Wednesday, February 1, 2012

My resignation

After working in the media for so long I finally decided to resign.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
 12/1/12

 I write to apprise you of my intention to resign from my position as reporter, effective February 12, 2012. As I must, I am offering one month’s notice to give management an opportunity to find a suitable replacement for the void that will ensue with my going.

 I joined Bhutan Observer in November 2006 as a reporter. I have grown in this profession along with this company. I have had the opportunity to upgrade my qualification and get a diploma course in development journalism in India. I have also undergone many training inside as well as outside Bhutan. Recently I attended a month long gender training workshop in Nepal. These trainings have helped me broaden my knowledge and be a responsible reporter.

Although challenging and stressful I have loved my job and never thought I would take this decision to resign. The private media scenario is not hidden from anyone. Media in Bhutan is going through a unique market situation where it is hugely dependent on the government for advertisement revenues because the advertising culture in the private sector does not exist. The content, quality and reach do not matter to the government because the advertisements are given on rotation basis. Private media tries to survive within a small market. Some media companies have shutdown while others shrunk. Daily’s have gone biweekly and biweekly to weekly. There have been a lot of ups and downs in the media business but Bhutan Observer has always been consistent.

 However, lately Bhutan Observer also had to downsize and relieve some staff. The editorial contents had to be compromised and expenses cut down. I do not see a good future of the independent media because they are dying a slow death. I had pursued journalism with a different objective which cannot be met in such situations.

 With every media licence issued the share of the pie is getting smaller. The media market is already saturated but many media companies still waiting to operate.

 My decision to resign was finalised after long and careful consideration of all these factors. It was indeed a hard decision to make. But then, one must always consider moving on in life, where the prospects are better. I would like to express my sincere appreciation at having been given the opportunity to work at Bhutan Observer. It has been a pleasurable learning experience working as part of Bhutan Observer team with talented and highly seasoned colleagues.

 I will remember fondly the good times I shared with everyone at Bhutan Observer for the last five years. Most of all, I shall always cherish the good values of honesty, hard work, sincerity and dedication I learnt here at Bhutan Observer. I wish you and Bhutan Observer great success in future. Please accept my prayers.
 Sincerely,
Tandin Pem