Eric Bohlert, a media critic dedicated to exposing right-wing misinformation, who co-founded Media Matters for America, Salon, Daily Kos, and eventually the Press Run website, died in a bike accident on Monday. He was 57 years old.
His death was announced on Twitter today by journalist and friend Soledad O’Brien, who described Bohlert as “a fierce and fearless defender of truth.” Bohlert crashed into a train while cycling in Montclair, New Jersey; Montclair police released information yesterday that a transit train in New Jersey collided in Montclair on Monday night, killing a man on a bicycle.
“A terrible loss,” writes O’Brien. “We lost an incredible person, a nice/cool/witty guy who kicked ass on our behalf. Insane devotion to facts, context, and good information. Enemy of BS, fake news”. O’Brien called Bohlert a “great friend” and added: “Relentless, real-life favorite man to the bad media on Twitter.”
Former Secretary of State and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton wrote on Twitter:I am devastated for his family and friends and will miss his critical work against misinformation and media bias. How unnecessary. ”
Media Matters explained in part: “We met and worked with such a thoughtful, fearless and passionate media critic. It was always nice to have Eric visit the DC office; “While she was direct and relentless on social media, she was equally warm, inspiring and helpful to her colleagues.”
Read the full Media Topics statement below, along with other reactions from friends and colleagues.
Beginning her national media career as a music writer for Billboard and Rolling Stone, Bohlert applied to media coverage as a hall clerk and then worked as a senior fellow at Media Matters for America for 10 years. Media review also featured in Daily Kos.
“We are devastated by the loss of Eric Bohlert, a respected journalist and former Salon senior author,” the Salon said in a statement. “We mourn Eric’s family and friends at this difficult time. “His death is a great loss for media criticism and progressive journalism,” he said.
Most recently, he was the founder of the reader-supported Press Run on Substack, which Boehlert launched in installments in 2020.“An unfiltered, passionate and proudly progressive critique of the political press in the Trump era.” He received newspaper subscribers three times a week “Original media commentary, analysis and reporting”.
Bohlert also wrote a book Lapdogs: How the Press Got to BushY Bloggers on the bus: how the internet has changed politics and the press.
Based in Montclair, New Jersey, Bohlert was a frequent commentator on cable news and social media. Additional information about the bike accident was not immediately available.
He was survived by his wife, Tracey Breslin, and their two children, Jane and Benny.
.@EricBoehlertHis death is terrible news. I am devastated for his family and friends and will miss his critical work against misinformation and media bias. How unnecessary.
– Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) April 6, 2022
RIP to our friend @EricBoehlert pic.twitter.com/hdVYeithIG
– Media issues (@mmfa) April 6, 2022
1/ OMG I got a very compelling story from Tracey Breslin, my wife @EricBoehlert https://t.co/l0nOnE0Tad Died in a bike accident at the age of 57. He loved his children Jane and Ben, dogs, bikes, running, basketball and good friends, a fierce and fearless defender of truth.
– Soledad O’Brien (@soledadobrien) April 6, 2022
3/ Terrible loss. We lost a great guy who kicked ass for us and was a handsome, cool, witty guy. A frantic devotion to facts, context, and good information. BS enemy, fake news. “We can’t solve this American turmoil if we don’t fix the press.” He expresses his deep sadness to his family.
– Soledad O’Brien (@soledadobrien) April 6, 2022
4/ We all feel pain inside Tracy, Ben, Jane and everyone who loves democracy and journalism. Pressrun is not dead. Eric’s friends believe this important piece of his legacy will be Kerry. Eric’s quote: “Be healthy. “Be polite”
– Soledad O’Brien (@soledadobrien) April 6, 2022
Rest in peace Eric Bohlert. He was impressed by her passion and stamina.
– John Stewart (@jonstewart) April 6, 2022
This is disaster. Oh my God. Real Mensch. https://t.co/z0Co9w6oCv
-Chris Hayes (@chrislhayes) April 6, 2022
We are saddened by the loss of a respected journalist and a former journalist. @living room Senior Author, Eric Bohlert.
Our condolences to Eric’s family and friends at this difficult time. His death is a great loss to media criticism and progressive journalism.
– Hall (@Hall) April 6, 2022
Such a heartbreaking story, I pray with Eric Bohlert’s family. Fearless and inspiring person.
– Tamron Hall (@tamronhall) April 6, 2022
This is so tragic. Eric was smart and ruthless.
– Lawrence O’Donnell (@Lawrence) April 6, 2022
Source: Deadline
Lloyd Grunewald is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. He is a talented writer who focuses on bringing the latest entertainment-related news to his readers. With a deep understanding of the entertainment industry and a passion for writing, Lloyd delivers engaging articles that keep his readers informed and entertained.
