Journalist Peter Delevett Leaves the Newspaper Biz

Peter Delevett
(Image: twitter.com) 

I didn't realize journalist Peter Delevett had left journalism this past week. I had followed him -- and still follow him -- on Twitter, LinkedIn, and until the third week of March, silicon valley.com and the Mercury News. His sayonara to his profession appeared on redroom.com with a March 19, 2014 dateline. The heartfelt piece contains some inconvenient truths about about the "evolving" media biz that are transforming bona fide American journalism into an endangered species. Delevett's well-written, reflective article also discusses his reasons for becoming a journalist and the many positive experiences he gained from his first career choice.

Whether one involuntarily leaves a career or changes it on one's own terms, such a departure represents a personal milestone from which there is rarely any turning back. Delevett presented his move with grace and wisdom. He also has a new job, a fresh career, an exciting opportunity. He's among the fortunate few who can say so. Delevett also wondered with far less optimism about legitimate journalism. "Tough" would only soft-sell what is a challenging, often unappreciated profession. I admire those of my friends and acquaintances who have pursued it. While I understand why someone with Delevett's experience and stature would "move on," as Americans like to say, I wonder how legit news will be developed and offered to our public.