[Professional Blog] Jamie Baker moving on

Jamie Baker (right), one of the more seasoned reporters on The Telegram's editorial team, is resigning his position, effective March 14. He is moving to the FFAW where he will write for their Union Forum magazine.

Coincidentally, I am working on a post about the steady exodus of journalists over to public relations also known as the "dark side" but Jamie pointed out, in an interview, that there is a subtle distinction between where he is going, and the world of hardcore public relations.

"I don't mind saying that political PR jobs obviously pay more money, but for me, I don't think I could've gone down that road. Firstly because I don't think I'm built for that particular kind of PR and secondly because the jobs can be so unstable. At 31, stability is pretty important (to me)!"

Baker said he is happy to make this move, because journalism will still dominate his job description. "It didn't feel like PR work to me. I'm going to be handling the magazine and a few other things, but I don't see it the same as, say, working (communications) for government, because I don't think I could do that Another reason I jumped at this is because I'm from a rural town and the fishery is something that has interested me for years. I'm from Dildo and I grew up around it, so being able to dabble in that is a draw as well I'll be able to travel around the province"

Baker said he has enjoyed his time at The Telegram tremendously, and is leaving on a positive note. "They've been good to me here, I have to say."

However, Baker added that he has "gone as far as I can go here, and I love reporting so this gives me an opportunity to keep doing that. I'll be able to travel around the province a fair bit and spend some time in communities, meet the people, that sort of thing. Being a rural boy, it's nice to get back to that."