Dark Side," Schmark Side Veteran TV Reporter Leaves 10News for Public Relations Position

by Kim Edwards

Two years ago, I wrote a Foghorn article about "going to the dark side," not a commentary, but a promotional pitch for a March 2005 forum.

Apparently, the forum convinced me. After 16-plus years in broadcast journalism, I am crossing the bridge.

I have the privilege of accepting a position as PIO at UCSD Medical Center, Hillcrest.

Professionally, it's time to try something different, break out of my very comfortable comfort-zone.

TV news is changing. I chose to take this time to reassess and I chose, with God's grace, to take another path.

That path, however, leads to familiar territory. Many local broadcasters now serve as public relations specialists, from the mayor's office to the city of Chula Vista to emergency responders. I have worked with them, learned from them and realize that, in the end, we all want to tell the best stories. Telling stories about what's happening at UCSD Medical Center is something I have always thought I would love to do, were I ever to "leave the business." I am honored.

The only difficult part is leaving home. 10News has been home for eight years, more than half my career.

My coworkers are intelligent, talented and dedicated... the kind who don't put the story to bed just because the sun has set.

Their easy banter, the belly laughs, the teamwork, the people... these I will miss.

Selfishly, I was looking forward to life with fewer crises, holidays off, and more reliable hours. Then, I re-read that March 2005 Foghorn article about "the dark side." Regarding life as a public relations specialist, Gayle Falkenthal said, "You HAVE no life if you do it right!" Well, then, I should feel right at home.

(FYI: March 19th is my first day at UCSD).

Posted March 2007