Aw thanks John. Luckily I've had about 10 months to adjust to it, as being the BBC, they implement a policy by stealth without telling you and then after a while say 'by the way old chap...' Life/lemons/lemonade. New horizons etc. I'm here for all of it!
I feel very sad too, agree very much Beeb's loss. I still remember talk you gave to IWAP years ago and telling us what it was like in Tirana, no work so all these smartly-dressed young guys sitting around drinking coffee all day - and so much else, of course. (I moved to London in 2014 but still come back to CZ every year) Good luck with everything
Oh dear Rob, this is such sad news, they really are losing someone precious to talk about this part - our part - of the world… And if even the BBC does this, no wonder that everywhere quality reporting is being threatened. Moving piece you wrote here.
Thanks Anna. Yes it’s happening in so many places and no doubt will affect the way these places are viewed - if they even notice they exist anymore - by lots of people….
Rob, what a pity! And how foolish of the bbc to burn bridges like that. But I’d see this as an opportunity to double down on what you’re doing now. When you started with the BBC, there was no Substack, no podcasts, YouTube nor Spotify…. your talent won’t go wasted, as you use the new tech tools to let people know about it and ultimately pay for it. At least that’s my wishful thinking and I’m hoping it’s possible to make a living this way. Fingers crossed. Hope to catch up soon! Jana
Consider me subscribed. You really are a fixture of the neighborhood. Your mentions of Bush in Bratislava, Obama in Prague and walking behind Havel’s coffin hit my memory buttons.
Well that sucks, I'm sorry, Rob. I've always been a great fan of your reporting from Czecho. Maybe there's money in a substack that could offer foreign business people (they have the money) in-depth understanding of the CR. Unseat the Fleet Sheet. Good luck and keep digging.
It’s the Beeb’s loss, Rob. You’ve done fabulous work over the years. And, as you point out, a huge variety to come.
Aw thanks John. Luckily I've had about 10 months to adjust to it, as being the BBC, they implement a policy by stealth without telling you and then after a while say 'by the way old chap...' Life/lemons/lemonade. New horizons etc. I'm here for all of it!
Another heartbreaking story of what is happening to our noble profession. A terrible loss for the Czech Republic, too.
Thanks Jakub. It’s a sad state of affairs everywhere I think …. But life goes on.
I feel very sad too, agree very much Beeb's loss. I still remember talk you gave to IWAP years ago and telling us what it was like in Tirana, no work so all these smartly-dressed young guys sitting around drinking coffee all day - and so much else, of course. (I moved to London in 2014 but still come back to CZ every year) Good luck with everything
Thank you very much Caroline. Ah yes, Kampa right? That was fun.
That's right, yes, it was a lot of fun, thanks again!
Oh dear Rob, this is such sad news, they really are losing someone precious to talk about this part - our part - of the world… And if even the BBC does this, no wonder that everywhere quality reporting is being threatened. Moving piece you wrote here.
Thanks Anna. Yes it’s happening in so many places and no doubt will affect the way these places are viewed - if they even notice they exist anymore - by lots of people….
Great piece, Rob! The BBC made a big mistake letting you go. They’ll probably realize it at some point. Keep the great reporting coming!
Oh thanks Lou. And I'll never forget - first ever vaguely journalism related job was for you.
Rob, what a pity! And how foolish of the bbc to burn bridges like that. But I’d see this as an opportunity to double down on what you’re doing now. When you started with the BBC, there was no Substack, no podcasts, YouTube nor Spotify…. your talent won’t go wasted, as you use the new tech tools to let people know about it and ultimately pay for it. At least that’s my wishful thinking and I’m hoping it’s possible to make a living this way. Fingers crossed. Hope to catch up soon! Jana
Ahoj! Well thanks very much. This is all true. And yes, pivo soon I'm sure.
Consider me subscribed. You really are a fixture of the neighborhood. Your mentions of Bush in Bratislava, Obama in Prague and walking behind Havel’s coffin hit my memory buttons.
Aw shucks Darian. Thank you very much.
Well that sucks, I'm sorry, Rob. I've always been a great fan of your reporting from Czecho. Maybe there's money in a substack that could offer foreign business people (they have the money) in-depth understanding of the CR. Unseat the Fleet Sheet. Good luck and keep digging.
Thanks Peter. Well, a few such people have become paid subscribers (and one a founding subscriber). But I know what you mean.
This seems very poor from the Beeb, but best of luck to you with your totally free freelancing.
Pivo brácho?