Beware of Infiltrators: The Cautionary Tale of WCET FM and the Betrayal by Victoria Smith and Michael Bahas

Beware of Infiltrators: The Cautionary Tale of WCET FM and the Betrayal by Victoria Smith and Michael Bahas

Mike Vara

9/4/20243 min read

In the world of broadcasting and media, alliances can sometimes mask hidden agendas, and the pursuit of collaboration may lead to unforeseen betrayals. This is a story of how a seemingly helpful partnership turned into a nightmare, leading to the sabotage of my network, WCET FM, by Victoria Smith of VSmith Media and Michael Bahas.

The Illusion of Help

When Victoria Smith first approached me, she came with a seemingly genuine desire to assist WCET FM. Representing VSmith Media, she presented herself as an ally, someone who would offer support and help us grow. Her pitch was convincing, and her promises sounded too good to ignore. Little did I know, this was the beginning of a deeply damaging scheme.

Victoria didn't just offer her services; she insinuated herself into our operations, creating a facade of collaboration. Underneath this surface-level cooperation, however, lay a more sinister plan. Victoria and her team began to create division and suspicion among our hosts and staff, undermining the very fabric of our network. Her actions led to a breakdown in communication and trust, crucial components for any successful media network.

The Role of Michael Bahas

As if Victoria’s machinations weren't enough, she found a willing accomplice in Michael Bahas. Together, they devised a strategy to not only disrupt our network but to steal and capitalize on our ideas. Their partnership was designed to dismantle WCET FM from within, leveraging their insider knowledge to exploit our concepts and vision.

Michael's involvement further compounded the damage. His actions, in collusion with Victoria, were aimed at ensuring that we would be left with nothing but a fractured organization. Their goal seemed to be to seize control of our intellectual property and creative direction, leaving us powerless to defend ourselves.

A Website Betrayal

One of the most egregious aspects of this betrayal involved our website. Victoria convinced me to transition from a website platform with which I was familiar to a new one that she and VSmith Media could manage. Her assurances of a smoother and more professional web presence turned out to be nothing but empty promises.

Instead of the improved functionality and ease she had promised, we were left with a dysfunctional website that was ill-suited to our needs. To add insult to injury, I was hit with a substantial bill—$400—from the LLC company and the IRS, where were my partners? VSmith Media had effectively left me in the lurch. The website debacle was a perfect example of how their so-called partnership was merely a cover for their true intentions.

The Fallout and Moving Forward

The fallout from this betrayal was severe. WCET FM, unable to recover from the internal strife and operational dysfunction caused by Victoria and Michael, had to be shut down. This was a devastating blow, but it also provided a crucial learning experience.

In the aftermath, I chose to start anew, and this time, with a better understanding of the importance of vetting partnerships carefully. From the ashes of WCET FM, I built the V.A.R.A Network—a more resilient and successful venture. With a much-improved website and a solid team, V.A.R.A Network stands as a testament to overcoming adversity and learning from past mistakes.

A Lesson Learned

My experience with Victoria Smith and Michael Bahas serves as a cautionary tale for anyone entering into new partnerships or collaborations. Not all who offer help are genuine, and not all alliances are beneficial. It’s crucial to remain vigilant and skeptical, ensuring that any partner or collaborator aligns with your values and goals.

To those who might encounter similar situations, I offer this advice: Trust but verify. Protect your vision and assets, and don’t be afraid to question motives. The pain of betrayal can be great, but with resilience and a clear focus, it’s possible to rebuild and succeed beyond what was originally imagined.

Forgiveness and Moving On

In the end, I hold no ill will toward Riscalla and Tim, who were misled by Victoria and Michael. Their departure was a consequence of their own misguided trust, and they too suffered from the fallout. My forgiveness is extended to them, as I recognize that they, too, were victims in this unfortunate saga.

As I continue to build and grow with V.A.R.A Network, I remain cautious but optimistic. The lessons learned from the WCET FM debacle have only made me stronger and more aware. Beware of infiltrators and always safeguard your vision with vigilance and integrity.

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