Linda Clark turns her back on journalism

The are a few journalists who I admire in this country. One of them applied to go to my old training ground at Wellington Polytechnic (now Massey University) but her application to study journalism was rejected. They didn't think she`d measure up. Her name: Linda Clark, who ended up being one of the country's most recognised journalists.

But as Linda Clark wanted to be a journalist she did a post-grad journalism diploma in Christchurch and worked in TV, radio and edited a magazine for a while.However, she never did newspapers. Now Clark is not just turning her back on Radio New Zealand come March 3, she will turn her back on journalism and wants to go back to finish her law degree.

It's clear that motherhood has changed Clark. Its clear she is not a fan of shunting her twins into childcare, even though she did it herself. It's also clear that Radio New Zealand is not a great place to work.That has been clear for a while. I used to work in Broadcasting House years ago but the culture seems to have changed in the newsroom. I've only met Clark once, but she appears to appreciate in-depth journalism. She`d get on well with Nicky Hagar.. and Judy Bailey.. and Al Morrison, all of whom have a healthy distaste of some of the political rubbish going on in the country's leading newsrooms.

Which may be why none currently work as journalists. Hagar is more of a researcher.