C’mon, that’s a funny headline! I went back and forth on whether to keep or change it fearing it might a little immature. But, I’m a writer, anything less would be dismissive, and I don’t attach substandard to my name. Plus, it’s essentially the question I’ve been presented with non-stop for the last three weeks. I figured I could swoop in with something quick after announcing my next move, but my DM’s, PM’s and IM’s combined preceded by the “dings,” “pings,” and “tings” are going to make me lose mind and pull out the three hairs left on my head.
First, I want to say this: to every fan and viewer who has reached out — I LOVE YOU. Your concern and encouragement –positioned in a tweet, emoji or a Pop-Tart meme (that was hilarious) have meant the world to me. The comments are certainly making a situation better. So let me set the record straight. And I’ll just do it in the form of an interview and a little unconventionally. Below is my interview with myself that you’ll only see on my website. And I want you to know that all of those magical, moronic moments on TV over the last three years were literally done because I don’t use a script and your day needed brightening at the start.
Mike (Interviewer): You haven’t been on the air at FOX5 in almost four weeks now. Viewers are wondering what happened. So, what happened?
Mike (Interviewee): Well, if anyone should know it’s you, right? Simply put, my contract was not renewed. So, my time at the Station has come to an end…again. This wasn’t my first rodeo (laughs thinking about that time he rode the bull on live TV).
Mike (Interviewer): You had nothing to hold onto — except the microphone — as the bull was trying to buck you off. First of all — RESPECT. Second, weren’t you a little scared?
Mike (Interviewee): I’m pretty sure I’ve never worn the pair of underwear I had on that day again since. This was the most afraid I’ve ever been on a live shot. But that’s my brand and style. I don’t think. I just do.
Mike (Interviewer): Can you tell us why your contract didn’t get renewed at FOX5?
Mike (Interviewee): Yes, but then I’d have to…you know. Oh wait — do you mean the first time it happened or this time? In all seriousness, I think it’s just part of the TV world. It wasn’t my choice. I presented options as instructed. They wanted to go in a different direction, and I have to respect that. I don’t have to like it. But I can respect it. It’s certainly a potential outcome of any contract expiration/renegotiation.
A few weeks ago at church, we all pulled slips of paper off of this board in the lobby. They each had a message, and the whole thing was a tie-in to the sermon. The note I drew from the board read: “10% of life is what happens to you. 90% is how you react.” I won’t lie. I was kind of hurt and embarassed by it. But I also put my arm around positivity and held my head up. That’s been very important because this is my home now. I’ve been in Vegas 13 years. I’m not just going to leave and put this memory in the back of my mind. It’ll linger for a while. But, this bump in the road is nothing compared to facing the world after this:
Mike (Interviewer): My eyes are up here!! Nice!
Mike (Interviewee): Jason Feinberg is such a great player in the TV game. I couldn’t wait to see his reaction. True story: about a year or year and a half after that live shot, my big boss — the General Manager — approached me and said he’d never minded any of the other stunts or shenanigans I’d pulled on TV. But he hated the mermaid. He said it just rubbed him the wrong way. So in Mike Doria fashion, I acknowledged what he said and revived the mermaid two more times on live TV. I should mention and give thanks to my GM for allowing me just to be me. That’s almost unheard of in the TV news world. So many thanks for running with my idiocy, Mr. Brown!
Mike (Interviewer): You’ve had so many weird live shots and, as you put it, magical and moronic moments — what was your top moment?
Mike (Interviewee): I hate this question because it’s usually not the same stories or lives shots the fans and viewers would expect me to pick. Honestly, every story had its own little life and amusement factor. Except for very few, they all had some kind of cool quirk. I genuinely enjoyed getting to know Southern Nevada on a creative and intimate level. To have the opportunity to do fun is just outstanding. I think it’s great that more stations around the country are starting to embrace this format a little more. It works, and no one has ever told me they’d rather wake up to me reporting doom and gloom. I covered plenty of hard news on the morning show. The news is still news. But part of what makes Las Vegas a top-notch community is the x-factor and charm that is exclusive to Southern Nevada. I love being a “Community Reporter.”
Ok, so to answer the question, in 2017 I pitched a story to management about the odd street names in Las Vegas and how they get their names. They liked the idea, and so I drove around town to get interviews and put a story together. A year later, I was on stage accepting my very first Emmy Award. My Assistant News Director told me to enter it, but I didn’t think it was good enough. I’m glad I took my AND’s advice. You know, for a story like that to win an Emmy is pretty powerful…at least in my book. It was silly but informational. It’s kind of like how comedies never win an Oscar. But that Emmy Award is also a story within a story. I’m not going to share that here. It would, however, make a great chapter in a book.
Mike (Interviewer): What do you regret or wish you could redo or take back?
Mike (Interviewee): Who are you, Barbara Walters? What’s with this third degree? I mean, of course, there were times — we’ve all had them — where maybe I could’ve acted or reacted differently. I don’t know that I regret anything. I suppose I’ll say that if there is room for an apology or an area for which I’ve needed to apologize but haven’t — then I’m not afraid to say I’m sorry. So, if it’s needed — I’m sorry.
Newsrooms are both fascinating and frightening. The amount of talent and brilliance that surfaces when a team is just gelled and working well is incredible. And when those awful cycles hit, they can be emotionally draining. I’m not going to say being a news reporter is the hardest job. It’s certainly not easy either. But it’s a business where you and your feelings are always in second or third place. Someone or something else always comes first. There’s always a bigger focus. That’s tough. But if that’s the price you pay for being in this business, then I’ll keep signing checks. I love TV news. It matters.
Mike (Interviewer): So what’s next for you?
Mike (Interviewee): Well, everything and anything. I was listening to a podcast or a learning segment on LinkedIn the other day and the woman who was teaching the lesson mentioned the words “Plan, Scan & Pivot.” So that’s kind of what I’m doing. I’m being curious right now and looking at a couple of things. I’m definitely interested in management. I’ve been taking classes in Management for over a year. If I can do that in media and broadcasting — even better.
As for continuing with reporting — I don’t know just yet how that is going to play out. I have a non-compete, so I can’t be on-air in this market for another six months. But part of growing in my career means elevating. You may eventually see a podcast or vlog or something. In fact, Dave Hall came up with a great title. It was during a conversation with him months ago on something else but he said “The Edidorial.” It’s funny because my name Mike Doria also spells the world Media in order. And my last name “Doria” spells out radio when you rearrange the words. I’d never thought of Edidorial. Well done Dave Hall!! Finally, something useful out of you. 🙂
Last year, I went to school and got certified as a Life & Career Coach. Hard to explain why — but it was more of a calling. Having the opportunity to help others inherently helps me too. I recently split the life coaching and career coaching into two halves. Mike Doria Life is my personal coaching side. Vegas Career Coach is the career coaching side. For now, coaching will be a side business, not my full-time work. Whatever I end up doing, I’ll let the world know. I always do. I might be a little deflated right, but certainly not defeated.
