A Distinct Honor

Some of these newsletter ledes are more difficult to write than others. But usually, it just takes a few stabs at the kick starter to get the ol’ writer’s brain firing. That’s not the situation this week. I know what I’m intending to write, but finding the right words is proving difficult. Maybe it’s because the depth of gratitude and appreciation I have for this place and the people I work with can’t be articulated in a few paragraphs. In any case, after five years of work on New Mexico in Focus, my time at NMPBS is coming to an end.

My wife and I came to this state during the fallout from the pandemic and just over a month after our wedding. Since, we’ve made lifelong friends, welcomed our two daughters into the world and gained a human perspective only attainable in New Mexico. The opportunities for intellectual, emotional and cultural enrichment here just don’t exist anywhere else. And there is no better way to connect and learn about those unique characteristics than being immersed in them, meeting and learning from the people who spend their lives working to make this state a better place.

That’s what I’ve been able to do as a writer, producer, editor and part-time host on New Mexico in Focus — all while communicating what I learned to you, our viewers. From scampering down the halls of the Roundhouse alongside Gwyneth Doland to get a state lawmaker’s perspective on a new piece of legislation, to trudging through tamarisk and sagebrush with Elizabeth Miller and our production crew, to interviewing some of the most interesting and influential people in our state; my obligation to share stories that impact the people here has been exhilarating and enlightening.

People always talk about leaving something better than they found it. I’m glad to say I believe that’s the case with my time with NMiF. I’ve been on the team through a considerable transition, but to attribute a majority of our growth to me would be not only be hubristic but dishonest. Our executive producer, Jeff Proctor, joined our team a little less than two years into my time at NMPBS, and he actually beat me out for his job. I told him this about 10 minutes into meeting him, and I’ll say it again 100 times louder now: They picked the right person. Jeff started to make immediate changes when he came on, shifting NMiF towards a news-analysis show that prioritizes subject matter expertise rather than opinion. That made for more work for fellow producer Antonio Sanchez and me, but it has undeniably strengthened the integrity and value of our show. And now, it’s blossomed with the invaluable addition of Nash Jones as our full-time host, plus a new logo and graphics rollout.

I don’t say this to minimize my contributions to the show. I’m extremely proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish at NMPBS, journalistically and otherwise. It’s just to let you know that NMiF is in good hands.

Finally, thank you for welcoming me to this extraordinary state and into your homes. I’m sure we aren’t your only news source, but I consider it a distinct honor for someone to choose to spend any amount of time on our work — work that will continue in earnest well after my departure.

-Lou DiVizio, Senior Producer