Renowned journalist Reg Murphy, passes away at 90

Atlanta: Reg Murphy, a prominent journalist and veteran news executive who survived a politically motivated kidnapping in 1974, passed away on November 9 at the age of 90. Murphy, a Georgia native who lived on St. Simons Island, leaves behind a legacy of excellence in journalism and leadership across major U.S. newspapers.

Murphy began his career covering state politics for the Macon Telegraph before moving to The Atlanta Constitution during the civil rights era. He later served as editor and publisher of the San Francisco Examiner in 1975 and as publisher of the Baltimore Sun. His leadership extended beyond newspapers, including senior roles at the National Geographic Society, where he helped expand its media reach globally.

Known for his calm yet inspiring leadership, colleagues described Murphy as a "gentle persuader" who motivated his team with encouragement and poise. Art Harris, a former colleague, credited him for his ability to inspire without raising his voice, despite the challenges of making tough decisions.

Murphy gained national attention in 1974 when he was kidnapped and held for a $700,000 ransom by a man claiming to be part of a militia group opposed to "leftist newspapers." He was released unharmed two days later after the ransom was paid, and his kidnapper was swiftly arrested and convicted. Reflecting on the ordeal, Murphy later described the harrowing experience in Golf Digest, recounting the moments of fear and resilience while bound in a car trunk.

Murphy's career spanned reporting assignments across Russia, China, Japan, and the Middle East. He remained a staunch advocate for the press, calling journalism "a sacred trust" essential to democracy. His impact extended to golf, where he served as president of the United States Golf Association (USGA) in 1994 and 1995, helping to grow the sport he loved.

A graduate of Mercer University, Murphy credited the institution with teaching him the fundamentals of journalism. He maintained a lifelong connection to the university, serving five terms on its Board of Trustees. In recognition of his contributions, Mercer renamed its Center for Collaborative Journalism as the Reg Murphy Center for Collaborative Journalism.

With PTI inputs