Dr. Kortni (00:00)
Welcome to the Compassionate Newsroom, your gateway to transforming the heart and soul of journalism. I'm your host, Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon. I'm a former news director and television reporter turned happiness scholar. Now I train news leaders and journalists worldwide, teaching them how to cultivate workplace wellbeing and resilience with positive psychology. Each week, join me as I share evidence-based strategies.
and talk with some of the most inspiring people in the industry, including news leaders, journalists, trainers, and mental health experts. Together we'll share actionable approaches to help you. Imagine a newsroom that not only cares about the story, but profoundly values the people behind them. A place where compassion is the competitive advantage. Don't just listen, become part of this transformative journey. Subscribe to and share The Compassionate Newsroom. Let's champion a more supportive,
healthier and happier newsroom culture, one episode at a time.
Dr. Kortni (01:03)
Welcome to the Compassionate Newsroom podcast. Happy Wellbeing Wednesday. I'm your host, Dr. Kortni. Well, today's episode, I want to do something very, very different. It's not...
simply a list of strategies, maybe not necessarily training. It's something from my heart to yours. It's a letter of gratitude. And it's to you, news leaders, whether you're a news director, executive producer, producer, managing editor, whatever title you have in leading a newsroom or an emerging leader.
This episode is my thank you for showing up with heart, even when no one sees the full weight of what you're carrying. So let's begin. Dear newsroom leader, thank you. Thank you for showing up day in and day out when the headlines are heavy, the hours are long, and the pace feels relentless.
I know this work doesn't always come with applause. Sometimes it comes with criticism or silence or the weight of being expected to have all of the answers. But I see you. You're not just managing the news. You're empowering people.
internally and externally, from your news team to your community. You're making room for your team when covering traumatic events. You're sending the late night, you did a great job text because you know how much it matters. You lead not because it's easy, but because you believe in the mission, because you believe in your team, because you care.
That kind of leadership is powerful. Compassion isn't a soft skill, it's a leadership strategy. And the way you're embracing it, well, it's making a difference. I've seen it in newsrooms I coach in the UK, in Canada, and in the United States. In conversations where leaders ask, how can I make my team feel safer?
In strategy sessions where well-being is no longer an afterthought, it is at the center. You're part of that shift. You're redefining what it means to lead in journalism. And your courage is a model. It's a model of care in creating a space for others to do the same.
I know that there are moments when you doubt yourself, when a story may fall apart, you may lose a good producer, and your budget shrinks, but the expectations grow. And you wonder, am I doing enough? Am I failing them? Am I failing myself? I want you to hear me clearly. You're doing better than you think, because you're thinking about these things.
You care enough to ask the hard questions. You care enough to advocate. You've chosen to lead not with authority, but with authenticity. That alone is transformational. This letter of gratitude comes with a gentle invitation. Take care of yourself. You don't need to do this alone.
You don't need to carry everyone's load at the expense of your own peace Leadership is a relay, not a solo sprint. Let others support you. Let your voice matter and the noise you matter, your leadership matters and your wellbeing. is not a side note. It is the lead. Now, if this episode has spoken to you.
I hope you share it with a fellow newsroom leader because gratitude, gratitude is contagious. And sometimes the strongest people need to hear the gentlest words. I hope you join us on LinkedIn at the Compassionate Newsroom Podcast, where we're building a global community of news leaders who are choosing wellbeing one decision at a time. Until next time, be kind to yourself. Lead with heart.
And remember, I'm always cheering you on. Sincerely, Dr. Kortni.
Dr. Kortni (04:56)
for tuning into the Compassionate Newsroom podcast. Together we can transform workplace wellbeing in news. If you found value in today's episode, please share it with a colleague to help foster a supportive environment in the industry. And don't forget to subscribe and also visit our website for more resources at thecompassionatenewsroom.com.
