The practice of journalism has changed dramatically in this century, but some things remain – like the vital role journalists play in serving the public, and the need for a new generation of reporters to carry on this critical work. 

James F. Hoge Jr., the venerated editor and publisher, not only understood these truths. Jim championed them. When he died this week at the age of 87 in New York City, journalism and the people it informs suffered a great loss. His legacy lives on in the countless journalists in the U.S. and around the world whose careers he touched.

Jim served on ICFJ’s board for more than three decades, including as the chair and vice-chair. He joined the board in 1992, as he was beginning an 18-year stint as editor of Foreign Affairs, and following an exceptional run as editor and publisher of the Chicago Sun-Times and publisher of the New York Daily News.

What mattered most to Jim was “the critical importance of the work of the profession on the ground, often investigative, speaking truth to power in a world where transparency and analysis has been under assault, too often by established institutions in business as well as government,” wrote Jason H. Wright, an ICFJ board director, in a piece published by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Jim brought this deep commitment to excellence to ICFJ, as well as visionary leadership and incomparable insight into complex international affairs, said ICFJ President Sharon Moshavi.

“ICFJ would not be what it is today without Jim,” Moshavi said. “He helped steer the organization as our board chair during a period of rapid change in the news industry, and continued to generously contribute his time and expertise in the years since. We are forever grateful to Jim for his unwavering dedication to our mission and support for the journalists we serve.”

Jim’s passion for helping young journalists led ICFJ to establish the Jim Hoge Legacy Fund in 2022. The Fund supports emerging news leaders to report on issues of critical global importance. This includes journalists like Mais Katt of Syria, Philip Obaji Jr. of Nigeria, and Bárbara Poerner of Brazil. As inaugural Jim Hoge Fellows, they are deepening their reporting on the effects of the protracted Syrian crisis on women, the activities of Russia’s Wagner Group in West Africa, and the social impacts of energy projects in South America. 

“Jim has long been a guiding force for ICFJ, providing strategy and inspiration that have helped the organization expand, evolve and better serve journalists in nearly every corner of the world,” said Michael Golden, the current chair of the ICFJ board and former vice chairman of The New York Times. 

ICFJ is honored to carry forward Jim’s commitment to journalistic integrity. Through the Jim Hoge Legacy Fund, Jim’s life will continue to have an impact on the journalists ICFJ supports to provide the trustworthy news that free and strong societies demand. 

Some people have reached out to us about making a donation in Jim's memory. If you are interested, please do so here. As always, we are incredibly grateful for your support.