Martin Is Worth Her Millions

In his May 30 Counterpunch (“What’s the Message in Ann Martin’s Millions?”), John Barth criticized KCBS anchor Ann Martin’s million-dollar-plus salary.

My question is, why should she not be paid what she is worth? Martin has been a top-rated anchor in Los Angeles for over 10 years. KCBS recognizes this fact and has chosen to hire her and pay her accordingly. Since when is this wrong?

Barth said himself that “someone who can pull in big ratings is considered highly productive” in the television news business. KCBS needs to pull in big ratings, and Martin represents a step in this direction.

Just as a newspaper must have clear and readable print to be read and understood, a television news station must have anchors with some merit. Martin, an 18-year veteran of a No. 1-rated news organization, has merit. If ever KCBS had the opportunity to capture the No. 1 spot in Los Angeles television news, the time is now.

It is true, as Barth stated, that the primary function of a news organization is to “define, explain and translate” the world we live in. Martin has done this well. You don’t receive first-place ratings in this town, for the length of time she has, if you are out of touch, condescending or uncaring about your viewers.

And what do viewers get out of her move from KABC to KCBS? Perhaps the knowledge that KCBS is doing everything in its power to become a top-rated news team. If the hire of Ann Martin is a step in this direction, so be it.