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As they say, *ahem*, some personal news: After 20 years in journalism, including a decade at CBC News, I'm moving on to something different. I’m launching my own independent practice as a Data & Storytelling Strategist. Yes, I'm giving up a stable job in order to hang up my own shingle. Why? 🧵👇

In part, because I’m old enough to use phrases like “hang up my own shingle.” Journalism has been a slice, but it’s time for something new. The industry has also changed SO MUCH since I started out as a newspaper reporter back in 2005. (I didn’t even have a cellphone then!) So I'm changing too…

These days, traditional news still plays an important role in society, but there are so many other avenues for communication. Unfortunately, many of these new avenues are, um, a bit lacking when it comes to facts, evidence, context and clear communication of important ideas.

I’ve seen so many people and organizations doing important, meaningful work who struggle to break through the noise of our modern information ecosystem. I tried my best as a journalist to highlight this type of work and information. Now, I'm taking a different approach…

With my experience at the intersection of data analysis & public communication, I’ve given myself a new assignment: To help people & organizations uncover insights in their data, craft credible narratives about the meaningful work they do, and share it with the audiences they need to reach.

This is an independent venture, but I’ll be working in partnership with two firms run by people I know & respect (who are all former journalists, too): @curtisbrownmb.bsky.social & @mawelch.bsky.social with Probe Research @annaliseak.bsky.social & @alexyyc.bsky.social with Champion Communications

I’ll be offering four types of service: • Data analytics • Public opinion & market research (with Probe Research) • Communications (with Champion Communications) • Consulting & collaboration

Don’t worry. I’ll still be posting a bunch of charts & graphs and anything else I find interesting or important here on Bluesky. (In fact, I’ll probably be posting a bit more liberally than before, now that I’m unbound by the CBC social media policy 😅)

If any of this sounds interesting to you (or you’re just curious and nosy, like me), feel free to shoot me a DM or reach out via email. New email address is in my bio.

Congrats Robson! Best of luck with the new venture.

Your voice will be missed on CBC. Always accurate and data-informed. I’m looking forward to see your work on other venues

Best wishes for the new venture. I’ll miss seeing your stories; you so often brought a unique perspective and contribution, even in crowded spaces. Your vision for your new direction is compelling and needed. Good luck!

All the best from here! 🙌

Well this is exciting! I look forward to more data postings from you. I find your work so valuable . Thank you.

Congrats, Robson! As someone training in political science and researching Canadian political behaviour/psychology, I've always appreciated how you blend data and storytelling. I hope our paths cross down the road!

Super exciting move. Totally understand it. Still storytelling but just in another way. Best of luck!

Congratulations! I will miss your reporting, but I’m really happy for you! Good luck!

Good luck Robson, we'll stay in touch for sure!

Thank you! And absolutely. (I sent you an email!)

Good luck with it! There's certainly no shortage of important stories.