"It's a Wonderful Job"

The Pioneer Press newsroom in 'It's a Wonderful Job'
By David Brauer | Published Mon, Dec 14 2009 6:00 am

For reasons known only to themselves, Pioneer Press newsroom staffers have decided to share video of their Christmas Party — well, the skit part anyway.

"It's a Wonderful Job" was penned by editorial writer and "Almanac" monologuist Jim Ragsdale and features Fred Melo (narrator); Ragsdale, Emily Gurnon and Chris Snowbeck sharing James Stewart duties; and Bob Shaw as a particularly terrifying Clarence.

Mr. Potter remains off-screen; he could be MediaNews Group CEO Dean Singleton, or public-radio (note pointed "porn" reference in script, below), or maybe anyone who doesn't help pay for the news, including, ahem, bloviators.

Just like its predecessor, "Wonderful Job" is sappy, but it's the Christmas season, so lighten up and recognize these folks still care about what they do, still bleed printer's ink, and still want to make St. Potterville a better place. After a tough year of pay cuts and layoffs, a generous laugh and a back pat is very much in order.

"It's a Wonderful Job" from Ben Garvin on Vimeo.