News agency work is unlike other journalism

As an alumni, I find that troubling [CEO Andrew Rashbass leaves Reuters]. News agency work is unlike other forms of journalism. The closest I've experienced is all-news radio. It is not Wall Street Journal work. It is not Economist work, although I read and appreciate both. It attracts a bright and easily bored individual, who doesn't want to work a beat, talk to the same individuals every day and hope he'll be thrown an exclusive some day. The men and women with whom I worked wanted to be given assignments and left alone to do them as professionals before moving on to something else - without micromanagement. The most important part of the process is strong and confident leadership. That requires like experience. The late Brian Williams was a perfect example. He wasn't comfortable in a tuxedo, but he could run a wire.  ■