Richard Carlson Dies at 84: Influential Journalist and Tucker Carlson’s Father Passes Away in Florida. He was 84 years old and had been battling a long illness.
Carlson’s son, Tucker Carlson, announced his father’s passing in a heartfelt post on X. Known for his hard-hitting investigative reporting, Richard Carlson built a career that spanned journalism, politics, and public media leadership.
A Career in Investigative Journalism
Richard Carlson Dies at 84: From Copy Boy to Celebrated Investigative Reporter at the Los Angeles Times. He became a well-known figure on KABC in Los Angeles, gaining recognition for his fearless approach to controversial topics.
One of his most notable reports exposed G. Elizabeth Carmichael, the creator of a fraudulent three-wheeled electric car. His coverage, though criticized for outing Carmichael as transgender, earned national attention. Carlson was also involved in the outing of transgender tennis player Renée Richards.
Making the Switch from Journalism to Public Service
Carlson quit journalism to seek a career in politics and public service after becoming disillusioned with the media’s emphasis on controversy. During the Reagan administration, he oversaw the Voice of America as its director before becoming the U.S. ambassador to the Seychelles.
In 1992, Carlson assumed the role of CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, contributing to the growth of public media. He later held executive roles at King World Productions and served as vice chairman of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies.
In addition to his five grandkids, Carlson is survived by his sons, Tucker and Buckley Carlson. Patricia Swanson, his wife, died in 2023.
Source: Los Angeles Times
Leave a comment