A Goodbye Post
Seven months ago, I joined The Washington Independent, never having worked for a web-only publication and never having done policy reporting at Internet
Jul 31, 2020109.6K Shares3.3M Views
Seven months ago, I joined The Washington Independent, never having worked for a web-only publication and never having done policy reporting at Internet speed. I came not because of TWI’s reputation as a new new-media paradigm, though. I came because TWI offered its writers something few dead-tree publications in Washington did anymore. Reporters like Spencer Ackerman, Mary Kane, Mike Lillis and Dave Weigel each crafted strong, smart individual beats under a strong, smart editorial banner. No place else in town gave writers such unbridled opportunity to craft a body of work according to their own interests and the news’ demands.
Suddenly, I had the time and the space to write broadly about the economy and banks and finance, but then to zero in on the labor market — the decidedly unsexy but decidedly important, and notably undercovered, things that people talk about over their kitchen tables. I had the mentorship of Spencer and Mary — as well as my brilliant editor, Aaron Wiener, and the network’s savvy leaders, David Bennahum and Blake de Pastino. And I had an ideal platform for a young, hungry journalist ready to fill in the spaces the old media leaves wide open.
So it is with a heavy heart that I’m leaving TWI for Slate. But I’m heartened that TWI’s current generation of journalists is keeping the tradition. They’re already must-reads: Andrew Restuccia on environment, Jesse Zwick on elections and Congress and Elise Foley on immigration. They’re already looking where others aren’t and finding what others haven’t. And tomorrow, I feel lucky to become an avid reader of their, and TWI’s, work.
*Editor’s note: And it’s with a heavy heart that we see her go. In addition to being a brilliant reporter and writer, Annie is also just about the most downright pleasant person to spend 10+ hours a day with. Her inspiring prose is consistently a joy to edit. Thankfully, it’s also a joy to read, and we can’t wait to see where she takes her reporting in her exciting new role at Slate. We sure will miss her, though. *
Dexter Cooke
Reviewer
Dexter Cooke is an economist, marketing strategist, and orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience crafting compelling narratives that resonate worldwide.
He holds a Journalism degree from Columbia University, an Economics background from Yale University, and a medical degree with a postdoctoral fellowship in orthopedic medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina.
Dexter’s insights into media, economics, and marketing shine through his prolific contributions to respected publications and advisory roles for influential organizations.
As an orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive knee replacement surgery and laparoscopic procedures, Dexter prioritizes patient care above all.
Outside his professional pursuits, Dexter enjoys collecting vintage watches, studying ancient civilizations, learning about astronomy, and participating in charity runs.
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