AP’s Pam Hess is Leaving Journalism

Though her last day is Feb. 14, she has great affection for this profession: “The last 20 years have taken me all over the globe and given me the great privilege all reporters have: knowing first-hand that the world is both more terrible and more wonderful than most people ever imagine,” she writes.

Read the full goodbye note after the jump…

Friends, colleagues, sources –

I am leaving AP Feb. 14 for a new position outside journalism that
will start March 1. I’ll let you know more about that in a future email.

The last 20 years have taken me all over the globe and given me the
great privilege all reporters have: knowing first-hand that the world is both more terrible and more wonderful than most people ever imagine.

I want to devote this note to saying thank you for your friendship and
help these last two and half years. I apologize if you are one of the
many sources whose children and spouses I awoke when I called you at
midnight about breaking news. This happened more than I care to think;
that you answered your phone at all after looking at your caller ID
always amazed me. Thank you.

A good friend once remarked that journalism is a backstage pass to life. Starting 5 pm Valentine’s Day, I am trading in my backstage pass for a front-row seat, and I can’t wait to watch the show (and not have to write about it).

After the 14th, I’m going gloriously cell phone-free for a couple of
weeks. Please in the meantime contact me at.

Updated phone and work e-mail to come.

Stay in touch.

Best wishes,
Pam