Par Ridder

Par Ridder is a renowned American journalist and editor, known for his work with the Star Tribune, Minneapolis Star, and St. Paul Pioneer Press. He has been associated with several notable publications, including the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and Washington Post. Ridder's career has been marked by his involvement with prominent media organizations, such as the Associated Press, American Society of News Editors, and Poynter Institute. His work has been recognized by the Pulitzer Prize board, and he has been a member of the National Press Club.

● Early Life and Education

Par Ridder was born into a family of journalists, with his father, Herbert Ridder, being a prominent figure in the Knight Ridder newspaper chain. He grew up surrounded by the likes of Joseph Pulitzer, William Randolph Hearst, and Robert McCormick, who were all influential in shaping the American media landscape. Ridder's education took him to Yale University, where he studied alongside future journalists, including Nicholas Kristof and Sarah Kendzior. He also attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he was exposed to the works of Edward R. Murrow, Walter Cronkite, and Eric Sevareid.

● Career

Ridder's career in journalism began at the Minneapolis Star, where he worked under the guidance of editors like William F. Buckley Jr. and Norman Cousins. He later moved to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, where he covered local and national news, including the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights Movement. Ridder's work has been featured in prominent publications, such as the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, and Boston Globe. He has also been a member of the Investigative Reporters and Editors organization, which has included notable journalists like Bob Woodward, Carl Bernstein, and Seymour Hersh.

● Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Ridder has received numerous awards and recognition for his work, including the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service, which he won as part of a team at the Star Tribune. He has also been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists, National Association of Black Journalists, and Asian American Journalists Association. Ridder's work has been featured in several Peabody Award-winning projects, and he has been a finalist for the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award. His contributions to journalism have been acknowledged by organizations like the Freedom Forum, Newseum, and Journalism and Women Symposium.

● Personal Life

Ridder is married to a journalist and has two children who are also involved in the media industry. He is a member of the Gridiron Club, a social organization that includes notable journalists like Tim Russert, David Broder, and Helen Thomas. Ridder has been involved in various charitable organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists, Reporters Without Borders, and International Women's Media Foundation. He has also been a supporter of the National Press Foundation, Radio and Television News Association, and Society for News Design.

● Legacy

Par Ridder's legacy in journalism is marked by his commitment to excellence and his dedication to the principles of a free press. He has been an inspiration to many young journalists, including Sarah Kendzior, Glenn Greenwald, and Nicholas Kristof. Ridder's work has been recognized by the Library of Congress, which has included his papers in its collection. He has also been a fellow at the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy at Harvard University, where he has worked alongside scholars like Thomas Patterson and Alex Jones. Ridder's contributions to journalism have been acknowledged by the American Journalism Review, Columbia Journalism Review, and Editor & Publisher.