Estela Casas: Economic Situation Requires Sacrifice

By ABC-7 Primetime Anchor Estela Casas

Every day, we report on the economic turmoil gripping the nation. We report on people losing their homes to foreclosure and their jobs to cutbacks. But recently I had to report on my company’s effort to avoid layoffs. In a meeting, all ABC-7 employees learned that News-Press & Gazette would furlough its broadcast employees. NPG is family-owned and has cable companies, TV stations and newspapers throughout the country. The furlough rules apply differently to different employees. Some of us who are under contract don’t have to accept a week off without pay.

But how could anyone – no matter how tight your personal budget is – not help out your own company? It’s a no brainer! I consider myself lucky that my company was kind enough to go the route of furloughs instead of layoffs. I have put in my date. Honestly, I am accepting the furlough wholeheartedly. If I can help the company administrators – who have been very good to me – avoid laying off someone, I will do my part. No doubt that a week’s pay is tough because bills still need to be paid, but we all have to tighten out belt. This is a good time to review and refocus your finances. We all need to prioritize and be more careful with our spending habits. We need to ask ourselves: am I living within my means?

I have a new perspective about broadcast news and more specifically, my job. I have always been passionate about what I do – once that “on-air” light comes on the robotic camera in the studio, it’s show time, and I will deliver the news with even more commitment and determination because I feel that I will be doing my small part to be a part of the possible solution. Together as a team, as a community, we can get through this economic turmoil and become more resilient and ultimately, more responsible citizens.