There are a lot of assumptions about local news. Most of them are not true.
What “outsiders” never understand is we are at the whim of media groups and, inevitably, mergers.
I’m not much into LinkedIn, not much into “the industry.” Never one to play the game… Not a competitive bone in my body.
But, I thought I’d share the post that resonated with so many people across the industry.
Last week, a deal closed combining two local television owners. One of them is my employer.
Overshadowed by the news of the Tegna/Nexstar merger (I jokingly said, this was supposed to be MY BIG EXIT, TEGNA!), only HOURS before, the announcement was made to my newsroom that I’m leaving the industry. Impeccable timing.
I can’t do it anymore. I’m tired.
I’ve moved our family all over the country. I always keep “the good moving boxes” stored somewhere in the attic.
But the urge to move again is gone. I have been outrunning the beast. The beast — changing local journalism. Always looking over my shoulder. Wondering what massive changes I’m walking into day after day after day. Watching the dust settle behind me as I scurry out stage left.
The beast didn’t catch me, it’s chasing someone else now.
Yes, the merger is today’s news. But, this is nothing new. I’ve been dealing with this my whole career. And I’m out.
I CANNOT stress enough, I am not leaving the industry because of my family. I have the most amazing support system!!!! Yes, my days are long. But I am a workhorse. I HATE when the announcement is made and there’s that line “spending more time with my family”. Don’t put this on my family. We were in it for the long haul. One does not move their family from California to Connecticut if they’re NOT in it for the long haul.
It’s all I ever wanted. To be a news anchor. And I did it. For 12 freakin’ years. My dreams were fulfilled.
Now, it’s time for my dramatic exit.
(p.s. I was not “let go” and have always been treated with the utmost respect by my managers. This decision is all mine. pictured: one of my favorite photos of me & the boys)