After a half century in journalism, Dallas Morning News’ Decherd to depart

Robert W. Decherd, great-grandson of The Dallas Morning News’ co-founder and the company’s controlling shareholder, is set to depart.

Decherd said:

“I’ve had the privilege of riding one of the most important waves in journalistic history.

“Everything moves in cycles and always has. Knowing this has helped me stay grounded as local journalism has come under such severe pressure over the past 25 years. A ‘the more things change, the more they stay the same’ kind of thing.”

Here he reflects on his more than 50-year career:

You and your foundation currently control 93.6% of the special class of voting shares and 12% of the outstanding common stock, so you obviously still have a say in what happens. Given that nothing is set in stone, do you have any expectation of selling your holdings?

No expectation whatsoever. I have intentionally structured our financial affairs so that there is no need to do anything other than hold my DallasNews Corporation shares.

This is still the greatest democracy in the history of the world. Journalism being canceled out in a democracy? Seriously? I’m sticking around.

During your time at the paper, you covered protests over the Vietnam War, the student occupations of Massachusetts Hall, rioting in Harvard Square and Mayday in Washington, D.C. How did that impact your love of journalism?

The impact was more a matter of learning how to separate your duties as a reporter or editor from the emotions of a situation. These were times of intense feelings and conflict, so it was important to maintain perspective and balance in The Crimson’s reporting.

How hands-on have you been in the daily publication of The News?

For all these years, many people understandably thought that I was the person who most influenced what goes on our editorial page and what our story selection is and so forth and so on. People would be shocked at how little I’ve been involved in that over the years.

What matters is how the institution is governed and how resources are allocated. Then you need to find really talented people to make it happen, support them — not help them. That’s worked pretty well for us on both sides of our business.

So when you look at the past 50 years in the rear view mirror, what gives you the greatest sense of accomplishment?

Probably the proudest thing I’ve done personally is being elected president of The Harvard Crimson, because I did it on my own. But it pales by comparison to the accomplishments of our company over five decades and the exceptional achievements of its leaders and colleagues.

I’ve always believed that we are all defined by who comes before us, and who succeeds us, and I have been blessed to be around some very special people.

Read more here.