Something I cannot define prevented me from doing it. Certainly I wasnt afraid of the risk nor of the trouble of starting something new in these tough times full of twists and turns. I over step my bounds not only in my private, but in my professional life as well. As Im used to taking risks, there is a certainty that I would get drowned in case I found myself in still waters.
I was looking for the reason that kept me from moving on and I think I found it. When I recently went to my office in Alter, I didnt expect to find anyone working there. I pictured of an empty, abandoned network. To my great surprise I found quite a few. A group of people who all shared their food and chipped in for one anothers coffee. Some of them had been evicted, as they couldnt pay their rents. Can you imagine where they have been sleeping? In Alter network. They stared at me with eyes full of despair and agony. They kept asking me innumerable questions. What do you hear? Will we open up? Will we manage to keep it? Are we going to get paid? What about you, will you stay?
That was, what kept me from leaving. These guys, my colleagues, with whom Ive been practically living for more than ten years. Reporters and technicians warlike, ready to rush and cover the breaking news under all circumstances. But there is also something else. The picture of our president with the handcuffs and the lost look, in the courts. A fellow who has been paying us the most generous salaries long before the month expires. He was the one who set up the network and made it the first in the rank of information. A man who invested big money in many of us, the show hosts. In Star, SKAI and in Alter network. You would think they were famous and they deserved it. They brought in advertisements and they were worth it. It seems that lately he made some mistakes. He contracted heavy loans; he shocked the advertising market and drove many people to a dead end. He hasnt paid his employees for months now. For all these he should be judged and if he was found guilty of illegal action, he should be punished. Of course he is not the only one. You can find a lot like him in the tv market.
When you see such a man drowning, you dont push him deeper. Unfortunately it is common habit in Greece, when someone is in flourishing state, they all flatter him in order to get benefits. However, when he goes to the wall they forget him and they disappear into thin air.
Last but not least the shareholders who have lost MILLIONS are trying hard to save the poor network.
All these friends distress my soul.
I might be na?ve and romantic, but I feel its worthy to stay and fight, as long as I last. Im totally convinced that the New Year will bring something good.
Aggeliki
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