CHARLESTON, W.Va. — At the risk of overinterpreting based on a very small sample size, I’m a sign of an improving economy.
After 20-plus years with the same employer, I just job-hopped. This is my first week at MetroNews, where I’m in the newly-created position of statewide correspondent.
When fewer people are changing jobs, economists say, it’s a sign of stagnation rather than stability. Job churn means opportunities are opening up for workers.
The economists talk about a market force called “creative destruction,” which is where companies that embrace new technology and strategies will grow, leaving others behind.
Hey, glad to help. And glad to be at MetroNews.
I spent the first half of my career at the Charleston Daily Mail, where I spent many years as a general assignment reporter. I wrote a lot about the regional airport (remember that?), dabbled in some political writing and wrote a regular column that was sometimes humorous.
I moved into middle management as city editor, which is the oddly-named job that sets priorities for reporters and photographers. I then rose to managing editor, the Joe Biden job of the newsroom. It’s basically all about being a good second banana.
Then in 2013, I was named editor and publisher. Sometimes people would ask what you do when you’re the editor. I’d usually say “The newsroom runs me.” That was an apt description because it was true. It was also an honor. I loved my staff, the work we did and our role in the community.
In the past year, I was one of the lead editors of the combined Charleston Gazette-Mail. It was an interesting and rewarding experience, but it’s time for a change.
At MetroNews, my main duty will be reporting and writing unique stories about how West Virginia is doing—its politics, its economic performance, its people and its quirks. I’ll also contribute some editing and some opinion writing.
It’s a job focused on the potential of MetroNews’ website and mobile presence. We want you to come to WVMetroNews.com to read about your state, and then we want you to come back again and again.
I’m excited to work with the stable core of talent that MetroNews already has in place. I’m excited that MetroNews sees the potential of combining a vigorous website with its great, statewide broadcast network.
And I’m excited for the possibilities of my new role. Got a great story idea? Send me an email at brad.mcelhinny@wvmetronews.com. You can tweet at me @BradMcElhinny.
Thanks for having me, and I hope you’ll stick around for the ride.