I’ve never been great with change. Perhaps that’s why I’ve stayed at the same employer for 22 years. But mostly it’s because I’ve really enjoyed my work. But change is coming and I couldn’t be more excited about it! After 17 years in TV news, and the last 5 1/2 in morning talk radio, I’m taking on a new challenge. I’m leaving The Morning Buzz on August 27th. I’ve accepted a new position as Digital Content Development Director for Forum Communications company, WDAY’s parent company. So, I’m not really leaving my employer. I’m just relocating to another division of the company.
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When I’ve told family and friends about my new position, “Digital Content Development Director,” I get met with a blank look and maybe even a “huh?” I tell them this: I’m going to be getting out into the community telling businesses, organizations, schools and groups about digital community publishing opportunities with our company. Normal, everyday people will be able to submit stories on everything from high school football to their favorite vacation spots to Grandma’s recipes. This information will flow into more than 30 newspaper and broadcast websites of Forum Communications Company which reach more than one million readers each month. Not only will you be able to blog through ”Area Voices,” we’re also setting up a new social networking feature so users can comment on blogs and friend each other. We’ll set up the capability to follow “topics” throughout all of our websites in our 4-state region.
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It’s a little hard to grasp, I know, but once you see it in action you’ll realize it will change the way we deliver and share information. Now I get the fun job of convincing you just how awesome this will be. I think I’ll be part digital evangelist and part cheerleader. I better get out my old pom pons from high school.
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What does not make me cheer is leaving my everyday work with some fantastic people at WDAY: my morning co-horts Erick Johnson, Adam Hagen, Daryl Ritchison, and Rob Kupec and the other great people in radio like Christopher Gabriel, Erik Matson, Jay Thomas, Larry Nelson and Steve Tschida. And of course, the nice folks on the second floor in sales and management. I, too, will miss my TV news friends. But as I said, I’m not going far and I’m excited to be able to work with them all in a different capacity.
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It’s been a blast waking up and sharing mornings with you for 5 1/2 years. Waking up before 5am wasn’t always easy, but listeners and guests who stopped in to chat always made it worth the effort!
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