Staff
  James J. Massaro, President
 has owned and operated Massaro Productions, Inc., a successful video production company since 1983. He attributes part of his success to dedication to quality production - which is achieved with cutting-edge equipment and skilled professionals. Additionally, his personal philosophy is to exceed expectations through dedication and commitment to his clients. Jim, a 25 year veteran of the television industry and a recipient of more than 20 national and regional awards, routinely provides live coverage of breaking news and sports, and videotaped interviews for all major networks. Being out in the field on a daily basis, Jim felt the growing need for a dependable uplink company in this region, and with this realization, he formed First Call UPLinks.
 

Robin Channell, VICE PRESIDENT OPERATIONS
has been with Massaro Productions since 1992 as Office Manager. Her duties include all accounting and payroll functions as well as production crew assignments and coordination. With the formation of First Call UPLinks, Robin’s appointment to the position of Operations Manager was a logical step. The “Delightful” Robin, as named by network insiders, is standing by 24/7 to handle immediate crew and truck booking needs.
  GEORGE SCHRAFFENBERGER, Uplink OPERATOR
is an Emmy-nominated camera operator and editor, and has also received an Emmy for engineering excellence for the high definition coverage of the second John Glenn launch. As an engineer for WBNS-TV in Columbus, Ohio, he was EIC for two trips to Tempe, Arizona for coverage of the Ohio State Buckeyes; and numerous remotes such as coverage of 9-11 in New York and hurricane coverage along the East coast. As an engineer for First Call UPLinks, he still holds the record at ABC as engineer of the longest held vendor truck on station in Austin, Texas for the 2000 election, arriving on 10-30-2000 and leaving 1-22-2001.
 

THOMAS "HOSS" WARNER, Uplink OPERATOR
is a very motivated and energetic engineer with a passion for television whether be as an engineer, camera operator, director, or editor. Hoss who has been in television since the late 80's always enjoys working in different environments that allow him to learn and adapt his talents to whatever the needs of the day are. His experiences have taken him to The Final Four in Atlanta, GA 2002, coverage of the funeral of Dale Earnhardt, coverage of many hurricanes including Isabel 2003, Charley, Frances, Jeanne 2004, and Katrina, Ophelia, and Rita 2005. Hoss came to First Call most recently from NBC affiliate WNCN in Raleigh, NC.

The following is a testimonial from Lisa Daniels, News Correspondent for NBC Today Show and Nightly News, she writes:

"...I wanted to tell you how great one of your employees is - Hoss Warner. this is not the first time I've worked with him - and on every occasion, I've been so impressed with his efficiency, speed, and competence. He is always ready to work...and more than that...always going the extra mile to have our live shot be perfect. I've never heard a "no" from him - it's always "we can make that happen"...and I thought you should know. His talents are extraordinary - that alone merits praise. But his positive attitude also should be mentioned - such a pleasure to work with!!! We rarely write letters saying how happy we are with someone...I thought Hoss deserved one. Thanks, Lisa Daniels
  benjamin popio, broadcast technician
joined Massaro Productions in December of 2005. Ben has nine years combined experience in videography with local stations WYTV and WKBN. His experience has allowed him to come on board contributing to camera operation, sound technician, and live crew support. Ben's ability to successfully shoot and edit news and sports, has already made him an asset to our company.
 

LIZ SKOWRON, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
joined Massaro Productions in 2008 as Administrative Assistant. She assists Robin with daily operations. Married with 2 children, Liz works as a volunteer for the Jessica Moorehead foundation.

 
 
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First Call UPLinks
8433 South Ave. Bldg. 1, Suite 3 - Poland, Ohio 44514
Fax: 330.726.1914 Toll Free: 1.800.951.6707
Email:info@firstcalluplinks.com