Sports journalist Nick Petaros was reportedly fired from his job with The Courier in Waterloo, Iowa after he dared to travel to a state track meet and cover it in person instead of just reporting on the event remotely:
🧵 This afternoon I was terminated for insubordination following my career at The Courier that dates back to 2008. My great offense was making arrangements to cover the first two days of state track and field in person after being told to cover the event remotely.
— Nick Petaros (@NickPetaros) June 18, 2021
Pestaros said he covered all of the expenses of the trip himself:
I found a friend to stay with in Des Moines and paid for food expenses out of pocket. I was just fired for going above and beyond to do my job. Journalism isn’t a profession that you get into for money. It’s about the opportunity to document some of life’s greatest memories.
— Nick Petaros (@NickPetaros) June 18, 2021
So, is there something else going on here because this sounds pretty nuts:
There’s no substitute for in person coverage and the details gained by being at an event. My supervisors have never questioned the quality of my work even though I have always strived to be better.
— Nick Petaros (@NickPetaros) June 18, 2021
We’re not the only ones asking questions:
Dear @wcfcourier:
Please explain. https://t.co/GyRyfbv042
— Clara Jeffery (@ClaraJeffery) June 18, 2021
Loved working on the Valley beat next to Nick who has done a great job covering Northern Iowa.
Doesn't surprise me he'd go the extra mile for his readers and he'll do so wherever he lands next. Disappointed by The Courier's decision.
Keep fighting the good fight. https://t.co/qfYSw19Jvv
— Wyatt Wheeler (@WyattWheeler_NL) June 18, 2021
Iowa journalism has a huge problem https://t.co/D5qiwZ5Aop
— Lyz Lenz (@lyzl) June 18, 2021
Note, he’s a veteran journo:
Thank you to all the coaches and athletes that have trusted me to tell your stories over the past 13 years. I sincerely hope that I accomplished something that made a positive impact on the lives of others.
— Nick Petaros (@NickPetaros) June 18, 2021
And if anyone in Iowa has any ideas for him, hit him up:
If you have a job opportunity, feel free to reach out. I can promise dedication and commitment. [email protected].
— Nick Petaros (@NickPetaros) June 18, 2021
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