After 40 years in the journalism industry, Suzy Fleming Leonard is retiring from FLORIDA TODAY. She reflects on her career, the changes in the industry, and the importance of journalism in a well-informed society.
Suzy Fleming Leonard: Reflecting on 40 Years in Journalism
( Credit to: Floridatoday )
After 40 years in the journalism industry, Suzy Fleming Leonard is preparing to retire from FLORIDA TODAY. As she looks back on her career, Leonard can't help but marvel at how quickly the years have passed. In just a few weeks, on February 16th, she will bid farewell to FLORIDA TODAY, marking the end of an era.
Leonard's journey in journalism began when she was a teenager, inspired by her English teacher's praise for a short story she wrote. Growing up in a household of avid newspaper readers, Leonard developed a fondness for humor columnist Erma Bombeck. As a shy and introverted child, she imagined journalists as solitary figures, pouring their imaginations onto paper.
However, Leonard soon realized that to achieve her dream of becoming a columnist, she would have to overcome her shyness and engage with strangers as a reporter. This realization led her to choose journalism as her major in college. Over the course of her career, Leonard has worked for various newspapers in Alabama and Louisiana, covering a wide range of topics including drug busts, murder trials, hurricanes, and space shuttle disasters.
Diverse Interviews and Exciting Experiences
Throughout her journey, Leonard has had the opportunity to interview a diverse array of individuals, from doctors and senators to kindergarteners and astronauts. She has ridden in helicopters, hot air balloons, and even the back of squad cars. Her experiences have allowed her to tell other people's stories and appreciate the responsibility that comes with being a journalist.
Over the years, Leonard has witnessed significant changes in the journalism industry. When she first entered the field, typewriters were the primary tools, and newspaper pages were physically assembled using wax and X-ACTO knives. The advent of digital technology has transformed the way news is produced and consumed. Cellphones, digital cameras, and the internet have provided journalists with 24-hour access to information, but they have also given rise to the spread of misinformation on social media.
The Importance of Journalism in a Well-Informed Society
Despite the challenges and changes, Leonard emphasizes the importance of journalism. She believes that a well-informed society is crucial for a functioning democracy. Leonard expresses her gratitude for being able to make a living through writing and acknowledges the trust people have placed in her to tell their stories accurately.
As Leonard prepares for retirement, she assures her readers that she won't be disappearing completely. She plans to continue writing her column and engaging with the community. Leonard expresses her excitement for the next chapter of her life and looks forward to the future.
Suzy Fleming Leonard: A Retrospective and Future Endeavors
After 40 years in journalism, Suzy Fleming Leonard's retirement is both a milestone and an opportunity for reflection. As she bids farewell to FLORIDA TODAY, Leonard expresses her gratitude for the experiences, stories, and connections she has made throughout her career. She looks forward to continuing her writing journey and engaging with her readers in new and exciting ways.