Robert MacNeil, the respected co-founder of PBS NewsHour, died on April 12, 2024, at the age of 93. His death at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York occurred from natural causes, according to his daughter, Alison MacNeil, marking the end of a remarkable journalistic career.
MacNeil’s work in journalism spanned several decades, characterized by meticulous reporting, integrity, and a deep respect for the multifaceted nature of news.
MacNeil, also known as Robin to his close acquaintances, was born in Montreal, Canada. His initial career aspirations were in acting, but after graduating from Carleton University in Ottawa, he shifted his focus to journalism. He began his journalistic journey at Reuters and NBC News, reporting on a wide variety of local and international stories.
He was on the ground in Dallas, Texas, during the assassination of Kennedy in 1963. MacNeil even made a live phone report from the Texas school book depository where Lee Harvey Oswald worked. “I found out that a man named Oswald, who worked at the book depository, had been arrested. I remember thinking, ‘How strange. I had just entered that building. He probably left just as I was arriving,'” MacNeil stated. His coverage of the Kennedy assassination and the Civil Rights Movement showcased his dedication to covering pivotal events in American history.
In 1971, MacNeil’s career took a significant turn when he joined PBS. Alongside Jim Lehrer, MacNeil played a crucial role in the exhaustive coverage of the 1973 Watergate hearings. The duo’s journalistic prowess during this time bolstered their credibility and set the groundwork for the future MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour. This program, known for its insightful and detailed news analysis, later evolved into the present PBS NewsHour. Their extensive coverage of the Watergate scandal won them an Emmy Award in 1973.
MacNeil left a lasting impression on his colleagues and those fortunate enough to know him personally. Judy Woodruff, a senior correspondent and former anchor at PBS NewsHour, reflected, “The loss of a dear friend deeply saddens me. One of the greatest privileges of my career was to collaborate with Robin MacNeil and contribute to the revolutionary changes he and Jim Lehrer brought to television journalism. He was brilliant and sophisticated and possessed a wonderful sense of irony.”
MacNeil’s influence was not limited to journalism. He was a staunch supporter of the arts and served as the chairman of the MacDowell Artist Colony in New Hampshire, for 17 years. His passion for language and storytelling was demonstrated through his extensive body of written work, which includes several books and memoirs about the English language and his personal journey in journalism.
He treasured the summers spent at his seaside home, reflecting his Canadian heritage and his fondness for the tranquil landscapes of his childhood. His family, including his four children and several grandchildren, remember him as a caring and considerate figure, thus carrying on his legacy.
