Kent Cooper


Kent Cooper served with the Associated Press for 41 years, last as executive director.

Background

Kent Cooper was born on March 22, 1880, in Columbus, Indiana; his father was Democratic U.S. Congressman George W. Cooper.

Career

His father's early death led Cooper to turn his after-school job as reporter for a local newspaper into a full-time job. He became a reporter for the Indianapolis Press newspaper. He joined the Scripps-McRae Press Association, established his own news agency, and then returned to Scripps-McRae in a buy-out.
In 1910, Melville Stone, editor of the Associated Press, hired him as traveling inspector. In 1912, he was promoted to chief of traffic. In 1920, he was promoted to assistant general manager. In 1925, he became general manager.
In the late 1920s, Cooper hired AP's first class of women reporters, including Marguerite Young, who later, as Washington bureau chief for the Daily Worker, would introduce Soviet spy Hede Massing to American diplomat Noel Field.
Innovations introduced under his stewardship include use of the first high-speed telegraph printing machines, use of teletype, and introduction of a photograph wire service. By 1929, he had also opened bureaus in London, Paris, and Berlin.
During his 41 years with AP, Cooper's positions included general manager and finally executive director.

Personal and death

In 1920, Cooper married Marian Rothwell; they divorced in 1940.
On January 31, 1965, he died in West Palm Beach, Florida. He is buried in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Sleepy Hollow, New York.

Legacy

in Antarctica is named for him.

Awards

Cooper received honorary degrees from:
Cooper coined the term "the right to know" with publication of his book The Right to Know.
Books:
Articles:
  • "The Future of the AP"