Ax Swings in Nashville
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Well that didn't take long...
So, what was Woods first order of business?
To can the station's longtime mascot and a bunch of other longtime staffers.
The Nashville Scene reports that WSMV just laid off Snowbird.
The NBC affiliate has seen a number of changes to its roster over the past few years, as the once-leader in the market has tumbled in the ratings. But today's cuts claimed the most high-profile victim yet: Steven Good, who has played Snowbird for 24 years.
Several others also lost their jobs, including Brian Hallett, Ken Hicks (who has been with with the station since the 1980s), Talia Naquin (an executive producer), Kacy Hegerty (a midday host), Dave Walker (master control operator) and Kellie Noshfar.
Sources confirmed those layoffs and said there were likely others.
The layoffs come just over a week after Woods took over as GM. A great way to introduce yourself to the staff....don't ya think.
As for Snowbird? The station killed the Snowbird Twitter and Facebook presences.
"I was told that the position was being eliminated," Good says. The character will remain in some capacity, as it has been one of the station's longest running promotions.
"That’s what I think I brought to the character is that he wasn’t like a ficus plant. He was interactive and as real as Bill Hall or Lisa Spencer or anyone else," Good says. "My holy trinity was Jim Henson and Fred Rogers and Bob Keeshan. You could reach kids and teach kids and interact with them. I had no problem going to K-second grade kids and reading them silly penguin books. I think that has value. I think that was a good way to get in the door."
The station directed all inquires to Meredith corporate.
