Frank Mankiewicz

Frank Mankiewicz was an influential American political strategist, press secretary, and journalist whose career spanned pivotal moments in 20th-century Democratic Party politics. He is best known for serving as press secretary for Robert F. Kennedy's 1968 presidential campaign and for delivering the tragic news of the senator's assassination. Mankiewicz later became a prominent political commentator and president of National Public Radio, significantly expanding its reach and influence.

Early life and education

Born into a prominent Hollywood family, he was the son of acclaimed screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz and nephew of director Joseph L. Mankiewicz. After serving as a United States Army combat infantryman in World War II, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. He subsequently received a Bachelor of Laws from Columbia Law School, which provided the foundation for his early career in law and public service.

Career

Mankiewicz began his professional life practicing law in Beverly Hills before moving into public service as a Peace Corps director in Peru and later as the regional director for Latin America. His transition into political communications was cemented when he became the press secretary for Senator Robert F. Kennedy during the latter's 1968 campaign for the presidency. Following the assassination of Kennedy, Mankiewicz worked as a syndicated columnist and co-authored a biography of the senator. In 1977, he was appointed president of National Public Radio, where he oversaw a major expansion of its news programming and audience.

Political work

His political involvement was extensive and often centered on progressive causes and candidates. Beyond his crucial role with the Kennedy campaign, Mankiewicz served as a senior advisor to Senator George McGovern during the 1972 presidential election. He was a key strategist for other Democratic figures, including Vice President Walter Mondale, and remained a sought-after consultant and commentator on national politics. His work often involved navigating the complex media landscape of the Cold War era and the turbulent Vietnam War period.

Later life and death

After leaving National Public Radio in 1983, Mankiewicz joined the public relations firm Hill+Knowlton Strategies as a vice chairman, where he advised corporate and political clients. He remained an active voice in political discourse through regular appearances on television programs like CNN's Crossfire and as a panelist on ''Inside Washington''. He died of heart failure on October 23, 2014, at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C., survived by his wife, journalist Patricia O'Brien, and his children.

Legacy

Mankiewicz is remembered as a sharp political mind and a master communicator who helped shape modern political media strategy. His leadership at National Public Radio is credited with transforming it into a major national news source. The Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Awards, for which he long served as a judge, honor his commitment to investigative reporting on social justice issues. His life and career bridged the worlds of Hollywood, Washington, D.C., and journalism, leaving a lasting imprint on American political communication.

Category:American political consultants Category:American journalists Category:1924 births Category:2014 deaths