After a year-and-a-half as executive producer of “Whitman Shorts,” senior Matthew Franzel resigned from the position several days before the Dec. 16 episode aired. Franzel, who has worked on “Shorts” since his sophomore year, said that the disorganized nature of the class contributed to his decision.

“I was tired of the class not being organized and people doing whatever they felt like instead of listening to their superiors,” Franzel said.

Though Franzel felt that last year’s staff was very strong, he saw a lack of dedication from this year’s reporters and techies.  Both he and director Maddy Carnemark talked to teacher sponsor Geoff Schaefer and administrators about how to improve the class, but Franzel said nothing was resolved.

“It was a combination of lack of direction from our teacher sponsor and everybody being so out of control,” Franzel said. “I was through with it.”

Schaefer, who declined to respond directly to Franzel’s comments, said that Franzel “is a good kid whose talent will be missed.”

Carnemark said she felt that the “Whitman Shorts” class has a very different dynamic than it has in past years, as the show didn’t initially appear to be a top priority for many of the staff members.  She noted that the staff has dealt with various obstacles this year, including the theft of their laptop.   Still, Carnemark remains confident about the group’s capabilities.

“I think all of that has just brought us closer together and that we have a lot of potential for next semester,” she said.

Senior Alex Rhea, who will serve as “Shorts’” new executive producer, said that Franzel didn’t communicate well with other staff members.

“As executive producer, you need to have your hand in a little bit of everything, and he didn’t,” Rhea said.

Since Franzel’s resignation, Rhea and the leadership team have implemented several production changes to “Shorts,” including making the show more news-based and incorporating more input from staff members, Rhea said.

“There are leaders, but when it comes down to it we’re are all students there,” Rhea said.  “I think we have a much greater sense of equality than there was before.”