Navasky, Victor

Victor Navasky (1932-2023, age 91). An American journalist, editor, and author, best known for his long association with The Nation magazine, where he served as editor, publisher, and later, emeritus publisher. Navasky was also a prominent figure in American progressive media and political commentary.

Early Life and Education

Navasky was born in New York City in 1932. He attended the Ethical Culture Fieldston School, a private preparatory school in New York, and later enrolled at Swarthmore College, where he earned his undergraduate degree. He subsequently attended Yale Law School, where he earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.). While at Yale, Navasky co-founded Monocle, a satirical magazine, which marked the beginning of his career in media.

Career

Early Work

Before joining The Nation, Navasky worked as a freelance writer and for various publications, contributing to magazines such as The New York Times Magazine and The New York Review of Books. He was also active in political journalism and wrote on topics related to American politics, history, and culture.

The Nation

Navasky joined The Nation in 1978 as editor, and he was a pivotal figure in transforming the magazine into a leading voice of the American left. Under his leadership, The Nation became known for its in-depth investigative journalism, intellectual rigor, and commitment to progressive causes.

He took over as publisher of the magazine in 1995, where he focused on strengthening its financial stability and expanding its reach, including launching The Nation‘s digital presence. He became an influential advocate for press freedom, investigative journalism, and media responsibility.

Navasky’s tenure at The Nation spanned over two decades, during which he maintained the magazine’s tradition of critical political and cultural commentary while adapting it to the changing media landscape. Even after stepping down as editor and publisher, he remained associated with the magazine as publisher emeritus, continuing to contribute to its intellectual and editorial direction.

Other Contributions

In addition to his work at The Nation, Navasky taught journalism at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. He also served as the chair of the Columbia Journalism Review, where he influenced a new generation of journalists and editors.

Navasky authored several books, including Kennedy Justice (1971), an examination of Robert F. Kennedy‘s role as attorney general, and Naming Names (1980), a landmark book on the Hollywood blacklist during the McCarthy era, which won the National Book Award for Nonfiction in 1982.

Awards and Honors

Navasky received numerous awards throughout his career, including the prestigious George Polk Book Award and the National Book Award for Naming Names. He was also recognized for his contributions to media ethics and press freedom with the Elijah Parish Lovejoy Award for Courage in Journalism.

Legacy and Death

Victor Navasky passed away on January 24, 2023, at the age of 90. His contributions to journalism, his leadership at The Nation, and his advocacy for progressive causes left a lasting impact on American media and political discourse. He is remembered as a tireless champion of the free press and a key figure in American journalism’s progressive tradition.