312newswannabe 7 Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 Never thought I'd see this coming...hopefully someone takes his place, or Phil Rosenthal @ the Trib steps it up some (http://cbs2chicago.com/local/robert.feder.buyout.2.823376.html) Columnist Robert Feder To Leave Sun-Times Media Columnist Takes Buyout After 28 Years CHICAGO (STNG) ― After 28 years at the Chicago Sun-Times, media columnist Robert Feder on Tuesday announced he has taken a buyout package and will be leaving his position in the coming weeks. Below is a statement from Feder published in the Sun-Times: "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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jase 818 Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 Given the state of newspapers these days, it's tough to say if the Sun-Times can afford to hire someone just to cover the media beat (I hope they do however). He will no doubt be missed whether you liked him or not. I agree that Phil R. (Chicago Tribune) needs to step it up more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CircleSeven 1945 Posted October 10, 2008 Share Posted October 10, 2008 Today, Robert Feder reflects on his memories of stories that he'd covered throughout his career at the Sun-Times. It's truly sad to see him go after all those years covering the media beat here in the Chi. He will be missed at the Sun-Times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjohnson 15 Posted October 11, 2008 Share Posted October 11, 2008 It's a sad day for Chicago media insider junkies. Down here in St. Louis, our resident "TV" person can only be bothered to talk about network news, never (or rarely) local coverage. That woman's name is Gail Pennington. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jestbiteme 13 Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 It's a sad day for Chicago media insider junkies. Down here in St. Louis, our resident "TV" person can only be bothered to talk about network news, never (or rarely) local coverage. That woman's name is Gail Pennington. She sounds like Pittsburgh's Rob Owen. "I will never understand Pittsburgher's obsession with local news," he says. Get a new beat, I say. Who do we have to look to now, Tim Cuprisin? There aren't many journalists that I can think of that target local news... sigh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amra 130 Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 At least Feder wrote about Joe Ahern's firing before leaving the Sun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CircleSeven 1945 Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 On Robert Feder's Final Article, he states his predictions on a few things in Chicago's Media and a few last words. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
former newsboy 50 Posted October 21, 2008 Share Posted October 21, 2008 Looks like the television/radio beat rolls-on at the Sun-Times. Ad industry writer Lewis Lazare will add Feder's old duites to his, he tells readers today. He also wraps-up Saturday night's Chicago Emmy Awards, Lester & Linda were there... Here's the link to the article: http://www.suntimes.com/business/lazare/1232515,CST-FIN-lew21.article Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbs2worksforyou 35 Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I miss Lester and Linda. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eastcoasttvnews 1 Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Looking good! With WBBM now, I think Anne State is a breath of fresh air and that rubs off on Rob, perhaps a good team heading into the future. I hope the new manager builds on the money they are saving with this young anchor team and continues to build on their I-team with solid news and news investment! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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