MIKE JENNER: Farewell to Bakersfield, hello to new challenges
| Saturday, Jun 19 2010 04:39 PM
Last Updated Saturday, Jun 19 2010 04:39 PM
This is a farewell note I never thought I'd write. After nearly 17 years at The Californian, I hadn't given much thought to leaving. I truly love this newspaper. And over the years, my roots in the community have grown deep.
The only thing that could pull me away would be a unique and rare opportunity.
Now that opportunity has come.
I've accepted an appointment to the Houston Harte endowed chair of journalism at the University of Missouri, my alma mater. The journalism school there is not only the world's first, I believe it's the world's best.
My new job will immerse me in teaching, research and projects focusing on innovation and the future of journalism and the news industry.
I leave with many wonderful friends and memories.
During my tenure with The Californian -- the last 11
years as top editor -- I've tried to uphold a standard of excellence. We've pursued aggressive journalism that's challenged the powerful and the status quo while remaining fair, always mindful and sympathetic to the plight of victims.
We've increased the level of investigative and "watchdog" journalism. We've made it a priority to celebrate the achievements and good work of members of our community, especially young people. And we've brought more personality to the paper.
I'm proud of the fact that our coverage is at the center of the community conversation. And I am proud of the enduring bond with readers I've been privileged to help create.
I'm also humbled by the opportunity my bosses have given me to do this job with freedom and gusto. I am humbled by the loyalty and the support our readers have shown us -- in good times and bad. I'm grateful to every reader who ever cared enough to call or write to criticize or complain, because all those comments helped make us better. Thank you.
Finally, I'm deeply grateful to all the employees of The Californian, but especially the news staff -- a group of talented and dedicated journalists who are committed to the core. This newspaper is fortunate to have them.
The success of journalism is essential to the success of our democracy, and this newspaper is vital to the health of this community. I believe both the profession of journalism and this newspaper have important futures.
I wish my successor the best of luck. I hope he succeeds me in every way, and that The Californian thrives far into the future.
The paper's readers, owners, staff and community deserve no less.
