The "Buffa" doesn't sound quite right does it? Something there is off....

This is in recognition of WGRZ, our local NBC affiliate, not being capable of copying and pasting my studio name correctly from an email when crediting my media that they asked to use for a story on their Day Break show.

Reporter Karys Belger reached out to me on Saturday to ask permission to use media provided to her for a story on the Asian American community, and specifically, for a segment focused on my good friend Gaitrie Subryan. At the time she emailed I was photographing a wedding, but I took a minute to respond to the request since I know, and understand, media workers are often under tight deadlines to prepare, and publish stories. I gave Karys permission, and spelled out for her how the credit should read: Living In The Buff Art Media by Paul Fanara.

As you can see here in their story, this somehow translated to the credit being written as "The Buffa Art Media." So glad every member of their audience will see the video and photos provided are being credited to...  no one, since The Buffa Art Media is nothing. It makes me want to ask WGRZ if they need a new editor, or are considering replacing one. I don't think this is too difficult, especially when it was spelled out in black & white for them. The fact that they can get this so egregiously wrong, I find it highly unprofessional, and disrespectful. But of course, in the online article, they also spelled Gaitrie's name incorrectly. So in all seriousness, I think WGRZ needs some new editors.

If you recall, many years ago WGRZ contacted me to ask if I would be one of their official photographers, and have my work featured by their station, and my reward for this would be the opportunity to BUY a marketing package from them. Gee, not just working for "exposure" but paying them for it too? What a deal.

I guess WGRZ doesn't think much about local professionals, even when they are requesting a favor from them. Maybe we all should just stop working with them.

Unfortunately, they're not alone. I've been asked by other media groups from the Buffalo News, to the BEE Newspapers for permission to use media, and rarely do they manage to credit it properly, or at all. Hell, it's often an impressive step if they even bother to ask to use it. Larger media organizations apparently don't care about the work of others. As long as they get what they need in the moment.

By the way, Happy Towel Day to all of you Douglas Adams fans out there. The day when we celebrate all things Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. If you've never read the series, do yourself a favor and read it. Odds are you can find it at a second-hand book store for a buck or two.