IMR: Extras: Scraps: Joe Moore

IMR: Extras: Scraps: Joe Moore
May 7, 1998, 10:08 p.m.

This is an unofficial transcript of personal comments made by Joe Moore, anchor of the Channel 2 News (KHON/FOX Honolulu), during the 10 p.m. broadcast on Thursday, May 7, 1998.
"This has been a long time coming... ever since two years ago, when we became a FOX affiliate. Regular viewers know I was not happy about that change, for a variety of reasons. As you probably also know, a short time later -- after getting feelers from two other TV stations in town -- I signed a long-term contract to remain here at Channel 2.
It was with mixed emotions that I did that. Obviously on the plus side, long-term job security. On the negative side, I had a hard time -- a very hard time -- getting comfortable with the FOX programs. Some of them.
Then, two months ago, my son was born. Amazing how an event like that can help crystalize your thinking.
What was my problem with FOX? The fact that many of its shows are clearly aimed at a younger audience? The fact that some, like tonight's "Wildest Police Videos" and "Scariest Police Chases 12" (or whatever the number was)... the fact that I find those shows repugnant and offensive? Yes.
So why didn't I go to work for another station? Several reasons. One, I like the people here. Two, when I thought about the programs on the other stations, there's a lot of what I think is trash there, too. In fact, I counted the number of shows I really -- and I mean really -- like to watch on the different networks. On NBC, there's four, soon to be three; on ABC, two; CBS, one; on Fox, three.
Sitting down and making that list helped put things in perspective. There is a lot of crap on TV.
Does FOX have more than its fair share? In my personal opinion, yes. But that's the opinion of a fifty-year-old newsman who's interested in well-made dramas, historical pieces and thought-provoking comedies.
So would I be happier at another station? No. Why? Because it's not the FOX programs -- that will come and go based on the strength or weakness of their ratings -- that make this station what it is. It's the people who work here. The people I work with day in and day out. The people in our newsroom, in the studio, the control room, the tape room, the front office. It's these people who have made Channel 2 what it is today, and who will make it what it will be tomorrow. And they're the best.
I don't know why looking into my little son's eyes helped clear my head about all this -- what's important, what's not important -- but it did. And as viewers of this newscast, I felt you had a right to know.
That's our late news for this Thursday, thank you for joining us, have a good night, and if our owners and management are so inclined, I'll see you tomorrow. If not, well, I guess that's television. Thanks for letting me into your homes over the years. Good night."

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