CHRONICLE STAFF CUTS

He took the money -- but won't run

A 'farewell-for-now' note from Del Vigil

Delfin Vigil

18 May 2009

Media Workers Guild

Editor's note: Former Chronicle Staff Writer Delfin Vigil took out an ad in the Fri., March 5, San Francisco Examiner to publish an essay headined, "Chronicle In Ruins." He was laid off in the recent job reductions. He sent us the following "farewell for now" note.

One of the first lessons I learned in journalism is that there is such a thing as a stupid question.

“Kid. Don’t waste time asking questions that you already know the answers to,” was a familiar piece of advice, back when I got my first newspaper job in the mid-90s.

Through the years, I didn’t always agree with that wisdom. I found that stupid questions still had the power to raise more important ones.

Here’s a recent example of one I’ve been asked a lot lately since I was involuntarily laid off:

“What did you expect? Who wouldn’t lose their job for publicly calling out their boss the way you did?”

Well. Here’s my stupid question: Why is it that journalists are allowed (and even encouraged) to publicly challenge, question and criticize everyone else’s boss -- except for their own?

For instance, at the Chronicle, the always witty and wry Ray Ratto, might write a scathing column on the ineptitude of a local team’s owner and then go on a sports talk show and use his freedom of speech to share some further ironic thoughts. The Chronicle’s investigative journalist Phil Matier, of the unparalleled Matier & Ross column, might take an opportunity on news radio to crack a joke that perfectly epitomizes the absurd behavior of a public official. And in his “Bottom Line” business column the no-nonsense Andrew Ross will always translate the corporate press release doublespeak of crooked banks and other irresponsible business ventures so that Ross can point out what the powers that be are desperately trying not to say.

Not only is it acceptable for these respected journalists to question the authorities of others -- it is expected of them. Because it’s their job. And most importantly, it’s because they are speaking the truth.

If we as newspaper journalists aren’t allowed to place the same kind of public pressure on our own authorities, who will? Does anyone truly believe that the leaders of The Chronicle and other dying newspapers across the country don’t deserve the same level of scrutiny?

Someday soon, I believe those will not be considered stupid questions.

Yes. I did know there was chance that I would lose my job for publicly challenging and criticizing my employer. And as sad as I am to lose the job that I’ve worked toward getting since the age of 12, NO, I absolutely do not regret it. I can always get another job. But where do we get another journalism?

I do not trust the new journalism that The Chronicle management has offered in an effort “to save the newspaper” – where seniority means nothing, rights to grievances and respect in the workplace are no longer guaranteed and collectively standing up to your boss through a labor strike will get you fired. That’s not the newsroom that I grew up in. And it’s not the kind of place that I care to retire in.

None of these measures will ensure a long-term future for any quality newspaper.

One of my favorite editors once told me:

“You can’t find the solutions if you’re afraid to point out who is causing the problems.”

It reminds me of another thing he always used to say:

“In this business, whether you’re a writer, editor or the electrician, the proof is always in the paper. You’re either good at your job or you’re not. That truth will always come out.”

I look forward to a future in newspaper journalism when that kind of accountability applies to everyone.

Note: The Guild has informed me that if I were to file a wrongful termination legal claim against The Chronicle that they would take appropriate measures to investigate the situation and back me up accordingly.However, I waived my right to any legal claim against the Hearst Corporation or The Chronicle when I accepted the severance package. I earned that severance through my 10 years of work at The Chronicle and feel that I deserve it.

In my mind, people don’t earn lawsuits. They win them. When I decided to publicly speak out against the Hearst Corporation in no way shape or form did I ever consider winning an individual lawsuit as any kind of victory. I am interested in being part of a movement that brings respectability, dignity and accountability back to the newspaper journalism profession.

I believe that the battle to do so must begin in the newsroom and not the courtroom. It must be first fought with our minds and with our integrity. This is not as difficult as some might think. We all know that newspaper publishers and owners lost both their minds and their integrity long ago.

Respectfully,

Delfin Vigil