He Enhanced Every Newsroom

Robert A. Dubill, an influential executive editor with Gannett News Service and a pivotal figure at USA TODAY since its founding in 1982, passed away Friday from complications following a fall. He was 88.

Known for his keen eye for accuracy and unwavering support for reporters, Dubill ardently defended journalism as a vocation. He was a mentor to many staff members as USA TODAY embarked on an ambitious quest to revolutionize the newspaper industry with color, shorter articles, and dynamic visuals. Despite initial skepticism from critics, Dubill’s leadership helped the publication find its footing.

“Bob Dubill was the emotional beating heart of the USA TODAY newsroom,” said Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page. “His enthusiasm for breaking a story, especially when we outperformed the competition, made everyone in the newsroom want to be part of his team.”

Anne Willette, a Money reporter and later a Page One editor, recalled Dubill’s infectious enthusiasm for USA TODAY. “He would literally break into song in the middle of the newsroom, sometimes standing on a desk,” she said.

Dubill’s combination of pep talks, story advice, humor, and singing, including a powerful rendition of Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Going to Take It!”, energized staffers and amazed newsroom visitors. He was simply unforgettable.

Dubill’s impressive personality was backed by a record of significant accomplishments. After serving in the Army and earning a law degree, he joined the Associated Press in the 1960s and became the New Jersey bureau chief, managing statewide politics, disasters, and Mafia trials.

At Gannett News Service, Dubill led an 18-part series on financial wrongdoing by the Pauline Fathers, a small order of Catholic monks in Eastern Pennsylvania. This project, which faced significant resistance, won the 1980 Pulitzer’s Gold Medal for Public Service. Gannett Chairman Al Neuharth praised the project for exemplifying the highest traditions of public service journalism.

At USA TODAY, Dubill was involved in almost every major story up until his retirement in 2002. He pushed for a harder edge in reporting, feeling that softer stories initially held back the publication’s progress.

When a terror bomb killed one person and injured 111 others at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, FBI sources initially pointed to a security guard named Richard Jewell. Dubill insisted that USA TODAY play this suspicion inside the newspaper rather than on the front page. Reporters objected, but three months later, Jewell was cleared of any involvement.

During the 9/11 attacks in 2001, Dubill presided over a news meeting as the Pentagon burned just miles away from USA TODAY’s Virginia office. He told the staff, “Whatever you do, don’t sensationalize it. Don’t hype it … The facts are scary enough.”

Susan Weiss, a Life department managing editor, remembered Dubill’s advocacy for the newspaper’s College All-Stars awards, which placed college academics on par with athletics. “Other news organizations tried to copy us,” Weiss said.

Top USA TODAY executives relied on Dubill to keep journalistic standards high. Tom Curley, former publisher of USA TODAY, said, “He was always journalism’s most passionate advocate, inspiring many to dig deeper and making every newsroom he worked in better.”

Karen Jurgensen, a former editor-in-chief, said, “Bob was a no-nonsense journalist with a heart of gold.” Richard Benedetto, a former political reporter, added that Dubill “was old school” and trusted reporters’ judgments without second-guessing them.

Even when a USA TODAY reporter was found to have falsified numerous stories, Dubill was devastated but maintained his trust in journalism. “I couldn’t be a journalist if I didn’t trust reporters,” he said.

His colleagues also remembered his humanity. Chet Czarniak, a former sports editor and one of the journalists sent to cover the Three Mile Island nuclear disaster, recalled Dubill expressing regret about the assignment, even as recently as a few months ago.

Brian Gallagher, a former executive editor, described Dubill as “a true character on top of being an outstanding journalist and leader.” Lee Ivory, a former Sports Weekly publisher, called him “an outstanding editor and a better person.”

Memories from those who worked with Dubill have been unanimous in their praise. David Mazzarella, a former editor-in-chief, said, “Bob offered everybody a shoulder to cry on or the chance to share a triumph.”

Dubill is survived by his wife Mary, children Andrew and Katy, and six grandchildren. Funeral plans have not been announced.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Legendary USA TODAY editor Bob Dubill dies: ‘He made every newsroom better’

Source: USA TODAY