OSCE Representative mourns death of prominent media freedom advocate Ronald Koven

VIENNA, 2 November 2015 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today expressed deep sorrow following the death of Ronald Koven who passed away on 30 October 2015.

“It is with great sadness I learned of the passing of Ronald Koven. He was a true and tireless advocate for free media at the OSCE and other international organizations in Europe,” Mijatović said. “Ronald’s unique and inspiring voice will be sorely missed and he will remain a role model for journalists around the world. My sincere condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues.”

Throughout his longstanding and very successful career, Koven remained a shining example of journalistic integrity and professionalism. During most of the 1960s Koven was the Paris correspondent for the International Herald Tribune. He then joined the Washington Post where he was Diplomatic Editor, Canada Correspondent and Foreign Editor. In 1977 he returned to Paris as The Washington Post’s correspondent. From 1981-1991 Koven was the Paris Correspondent for The Boston Globe.

In 1981 Koven was appointed the European Representative of World Press Freedom Committee, a position he held until his death.

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom.