So do you “Facebook,“ “Blog” or “Twitter?“  If you answered “yes” to any or all of ‘em, then you are a part of what’s quickly becoming the new journalism.  You’ll need a roadmap, however, to navigate through a sea of sameness and find information you can trust.

When all heck is breaking loose, don’t you always seem to gravitate to the most calming voice you hear?  Bob Wylds Sr. had one of those of voices.  And even though it’s been silenced, his legacy will live on.

You know the old reminder to check your fire alarm batteries whenever your “fall back” to standard time or “spring forward” to daylight saving time?  Well this election day, I suggest that after you get out and do your civic duty you help us out by casting another ballot of sorts.  It won’t save your life, like a fresh battery in a fire alarm - but it’ll make you feel a lot better about what you see on TV.

Augusta’s most famous voice celebrates 50 years in broadcasting.  And yes, it’s a VERY big deal.

Chances are if you’re reading this, you’re looking for details into a newly announced partnership between WJBF and WAGT Television in Augusta.  There’s not much to tell at this stage of the game, but I did want to address (in broad strokes) expectations.

Sometimes beating the competition is the last thing on our minds.  And I think most will agree.

Trust is a two-way street.  When a journalist reports a story, it is expected that viewers/readers/listeners are given all the facts, at least as far as they are known, so that they can make informed decisions/opinions.  At the heart of this lies something called “full disclosure.“

While so many newspapers around the country are closing shop, there’s a local success story about a newspaper that’s growing because its journalists are embracing media’s future.  So curl up on your favorite chair with Saturday’s Aiken Standard in hand.  When you’re done reading, just turn on your television to see these journalists tackle “broadcast football.“

The free ride is about to be over.  The good news is that you will still be able to get quick, Internet access to your favorite news sources.  The bad news is that you’re going to have pay for it.

There’s an old axium in the business world: “The customer is always right.“  You’ve heard it and chances are when you’re on the other side of the cash register, you really believe it.  And you should.  I do.  But there are a few instances where - and they are rare - Channel 6 can’t help you.  So for this edition of Notes, consider this the one where I tell you to “call someone else.“

UPDATED with statement from Fort Gordon.  Local news departments work for you.  And while we “have” to report the standard fare (shootings, robberies, etc.), we “live” to make a difference.  It’s the ONLY reason I got into this business.  (It sure ain’t the money!).  Almost every day we get a chance to do just that.  And most of the time, you never get to hear about it.  Until now.

Layoffs.  Furloughs.  It’s a tough new (and “news”) industry.  So what is the solution?  There are no clear answers, but there are some great clues.  (Oh, and I’ll tell you where I’ve been).

Overwhelmed is an understatement.  The feedback we’ve gotten from so many of you is all the payment we need during these tough economic times.  We learned something amazing from each and every one of you.

Sorry it’s been awhile.  Been pretty busy around the station.  This week, a legend “left the building” and I wanted to make sure I shared some thoughts about a guy I wish I had known better.

For decades, many people believe that WJBF owns its own radio station.  This is not the case.  If you tune your radio dial all the way down to 87.7, you’ll hear everything that you’d see and hear on WJBF News Channel 6.  But sadly, those days are about to come to an abrupt end.

Time to check your television.  The Digital Transition WILL happen for nearly all television stations in the Augusta, Georgia market on February 17th, 2009.  Why aren’t we waiting until June now that the government has made it okay to do so?  I’ll tell you why and how you can guarantee you’ll be ready for Tuesday’s big switch.

After Tuesday’s historic inauguration, I received an email from a viewer named J. Lee who was very passionate about the way the media covered it.  I replied to her as honestly as I could and told her that I would likely address the issue right here on my blog.

Whenever a new year rolls around, many people look forward to new beginnings and a fresh start.  Unfortunately, there was so much baggage from 2008 that it might be difficult to “clean the slate.“  However, with some new challenges come some great new opportunities.

Less than a month removed from Thanksgiving, many of us are still feeling thankful.  There are some tough changes ahead for your local newsroom.  But there’s one that will never change.  Plus: I’ll tell you why your Christmas gift from WJBF will be a little late.

I get many different types of calls and emails from viewers.  This is an object lesson in why it is so important to try and return every single one of them.  A new best friend could be waiting on the other end.

This community lost a true friend this week.  On Wednesday, as Michael Frank was laid to rest, hundreds gathered to say goodbye to a peacekeeper, a journalist and family man.  For his children, he’ll be remembered as a loving father.  For countless young hockey players, he’ll be remembered as “ref.“  But for everyone else out there, Michael’s legacy might just be the way he used technology to help speed up the flow of information between citizen and government.

A quick message for those of you in TV land who make us your choice for news, information and entertainment.

It’s our birthday and we hosted a tremendous reunion on Friday.  And whether you’re new to the area or like me, grew up in the CSRA, this was a great moment to reflect on those who paved the way for those of us who are still working on behalf of our viewers and clients.  We wouldn’t be celebrating the double-nickel without you.

No more pundits.  No more polls.  It’s up to you.

Some final thoughts in the week leading up to Election Day.  Why you won’t see one infomercial and why I just love our latest “commercial.“

Scores of people are participating in the election process for the first time in their lives.  But it’s really confusing for people who want to vote “early.“  I’ll break down the difference between.  And, liberal media?  You’ll also get some insight into just what kind of newsroom we’ve got working for you.

WJBF is proud to partner with HOLA Augusta.  The announcement was made public during a special night of recognition in Augusta Friday October 17, 2008.

The news is not all bad.  And we have every intention of doing our part to show the “rest” of the economic story.  Plus: News & Notes

The new WJBF.com belongs to you.  Sort of.  We’ve done more than just changed the way WJBF.com looks.  We’ve changed the way it’s updated and managed.  And that’s where you come in.

Forget the pundits who tell you that television is dead.  They obviously weren’t watching WJBF Thursday night at 11 p.m.