Why is That Job Even Needed?

WGAL (Harrisburg) announced that they have hired a new Traffic Anchor for the evening newscast. 

The station says they have hired Brittany Garzillo as the new weekday evening Traffic Anchor on WGAL News 8 at 4pm and 5pm. 

“I am honored and overjoyed to join the dedicated and award-winning team at WGAL 8,” said Garzillo. “I look forward to sharing the stories that impact the Susquehanna Valley and beyond.”

But our question, why is this job even needed?

I get the fact that having a Traffic Anchor in the morning makes sense. People can see where the slowdowns and wrecks are before heading off to work. 

But, why is this job needed in the evening?

Most people don't have a TV at work. And even if they do, it's more than likely they aren't watching for the traffic report. 

When I was a News Director, my GM asked me about hiring someone to do Traffic Anchoring for the evening newscasts.

I told him exactly what I said above about people not having a TV at work and I really felt that was a job that was not needed.

He said, "But it is still good for wives to know why their husband might be late coming home."

Really he said that. 

You know, because that's where the women are, standing barefoot in the kitchen cooking dinner for their working husband. 

I'm happy to report that this GM retired years ago. 

Anyway, Garzillo started at the station last week and she's thrilled to be there. 

---