By Deirdre Spilman
Opinion Editor
During my three years as a journalism and mass communication major, I have learned media, reporting, editing and other important aspects of the business.
I have also learned the job market is extremely competitive. I need to seize an opportunity whenever one is presented.
Newscaster AJ Clemente seized his opportunity to work as an anchor for a local North Dakota news station, but was unable to hold on to it for more than a few minutes.
On his debut newscast, he made the very unfortunate error in uttering “f—ing sh-t” on air. The station (KFYR) apologized and Clemente has since been fired, according to an April 23 Huffington Post article.
Not exactly the best way to introduce yourself to the viewers.
Clemente did not seem to think so, either. After the incident, he took to Twitter (@ClementeAJ) to express his feelings on the matter.
“That couldn’t have gone any worse!” tweeted Clemente, followed by, “Tough day, Thanks for the support, we all make mistakes. I’m truly sorry for mine. I’ll try my hardest to come back better and learn from this.”
Unfortunately for KFYR, Clemente’s absence at the station did not go unnoticed. The video of Clemente uttering expletives catapulted into Internet fame and helped him gain attention from people like David Letterman and “Today” show co-hosts Matt Lauer and Savannah Gunthrie, according to an April 24 Huffington Post article.
Clemente has also received a large amount of support via social media sites. More than 1,500 people have written on the station’s Facebook page, asking them to reconsider their decision. On Twitter, hashtags such as #TeamAJ, #FreeAJ and #KeepAJ have been circulating because people do not think the firing was warranted, according to an April 23 ABC News article.
The news station does not deserve a negative reputation for terminating a person who could not do the job he was hired to do.
Even Clemente understands that what he did was inexcusable and accepts the consequences. “Rookie mistake. I’m a free agent. Can’t help but laugh at myself and stay positive. Wish I didn’t trip over my ‘Freaking Shoes’ out of the gate.”
KFYR hired Clemente to deliver the news in a professional manner, but he cracked under the pressure. There are plenty of others who would be more than capable of performing the task who deserve a chance at it.
The station should not be receiving backlash for not wanting to have an incapable person represent them.
There are no second chances on a live news broadcast. Clemente has besmirched the integrity of the station with his vulgarity and that will be his legacy there.
As unfortunate as it is that it was his first-ever newscast with the station, he still has proven himself to be unable to handle the pressure, a skill you must possess as a news anchor.
If he is ever hired anywhere else he should remember to think before he speaks. He was fired for a reason. He accepts it and so should everybody else.
