School of Journalism

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA



                              COMPANY VALUES

                                     

             Al Kanab's Instructions to a New General Manager



    Dana Harmon had been told by David Gingold, President of

Barnstable Broadcasting, Inc. that he was going to be the general

manager of the company's newly acquired radio station in

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Dana was delighted. He had worked hard

as a program director for eighteen years and had finally achieved

his career-long goal of becoming a general manager of a radio

station. Soon after he was given his new job, the owner of Barn-



stable Broadcasting, Inc., Al Kanab, called Dana.

    At the time of the call, Barnstable Broadcasting was a

successful, privately owned group of eight radio stations.

    "Hello, Dana? Al Kanab here. Congratulations on your new

job."

    "Thanks Al. I'm really thrilled about it. It's a fabulous

opportunity and I can't tell you how excited I am about getting

going and making the station a success."

    "Well I'm glad you're excited. You're the right person for

the job. I called to tell you to remember four very important

things: First, it's just a job. There are other things in your

life that are more important than your job. Second, don't short-

change your family. I made a lot of money for years in the oil

business, but one day I looked up and my daughter was 28 and I

realized I hardly knew her. Don't let this happen to you. Spend

time with your family. Third, whatever Church you go to, spend

time with it and get involved. Fourth, have fun. No job is worth

showing up for if you're not having fun. Good luck in Harrisburg,

and I'll be seeing you."

    When Dana told this story to a friend several weeks later,

he was able to repeat word-for-word the conversation with Al

Kanab. He related how he had not only been surprised to hear

directly from the owner of the company, but also that he was

overwhelmed by the message.

    "I've been in the business almost twenty years, and I've

never heard anything like it. No 'make money' or 'no surprises'

or 'don't spend too much money' phrases," Dana said in astonish-



ment. "I remember being interviewed by the guy who ran the NBC

radio stations once for a big job. The first thing he said to me

after yelling at his secretary was, 'What would you do to someone

who criticized your boss?' I couldn't get out of there fast

enough. All most companies care about is petty politics and the

bottom line. Kanab really cares about me and my family."

    Dana's friend asked him, "How are you going transmit these

values to your employees when you are general manager?"



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