Yesterday did not end well.  I had a wonderful day at MECA (the 911 Communications Center in Pine Bluff).  I learned a lot, I liked the people, and I really cared about the quality of the final product.  But alas, the news goods are not always kind.  Around 6PM, one of our editing computer kept crashing (and with it my story).  Long story short, it aired late and it didn't look nearly as good as it should have.  The NATS (natural sound) were hot (loud), there were no dissolves, it just didn't flow.  So today I was looking for redemption. 

By 9PM last night, "Squeaky the Kangaroo Lady" was leading in the polls (and there is NOTHING wrong with Squeaky.  I would love to meet Squeaky, and I would love to a story on her kangaroos.  It's just not hard news and it leaves little room for redemption).  So I went to bed thinking surely it would win.  When I woke up, that's when my amazement with all of you kicked in. 

You DO like hard news!!  1,047 of you voted and it was close.  In fact, it was the closest race in the history of Choose Your News. The Tony Alamo Investigation had 38% of your vote, Air Traffic Controller Shortage had 39%.  As for redemption... it's going to be tough.  I can't actually shoot this story until 3PM.  So it will be a tight turnaround.  But I think (I hope) it will work. 

Here's what I know so far... There is a massive Air Traffic Controller shortage across the Country.  Just take a look at Dallas Fort Worth Airport.  They need 115 air traffic controllers, but they only have 49.  At Little Rock National Airport it's not as bad, but it's not good.  They need 39 controllers, but they only have 27 (and 7 of them are now eligible for retirement).  I have an interview set-up with the local rep for the National Air Traffic Controllers Association.  If you have any questions for him, email me at kfisher@katv.com. 

Kristin