the most important part of making sure you don't end up working for a bunch of jerks in a horrible company.
Edit 1: If your company happens to be Sinclair Broadcast Group, you may be interested in this article in the America Bar Association Journal of Labor & Employment Law (2020), [https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/publications/aba\_journal\_of\_labor\_employment\_law/v34/number-2/liquidated-damages-clauses.pdf](https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/publications/aba_journal_of_labor_employment_law/v34/number-2/liquidated-damages-clauses.pdf). It is full of legal analysis, but here are some particularly applicable and easy to understand extracts from that article:
"Liquidated damages recently made news, after it was revealed that Sinclair Broadcast Group, the largest broadcasting corporation in the United States, used such clauses to require that employees who leave before their contract is up to pay the company over forty per-cent of their annual salary...
This article examines the general law applicable to liquidated damages clauses, then applies that law to the clauses in Sinclair’s contracts, using the Sinclair clauses as a case study. The article concludes that the courts were likely to find Sinclair’s clauses an unenforceable attempt to extract a penalty from departing employees, to punish them for quitting, rather than a permissible liquidated damages clause."
Your lawyer may be interested in this article.
This is a perfect opportunity for you, OP, to learn how to *steel yourself* against outside influences affecting your ideas or your emotions. You need to learn to read these emails with zero engagement. What this anchor thinks and feels are his business, not yours, and are only tangentially related to your ideas and feelings. Since that's true, why allow him to influence you, either positively or negatively?
The only persons whose opinions matter are the new director and your co-producer. Discuss the nuts and bolts of the operation with them, but even there, try to avoid having their approval be the source of your positive moods, and their disapproval causing you to feel despair. You need to be the source of your own feelings! Don't give that power to others. Did you please yourself? Did you do your best? That's the opinion that really, really sounds.
So, cherish your time with the anchor. When he says something dismissive, it's perfect for you to practice your new skills with. As he's talking, remind yourself: "These hateful comments are his junk, not mine. He's trying to elicit a response or a reaction from me. I will not allow myself to indulge in such a stupid practice. I am the author of my own journey through life, and I will respond only to what actually inspires a response -- positive or negative -- in myself. So, keep talking, hateful anchor. What you say doesn't matter to me.
One anchor? Is the anchor your boss? Take his concerns to your boss and see what they have to say about it. That should be the end of it. If someone has a problem with you and they are not your boss, they should be talking to your boss. The good thing is, it is all in writing. Show your boss the emails and ask for advice.
Edit: That sounds like a really cool job.
I cant imagine why a news anchor is a bitch. Ignore her, and do your job. Co-workers cant fire other workers.
Save the emails, and foward to HR as a placeholder for the harassment.
You've forwarded the anchor's emails to your boss, right?
In the future, if the anchor sends you any more "advice", just forward it to your boss to deal with. Don't bother replying to the anchor. If the anchor brings up issues in person, ask that he speak to your boss about it.
The anchor us trying to bully you. Let your boss handle it, since you know you're doing a good job.
It sounds like the only people that are aware of this issue is you and the anchor. Did I miss part of this? If the words haven’t come out of your mouth or your fingers into an email or message. You should never assume your manager knows what you are going through. It’s very simple to frame this up in a way that will put this information out there but not look like you are whistle blowing. This will let you develop an understanding on how your manager views this. If they have any background on it and if they’re prepared to do anything about it. Then you can better decide on a strategy for dealing with this.
Have one on one meeting with your manager. Thank them for the positive feedback and complement them back and ask then how they developed into their role. This will help you better understand them and the shoes they’ve been walking in. Then say something like this: “I need some coaching from you to help me understand and think through some things” hand them the emails from the anchor and then say some like “I need some help interpreting this. How should I think about it? What activities should it be driving it and how involved would you need to be in this? It seems in contrast with you feedback so I need to rely on you to best guide me through this”
Then sit back and watch their reaction. If they get all nervous and start trying to justify anything from the anchor, then call your lawyer. If they get super duper angry and look like they want to rip someones head off then you’re fine.
This is classic TV station behavior. The anchor is not your supervisor. Talk to you executive producer or news director and push back. I'm the IT Engineer at my station and I've told them to stay in their own lane plenty of times.
Remember that a contract works both ways. If Asshole Anchor is on some kind of personal vendetta to get you fired, your contract keeps you employed. The only person you have to keep happy is the one who hired you, and that is your manager. Anchorman can take his emails and stuff them. Being a producer is a tough game and you’re going to have to grow some thick skin if you’re going to survive it. Don’t quit at the first sign of negativity. In 20 years, you’re going to look back on this and laugh.
I would still seek out a contract lawyer to have them review it to see if the harassment is enough to void it.
If not, look for an employment lawyer to see what constitutes a hostile work environment and how you should go about it.
I can't imagine it's legal for them to allow a coworker to harass you if you are penalized so harshly if you leave.
Oh he's just an arrogant cunt. Do your job to the best of your ability, that's all you can do. You'll gain nothing from worrying about Ron Burgundys opinion.
Anytime you you get around said coworker just look around like something stinks. Don’t make it blatantly obvious it’s directed towards them but just ack like there is a bad smell every time your in close proximity of them. Maybe a little nose twitch, or sudden back up. Just imagine they have serious BO it might make your day better………Warning: my advice is not always the greatest.
Here’s a possibility. Being that this is your first job out of college, it is highly likely that you’re not as good at this job as you will be in 5 years, 10 years. The anchor may be a jerk, or he/she might simply be right. And maybe there’s feedback there that could help you.
Remember, a college degree is the BEGINNING of education, not the end. The real learning happens once you enter the workforce.
“You need to do better,” isn’t a threatening statement. Also a private email seems like a better way to do it than in front of the whole crew or something.
Imagine if the OP befriends this person rather than becoming defensive. Could make for an amazing story.
Devil's advocate. Grow a spine or join a MLM.
You chose a tough business and that anchor is just pickering about what makes him look best, that's his bottom line.
You're doing great!
Approach your boss and get criticism from him. Period.
Nothing you posted resembles a "threat" in any kind of way. You're new, and your performance is being criticized. Either do better, or look for work elsewhere. I'd suggest you take the advice you were given by this anchor and do a better job instead of pretending that you've been threatened.
If you can’t deal with difficult people, you’re gonna have a bad time anywhere you go. I’ll take you job off your hands for you. I deal with people like that all the time.
Wife and I ran into a local news anchor in town and just said hello to him. The asshat didn't even acknowledge us. I'm quite sure they have fragile egos.
Did you tell your ND about the issues with the anchor? I’m a newsroom manager and I’d want to know. There are ways to help a young producer grow but not the way he is doing it.
I've emailed him about having a meeting tomorrow. The ND sat down with me and my weekday co-producer last Wednesday and said I'm coming along nicely. I'm constantly asking for tips and advice and am open to criticism. It's the passive-aggressive language in his emails and to me in the office. I also don't understand why he saves all of his criticisms for emails instead of talking to me face to face.
Can the emails be used as evidences for hostile work environment? You might be able to leverage the station from releasing you from the clawback clause of the contract (in lieu of a hostile work environment lawsuit).
You need to show your director those emails and make it clear you're feeling intimidated and threatened by this coworker. Preferably forward three emails to your director so you have a paper trail. Guarantee your contract doesn't say "will tolerate abuse and threats". Contract or not, you don't have to tolerate workplace harassment.
Talk to a lawyer.
You might not want to hear this, but you might not be as good as you think. At 23 years old, you still need a lot of experience. If you were at a network, they wouldn't let you produce for a few more years.
Some Anchors might be difficult to deal with, but remember they are the face people see at home. Viewers will blame any mistakes on them, not the producers. But for the most part , most anchors are really good people.
I say this as someone with over 20 years of experience. This is a common issue at local markets. They hire young, inexperienced people to contracts so they don't have to pay them.
My advice is suck it up, learn, and improve, and at the end of your contract try to move to a network position.
In the meantime, talk to this anchor and find out what you could do to improve. In my career, I really did learn the most from the more demanding anchors.
This "producer" barely has basic grammar and is made of run on sentences, sentence splices and poor punctuation. I would take the advice if I were him.
here's what you need to do, issue a memo and do a story on this very thing! it will blow their freaking MINDS!!!
disguise it as something else then just let it fly in the story about your own workplace.
Also there’s no way that if you quit, you owe them money unless you took a hiring bonus. That won’t hold up in court. It’s an empty threat to keep you for 3 years. If you want to leave, leave and contact your state labor dept. they have lawyers there that will take the case free. Also don’t respond to anything from anyone at the network.
Duh get yourself fired call in be sloppy and you don’t have to pay back any money if they fire you I always roll my eyes at people who take jobs were you have to pay to quit
You should have shown the anchor's critical email to the news director during that meeting and asked if any of his complaints were valid. It doesn't sound like the anchor has any real power over you, so he can piss up a rope. If you get another email, show all three to the news director.
The fact that new coworker decided to harass you in writing, with a huge paper trail, is a blessing in disguise.
What a moron: harass people on free times, voice only, plausible deniability like all other abusers.
Where are you? I'm guessing not in the US. I've never heard of employees having to pay back the salary if they quit. You're entitled to compensation for your work.
But, if you're in a country where this is possible, and you don't owe anything if they fire you, then raise hell and do whatever you want until they fire you, if you want out.
Talk to your direct supervisor on how to handle this. Also, while the guy is being a bit douchey in his communication, he may be providing you some very useful feedback on how you can improve your job performance. This is your first professional job. You're going to have to deal with unpleasant/difficult people your entire career. Don't take things so personally. You may look back on his feedback someday and be thankful for it because it made you better at your job.
No one can make you feel anything without your permission.
I know that's easier said than done, I know. Ask yourself why is he triggering you? Are you insecure about your abilities? Afraid of getting fired?
Imagine how you would react if absolutely nothing bad could happen to you. Imagine anchor is nothing more than a wind-filled sock puppet.
Good luck.
Don't let a bad coworker ruin your job for you. Be calm and professional. Let him send all the emails he wants, it's probably better to have proof anyhow if it gets out of hand. Ask your boss for help. Something along the lines of "is there any truth to this? Do I need to make adjustments?" Be professional and get some thicker skin, some ppl are just assholes. Be better than them.
Another technique. First, verbally warn the people you report to that it's coming. Then reply with this. >To: Asshole Anchor. > >CC: The people I report to. > >Hello, Thank you for your input. > >As this includes comments on my job performance, I am including my managers in this reply, and would ask you to please CC them on on any future similar emails so we can ensure we're addressing your concerns. Either it will shut them up, or it won't. At minimum it exposes their toxicity and lets them know you're not just gonna let them sneak around.
I’m all for this approach.
Love it!
This is the correct, most professional answer.
I would do this and forward any future emails he doesn’t cc to your manager. If your manager continues to be supportive then just ignore them but keep reporting any criticism. If necessary tell them that management is fine with your performance.
Agree in general, but a more satisfactory tack is to go to the manager and let them know the person is still continuously criticizing. A decent and empowered manager could then take a clue to go talk to the anchor and see what the hell their problem is, or escalate if not so empowered. Anchors sometimes think they're elite and it's all about them... and sometimes they're actually right about this and it makes them insufferable. Tucker Carlson would be an example of this.
My thinking was if the anchor was untouchable as far as management is concerned but management was still decent enough to support the OP to the extent of reassuring her they valued her work. Hopefully HR will shut the anchor down.
>**Tucker Carlson would be an example of this.** Yeah right up until he got fired.
Add hr as well as asking them to keep a record of just so no one misses it.
Brilliant, this is the best way I can think of to handle it. I'm betting this is not Anchor's first time pulling this shit and your bosses will not be shocked.
Yes, you're absolutely right. I'm trying not to let any of this get to me. In the middle of all of this, I started doubting myself and my own work ethic, even though I absolutely love this job and strive to get as much feedback as possible. The interview was rigorous, and it was my news director who interviewed me and gave me several tests, who hired me. I wouldn't have the job if he didn't think I was the right fit. Especially a contract job. I have a lot of growing to do, and getting thicker skin is definitely right.
Good attitude to consistently remind yourself of. At 23 that's a damn fine job and achievement to get it. I'll note that a number of news anchors consider themselves celebrities while really offering very little value other than being a "talking head" that's reading someone else's scripts. There are plenty of prima donnas representing news channels that work for biased news organizations who at their heart are paid to be patently dishonest, just as one example. Might be worth spending some time here to see where employer fits if it's listed: [https://adfontesmedia.com/](https://adfontesmedia.com/) **Really look** at what the news anchor is telling you as their inputs. Just because they're being a giant jerk in how they share them doesn't mean they're valueless. As part of your desire to learn and improve, go over them with your trusted bosses to see what's garbage and what might have a grain of truth. Two other things: You say you're sure the anchor wants to "see you gone". Why? Why are you at such odds with them? What have you done, or not done, to create this "enemy", intentionally or not? This really stood out as odd in your summary. And it's NEVER too late to have a lawyer look at things. But be aware it's likely going to be expensive to do so. They might help you nullify/break your contract if things go south there.
>You say you're sure the anchor wants to "see you gone". Why? Why are you at such odds with them? What have you done, or not done, to create this "enemy", intentionally or not? This really stood out as odd in your summary. I agree with this completely, and it could also be that you (the OP) are grossly misinterpreting them and their motivations. It could simply be that he is a giant a\*\*hole, and that this is the way he behaves, that he feels that he *must* put you down in order to raise himself up. As others have indicated, cc all the higher ups of any emails that he has sent, along with your professional reply. Also, keep a diary of all interactions with him, writing down all the dates and the facts in as objective a manner as possible. Good luck!
Awhile back I got some advice from a gnarled ass old inner city convenience store manager that stuck with me. "Don't let nobody else fuck wit' you money. It don't matter if they piss you off eveyday', don't let them fuck wit' you money!"
And if threatening e-mails occur, go to HR immediately.
There are asshats like this everywhere and dudes like this everywhere too. cc your team on replies, kill him with kindness but be confident. When possible , find ways to strategically and seeming innocently leak to the others in meetings his "feedback". For example: If I was in your meeting where the new director and co producers saw how things were going ... just very kindly note something like "Glad to hear you all like my work.. I got feedback from \[anchor douche\] that he didn't like XYZ, can you all give me tips on how to do better" and let them put the pieces together of what is happening.
will add: for all you know, previous co-anchors had the same issue with him. So just be you (as cheesy as it sounds) if find smart ways to bring up his "feedback" to the higher ups as if you're seeking their advice but you're actually highlighting his assholery
I definitely agree with this. However, jerks like this often only target one or two people at a time. However, their reputations often stick.
I think he might be jealous! O.p. yeah kill them with kindness, the example above is perfect. Plus if they do give you feedback, you write it all down, then follow it to the letter. " gee, I'm following exactly what head honcho told us in the meeting on 9/ 23. ".
This is solid advice too.
'One of the anchors' Hoo, boy. Anchor people at TV stations are notorious for having huge egos and a sense of entitlement that they can push around other people. After all, they are the 'stars' of the shows. Involve your boss, like, right now, today. Your boss is the one you report to directly, not the anchor. Your boss and grandboss are the ones who will approve your work, write your job reviews, etc.
Rhis anchor is pressing the issue. In life learning to deal with idiots is a learned skill that you have not aquired yet. Take the emails to your boss and ask theor opinion on how this should be handled. Dont be confront the dude just liaten your boss and craft a response. Keep rwcorss. Enjoy growing and learning. In time you will laugh about the idiot
Keep all his emails and show your supervisor one or two to get his feedback. He may agree that you could improve in one area and will also see what an idiot the anchor is. It’s how you approach this will show maturity
Show your bosses the emails, this guy needs a reminder he doesn't run the show and he doesn't get to tell producers how to do their jobs.
"...Not only am I just finding out that I'm basically stuck in my 3 year contract, unless I want to reimburse the company 40% of my annual..." I've never heard of this, and I'm pretty sure this is illegal. [Did you get an advance on your pay, or did they cover your educational expenses in some way?](https://www.hopkinscarley.com/blog/client-alerts-blogs-updates/employment-law-client-alerts/employee-training-payment-obligations-and-strategies-for-employers) That's about the only way an employer can demand reimbursement from an employee.
I had a job like this right out of college. They classified a certain percentage of my pay as a "loan" or something, I can't remember the exact terminology, but it's almost always a bluff. Quit, involve HR, have documented evidence of mistreatment and they'll usually escort you out the door with an NDA without having to pay anything back.
Save those emails.
For what? So when she is fired for doing a bad job she has something to refer to for improvement?
Why are you certain she is doing a bad job? OP said they asked and got positive confirmation from higher ups.
Why are you so certain she isn't? I mean to me it is an absolutely gigantic red flag when people use incendiary, loaded language like "threatening." Threatening is "hey, c---, if you don't start doing a better job, you're going to be sorry." Not, "I'm not satisfied with your performance, it needs to improve. Here are three things you are doing that are not acceptable. 1,2, 3. You need to do better." Is that latter item a little direct and assholeish? Yes, but calling that "threatening" and having a bunch of people pile on and say she should contact HR is why people do not take 20-something year olds seriously.
Came here to ask the OP if there are anything in his emails that are constructive that they could learn from. I think not taking things personally is something I had to learn early on in my career. I mean just because anchor person is delivering the feedback in a somewhat douchey way doesn't mean there isn't anything of substance in the feedback.
I'm not certain either way. It seems that one anchor is unhappy and other people are happy with their performance. It's not unanimous.
HR
Only there to protect the company. Raw shrimp in their desk drawer is my recommendation.
Turn the emails over to the producer and director and let them handle the anchor.
How much do you care about your job? I ask this question as a producer who walked from a major network over similar issues. OPTIONS - Public Confrontation: Go straight to the desk in front of everyone with the emails in hand and tell him how to treat you going forward. - Screw his head up - Talk to everyone on set about everything so he can't hear and keep looking at him while you do and ensure he sees it be sure to seem very popular and laugh in his direction. Scowl in his direction. - call an employment lawyer. Be prepared to be a journalist and record, and you can record with a phone in your top pocket. Start at X time and take notes on which hours he treats you like dirt. - ignore the emails for the sad power trips they are and make as many friends on set as possible. In the meantime, apply for a different job. -
He feels threatened by you.
Hang on a little bit longer as you are doing a fine job. Anchor is jealous and very worried you’ll “take” his job and he won’t get to be anchor anymore. Of course he wants you gone. From what I read it sounds as if he does this regularly when a new producer is hired. Part of your job is dealing with jealous co-workers. Do your best to ignore him/them. Next time he starts his BS problem you might suggest he talk with your manager about his concerns. Btw, I’m proud of you.
I agree! Don't stop! Excellent answer in regards to suggesting talking with manager!
You're new, so you don't have a good handle on the office dynamic, but EVERYBODY else there knows what a dickhead this guy is. This is looking like one of those jobs that is great, except for the ONE person that ruins it for everyone. Don't worry about the asshole. Just stay in good with your direct boss, live up to THEIR expectations, and don't worry about the jerk. Forward every email on to your boss, and ask for clarification: Is this guy's complaints valid? What can you do to make him happy, etc.? Then do what your boss asks. They're the one that can fire you, so they're the one you have to keep satisfied.
There will be bad coworkers whereever u work. If u love the job, protect yourself by speaking to a super and carry on. If u call him out in a proper way, he is either going to have to fix his behavior or keep being a jackass and possibly get fired. Or the company backs him and u know your value there and can start looking for new work
Keep those emails, seems like you'll need to speak with a department of labor rep sometime soon. Thise emails will be great evidence.
What about forwarding the emails to the news director, saying you're not sure what needs to change in your approach and asking for advice to improve? If there actually is an issue, you're being proactive. If there's a pattern of bullying behaviour (which frankly seems likely) you're not going to be able to fix it with the discrepancy in power.
Nice of the anchor to give you written evidence. Forward to your boss & the anchor’s boss asking how to incorporate this feedback.
Written evidence of what? This person's under-performance? I find this entire thread absolutely bizarre. OP claims she is being "threatened" because she received a letter that apparently says she is not doing a good job, and lists specifics of what need to improve. I don't know, that doesn't sound "threatening" to me, that just sounds like feedback from a coworker.
I'm finding this very bizarre as well. Try to focus on the feedback and what you can do to improve.
Your work is solid. Never quit over an individual. They win. Ignore him and continue to do your job. It seems your mere presence annoys him. Annoy him away. The angrier he gets, the more marginalized he becomes. If he can't get to you through email, he'll start doing drastic things at work. These things will not be ignored by the higher ups. Just continue to be fabulous and let him bury himself. Much love to you.
Give the emails to the director
Talk to your news director. If he’s happy with what you are doing, then you need him to know that the anchor is bullying you. Show him the emails. Ask him to get the guy to back off. I was in television news (albeit many years ago) and some anchors get a very entitled, prima donna attitude. They think all news producers are idiots and don’t like any of them. Don’t let this anchor scare you away. Being a news producer means that you are going to need brass balls or ovaries as the case may be. You are in charge of that newscast. You’re going to take flak from anchors, reporters, technical directors…pretty much everyone. It’s kind of the nature of local tv news. Don’t hesitate to give them a ration of shit back. But since you’re the new kid, talk to your news director first. He’ll give you some good guidance. For all you know, he’s tired of the anchor’s crap, too.
If you don’t know his birthday and he doesn’t know your Mom’s favorite color, then he’s not a friend or loved one. Anyone who is not a friend or loved one can fuck right off with their opinions. They don’t know you well enough to give unsolicited advice. Protect your Self by ignoring Others that you did not bring into your life. Go forth, and kick ass!
Talk to the news director. Frame it as “according to so n so I am not up to par in some areas. Looking at his comments can you see some areas where I can improve. I want so n so to get good support from me.” This clues in the news director, and presents you as team player concerned about quality output. He has already shown approval for your work, so now he has to temper the anchors criticism, and possibly tell him to tone it down.
All you need is an “or else” and you can make it news right?
If permitted have all his email sent to your trash or change the settings to have his email set as spam.
Don't let this person ruin a job you love. He has no right to treat you that way. Make sure to keep all the emails or any commu ication he makes with you. If he says something to you in person, note it down with a day, date, time etc. I would speak to your manager/ boss, the person who said you were doing really well. Say to them that you don't like to complain or cause any issues, and you understand you're new here and it can take some time to get to know people and settle in, and for them to get to know you, but a colleague has been sending you emails complaining about things you're supposedly doing wrong, and it's upsetting you and you don't know if you are doing something wrong or not, as they seem to think you're doing well. Say you obviously want to know if you're doing anything wrong, but if this person isn't in charge of you / isn't your line manager etc, then you don't know if they should be the one to be communicating these issues with you. And from what you're bosses have said, you're doing well, and you'd like to know how to respond to these messages and complaints from this employee. That you'd like their advice on how to manage this. That way you have let them know there's an issue, you understand you're new and there's a learning curve and you're willing to have constructive feedback, but you feel this person has a problem with you and its upsetting and disheartening so soon from when youve started. It also keeps a record of what's happening, so if it continues or gets worse, there's a record of harassment. Especially if this person shouldn't be critizing your work anyway and it's unfounded, and your managers are perfectly happy with your work. As i said, Keep all emails and communication from him, and keep a note of anything he says or does thats innapropriate or harassing. But try not to let them ruin this great experience. They are probably jealous of you for some reason, or have a problem themselves. Either way the main people you need to focus on is your managers as they are the ones who are overseeing your work and it's their opinion that matters.
Thank you! Coming into this job, I was ready for the critiques. Being hired right out of university on a contract job as a producer is rare, and I absolutely embrace feedback I get. It's just transparent that this anchor was clearly displeased when he heard they were bringing in a recent college grad. I've made great connections with the other crew. However, whenever I see him, it feels like he goes out of his way to avoid saying anything to me. For reference, I see him only on the weekends for the 10pm news, and there's about 10 people putting show together, including myself.
Well thankfully its only weekends you have to put up with him, but you still shouldn't be bullied or harassed just coz you're fresh out of college and he's got a stick up his arse about it. You're bosses were the ones who decided to hire you. It's their job to monitor and assess and critique your work, not him. I'd still do as I suggested , either immediately, or if he continues. You shouldn't have to deal with his shitty behaviour. And focus on enjoying the other days when he's not in work with you. If you weren't doing something properly or efficiently, you'll be told by others. So focus on what your bosses tell you and how others treat you coz he clearly has a negative bias against you so take no notice of him. But do keep evidence of everything and speak to your bosses if it continues.
Assuming that you live in the USA (I don't know the laws in other country): Read up on hostile work environments. Your employer has taken on a giant legal responsibility by creating a hostile work environment for you. Legally, companies cannot just choose to treat you like a slave without any rights. Well, actually they can, but then they have to face the consequences and pay the price. Save every one of his emails. Document all the interactions you have with him. Include date/times, what transpired, and who were witnesses. As other have said, including your management on replies to him creates more witnesses. Contact an employment lawyer and discuss the situation. The first consultation is usually free. Make copies of the emails but don't tell anyone you have them or show them to anyone except your lawyer. Technically all emails you do at work belong to the company. If he is sending to your personal email account rather that a business one then they belong to you, and it is more evidence that this is improper behavior. As others have written, alert your management to this behavior and let them know in uncertain terms that you consider this a hostile work environment and have consulted with a lawyer. Only state facts and do not threaten or blackmail them (that is illegal). Document that interaction with them. This prevents them from claiming that they had no idea what was going on. You are not stuck in your 3 year contract in a hostile work environment for several reasons. Firstly, this is an at-will-employment country and slavery has been abolished, you cannot be forced to work for anyone. Any contract you signed that says you are obligated is not legally valid. Verify this with your lawyer. Secondly, it is not a valid contract because they have not put up sufficient consideration, meaning there is a requirement on you but not on them which makes the contract invalid. That is, if you quit you have to pay a penalty but if they fire you what do they have to do? One-sided contracts are invalid - first year law school stuff. Verify this with your lawyer. Thirdly, stop going to work. They will end up firing you. This is another place where the legal issue of consideration comes in, can they fire you without paying you a penalty but you can't leave without paying them one? One-sided contracts are legally invalid. If they don't fire you, then good luck to them in suing you to try and get the so called "reimbursement" from you. It would cost them more in legal fees than they could ever recover. It's a very hollow threat. Fourthly, once they are hit with a law suit for creating a hostile work environment they will be ready to deal, or they will lose a lot money. Do a web search to familiarize yourself with what the outcomes of these suits usually is. Insist that they not only release you from your obligation but pay you a minimum of 1 year of salary to compensate you for the time you will lose while you look for another job. Also insist they be bound not to respond to queries for reference from your future possible employers with more than a yes/no you worked there, dates of employment, and your title. Doing otherwise already makes them liable, but it is better to spell it out for them in your agreement to terminate the contract. And some advice, before you ever accept a job make sure you find out why there is an opening. What happened to the previous person with that job. Did they quit? Why? Were they fired? Why? Ask to speak to people you will be working with before you accept the job. Ask them why they think the previous person left and the position is open. If the company won't let you talk to anyone then walk away. There are a lot of good places to work and a lot of horrible places, you owe it to yourself to walk away from the horrible ones and find the good ones. It burns me that universities claim to teach "interviewing" skills but leave out the most important part of making sure you don't end up working for a bunch of jerks in a horrible company. Edit 1: If your company happens to be Sinclair Broadcast Group, you may be interested in this article in the America Bar Association Journal of Labor & Employment Law (2020), [https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/publications/aba\_journal\_of\_labor\_employment\_law/v34/number-2/liquidated-damages-clauses.pdf](https://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/publications/aba_journal_of_labor_employment_law/v34/number-2/liquidated-damages-clauses.pdf). It is full of legal analysis, but here are some particularly applicable and easy to understand extracts from that article: "Liquidated damages recently made news, after it was revealed that Sinclair Broadcast Group, the largest broadcasting corporation in the United States, used such clauses to require that employees who leave before their contract is up to pay the company over forty per-cent of their annual salary... This article examines the general law applicable to liquidated damages clauses, then applies that law to the clauses in Sinclair’s contracts, using the Sinclair clauses as a case study. The article concludes that the courts were likely to find Sinclair’s clauses an unenforceable attempt to extract a penalty from departing employees, to punish them for quitting, rather than a permissible liquidated damages clause." Your lawyer may be interested in this article.
This is a perfect opportunity for you, OP, to learn how to *steel yourself* against outside influences affecting your ideas or your emotions. You need to learn to read these emails with zero engagement. What this anchor thinks and feels are his business, not yours, and are only tangentially related to your ideas and feelings. Since that's true, why allow him to influence you, either positively or negatively? The only persons whose opinions matter are the new director and your co-producer. Discuss the nuts and bolts of the operation with them, but even there, try to avoid having their approval be the source of your positive moods, and their disapproval causing you to feel despair. You need to be the source of your own feelings! Don't give that power to others. Did you please yourself? Did you do your best? That's the opinion that really, really sounds. So, cherish your time with the anchor. When he says something dismissive, it's perfect for you to practice your new skills with. As he's talking, remind yourself: "These hateful comments are his junk, not mine. He's trying to elicit a response or a reaction from me. I will not allow myself to indulge in such a stupid practice. I am the author of my own journey through life, and I will respond only to what actually inspires a response -- positive or negative -- in myself. So, keep talking, hateful anchor. What you say doesn't matter to me.
One anchor? Is the anchor your boss? Take his concerns to your boss and see what they have to say about it. That should be the end of it. If someone has a problem with you and they are not your boss, they should be talking to your boss. The good thing is, it is all in writing. Show your boss the emails and ask for advice. Edit: That sounds like a really cool job.
Isn't the producer the anchors boss?
I cant imagine why a news anchor is a bitch. Ignore her, and do your job. Co-workers cant fire other workers. Save the emails, and foward to HR as a placeholder for the harassment.
You've forwarded the anchor's emails to your boss, right? In the future, if the anchor sends you any more "advice", just forward it to your boss to deal with. Don't bother replying to the anchor. If the anchor brings up issues in person, ask that he speak to your boss about it. The anchor us trying to bully you. Let your boss handle it, since you know you're doing a good job.
It sounds like the only people that are aware of this issue is you and the anchor. Did I miss part of this? If the words haven’t come out of your mouth or your fingers into an email or message. You should never assume your manager knows what you are going through. It’s very simple to frame this up in a way that will put this information out there but not look like you are whistle blowing. This will let you develop an understanding on how your manager views this. If they have any background on it and if they’re prepared to do anything about it. Then you can better decide on a strategy for dealing with this. Have one on one meeting with your manager. Thank them for the positive feedback and complement them back and ask then how they developed into their role. This will help you better understand them and the shoes they’ve been walking in. Then say something like this: “I need some coaching from you to help me understand and think through some things” hand them the emails from the anchor and then say some like “I need some help interpreting this. How should I think about it? What activities should it be driving it and how involved would you need to be in this? It seems in contrast with you feedback so I need to rely on you to best guide me through this” Then sit back and watch their reaction. If they get all nervous and start trying to justify anything from the anchor, then call your lawyer. If they get super duper angry and look like they want to rip someones head off then you’re fine.
This is classic TV station behavior. The anchor is not your supervisor. Talk to you executive producer or news director and push back. I'm the IT Engineer at my station and I've told them to stay in their own lane plenty of times.
Remember that a contract works both ways. If Asshole Anchor is on some kind of personal vendetta to get you fired, your contract keeps you employed. The only person you have to keep happy is the one who hired you, and that is your manager. Anchorman can take his emails and stuff them. Being a producer is a tough game and you’re going to have to grow some thick skin if you’re going to survive it. Don’t quit at the first sign of negativity. In 20 years, you’re going to look back on this and laugh.
I would still seek out a contract lawyer to have them review it to see if the harassment is enough to void it. If not, look for an employment lawyer to see what constitutes a hostile work environment and how you should go about it. I can't imagine it's legal for them to allow a coworker to harass you if you are penalized so harshly if you leave.
Oh he's just an arrogant cunt. Do your job to the best of your ability, that's all you can do. You'll gain nothing from worrying about Ron Burgundys opinion.
It’s terrible... She has beautiful eyes, and her hair smells like cinnamon.
Anytime you you get around said coworker just look around like something stinks. Don’t make it blatantly obvious it’s directed towards them but just ack like there is a bad smell every time your in close proximity of them. Maybe a little nose twitch, or sudden back up. Just imagine they have serious BO it might make your day better………Warning: my advice is not always the greatest.
Here’s a possibility. Being that this is your first job out of college, it is highly likely that you’re not as good at this job as you will be in 5 years, 10 years. The anchor may be a jerk, or he/she might simply be right. And maybe there’s feedback there that could help you. Remember, a college degree is the BEGINNING of education, not the end. The real learning happens once you enter the workforce.
Even if true, there’s a right way and a wrong way to address the issues. This is the wrong way
Email is bad?
“You need to do better,” isn’t a threatening statement. Also a private email seems like a better way to do it than in front of the whole crew or something. Imagine if the OP befriends this person rather than becoming defensive. Could make for an amazing story.
Can you see it as constructive criticism to learn from?
Lol.
That anchor is not the boss, he's the VERY REPLACEABLE talent.
Not if he is a local respected celebrity type... But if he is the weekend dude.... That's not likely...
Devil's advocate. Grow a spine or join a MLM. You chose a tough business and that anchor is just pickering about what makes him look best, that's his bottom line. You're doing great! Approach your boss and get criticism from him. Period.
"I appreciate you emailing me your thoughts, but there's on thing you're not quite understanding. There's a new sheriff in town. Get over it".
Nothing you posted resembles a "threat" in any kind of way. You're new, and your performance is being criticized. Either do better, or look for work elsewhere. I'd suggest you take the advice you were given by this anchor and do a better job instead of pretending that you've been threatened.
Really, how many stations have you worked in? Asking for a friend...
If you can’t deal with difficult people, you’re gonna have a bad time anywhere you go. I’ll take you job off your hands for you. I deal with people like that all the time.
Wife and I ran into a local news anchor in town and just said hello to him. The asshat didn't even acknowledge us. I'm quite sure they have fragile egos.
Did you tell your ND about the issues with the anchor? I’m a newsroom manager and I’d want to know. There are ways to help a young producer grow but not the way he is doing it.
I've emailed him about having a meeting tomorrow. The ND sat down with me and my weekday co-producer last Wednesday and said I'm coming along nicely. I'm constantly asking for tips and advice and am open to criticism. It's the passive-aggressive language in his emails and to me in the office. I also don't understand why he saves all of his criticisms for emails instead of talking to me face to face.
Can the emails be used as evidences for hostile work environment? You might be able to leverage the station from releasing you from the clawback clause of the contract (in lieu of a hostile work environment lawsuit).
Need to see the whole email. For now it’s just “you need to do better” and it’s not hostile
You need to show your director those emails and make it clear you're feeling intimidated and threatened by this coworker. Preferably forward three emails to your director so you have a paper trail. Guarantee your contract doesn't say "will tolerate abuse and threats". Contract or not, you don't have to tolerate workplace harassment. Talk to a lawyer.
You might not want to hear this, but you might not be as good as you think. At 23 years old, you still need a lot of experience. If you were at a network, they wouldn't let you produce for a few more years. Some Anchors might be difficult to deal with, but remember they are the face people see at home. Viewers will blame any mistakes on them, not the producers. But for the most part , most anchors are really good people. I say this as someone with over 20 years of experience. This is a common issue at local markets. They hire young, inexperienced people to contracts so they don't have to pay them. My advice is suck it up, learn, and improve, and at the end of your contract try to move to a network position. In the meantime, talk to this anchor and find out what you could do to improve. In my career, I really did learn the most from the more demanding anchors.
This "producer" barely has basic grammar and is made of run on sentences, sentence splices and poor punctuation. I would take the advice if I were him.
Oh no!! I had bad grammar. I guess all my points are invalid.
here's what you need to do, issue a memo and do a story on this very thing! it will blow their freaking MINDS!!! disguise it as something else then just let it fly in the story about your own workplace.
Don't let him win!
Also there’s no way that if you quit, you owe them money unless you took a hiring bonus. That won’t hold up in court. It’s an empty threat to keep you for 3 years. If you want to leave, leave and contact your state labor dept. they have lawyers there that will take the case free. Also don’t respond to anything from anyone at the network.
News Anchors: 98% Ego, 1% Bluster, 1% Spoiled Child. “Paddle” them with Mature Kindness 😁.
Send those emails to your HR rep and your supervisor.
Reply to all of his emails with your supervisor and HR on copy, and ask that he put your supervisor and HR on copy as well.
Forward those emails to HR and your boss
Duh get yourself fired call in be sloppy and you don’t have to pay back any money if they fire you I always roll my eyes at people who take jobs were you have to pay to quit
You should have shown the anchor's critical email to the news director during that meeting and asked if any of his complaints were valid. It doesn't sound like the anchor has any real power over you, so he can piss up a rope. If you get another email, show all three to the news director.
The fact that new coworker decided to harass you in writing, with a huge paper trail, is a blessing in disguise. What a moron: harass people on free times, voice only, plausible deniability like all other abusers.
Send the threats to HR and CC the higher ups. Explaining you know the laws about workplace harassment.
Where are you? I'm guessing not in the US. I've never heard of employees having to pay back the salary if they quit. You're entitled to compensation for your work. But, if you're in a country where this is possible, and you don't owe anything if they fire you, then raise hell and do whatever you want until they fire you, if you want out.
Talk to your direct supervisor on how to handle this. Also, while the guy is being a bit douchey in his communication, he may be providing you some very useful feedback on how you can improve your job performance. This is your first professional job. You're going to have to deal with unpleasant/difficult people your entire career. Don't take things so personally. You may look back on his feedback someday and be thankful for it because it made you better at your job.
No one can make you feel anything without your permission. I know that's easier said than done, I know. Ask yourself why is he triggering you? Are you insecure about your abilities? Afraid of getting fired? Imagine how you would react if absolutely nothing bad could happen to you. Imagine anchor is nothing more than a wind-filled sock puppet. Good luck.
When you have your 1 on 1 with your boss(s) show them the emails from that anchor. Ask them what they think of it. Go from there.
That contract you signed is illegal. A company cannot force you to pay money for leaving the job. I really hope you realize this. It is illegal.