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Erica_at_Fox's Blog

by Erica_at_Fox from Fox 11 Newsroom

Last Post 22 days, 21 hours Ago


Traffic Producer - 1st Time Blogger
Mar 12, 2008 | 3:00 AM
Category: Traffic
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When my boss asked if I’d like you to start blogging on our website, I told him that I hardly felt I was interesting enough.  To which he replied, “It’s not about being interesting.”

Because I’ve worked with him for several years now, I can make the quick and accurate interpretation that what he really said was, “It would be great to get your behind the scenes input to our award winning newscasts.  And yes, Erica, you’re captivating.” 

This whole thing is pretty new to me.  I’m not completely inept but, for the most part, technology moves faster than I do.  I’m a per diem, or “freelance”, employee here at the station.  I work a full-time schedule doing a number of jobs.  I spend most of my shifts as a Weather & Traffic Producer.

Still reading?  Why?   Surely, there is paint drying somewhere.

On my days producing, I come in early, build some weather graphics, and when the show starts I focus primarily on Traffic.  The goal is always breaking news – getting there first and getting it on the air.  Working closely with Rick Dickert and the Skyfox crew is a great time.  Skyfox is always streaming live on our site.  Check it out.  When you hear Rick talking to someone on the ground…chances are that’s me!

Ok, if you’re still reading it’s because you work in our web department and it’s your part to make sure this blog gets posted.

I’m boring myself to tears.  I’ll sum up by saying I love my job.  That’s no B.S.  It’s not always fun, but it doesn’t get old.  I’m looking forward to this blog thing-a-ma-jig.  What do you want to know?  Hit me with your best shot.

Seriously, if your reading this right now you are either insane, incarcerated, or in my family.  I can only imagine that nothing short of a bloodline obligation is keeping you here to the very last word.

Promising to make it interesting,

Erica

23 Comments |  Add a Comment

Member Comments Total Comments: 23
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dlove view my photos
Mar 12, 2008 | 5:32 AM

Great 1st post!! I read the whole thing. Of course thats my job... but even if it wasnt I would have anyway :)

Dennis
ErintheCalichick read my blog
Mar 12, 2008 | 10:19 AM

I loved your very first blog!! I think the reality is that veiwers do find the behind the scenes happenings as interesting as those broadcast. Hence the reason your web cams are so popular. It drives a deeper connection with the station in general. I can only speak for myself in saying that Fox 11 news is a TV home for me. The talent on air are people I enjoy more then any other broadcast, immediatly fueling that connection. So being able to get to know one more member of the team, you Erica, is just another perk. So again, congrats on the first blog - I hope to read more. Thanks for taking time to introduce yourself and give a little more background to those not on camera. :)

Erin

P.S. This morning while viewing the cam of SkyFox I did hear Rick mention you quite a few times and it made me wonder who Erica was...Now I know. :)
Mom_1
Mar 12, 2008 | 10:49 AM

Hi,
It's Mom. I'm very excited for you and can't wait to read more. This will be great for you, since you have always been a good one with words.
Love,
Mom xoxo
Gina_Silva read my blog view my photos
Mar 12, 2008 | 12:20 PM

Hi Erica,
Love to see you blogging. Your perception of what Jose said to you is absolutely right on!
You are captivating! :-)
For those of you just getting to know Erica...here's more info:
I've worked with Erica on many occasions. She is a true professional...never letting pressure get the best of her. Trust me, in this field of live tv, many people lose it under pressure and show a horrible side of themselves that should never be revealed. NOT Erica. She's cool as a cucumber. So Erica, what meds are you on??? JUST KIDDING.
Gina
joeroche
Mar 12, 2008 | 1:19 PM

Hi Erica,

Well done on your first blog. Now that you have received so much overwhelmingly positive feedback, you can no longer hide behind this "I'm not interesting" or "paint-drying" persona. Face it, Rios. You know you're captivating. So be loud! Be proud!

O.k., here's my first (few) question(s): When Rick Dickert is talking to you on the air, what are you doing with that information? Can you be heard on the air? And, have you thought about becoming on-air talent?? I have a feeling you would be beloved, Oprah-style if you did. The celebrities you used to interview loved you to death, so...who knows!

All the best and hope to see you soon,
Joe Roche
mystere read my blog view my photos
Mar 12, 2008 | 1:40 PM

Erica,

I hear what you're saying on this blog. I work in radio, and it can be a zoo too, especially behind the scenes. I've also worked with live talent, engineering a show. I remember my days when I was at Cal State Long Beach in Radio/Television/Film. One of my instructors was an A.D. at KCBS TV at the time when Jim Lampley and Bree Walker anchored, and Keith Olbermann was the sports anchor. I've heard some funny stories about the things that go on behind the scenes. I miss the fun working with the Chyron! I posted something on Maria Quiban's blog, which you can read, and relate to. At Cal State, I also helped out as a student worker in the department, so I know about some of the things you do on your job. You definitely have nerves of steel...I've watched Good Day LA, and seen the on air craziness that goes on with D-J-S!

"Mr. E" from Cypress
Erica_at_Fox read my blog view my photos
Mar 12, 2008 | 3:11 PM

Thank you! Wow. I really didn't expect this. Such kind words from all of you. I just wanted to take a second to respond.

Erin - you rock! I love that you watch Skyfox streaming on the web. I think that's one of the coolest features. Let's do it again tomorrow.

Joe - You can listen in too. It's not TV air, it's our live streaming camera on the site here. I can't be heard and I'm SO thankful for that! As for on screen matters, I'll leave that to you. ;)

Mr. E - Sounds like you've had a lot of great experiences. Thanks for reading!

Gina - You're one of the best! When it comes to pros you know what you're talking about because you're one yourself. I'm humbled by your kind words and I love the Sundays that I get to come in and AD (Associate Direct) for you and Robb Weller on the Sunday Morning News. We'll talk about how I medicate in person.

Mom - I'm shocked you were able to post a comment without calling me to ask "How do I do this?" Your post was so nice, I'll buy dinner this week!

Keep reading and keep writing. THANK YOU
Cheers.
Mom_1
Mar 12, 2008 | 3:51 PM

Hi Honey,
Glad I picked Sushi before you offered to buy. I'm laughing and telling all at work. haha, you didn't really think I couldn't do this?? haha
Love Ya,
Mom xoxo
beepbeep read my blog view my photos
Mar 12, 2008 | 4:47 PM

Hi Erica,

My name is Adam...welcome, it's nice to meet you.
Spearman read my blog view my photos
Mar 12, 2008 | 5:29 PM

Hey girl,

Welcome to the world of blogging and yes, I did read your entire entry =-).

Erica for President! (hehe)
RadioRaheem read my blog view my photos
Mar 12, 2008 | 5:31 PM

"OTAY!"
BcharmR
Mar 12, 2008 | 5:38 PM

Yay for Erica. I had no idea what it was you actually did there at Fox News. Now when I miss you, I can tune in and find out EXACTLY what's up. It's like I was right there with you during the entire blog. Fun. --Patti
sebar read my blog view my photos
Mar 12, 2008 | 8:11 PM

Welcome aboard Miss Erica...you seem like a very sweet person and Gina likes you too, so I'll take her word on it personally!

American Author, Poet, Songwriter and Filmwriter
"Mark Paul" Sebar
The Power To Write The Best!
samo714 read my blog view my photos
Mar 13, 2008 | 9:19 AM

seems like more people were intrested in what you had to say for your first blog, and i think it's because you just shoot the [...] and said what was on your mind. which is great. it's what this thing is all about. but i hope to hear more from ys on various topics and dishing out dirt on fellow co-workers. lol kiddint about the dishing out the dirt. well maybe. lol. later.
rockstar93065
Mar 13, 2008 | 9:29 AM

Erica, an excellent effort...face it, you are the traffic producer of the #1morning nrws /entainment show...you are interesting and we want more...you have a great smile
ErintheCalichick read my blog
Mar 13, 2008 | 9:32 AM

Erica,

You rock too girlie!! I am so glad you see how interested everyone really is in what you have to say and who you are.

I again had SkyFox on my computer as I got ready and heard Rick talk to you quite often. That was a real treat now that I know who you are and what you do to help SkyFox. You're a busy lady!!

Thanks again for introducing yourself on here and letting us get to know you. It's going to be great reading future blogs from you!!

Have an awesome day!!

Erin
John_Schwada read my blog view my photos
Mar 13, 2008 | 4:08 PM

i'm not incarcerated, not a family member. but i read your entire blog (i skipped the inane comments from your colleagues however).

erica, i'm amazed to find that you work as weather/traffic producer. i thought your job was to hang over ian's shoulder laughing and sighing as he played his latest YouTube comedy and rock 'n roll video clips. i thought that was a great gig, and i was thinking maybe one of my kids might get an internship doing the same thing here this summer.....oh well.
Rick_Dickert read my blog view my photos
Mar 13, 2008 | 5:08 PM

ER!!
You are the WO-man!
Thanks for all that you do..
Without Erica..I could not do what I do up in SkyFox every morning..She is the best..
..and yes..she is VERY interesting. You should hear the conversations we have over coffee at 3:30 every morning while building weather graphics...Good stuff! Wish we could stream that!
Take care Erica and thanks again for your support and professionalism-
Rick
PS-Hi ER’s MOM! My mom had NEVER posted on my blog :(
TRUTHGUYSinLA read my blog view my photos
Mar 13, 2008 | 7:24 PM

WOW, you are a good blogger poster.. I cant tell you the comfort this blog gave me when I was in IRaq deployed last year. THe people are all great and even if they disagree, they are still nice.

You are good. wow
Erica_at_Fox read my blog view my photos
Mar 14, 2008 | 8:11 AM

Schwada, to be fair, sometimes I also hang out in the booth after the show and tell jokes. Please don't pigeon hole me into the role of Ian's #1 Fan.

Dickert, right back at ya! Maybe my next blog should be about our morning routine before the show starts?
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Erica_at_Fox

I'm a Traffic/Weather Producer, Chyron Operator and Associate Director.

Member Since: 3/11/2008


 

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