EXTRA EFFORT: 1989

In October 1989, Tom Suiter was the stately age of 40. Changes had been in the air much of the last year. Fan favorite Adele Arakawa had departed for Chicago's WBBM. Long-time WRAL Weatherman Bob DeBardelaben had retired, replaced by Meterologist Greg Fishel.

Tom, now eight years as the lead anchor of WRAL's sportscasts, was well entrinched on the Triangle's airwaves.

I was the ripe age of 15. And enamored with an affection for WRAL-TV 5 News. I knew journalism was becoming my life's passion. As a staff writer for Vance Senior High School's student newspaper "The Viking," I was learning early on about the basics.

It was at this time a star player on the Viking Football team was about to be honored with WRAL's Extra Effort award. The entire journalism class went out to the football field for the event. Amazingly, I never could imagine what was in store.

Out of knowwhere, SKY 5 came. With it, pilot Steve Wiley, and the creator of the Extra Effort award himself, Tom Suiter.

I made sure to position myself in a way to meet Tom. I could never have imagined this larger-than-life figure as being down to earth. He was the nicest person I could have ever imagined.

I promised him I'd send him a copy of "The Viking." And he promised he'd read it.

I'm sure the ink wasn't even dry when I popped copies of the next edition of the paper into the mail. This was the beginning of a friendship that has endured nearly 20 years.

I've never forgotten several days after sending "The Viking" to Tom, driving up to my mailbox one afternoon and pulling out that envelope with the WRAL-TV 5 logo on it. Like a kid getting a personal letter from Santa Claus, I was beyond excited.

And in that letter, a stunning invitation: "Anytime you want, you're welcome to come to the station." I don't know if he realized at the time he was opening Pandora's box. Yet, I seized the opportunity.

My first visit to the station in 1990 was like a kid in a Candy store. It was everything I had ever imagined and then some. Tom was a gracious host. I got to watch the 5:30 First News with Donna Gregory. Then, the 6 o'clock news was up. More exciting, I got to watch that from the 5:30 First News Set.

I'll never forget during a break, Tom says to Charlie, Donna and Greg "Have you all Met Randy Gupton the third? Randy's from Vance Senior High in Henderson."

I just couldn't believe he was acknowledging me to these people. After the newscast, Tom posed for pictures, and took mine on the Newsdesk. I was touching part of my dream. And, more importantly, the seeds of my enthusiasm for this industry were being watered and fed.

Over the years, Tom was the inspiration and proved to be an invaluable mentor. In the fall of 1990, I was asked to announce the starting lineups for the Northern Vance Vikings basketball team. Tom coached me on how I was going to do it. Imagine my nervousness when he said "Let me hear what you're going to say."

I was now auditioning for my hero. Tom gave me more pointers and helped me in ways others could only dream about.

But that's Tom. And it's not just me. He does this for everyone. You see, it's not his on air delivery or style or anything else that people see on camera which has been his mark. It's what people don't see behind the scenes that is the true mark of this great man.

Tom has helped hundreds of kids interested in broadcasting through the years. Whether it was the Extra Effort award, giving a kid some face time scoring a touchdown on Friday night, or getting to know an intern, Tom treated each person as if they had what it takes to make it.

NEXT UP: The 90s and Beyond...

Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.blogspot.com

BASES LOADED! THREE RUN HOMER! HE IS OUTTA HERE.

Broadcasting is a fickle business. You can have a job one day and be out of one the next. Oddly enough, that's probably the case with any position during these economically troubling times. Even in good times, however, there is a constant revolving door in the industry.

Enter the enigma: Tom Suiter. In a sea of uncertainty, he has been the constant Triangle viewers could count on night after night for 37 years. That's right. 37 years.

Many don't last 37 months at the same station. 37 years? I can name you of no on-air personality that made it happen on the local level. I'm sure there has been one or two. But in a market the size of Raleigh-Durham? It's an unbelievable run. Add to that it was the first and only station that Tom ever worked. He may well be the only one in the country to ever make it happen.

What about Charlie Gaddy? Nope. Even the gray-haired news anchor giant only lasted 23 years at WRAL. Plus: he began his career in radio at WPTF-AM.

When I read Tom was taking a seat on the bench last week, a sense of sadness came over. While I realized this day was coming, it still is a passing you just don't want to see happen. Is the time right? Only Tom knows for sure. For those of us which love to live with a retrospective spirit ... no time is right.

If WRAL fans had their way, Gaddy would still be anchoring news with Bobbie Battista, Bob DeBardelaben would still be doing the weather, Tom would round out the news team ... and it would be called "Action News 5." WRAL NEWS? A joke. "Action News 5" -- that's purity.

I have been the recipient of much fortune in my career as a Human Resources Manager -- and as a recovering broadcast journalist. There is no question, Tom Suiter was a huge influence, and, more importantly, the best mentor I ever had.

As we count down the final days of the Tom Suiter era at WRAL, I will have several entries speaking on this true LEGEND of broadcasting.

Tomorrow: EXTRA EFFORT 1989: THE INTRODUCTION.

Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.blogspot.com

IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME

I've been around this retail block once or twice now. With the economy squeezed by a tight credit market, and the average "Joe" consumer cutting way back on their spending, it's just a matter of time before the retail landscape is altered significantly.

The transformation is already happening. Just today, Stock Builders announced plans to shutter 86 stores and layoff as many as 3,000 people. This comes on top of restructuring that company had already implemented over the last two years.

Another Home Improvement stalwart, Home Depot, announced in May it was closing 15 under performing locations, and shelving plans to open 50 stores this year.

It's not just the Home Improvement industry that is feeling the effects of the constraints. Other retailers are finding it very difficult to survive.

In the last 14 months, several companies have either Liquidated, or are in the process of liquidating their assets. CompUSA was the first, calling it quits last year. Mervyn's, a former Target subsidiary, announced this week it was closing all of the company's remaining stores. Linen's N Things also threw in the towel this week. Their remaining stores should be closed within 60 days. Sharper Image liquidated all of its brick-and-mortar stores. Their new strategy is to reinvent themselves as an online retailer.

What about the future? With this Christmas shopping season expected to be one of the worst in at least 17 years -- if not decades -- there will most likely be many other retailers who either have to downsize, file for Chapter 11 Reorginization, or close all together.

Here's my list of the most likely retailers to be effected:

CIRCUIT CITY

This once powerful electronics retailer was the go-to place for all things electronic. Their dominance in the 1980s was without dispute. Today, however, Circuit City has not only become the second-run to Best Buy, it has lost ground to retailers who have stepped up their electronics offerings. Wal-Mart and Target have increased their electronics footprint. While neither of those discounters can provide the knowledge of Circuit City, Average "Joe" customer who just wants a 22" Flat Panel for his shop or study isn't likely to make it into The City.

Horrible mismanagement from the top has also led to Circuit's downfall. The firing of higher-paid more knowledgeable staff in 2007 may have exacerbated the situation for the company. Instead of customers being able to tap into a 20-year veteran's knowledge, they instead are tapping into $7.25/hour High School Senior Jimmie, who is more concerned about his date tonight than selling the customer an entire package.

Stock price as of today: .26 cents. An article Monday in the Wall Street Journal cited the company is looking at shuttering upwards of 150 of its stores to avoid bankruptcy.

My assessment? Circuit City is done. Shuttering 150 of its stores will not keep it out of bankruptcy. With a tightening credit market, it is becoming less likely the company will be able to secure financing for a Chapter 11 filing. If that financing isn't found, Circuit is likely to liquidate in early 2009.

BLOCKBUSTER

The irony of Circuit City's demise is Blockbuster. This company actually tried to force a merger with the electronics retailer in March of this year. And the courtship got ugly. Circuit attempted sternly to avoid any merger.

Ultimately, with threat of a board ouster from shareholder activist Carl Ichan, Circuit was forced to open their books to Blockbuster. If there was ever a question of just how bad Circuit City was in financially .... it could probably be determined from Blockbuster's decision to pull out of the merger request in July.

Blockbuster needed Circuit City. They needed something. The idea, I believe was a good concept: Merge the two and transform Blockbuster into a 21st century download and portable entertainment device mecca.

The facts are just piling up as to why Blockbuster will have to significantly downsize in 2009: (1) Netflix is killing them. Blockbuster still can't seem to get the online/home movie delivery service numbers anywhere close to what Netflix is able to do; (2) Wal-Mart can sell me the DVD for $10.00. Why would I want to pay $5 to rent it?; (3) RedBox. This $1 rental service is convenient and continuing to show up in convenience stores, grocery stores, and other obscure locations; (4) The digital age. Netflix is already allowing customers to download movies to their home computers. Services such as Tivo are doing the same. Does anyone really think we're going to be keeping bulky DVDs for our home when a device like the IPOD revolutionalized the way we store music?

Stock Price: $1.30. My assessment: 2009 will be the year Blockbuster ultimately shrinks by 1/3 of its current size. That will be the beginning of furhter downsizing because of loss of market share and visability. ***UNLESS*** There is one scenerio which could turn Blockbuster's fortunes around: If the company is able to implement the merger strategy they were contemplating with Circuit City on a stand-alone basis.

The theory here: Blockbuster could reinvent their stores to provide services such as IPODs and digital media. By refocussing on the customer of the 21st century with a dramatic decrease in the number of DVD titles it carries ... Blockbuster could become the next Best Buy. Regardless of the company's transformation into this arena ... I still look for significant store closings in the new year.

SEARS HOLDINGS

Hedge-fund investment guru Eddie Lampert's biggest gamble is turning out to be his biggest gaffe. Both Sears and Kmart continue to see their earnings tumble. While this company is still making money, it has become less relevant to the consumer. Scratch that -- Sears has become less relevant. Kmart has become totally irrelevant.

Eddie continues to allow minimal investments in the Sears stores. While Sears gets a bread crumb or two to enhance its Lands End offerings, Kmart gets nothing. Like a dying, abandoned orphan in a third-world country, Kmart's nose is running, flies are swarming, its body is decaying (literally) before our very eyes.

Between them both, Sears and Kmart share a vast amount of real estate. Encompassing more that 3,400 stores in the US, there's just too much saturation to keep them all open.

Here's the kicker: I've never believed Eddie Lampert wanted to run these two companies as true retailers. I have always believed Lampert wanted to divest this vast real estate empire to capitalize on their value. The problem? The real estate market crashed.

Eddie's problem now: hold 'em or fold 'em? While I do believe he will sell off his real estate properties ... it's going to take some time. Still ... non-performing stores will become a drain on Eddie's balance sheet. The biggest drain will become Kmart.

Stock Price: $49.98. My assessment: Kmart will be cut in half in 2009. Sears will also loose about 50-100 stores. Look for a minimum of 400 of Kmart's remaining 1,400 stores to shut their doors -- probably no later than June. Others will follow. Whole markets (like the Triangle) will be abandoned. 52 weeks ago, Sears Holding's stock sat at $139.50. The stock has fallen from its peak of $191 in April 2007. Trust me: there' s no room for Eddie & Company to continue to take the hit.

Ultimately, Kmart will probably disappear from the retail landscape all together by 2011 or 2012. Sears may not be far behind.

HOME DEPOT

Depot remains the 2nd largest retailer in the world. With 2,400 stores in North America, the retailer is still in a position of power. That power is, however, shrinking. While the Orange box shuttered 15 stores this year, rival Lowe's companies (full disclosure: I work for Lowe's), continued to expand its footprint with the opening of 120 new stores.

Depot's problems run deep. Many of their stores are older, more cluttered, and uninviting. Their associates appear to be unenthused about their jobs. They've been beaten down so much and tasked so heavily, there is little time for customer service.

As Lowe's continues to capitalize on its strength of customer service, while increasing their footprint, Home Depot will be further squeezed during the difficult economic environment.

Stock Price: $19.06. My assessment: While some would disagree, I believe Depot will close 25-35 underperforming units in 2009. CEO Frank Blake has said he does not forsee further store closures beyond the 15 shuttered in May. Still, don't be surprised if throughout the year a few stores here and a few stores there quietly get removed from the landscape. While they are still much larger than smaller rival Lowe's .... their problems far outweigh their qualities right now. Righting this big ship will be tough in a small channel.

TOMORROW: THE RETAIL WINNERS.

Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.blogspot.com

X-FILES COUNTDOWN

The Xcitement Is Building!!!!

Reasons To Celebrate

Today marks the seventh anniversary of my marriage to the love of my life. My beautiful, tender wife, mother of my children, lover and best friend. The first time I laid eyes on her, she captivated me. I watched her as a sweet, shy cashier at the young age of 17. She was a rising Senior in High School. I was a 21-year-old college student about to embarq on a new chapter of college life at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

We spent the summer of 1995 as friends. We were, however, smitten with each other. By September of that year, the girl I had kind of sort of been seeing was no more. Hannah saw her prime opportunity to move in. Oh, no, no, no .... don't let me mislead you. She is a subtle force, for sure. She would never be overt in her courtship of me. She merely led me to her with a shy, coy diligence.

There were probably more ups and downs than a lot of romances go. Or -- maybe not. Who knows. We were young. We were both in our first real relationships. Yet through the ridiculous and foolish child-like behaviors we both at times would reveal -- our love survived. We both knew in our hearts we were meant to be together. Looking back, I wished I had come to my senses early on. We dated five and a half years before finally tying the knot. An infintile mind, I would not concede my heart forever at that young age. I can not explain why. There is no good reason. For my bride owned my heart.

THE EQUALIZER.

Raising The Girls Right: Randy's Sunshine, Twilight, and Bright Eyes are being raised to respect and admire NC State.

Growing up in the great state of North Carolina, one can be assured of three things. I like to call them the "Three 'B's" : The Bible, Barbecue, and Basketball. Obviously, raising my children in the admonition of the Lord and following the direction given in the Bible tops the list of the "Three 'B's." After that, Basketball and Barbecue reign supreme.

Now, we don't need to spend much time on the Barbecue quotient. Obviously, the ONLY Barbecue worth eating is Skipper Forsyth's in Henderson. We'll have to save that debate for another day.

Today, my friends, is reserved for the third most important "B." Basketball. Any true North Carolinian knows to live here -- you have to belong to a team. You have four to choose from: NC State, Duke, Wake Forest, and UNC. Anyone who doesn't care -- or doesn't pick a team from around here is either an ignorant soul, or not a true Carolinian.

Make no mistake about it -- this decision is not an easy one. It has divided many a home. It has destroyed many a friendship. Heck, it probably has even ended some marriages. For instance: Say your family is a bunch of Duke fans. You bring home your fiancee who attends Carolina -- this could be a disastrous holiday gathering. You might be best served never to make it to the alter.

Just like good old Baptists won't marry those other than a Baptist -- a State Fan should not marry anyone other than a State fan. That is the key to my harmonious marriage. This household is solidly behind the Red and White. Now, we can pull for other ACC or North Carolina teams on occasion. All -but- one.

Let's make this clear: This household vilifies The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. There is no evil larger in our day (with the exception of Al-Qaeda and liberals) that threatens the very nature of our American existence.

Yes, my friends, this household's second favorite team is ABC. That's Anybody But Carolina. And we root for our second favorite team religiously.

For those of you familiar with the absolutely disgusting and miserable season the Wolfpack of NC State had this year -- you'll understand the disappointment that any State fan felt.

Likewise, there was little remorse for being able to circumvent our dismay when the devil incarnate school was constantly beating our second favorite team, ABC.

Then came last night. Every State fan's disappointment washed away over the period of two hours. Like the parched soil in the Triangle soaked up this week's rainfall -- EVERY State fan relished the demise of Roy Williams and his Tarheels in San Antonio.

This year's final four could have easily been called the "final three." Carolina looked every bit of an outcoached, outmanned, and outclassed team.

The joy of their demise was well documented among the Gupton household. The most thrilling part of this moment: my daughter Caitlyn enjoying in the spoils. Watching her boo the Smurf-colored Tar Heels while acknowledging how "bad" Carolina was made my heart swell with pride.

These are early, impressionable years. These are the years when my children are most vulnerable. It is for this reason I now present to you how to keep your children out of the grip of Satan's team. Through the steps listed below, you too can become the great Equalizer:

1. DEMONIZE EVERYTHING SMURFY. Although it may be tempting -- Never, ever let your child watch any cartoon featuring the Smurfs. The mere sight of these little blue creatures could cause an affection for light blue.


2. ENCOURAGE RED AS A FAVORITE COLOR. Remove any "Sky Blue," "Light Blue," or any close cousin crayons from your child's crayon box. If necessary, Replace with Red. In fact, it's not a bad idea to take out "Dark Blue," "Blue," "Royal Blue," or "Aqua" in the process. Removing "Gold" also reduces the likelihood your child will have an affection for Wake Forest.


3. MONITOR TELEVISION VIEWING CAUTIOUSLY.We live in an era where there is a constant barrage of filth placed before our children on TV. No where is this more evident than in the local media, and to a less extent, ESPN and FOX Sports Net. If not monitored closely, your children may become the victims of vulgar, profane and salacious UNC propaganda. At the very least, you are protecting your child from irresponsible and harmful outbursts by the head Demon. (See Below).
   

   
   



4. READ TO YOUR CHILDREN. Children develop early. Even as a baby, begin reading books to your child. Tim Peeler's "When March Went Mad" should be read regularly.


5. GO TO MANY, MANY, MANY NC STATE ATHLETIC EVENTS. Basketball games and Football games will help water and nurture the seeds you have planted in your children's hearts. Likewise, Mr. Wuf and Mrs. Wuf will foster early desire.


6. FOLLOW THE WOLFPACK ALL SEASON LONG. Even if you are traveling and must tune in to listen to the Pack instead of seeing them in person or on TV -- ONLY listen to Gary Hahn and Tony Hanes on the Wolfpack Radio Network. NEVER EVER tune in to the Carolina Radio Network for ANY REASON! The vile and often distorted bias of Woody Durham could potentially corrupt your child forever!


7. POINT OUT THE MISERY OF CAROLINA FANS. Show pictures often (like those below) of Carolina when they fall into deep despair. Make sure to point out how unhappy they are. When in public, point out the snobbery and self-absorbed nature of any individual wearing Carolina propaganda.


8. HONOR BILLY PACKER. Make sure you watch any Carolina-called game by Billy Packer. No discussion is necessary here.


9. WEAR A RED BLAZER TO CHURCH. Dad should own a red blazer. Mom should own a hot red dress. (Mom doesn't need to wear the hot red dress to church. But, Mom should always be willing to wear the hot red dress for Dad. Or -- red lingerie. Regardless, Red is a color of passion -- Light Blue doesn't do it for any man in the bedroom.)


10. DRINK COCA-COLA CLASSIC. This is the greatest Soft-Drink of all time. Pepsi Drinkers should be banished to a communist nation. It should be noted that Coke's logo is Red and White.

Following these simple rules have helped maintain a positive atmosphere. It is guaranteed to produce children who love their parents, as well as their schools.

Finally, there was simply no greater joy than the excitement and fun experienced in my household last night. Carolina's humiliating demise was the most exciting game of the NCAA tournament.

Rest assured, this house will always relish the demise of Carolina at the hands of any other foe. The despair, the anguish, the tears of UNC fans warmed my heart. With Carolina not attaining their ultimate goal, the universe is back in order once again. While my team's season ended long ago -- watching Carolina's failure helped make everything right once again.

See you next season, Tarheel fans.

Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.blogspot.com

COURTSIDE: ON THE AIR AGAIN.

The last time I sat behind a microphone was in October 2003. It was probably my most memorable interview while at WPTF. Longtime broadcasting legend, Tom Suiter, had agreed (reluctantly) to be my guest as I filled in for the vacationing Tom Kerney on "Open Line."

Now, you have to understand this about "The Legend" -- Tom Suiter: taking him out of his comfort zone is a little unnerving. Ever meticulous, Tom is the central hub on "Football Friday." Coaxing him to have the tables turned took a little bit of convincing. In the end, Tom thoroughly enjoyed his experience. He has lamented to me on several ocassions of how much he enjoyed the interview.

Not as much as I, Suitman. As I've said in an earlier blog, Tom is the champion of the underdog. He's always looking for ways to champion them. Through the years, Tom Suiter has been a mentor, a hero, and a dear friend.

For me, this was the way to go out. You see, I already had interviewed with Lowe's, and felt relatively confident that my time at WPTF was drawing to a close. Indeed, only two weeks later, I was leaving a broadcasting company I had been affectionately attached to for five and a half years to pursue greener financial pastures.

Interviewing Tom was a dream come true to me. And there I was. Surprisingly calm -- soaking in every minute we were on the air together. I tried to keep the premise of the "Open Line" to its core -- laid back; personable.

Growing up as a teenager, I utilized broadcasting as my identity. An awkward kid, it was usually hard to express myself in ways that made establishing friendships difficult. Broadcasting became me. WRAL-TV 5 was what I identified with most.

Along the way, there were naysayers. Students, Teachers, and others said I would never make it as a broadcaster. By the pinnacle that was that final on-air interview, I had grown into a confident man. No longer unsure of himself, feeling ever so comfortable in the role -- I walked away feeling that there was nothing left to prove. People who doubted me were wrong. I proved to myself I could do it. And ... I enjoyed it.

The funniest thing happened after I left -- I didn't miss it. Not that much anyway. That was a little surprising at first. I realized that part of my life didn't identify me. It shaped me. It helped develop me. But -- I wasn't crushed without it in my life.

I've been so fortunate with the great friendships I've developed through the years. More importantly, I married the most beautiful, passionate, and caring wife a man could ask for. She's given me three darling children. Becoming a family man has certainly replaced the identity I once relied on through broadcasting.

Returning To The Air.

The call came the other day. Ric Crews, the Regional Director of Human Resources for Lowe's needed a favor. He, and the rest of the regional staff were on the way to the annual Sales Meeting in Las Vegas. As a result, no one would be able to do the "live" spot on the Wolfpack Sports Network.

After four and a half years, it was time to dust off the pipes. Courtside, I made my way to Tony Hanes and Gary Hahn. After a little chit chat, I put on my headset and stepped back on the airwaves. Tony Hanes -- ever gracious -- mentioned he remembered listening to me deliver the news years ago. Humbled, I babbled on for the next 90 seconds about Lowe's and broadcasting. Tony and Gary are icons to me. Being a State fan, I was sitting beside the guys whom I listen to call all of State's games. That was exciting.

And for one Saturday afternoon at the RBC Center, I stepped back up to the microphone again. The fun and enjoyment came out of being able to do it. The best part about it was not having to let it identify me. From a geeky teenager who's life seemed to depend on being on the air -- to wrapping up a small career in the business by interviewing my hero -- to stepping back up next to icons of NC State basketball broadcasting -- my journey has come full circle.

Who knows? Maybe one day I'll get back in the business part-time. The nice part about it all is not feeling the need.

Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.blogspot.com

EVERY NOW AND AGAIN ... A SHOW COMES ALONG.

Every now and again ... a show comes along that captivates you, takes hold of your imagination, and leaves you clinging to the edge of your seat for what will happen next. Like a Blue Moon, however, these shows don't happen very often.

Sure, we all fill our hearts with endearing thoughts and memories of shows gone by. There's no question TV genuinely is a letdown these days. Ahhhhh.... but then .... there's DEXTER.

I became hooked on Dexter by watching episodes on Showtime On Demand late last summer. From the get go, the show grabs you and won't let go. Centered in Miami, it stars Raleigh's very own Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan, a forensic blood spatter/pattern analyst with the Miami PD.

Oh ... but there's a twist. Dexter just happens to be a serial killer. A killer with a conscience, he does live by a strict code. He only kills very, very, very bad people.


Watch the YouTube Clip and become acquainted with Dexter!

Just when you think you've figured it all out ... SURPRISE! Another Twist. Just when you think you know where the show is going ... JUMP BACK JACK! Another Turn.

Now is your opportunity to experience the same thrills as I have! The writer's strike has afforded CBS to truncate the entire first season into a run beginning this Sunday, February 17th at 10pm.

You get the "cleaner" version here. Trust me on this one. Give Dexter a chance this Sunday night. I have a feeling you'll be back for more. So much so, you may even have to subscribe to Showtime to catch Season 2 after you've been captivated by all 12 episodes from Season One.

Enjoy!


Randy Gupton, fivesecondstoair.blogspot.com