Romenesko Misc.
Janna Herron, who was with the AP for over five years, tells AP Business colleagues: "I'm the 56th person to leave since the newsroom's management style turned negative and mean-spirited three years ago. And I'm sure I'm not the last. I just couldn't do it anymore. So, best wishes to everyone. You're all better editors, reporters and writers than what you've been told, and you deserve better leadership." In February of 2010, Gawker reported that AP's business news staff planned to send a letter to business editor Hal Ritter accusing him of "installing a culture of fear." (He was named business editor three years ago.) I've invited Ritter, Herron and AP spokesman Paul Colford to comment on the resignation letter and will post responses if they come in. [UPDATE: "We have nothing to add," says Colford.]

From: Herron, Janna
Sent: Fri 5/27/2011 12:17 PM
To: News - Business News Department
Subject: Farewell

Today is my last day after more than five years at the AP. I started as an EA in business news and was able to work with such wonderful editors and teachers as Patrick Rizzo, Skip Wollenberg and Chuck Hawkins in those early days, along with Jeff Sutherland and Noelle Knox in my last years as a full-fledged reporter.

Even as an EA, my editors gave me the opportunity to break out of my role and write/report on important, larger stories. Those opportunities helped to build up my confidence along with my experience. I also appreciated the camaraderie that management helped to foster in the newsroom: reporters working together and helping one another; editors encouraging, developing and motivating reporters; and, of course, happy hours that weren't good-byes.

Sadly, that is not the department I leave today.

I'm the 56th person to leave since the newsroom's management style turned negative and mean-spirited three years ago. And I'm sure I'm not the last. I just couldn't do it anymore.

So, best wishes to everyone. You're all better editors, reporters and writers than what you've been told, and you deserve better leadership.

Take care,
Janna
jannaherron@hotmail.com