Stepping away from the front page

I can’t say that I’m burned out, but the time is right for me to take a step back and spend more time on home, health, family, friends, faith and passion projects. It wasn’t a decision I came to easily, but having Gretchen Peck ready to step into the editor-in-chief position helped seal the deal. I’m excited to see how Gretchen will use her expertise and experience to move E&P forward.”

Robin Blinder, Editor & Publisher Magazine

The title of my first editorial for E&P nearly five years ago was “Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes.” It described several changes I was experiencing personally, as well as changes coming to E&P — one of which was that I was taking over as E&P’s editor. As when I penned that editorial, change is still a constant in our world, industry and lives. Another of those changes means this will be my last editorial for Editor & Publisher.

I’m incredibly proud of my last issue, as we are addressing some difficult and extremely important issues our industry faces. Our cover story, “Who supports the journalists after the story?” centers on the mental health crisis (and it is a crisis) in the media. Diane Sylvester wrote a powerful piece documenting the crossroads many in our field encounter amid the stresses of reporting on challenging issues with limited resources, at a time of mounting distrust in our very livelihood.

Burnout is often hidden and ignored, but many of the people Sylvester interviewed demonstrate why paying attention to employees' and freelancers’ mental health is necessary for sustainability. Angela Pacienza, executive editor of The Globe and Mail in Toronto, said it very well: “If people burn out and crash, they’re not going to be of any use as employees. It’s the caring part, but it’s also just good for business.”

I can’t say that I’m burned out, but the time is right for me to take a step back and spend more time on home, health, family, friends, faith and passion projects. It wasn’t a decision I came to easily, but having Gretchen Peck ready to step into the editor-in-chief position helped seal the deal. I’m excited to see how Gretchen will use her expertise and experience to move E&P forward. After writing for us since 2010, Peck has a wonderful understanding of our industry, our magazine and our readers. I’m incredibly fortunate to have had her in my corner.

There are many who have helped, supported and propped me up along the way. I have worked with many amazing writers, including Peck. My final “bench” at E&P are not only fantastic writers, but they are even better people. Tandy Lau, Bob Miller, Gretchen Peck, Bob Sillick, Diane Sylvester and Rob Tornoe — I owe you more than I could ever repay. You’re all the best. Our columnists — Stuart Brotman, Alex Curley, Chad Davis, Shannon Kinney, Doug Phares and others from E&P’s past — thank you for your contributions to our venture and the industry.   And Mike Blinder, E&P publisher and my business partner and other half, thank you for your belief in me. Your constant passion for E&P’s readers and marketing partners will continue to drive this publication to be better for our industry.

 Finally, our readers and marketing partners are our lifeblood. You’re the reason we do what we do. You have inspired me every day with your ability and willingness to go the extra mile for democracy, a free press and the sustainability to protect both. It’s a constant battle in this crazy world, but all your efforts will make a difference in the end. Keep up the “good fight.” It isn’t just words to say we’re all in this together.

Robin Blinder was E&P's editor-in-chief until May 1, 2026. She has been with E&P for seven years. She can be found digging in her garden, setting up her greenhouse, creating in the kitchen, making music and working at the polls this Midterm season. She can be reached at robinblinder@gmail.com.