Posted by chicagomedia.org on September 23, 2008 at 07:16:09:
Columnist's 'dream come true' nears the end
For close to three decades now, I've been telling you about the comings and goings of media people in Chicago. It's been quite a parade.
Today I have some news to share about myself: I'll be leaving the Sun-Times in the next few weeks.
There's still some paperwork to be completed and a final date to be determined, but I wanted you to hear it from me first, and I wanted to explain my decision in my own words.
Thanks to a deal worked out between the Sun-Times and the union representing newsroom employees, those of us who've been here 25 years or more were offered the option to step down with a full year's pay and benefits.
The more I thought about it, the more I came to see it as a great opportunity. After devoting all of my energy to covering the same beat for 28 years, I'll be able to take a break, step back and think about what else I want to do.
Maybe I'll continue in journalism or maybe I'll pursue something completely different. I have no idea what's next. But I'm excited about having the luxury to take my time and see what's out there.
One reason I stayed as long as I have in this job is that it was such a perfect fit. I'd been fascinated by the inner workings of the media for as long as I can remember. While other kids grew up worshiping rock stars or athletes, my idol was Walter Cronkite, the great CBS News anchorman.
When I started here in 1980 -- just two years out of journalism school at Northwestern -- I couldn't believe I was getting paid to write about my favorite subject in the world. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven.
But times change, and covering the minutiae of the broadcast business isn't as much fun as it used to be. I never wanted to do this one day longer than I was willing to give it 100 percent. Over the years, I've seen too many has-beens turn into hacks by not knowing when to quit. I'd rather leave too early than stay too late.
Don't think for a moment that my decision reflects a lack of faith in the talented men and women here who carry on the Sun-Times' legacy of excellence. Their dedication and professionalism are what keeps this paper such a vital part of our readers' lives -- and the life of this great city. It galls me to hear others gleefully predict our demise. The prospect of Chicago ever becoming a one-newspaper town is a calamity I can't begin to imagine.
As someone who has lived here all his life, I can't recall a time when the Sun-Times wasn't part of my daily routine. It's the paper my family read on the South Side, where I was born, and the one my parents still subscribe to in Skokie, where I grew up. I am grateful for every day I've been part of this wonderful enterprise and humbled by the loyalty and support I've felt from so many readers.
Working here has been more than an honor and a privilege. It's been a dream come true.
(feder/st)