San Antonio Express-News | San Antonio Current
Robert Rivard, who was editor at the Hearst-owned paper for 14 years, tells his staff that “the time has come for new leadership with new energy and new ideas” and “I look forward to pursuing new opportunities in a new field.” Rivard says he’s “ready to find a new way to contribute to the collective well-being of our city and its people. I look forward to having more time to write, but not on deadline.” He adds:
As you know, I thought about leaving last year for a position in academia, but ended up staying. This time it’s the right time. You also know I don’t like cake and you don’t need to hear me deliver a speech, so I’ve told Tom I want to exit quietly without fanfare. Even as I send this, Tom is in the newsroom, sharing his plans in the wake of my departure.
Kyrie O’Connor, deputy managing editor/features at Hearst’s Houston Chronicle, has been named Express-News interim editor.
Rivard is the third Texas daily newspaper editor to step down in recent weeks. Chris Lopez left the El Paso Times on Aug. 9, and Fred Zipp quit the Austin American-Statesman on Sept. 1.
Rivard’s resignation memo, posted by San Antonio Current, is after the jump.
Sept. 21, 2011
Colleagues:
After 35 years as a newspaperman, I have decided to retire as editor and executive vice president-news of the Express-News. I look forward to pursuing new opportunities in a new field. As you know, I thought about leaving last year for a position in academia, but ended up staying. This time it’s the right time. You also know I don’t like cake and you don’t need to hear me deliver a speech, so I’ve told Tom I want to exit quietly without fanfare. Even as I send this, Tom is in the newsroom, sharing his plans in the wake of my departure.
It’s been a great honor and experience to hold this position since 1997, but the time has come for new leadership with new energy and new ideas. It’s been a privilege to work with all of you since I joined the Express-News in 1993, part of the team of journalist that migrated here from the Light. I’ve worked under three great publishers in this city: George Irish, Larry Walker, and Tom Stephenson. In that time the journalists here have made a real difference in this growing city and region. There are fewer of you now, but I believe you will continue to play a vital role in the community. I can’t imagine San Antonio without the Express-News, or an informed citizenry without your vigil.
There is never a perfect time to go, but I am ready to find a new way to contribute to the collective well-being of our city and its people. I look forward to having more time to write, but not on deadline. I’ll always be one of your readers. And yes, I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family.
Best wishes to all of you in the newsroom and to our business-side colleagues, and to Hearst in New York. I wish you success and prosperity in the years ahead.
Bob Rivard
