Yesterday, FTVLive told you that WTTG Anchor Jeanette Reyes was leaving the DC station to become an influencer on a full-time basis.

Reyes has landed brand deals and has decided that she can make a better living outside of TV news.

On one hand, I give her credit, she decided to become an influencer, and that is what she wants to do.

On the other hand, I’m not sure pitching crap for Walmart or some other company is a very exciting career.

In my opinion, and this is only my opinion, you can give more back to the community as a Journalist and make a difference as a Journalist. Pitching products will likely make you more money. But is telling people how nice these jogging shorts are really making a difference? It seems like your job is getting people to spend their money on crap that they likely don’t need.

If you’re all about the money, then yes, go the influencer route and don’t look back. If you’re about serving others, you can make a difference as a Journalist.

I give Reyes credit in leaving TV news to pursue her career as an influencer. Many people in TV news today try to do TV news and be an influencer. This is not a true Journalist.

I never got into TV news to try and be rich and make money. Even now, I turn brand deals down on almost a weekly basis. Companies offer me money to get in front of Journalists’ eyeballs, and some offer a lot of money. I have said “no” every time.

I don’t fault someone who wants to make money and be an influencer, but I will always fault a Journalist who tries to be both.

Good for Reyes for making that decision and deciding on what she wanted to be.