Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee was inspiration to many in journalism

Enlarge Photo

Amanda Gordon

Ben Bradlee, former executive editor of the Washington Post

Mark Sabljak

Publisher- Milwaukee Business Journal

Email  |  Twitter

When I heard of Ben Bradlee's passing Tuesday, I paused, and thought of why I got into the business of journalism.

Watergate, the Pentagon Papers … they fueled a class of idealistic students who entered journalism schools in the late 1960s and early '70s, as I did at Marquette University.

It's 50-plus years later, but the reasons I chose journalism school haven't left me.

I am still curious. If I see a successful business, as a journalist I get to knock on the CEO's door and ask, "How did you get to this level?"

I still love to read and write. A journalist is only as good as his or her ability to research a story and then organize and write it. And today, with things like Google search, research is easier than ever.

And I am still an idealist.

I still believe shining a spotlight on certain people, places and ideas can improve the world.

Highlighting award winners, like our 40 under 40, can inspire new achievement. Pointing out great business practices can foster more business success.

And occasionally, pointing out what's wrong in our community — like racism — and linking it to solutions can lead to positive change.

Thanks, Ben Bradlee, for your inspiration.

Mark Sabljak is Publisher of the Milwaukee Business Journal.