Renowned journalist, Steven R. Hurst, known for his coverage of major world events for The Associated Press, NBC and CNN, has passed away at the age of 77. Hurst’s career spanned over several decades, during which he reported on significant global stories such as the end of the Soviet Union and the Iraq War.
Hurst’s daughter, Ellen Hurst, confirmed his passing at his residence in Decatur, Illinois, between Wednesday night and Thursday morning. Although the cause of death remains unknown, Ellen mentioned that her father had been battling congestive heart failure.
Julie Pace, AP’s executive editor and senior vice president, praised Hurst for his dedication to ensuring people worldwide understood the unfolding history. She described working alongside him as a master class in storytelling and breaking news coverage.
Starting his career in journalism at The Associated Press in 1976, Hurst worked in various capacities before leaving in the mid-1980s to contribute to NBC and later CNN. One of the highlights of his career, as recalled by Hurst upon retirement, was covering the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 while working for CNN. His exclusive interviews with Boris Yeltsin and Mikhail Gorbachev during this historic event left a lasting impact on his career.
Hurst returned to AP in 2000, where he eventually became the assistant international editor in New York. He later served as the chief of bureau in Iraq in 2006, after rotating in and out of Baghdad for three years. He concluded his journalistic journey in Washington, focusing on US politics and government for the last eight years of his career.
Described as funny, smart, and an excellent storyteller by his daughter Ellen, Steven Hurst’s legacy extends beyond his professional accomplishments. Survived by his daughters Sally Hurst and Anne Alavi, along with four grandchildren, Hurst’s career brought him a deeper understanding of how global events impact individuals worldwide.
Reflecting on his compassionate nature, Ken Guggenheim, a news editor in AP’s Washington bureau, highlighted Hurst’s respect and kindness towards others. Hurst’s legacy as a gentleman in journalism and his dedication to portraying the human side of significant events will be remembered by many.
Steven R. Hurst’s remarkable career and understanding of global affairs have left an indelible mark on the field of journalism. His contributions to storytelling and news coverage will be greatly missed by his colleagues, friends, and the journalism community at large.