Veteran Journalist Dan Zakreski Reflects on 45-Year Career

As Dan Zakreski embarks on his retirement after an impressive 45-year tenure as a journalist, he reflects on the evolution of his career and the changing landscape of journalism. Zakreski, who began his journey at the Saskatoon StarPhoenix, recalls the challenges he faced as a rookie reporter navigating the fast-paced world of news.

From Rookie to Veteran

Zakreski’s career began in 1981, shortly after he completed a journalism program at the University of Regina. During a challenging internship, he faced tough criticism from city editor Tom Loran, who famously questioned his writing skills. “So what do they teach you in university?” Loran remarked as he critiqued Zakreski’s early attempts at reporting. The young journalist’s first byline, “Much-sought wall calendar may have become dated,” marked the beginning of a prolific career.

Over nearly five decades, Zakreski estimates he has written close to 10,000 stories, covering a wide range of topics from local farming to high-profile criminal cases. He has witnessed significant events in Saskatchewan’s history, including the murder case of Colin Thatcher, a former cabinet minister, which made headlines in the early 1980s. Thatcher was convicted of murdering his wife, JoAnn Wilson, and served 22 years in prison before his release in 2006.

Adapting to Change

The landscape of journalism has transformed dramatically since Zakreski’s early days. He recalls the transition from rotary dial phones to modern technology, including laptops and cell phones that allow reporters to file stories from the field. “The internet is the asteroid that killed everything from social anonymity to newspaper classified ads,” he said, reflecting on how technology has impacted the industry.

Despite the rise of digital media, Zakreski found that certain traditions endure. Recently, he was surprised to see wall calendars returning to popularity, contradicting his earlier belief that they were becoming obsolete. To explore this phenomenon, he contacted John Edgar, CEO of Calendar Club of Canada, who explained that the appeal of wall calendars lies in their personal connection to individuals. “They reflect something that they’re passionate about,” Edgar noted.

Zakreski’s career has been marked not just by the stories he has told but by the relationships he has built. He fondly recalls his time covering events in Saskatchewan, including a forest fire near Prince Albert in 2021, which underscored the importance of on-the-ground reporting. His experiences have shaped his understanding of the community and its needs.

As he prepares for retirement, Zakreski reflects on his journey with a mix of nostalgia and gratitude. He acknowledges the new generation of journalists who will carry on the work he has dedicated his life to, and he leaves behind a legacy rooted in integrity and commitment to truthful reporting.

For Zakreski, time is not a circle but a flat grid, marked by the stories he has told and the moments he has witnessed. With 16,434 boxes filled with experiences, he steps away from the newsroom, leaving a lasting impact on journalism in Saskatchewan.