Harold Evans
Harold Evans
====================
Full Name and Common Aliases
---------------------------------
Harold Matthew Evans was a British journalist, editor, author, and publisher, often referred to as one of the most influential journalists of his generation.
Birth and Death Dates
-------------------------
Born: June 28, 1928, in Ilford, Essex, England
Died: September 23, 2020, in New York City
Nationality and Profession(s)
---------------------------------
Nationality: British
Professions: Journalist, Editor, Author, Publisher
Early Life and Background
-------------------------------
Harold Evans was born to a family of modest means. His father worked as a railway clerk, while his mother managed the household. From an early age, Harold demonstrated a passion for writing and journalism, encouraged by his parents.
Evans attended Ilford County High School before serving in the British Army during World War II. After the war, he studied at the University of London's Birkbeck College, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in English Literature.
Major Accomplishments
---------------------------
Editorial Director at The Sunday Times: Evans served as Editorial Director from 1963 to 1978, transforming the publication into a leading force in British journalism. Under his leadership, The Sunday Times exposed government scandals and published influential investigative pieces.
Chief Editor of The Times: From 1982 to 1984, Evans oversaw The Times during a period of significant change in the newspaper industry. He implemented reforms aimed at improving editorial standards and increasing transparency.
Editor-in-Chief of Random House: In 1997, Evans became Editor-in-Chief of Random House's Alfred A. Knopf imprint, where he worked on a wide range of projects, from fiction to non-fiction.Notable Works or Actions
------------------------------
The American Century (1968): This book, written with Gerd Korman, chronicled the rise and fall of the United States during the 20th century.
* The Northern Ireland Question (1972): Evans' reporting from Northern Ireland helped raise international awareness about the conflict and its humanitarian implications.
Impact and Legacy
-------------------------
Harold Evans' contributions to journalism are immeasurable. He played a key role in shaping British media, advocating for editorial independence, and promoting investigative reporting. His legacy extends beyond his own publications, inspiring generations of journalists to strive for excellence and integrity.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
--------------------------------------------
Harold Evans is remembered as a champion of journalistic ethics, a master editor, and a tireless advocate for freedom of expression. His work continues to inspire readers and journalists worldwide, earning him a lasting place in the pantheon of influential figures in modern journalism.
Evans' commitment to truth, fairness, and transparency has left an indelible mark on the industry. As we reflect on his life and achievements, it becomes clear that Harold Evans remains an essential figure in our collective understanding of journalism's role in shaping public discourse.
Quotes by Harold Evans
Harold Evans's insights on:
Adjectives not susceptible to modifiers are: certain, complete, devoid, empty, entire, essential, everlasting, excellent, external, fatal, final, fundamental, harmless, ideal, immaculate, immortal, impossible, incessant, indestructible, infinite, invaluable, invulnerable, main, omnipotent, perfect, principal, pure, round, simultaneous, square, ultimate, unanimous, unendurable, unique, unspeakable, untouchable, whole, worthless.
I think a lot of newspapers have lost touch with that sense of community, which so impressed me as a teenager when I had to knock on people’s doors.
Nothing is so tiring to the reader as excavating nuggets of meaning from mountains of words.
What I’m driving at is let’s not lose sight in our excitement of the democratization of the media that some things are bad, false and ugly – and no amount of electronic gloss will make them true, beautiful and accurate.
The democratization of news is fine and splendid, but it’s not reporting. It’s based on a fragment of information picked up from television or the web, and people are sounding off about something that’s not necessarily true.
When I first came to the United States in 1956 I fell in love with things – mainly the vitality and the freedoms.
We always talk about how everyone is unifocal. You can’t possibly be interested in jazz and Beethoven. Of course you can. You can’t both be reading a newspaper and be online. Of course you can. We shouldn’t be obsessed with a gun to your head, ‘You either read a newspaper or die!’
Throughout America’s young history there has been a necessary tension between the individual and the group.
Journalism is not easy. It’s the first rough draft. I don’t think you need to wait around until you have the definitive thing. You record what’s there; don’t delude yourself that this is the ultimate historical view.
I love craftsmanship of any kind, a job well done either by my chiropractor or carpenter, and I am addicted to print, the type, the ink. But my basic passion is journalism and I can’t live without being online.