Jim Klobuchar, father of Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), passed away yesterday at the age of 93. Jim was a longtime champion of our industry, working in journalism for four decades as a columnist for the Star Tribune in Minneapolis, Minn. In an article published Wednesday in the Star Tribune, Sen. Amy Klobuchar stated, “He loved our state. He loved journalism. He loved sports and adventure. And we loved him.”
The Star Tribune reported that Klobuchar wrote “an estimated 8,400 columns over 30 years.” Starting at the Star Tribune as a general columnist in 1965, he wrote about anything and everything, but first and foremost, about the town and the lives of its people. An avid chronicler and active community member, he was passionate about journalism and the local community he served. He genuinely cared about his fellow community members, and it showed in his work.
Alliance President and CEO, David Chavern, stated, “People like Jim Klobuchar are what make this industry so special. He is a shining example of how local journalism – provided by journalists who are members of the community themselves – is ingrained in our everyday lives. We are honored to count him as one of our own and we will continue to honor his legacy through promoting the importance of quality local journalism.”
The University of Minnesota School of Journalism and Mass Communication will be introducing a scholarship in honor of Klobuchar’s many contributions to the field. They are currently accepting donations in his memory.
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Members of the News/Media Alliance staff have contributed to this post.
