My lovely parting gift from Rocky Mountain PBS

More evidence of the changing economics impacting old-technology journalism. For reasons that were never entirely clear to me (but always appreciated), Rocky Mountain PBS has paid an appearance fee for guests on its public-affairs programming. Ever since the folks there began asking me to gab, the sum's been $25, although...

By Michael Roberts

December 22, 2008

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More evidence of the changing economics impacting old-technology journalism. For reasons that were never entirely clear to me (but always appreciated), Rocky Mountain PBS has paid an appearance fee for guests on its public-affairs programming. Ever since the folks there began asking me to gab, the sum's been $25, although I'm told it was once $40. But after taping an episode of Colorado State of Mind that's slated to appear at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, January 2, I didn't get cash. Instead, I received this nifty thermos emblazed with the station logo. Which is very nice -- but frankly, I'd happily show up for nothing.

Bet that's the last thermos I ever see... -- Michael Roberts

Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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