Time for new ideas

Posted on by Rainer Doost

I thank David Forbes for his article regarding the current uproar at URTV [“Whose TV?” Feb. 25]. I and my wife, Valeria, have been URTV producers since before URTV even opened. To date we have submitted well over 40 original documentaries. Our productions focus on cross-cultural awareness.

From my perspective, the current issues with the board have been there from the start. The dismissal of the first station manager, who was widely admired, was the warning bell. The selection of the current manager was a confirmation of the warning. The station changed overnight from a welcoming, creative atmosphere to bunker mentality; from an inspiring, “can do” attitude to the severe schoolmarm explaining what “we can’t do.” It all became depressing as I watched the most creative producers look for inspiration elsewhere. Attempts to diversify the board failed. The board became more homogeneous, not even considering qualified individuals and expelling those who do not drone on in approved monotone.

Nowadays, I avoid entering the URTV building. I drop my programs in the basket at the door and drive off. What a change from the early days when Curt, Paul and Gen would take a moment to say hello and ask how they could help us to become more competent producers.

We are a city of forward-thinking and creative people! The URTV board and management does not reflect that creativity. Perhaps that is why URTV may not survive. That really would be a shame. It is time for new ideas, a new board and new management!

— Rainer Doost
Zamani Refuge African Culture Center
Leicester

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6 thoughts on “Time for new ideas”

  1. Evaluate_Now!!

    Rainer,
    Kudos to you and your wife for all the work for URTV you have done.
    You have hit the nail on the head as far as the atmosphere at URTV is concerned. The overbearing manner of the ED and a milquetoast board, combine to make the place downright uncomfortable for many who have simply flown the coop.

  2. May Flowers

    Rainer,

    Have you actually ever tried to communicate with the new management group, or do you just have issues with change? How many times did you actually walk through those doors and greet those who are there now? You speak of “warning bells” as if a monster is working in the tv studio. There is always a transition when things change in life. Sometimes the transition can only fully take place when you live for the future, and not the past. Change isn’t a bad thing, if you know how to welcome it.

  5. glolady

    OK…

    Producers Party at URTV on Monday March 16th 7:00 PM

    Live music, fun, and food.

    Come be Social and meet the other Producers.

  6. elaneon

    Rainer,

    Thanks to you and Valeria for this and all your contributions to URTV and our community. I hope one day you both will feel that warm welcome again at URTV.

    I hope all of us will.

    glolady,

    URTV was never more a social club than it is right now. It has become a very exclusive club as well. I’m expecting to have to buy the silly hat and learn the secret handshake.

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