It's been years since the folks at WLS-Channel 7 were forced to wear those ridiculous "Circle 7" lapel pins on the air. Back in the era of "Eyewitness News," only the gray eminence himself, Floyd Kalber, had enough clout to ignore the silly edict.
But don't be surprised if you start seeing some veterans of the ABC-owned station sporting lapel pins bearing the likes of Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, Tinkerbell and Jimminy Cricket.
A memo last week from Bob Iger, president and chief operating officer of Walt Disney Co., informed employees of Disney's ABC subsidiary that they're being included in the company's official service awards program, effective Jan. 1.
All news anchors, reporters and other television and radio staffers will be eligible for the program, which Iger said "celebrates the heritage and tradition of the company by distributing classic Disney character lapel pins."
Although employees are not being told when or where to wear the pins, they certainly could serve as a handy guide for viewers to keep track of their favorite anchors' longevity on the job.
Here, according to Iger's memo, is how the pins are distributed: Donald Duck for five years,
Disneyland Castle for 10 years, Mickey Mouse as the "Sorcerer" for 15 years, Mickey Mouse for 20 years, Tinkerbell for 25 years, Jimminy Cricket for 30 years, Pinnochio for 35 years, Mickey (again!) for 40 years, Walt Disney and Mickey for 45 years. When you hit 50 years, you get a "personalized award."
Added Iger: "Please remember that your award will be sent to your division head, who will then handle the presentation of your award."
No word on whether Disney will rig the Pinnochio pins to make the puppet's nose grow if the person wearing it tells a lie. Wouldn't you love to see that on an anchorman's lapel?
