A Belgian-American journalist who covered the Congo Crisis and wrote extensively on African affairs, providing valuable insights into the region's politics and history.
Roger Wood, the fearless and flamboyant editor, left an indelible mark on the world of tabloid journalism. As the editor of the Daily Express and New York Post, he masterminded some of the most attention-grabbing headlines of all time, including the infamous "Headless Body in Topless Bar" and "Eleven Dead and the Band Played On."
Roger Wood was born on October 4, 1925, in Antwerp, Belgium, where he spent the first seven years of his life speaking no English. He moved to Great Britain with his family, where he learned the language and eventually graduated from Oxford University. Wood's experience during World War II, serving in the Royal Air Force, would later shape his bold and daring approach to journalism.
In 1962, at the tender age of 37, Wood became the youngest editor of the Daily Express, succeeding Edward Pickering. His tenure was marked by a keen sense of storytelling and a dash of showmanship, qualities that would become his trademark. Wood's editorial direction propelled the Daily Express to new heights, paving the way for his next adventure.
In 1975, Wood joined forces with media mogul Rupert Murdoch, editing the weekly Star Magazine before becoming executive editor of the New York Post in 1977. Under Wood's guidance, the Post's circulation skyrocketed from 400,000 to over a million, thanks in part to the meteoric rise of Page Six, the paper's gossip section. Wood's flair for the dramatic and his ability to craft attention-grabbing headlines made him a household name.
Wood's editorial meetings were often convened with a theatrical flourish, as he would greet his male colleagues with a hearty "Dear boy!" and his female colleagues with a charming "Lovely one." This affable demeanor belied a steely resolve to push the boundaries of tabloid journalism, earning him both admiration and criticism from his peers.
Roger Wood's passing on November 2, 2012, at the age of 87, marked the end of an era in tabloid journalism. His influence, however, continues to reverberate through the industry, inspiring generations of journalists and editors to push the envelope and challenge the status quo. Wood's remarkable life and career serve as a testament to the power of bold storytelling and the importance of never playing it safe.
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Co-founder of The New Republic, a pioneering journalist and publisher who shaped American political discourse with his influential writings and opinions. He's most known for his insightful commentary on democracy, politics, and society.
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Pioneering broadcast journalist who exposed Senator Joseph McCarthy's communist witch hunt, setting a high standard for fearless reporting.
99 Years Old
A renowned news anchor and journalist, known for his distinctive voice and reporting on significant events, including the assassination of JFK and the Watergate scandal.
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Co-anchor of NBC's Huntley-Brinkley Report, a pioneering news program that set the standard for evening news broadcasts, known for his folksy, down-to-earth style.
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A renowned journalist and actor who reported on historic events like the Civil Rights Movement and World War II, and appeared in films and TV shows like "The Twilight Zone".
