"In the new century, one of the most profound questions for democratic society is whether an independent press survives. The answer will depend on whether journalists have the clarity and conviction to articulate what an independent press means, and whether, as citizens, the rest of us care." -- The Elements of Journalism Clay Robison leaves the Texas Capitol press corps today after 38 years of service. Let go by the Houston Chronicle as part of a massive downsize in their newsroom, we will sincerely miss his writing, his knowledge, and his conviction. Clay leaves behind a legacy that will forever remain a testament to the best that journalism has to offer -- as Ross Ramsey testifies in Elise Hu's Political Junkie blog: "He wrangled the weasels in government (and in the newspapers where he worked) for nearly 40 years and did it quietly, plugging away without fanfare and stacking up scoops and credibility and the sort of reputation the rest of us dream about. You can stack newbies and new media folk all the way up to the goddess on the top of the Pink Building and still not replace Clay. The Chronicle's done with him, but I don't think the rest of us are." - Ross Ramsey, Texas Weekly
His work continues to show us the way, because at every point where we struggle, he has survived. We continue to evaluate what it means to speak truth to power and serve as an engaged citizen; Clay Robison has lived that fight since before we were born. And at those twists and turns in Texas politics where we find ourselves cornered by political and personal loyalities, Clay has already blazed a smooth and straight trail to independence, credibility, and unmatched success. The newspaper industry across the country, and here in Texas, is suffering under a failed business model that, somewhere over the past thirty years, lost focus on the non-monetary value of fulfilling journalism's primary purpose: to provide citizens with the information they need to be free and self-governing. Yet, as newsrooms grew without purpose and publishers and financial stakeholders pursued the same bottom-dollar business that has crippled our economy across all sectors of industry, there always remained those reporters who -- against all odds -- remained committed to the cause. Clay Robison was one of them. He knew what it meant to be a journalist. Clay did not think of politics or policy; he thought of people. He asked questions and wrote stories that not only spoke truth to power, but moved those powers to act better. Clay leaves behind not only an informed audience, but an impassioned one. We count ourselves among those who -- though we will never do true justice to his work, and will often pursue different means to that ultimate self-governing end -- will always celebrate his passion for the pursuit of truth. Thank you, Clay. We wish you the best of luck in your next steps, and we hope you find the proper forum to continue your exemplary work for many years to come. Sincerely, The Staff of Burnt Orange Report -30- |
