Comments on: Levick Leaving 25-Year Legacy

By: George Gombossy

George Gombossy — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 02:36:59 +0000

I have the greatest respect and fondness for both Dan and Diane, having working with both for many, many years. But since its Diane’s turn in the limelight I would like to mention a couple of things from my vantage point as her editor.
First, she had about equal scorn for editors as she did for insurance officials who tried – without success – to spin her. She knows more about insurance than any other reporter, and probably many insurance executives.
What really struck me was her work ethic, always giving 100, never complaining about physical ailments, and frequently having a wonderful sense of humor. Whenever, I felt down, all I had to do is look at her slaving away, doing things she didn’t have to, but she felt it was her who was going to do it, or no one.
I will never forget the touching card she sent me when my cat, Ninja passed. I was so torn up because that cat was like a child. She understood that. She is like an Israili Sabra – tough on the outside, but softy inside. Few realize at the Courant how Diane will not be replaced. I hope she can find enjoyment in her retirement, she deserves all the happiness available. George Gombossy

By: Talking Biz News » Hartford Courant insurance reporter Levick leaves paper

Talking Biz News » Hartford Courant insurance reporter Levick leaves paper — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:00:16 +0000

[...] more here. I would add that I competed against Levick while covering the insurance industry for BusinessWeek [...]

By: Deb Hoyt

Deb Hoyt — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 02:04:37 +0000

Ditto to the above. Diane’s reporting has followed me through my 15-year career as a PR spokesperson for the CT Hospital Association, ConnectiCare and Aetna. Whenever Diane called for a comment, I would always get that feeling in the pit of my stomach – knowing that she wouldn’t quit until she got to the root of the issue and exposed the nerve. I always knew that her story would be fair, even if it would be difficult to admit it. I recall waking up many mornings at 4 am to check the Courant site for an article we were anticipating, eager to read it before getting into the office as it would set the tone for the day. A good article by Diane was like winning a rare prize and was worthy of bragging rights. She certainly is and will remain a true pro. It has been my pleasure to have been on the other end of the phone answering her questions over the years.

By: Robin Stansbury

Robin Stansbury — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 23:36:13 +0000

I agree with Theresa. When the news reached Aetna, the media folks reacted with sadness — even though they might not always have agreed with her, they have imense respect for her, her professionalism, her tenacity, her commitment to her readers, and they realize that her institutional knowledge will not be replaced, especially in the the Sam Zell era. It has been interesting for me to hear the other side of Diane’s calls now that I’m at Aetna. One woman recently hung up the phone after talking to Diane and said “Damn, why is she so good.” Damn right, indeed.

By: Theresa S. Barger

Theresa S. Barger — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:58:09 +0000

Ditto to all of the above, with one added thought. While I agree with Larry that many folks within the Courant didn’t give her the credit she deserved, she was respected by those in the insurance industry. I attended an insurance-related news conference once with Diane when I was covering real estate and the folks in the industry acted as if Walter Cronkite had come to cover their event.

By: Dave Drury

Dave Drury — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:58:12 +0000

Dan’s send-off says it all. Diane is a real pro. She made the esoteric world of insurance meaningful to those of us who struggle to complete an on-line Geico form.

By: Matt Poland

Matt Poland — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 23:41:55 +0000

Diane is a one-of-a-kind journalist who earned the respect of the business community for her unwavering commitment to the public’s right-to-know. Thank, Dan, for a great piece.

By: Courant/Fox61 « The Laurel

Courant/Fox61 « The Laurel — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 23:06:43 +0000

[...] -Diane Levick, who has covered insurance since the days when Hartford was indeed The Insurance City, leaving Courant after 25 years [...]

By: David Lightman

David Lightman — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:24:17 +0000

Thanks Dan for recognizing one of the Courant’s best, most tireless reporters. Diane not only did a great job, and did it consistently, but she was a great resource for those of us who had trouble understanding insurance and health matters….and I’ll tell ya, the Courant really will miss her, just like it misses John MacDonald, as this health care reform mess keeps bumbling along in Washington.

By: Larry Williams

Larry Williams — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:26:57 +0000

I don’t think Diane ever got enough credit (outside the business department) for her great coverage of the insurance industry. That’s a nice, well-deserved career review by Dan.