Ken Kurtz, Former WKYT News Director, Passes Away at 95

News Summary

Ken Kurtz, a prominent figure in journalism and former news director at WKYT in Lexington, Kentucky, has died at the age of 95. Known for his integrity and leadership in television news, Kurtz impacted the industry significantly from 1975 through his retirement in 1989 and continued to mentor young journalists until his passing. His career was marked by a commitment to high standards of reporting and community engagement. Kurtz leaves behind a legacy celebrated by journalism organizations and colleagues alike.

Lexington, Kentucky – Ken Kurtz, a revered figure in the field of journalism and former news director at WKYT, has passed away at the age of 95.

Kurtz, who made significant contributions to television news in various states, including West Virginia, Indiana, and South Carolina, joined WKYT in Lexington in 1975. He served as both the news director and vice president of news until 1988, earning a reputation for his commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence.

Career Achievements

During his tenure at WKYT, Kurtz played a crucial role in elevating the station’s journalistic standards and establishing its dominance in viewer ratings throughout the 1970s and 1980s. His leadership was characterized by an intellectual approach to news broadcasting, where he emphasized the need for relatable content and the significance of comprehensively explaining news stories to viewers.

After retiring from day-to-day operations in 1989, Kurtz continued to influence the field of journalism as the director of long-range planning for both WKYT and WYMT in Hazard. He remained active within the journalism community, notably serving as the Kentucky state chair for the Society of Professional Journalists’ Project Sunshine, which focused on issues related to freedom of information.

Legacy and Contributions

Kurtz’s legacy as an advocate for high-quality journalism was acknowledged with his induction into the Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame in 2007. He also held prominent positions in various journalism organizations, including serving as president of the Associated Press Broadcasters of Kentucky and participating on the board of directors for the Radio and Television News Directors Association, now known as the Radio Television Digital News Association.

He was also known for his ongoing involvement with the WKYT newsroom even after retirement, routinely visiting to offer insights and feedback to younger journalists and staff members, thereby supporting the next generation of news professionals.

Personal Life

Born in West Virginia in 1929, Ken Kurtz graduated from Swarthmore College. He is survived by two daughters: Eli Kurtz of Louisville and Margaret Joyner, who resides in Lexington with her husband Mike. Kurtz passed away on a Monday, leaving behind a profound impact on the journalism landscape in Kentucky.

Plans have been announced for a private internment service, with a celebration of life event scheduled to take place later this year in honor of Kurtz’s contributions to journalism and his community.

Conclusion

Kurtz’s passing marks the end of an era for investigative journalism in Kentucky. His dedication to balanced reporting and significance in newscasts shaped the careers of many journalists and set a high standard for quality news broadcasting in the region. As the journalism community reflects on his life, Kurtz’s contributions will be remembered for years to come.

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Additional Resources

• WKYT: Ken Kurtz Passes Away
• Legacy: Ben Kurtz Obituary
• WKYT: Uncovering Conspiracy behind Cocaine Bear
• Google Search: Ken Kurtz journalism
• Wikipedia: Kentucky