Paul Steiger

Paul Steiger
Name	Paul Steiger
Birth date	30 September 1942
Birth place	New York City, New York, U.S.
Alma mater	Yale University (B.A.), Columbia University (M.S.)
Occupation	Journalist, editor
Known for	Managing editor of The Wall Street Journal, Founding editor-in-chief of ProPublica
Spouse	Wendy Stark, 1970

Paul Steiger is an American journalist and editor renowned for his transformative leadership in financial and investigative journalism. He served as the top editor of The Wall Street Journal during a period of significant growth and later founded the nonprofit investigative newsroom ProPublica. Under his guidance, both organizations won numerous Pulitzer Prizes, cementing his legacy as a pivotal figure in modern American journalism.

Early life and education

Paul Steiger was born in New York City and grew up in the Los Angeles area. He developed an early interest in current events and writing. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Yale University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. Following his graduation, he continued his education at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, obtaining a Master of Science degree. This academic foundation in both economic theory and journalistic practice would profoundly shape his future career.

Journalism career

Steiger began his professional journalism career in 1966 as a reporter for the Journal of Commerce. He later joined the Los Angeles Times in 1968, where he worked as a financial reporter and editor, covering major stories about the California economy and corporate affairs. In 1983, he moved to The Wall Street Journal, initially serving as a deputy bureau chief in Los Angeles. His talent for editing and news judgment led to rapid promotions, including posts as national news editor and later as deputy managing editor, where he oversaw the paper's daily news coverage.

Leadership at The Wall Street Journal

Appointed managing editor of The Wall Street Journal in 1991, Steiger led the newspaper for over sixteen years, a tenure marked by editorial expansion and critical acclaim. He oversaw the launch of the Weekend Journal and Personal Journal sections and guided the paper's early digital strategy. During his leadership, the Journal's newsroom won sixteen Pulitzer Prizes. Notable award-winning coverage included investigations into the stock market crash of 1987, corporate scandals like Enron, and the economic impact of the September 11 attacks. He also managed the integration of the paper's print and online operations with WSJ.com.

ProPublica and later career

After retiring from The Wall Street Journal in 2007, Steiger became the founding editor-in-chief, president, and CEO of ProPublica, a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to investigative journalism in the public interest. Launched with major philanthropic support from the Sandler Foundation, ProPublica pioneered a model of producing major investigative projects in partnership with other media outlets, including The New York Times, 60 Minutes, and NPR. Under Steiger's leadership, ProPublica won its first Pulitzer Prize in 2010 for a report on Hurricane Katrina deaths at a New Orleans hospital, and several more in subsequent years. He stepped down as editor-in-chief in 2012 but remained chairman of ProPublica's board.

Awards and recognition

Throughout his career, Paul Steiger has received numerous honors for his contributions to journalism. He is a recipient of the Gerald Loeb Award for business journalism and the John S. Knight Gold Medal from the American Society of News Editors. In 2019, he was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. The Society of Professional Journalists has also recognized his lifetime achievements. His leadership at both The Wall Street Journal and ProPublica is frequently cited in studies of modern media management and nonprofit news.

Personal life

Paul Steiger married Wendy Stark in 1970. He has been active in various journalistic and philanthropic organizations, serving on the boards of the Committee to Protect Journalists and the Pulitzer Prize board. He is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Residing in New York City, he remains a respected elder statesman in journalism, frequently speaking on issues of press freedom, media ethics, and the future of investigative reporting.

Category:American journalists Category:American newspaper editors Category:Yale University alumni Category:Columbia University alumni Category:Pulitzer Prize winners Category:1942 births Category:Living people