| Novacom Broadcasting announced the layoff of 65 percent of its employees yesterday. Locals say the layoffs aren’t surprising after the recent Novacom scandal and an ongoing trial involving its parent company, Andromeda. Novacom also announced it would discontinue much of its programming, including all children’s shows. Former Novacom workers are complaining that their association with the company has hurt their chances of getting other jobs. “People just don’t want to hire someone who worked for a company that wanted to take over the world,” said Robert Mitchell, former Novacom community relations representative. John Avery Whittaker encouraged local businesses to judge people on their own merits and be fair with former Novacom workers. Bart Rathbone, operator of the Electric Palace, said: “This just goes to show that our city doesn’t know anything. I have five jobs at the Electric Palace that haven’t been filled in a month!” However, several former Palace employees said they were not paid for their work. “Hey,” Rathbone said. “I never said these were paid jobs!” Some residents are disappointed at the sudden end of Novacom programming. “How am I gonna get my mindless entertainment now?” asked Cal Jordan, self-proclaimed “biggest fan” of Novacom shows like The Kickboxing Kids. “Do I have to go back to watching wholesome shows?” Other residents, including Bernard Walton, are seeking to produce their own quality television programs. Walton said he’ll soon be hiring people to help with his popular BTV show. |
