Peter Kihss
American journalist (1912–1984)

Peter Kihss
Kihss in 1963
Born
Peter Frederick Kihss

(1912-08-25)August 25, 1912
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Died (aged 72)
Jamaica Estates, Queens, New York, U.S.
EducationColumbia University Graduate School of Journalism
Occupations
  • Journalist
  • reporter
  • editor
Years active1933–1982
EmployerThe New York Times (1952–1982)
Children2

Peter Frederick Kihss (August 25, 1912 – December 28, 1984) was an American reporter for The New York Times and other news organizations for nearly half a century until his retirement in 1982.[1] Kihss was known for his reporting on a wide range of topics, including immigrants, state and city governments, crime, the weather and other subjects.

Early life

Peter Frederick Kihss was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Latvian immigrants[1] on August 25, 1912.[2] He was encouraged to become an engineer by his father, but chose to pursue journalism instead, saying "[it] was an opportunity to do good for somebody".[3] He graduated from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in 1932.[4]

Career

Kihss's career in journalism began in 1933, working at The Associated Press, The Washington Post, New York World-Telegram, New York Herald Tribune, and for 30 years at The New York Times.[1] While at The Associated Press, he was an editor, a role he disliked.[3][5] He quit shortly afterwards and he became a foreign correspondent in South America for The New York Times.[3][5] On returning 10 months later, he worked at The Washington Post. He moved back to New York in 1936, becoming a journalist at New York World-Telegram and New York Herald Tribune.[3] He rejoined The New York Times on January 6, 1952.[6] He retired in 1982.[6] Two years after his retirement, a $5,000 journalism award was established in his honor by the Fund for the City of New York, for which he was the first recipient.[7][8]

Death and legacy

Kihss died on December 28, 1984, of a heart attack at his house in Jamaica Estates, Queens, at the age of 72. Then mayor of New York City, Ed Koch, called Kihss "one of the most factual and thoughtful of reporters". He was often referred to as the "world's greatest reporter".[9] Sydney Schanberg for The New York Times referred to Kihss as a "master craftsman", praising his mentoring of younger, inexperienced journalists.[10] Schanberg also called Kihss "one of the greats" of contemporary journalism.[11] He was survived by his wife, Alice, and two children.[9] The Society of Silurians established The Peter Kihss Award in his honor, an award given to journalists who mentor newer ones.[12][13][14]

Awards and nominations

In 1933, Kihss was awarded the Pulitzer Traveling Scholarship.[15] In 1966, Kihss received a special mention by the Society of the Silurians for his work covering the northeast blackout of 1965.[16] In 1971, Kihss was honored by the Society of the Silurians, receiving a gold quill marking his "continued distinguished journalistic work" for more than 25 years.[17] He also received the Silurians' Quarter-Century News Award.[18] In 1974, Kihss received Columbia's Journalism Alumni Award.[19] Kihss was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize four times,[1] but never won.[10]

References

  1. ^ a b c d McFadden, Robert (December 30, 1984). "Peter Kihss, Reporter for 49 Years, Is Dead at 72". The New York Times. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  2. ^ National Archives at St. Louis; St. Louis, Missouri; Wwii Draft Registration Cards For New York City, October 16, 1940 - March 31, 1947; Record Group: Records of the Selective Service System, 147
  3. ^ a b c d "Vet reporter for Times retiring". Associated Press. Odessa American. September 1, 1982. p. 8.
  4. ^ "Peter Kihss dies; retired New York Times reporter". The Vindicator. December 30, 1984.
  5. ^ a b "Peter Kihss, 72, retired N.Y. Times reporter". Associated Press. Delaware County Daily Times. December 30, 1984. p. 20.
  6. ^ a b Schwartz, Jerry (September 2, 1982). "Reporter for 49 years retires". Associated Press. St. Joseph News-Press.
  7. ^ "Peter Kihss". Associated Press. The Gettysburg Times. November 27, 1984. p. 8.
  8. ^ "Award Established". The Victoria Advocate. November 27, 1984.
  9. ^ a b "Peter Kihss, reporter for the New York Times". Associated Press. December 30, 1984. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
  10. ^ a b Schanberg, Sydney (January 5, 1985). "Peter Kihss". The New York Times. The Gallup Independent. p. 8.
  11. ^ Schanberg, Sydney (July 10, 2018). "Cuomo's chastening foray into journalism". The Gazette. p. 8.
  12. ^ Peltz, Jennifer (April 18, 2017). "Jim Fitzgerald, longtime AP writer and editor, dies at 66". Associated Press. The Orange County Register. p. 15.
  13. ^ "Silurian News" (PDF). The Society of the Silurians, Inc. May 2016. p. 1. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
  14. ^ "Peter Kihss Award". The Silurians Press Club. Archived from the original on May 23, 2024. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
  15. ^ "Kihss Awarded Price In Place of Barber". Columbia Daily Spectator. Vol. 56, no. 138. May 16, 1933. p. 1.
  16. ^ "9 Journalists win Silurian Awards" (PDF). April 4, 1966. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 12, 2024. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  17. ^ "Peter Kihss of Times Honored by Silurians". The New York Times. October 19, 1971. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  18. ^ "Newman Is Honored By Silurians". Biddeford-Saco Journal. November 19, 1973. p. 14.
  19. ^ "Dr. Jandoli is given Columbia Alumni Award". Bradford Era. June 20, 1974. p. 24.
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