Last weekend, Frank McCulloch was honored in Reno by being added to the Nevada Newspaper Hall of Fame. This recognition was well-deserved and long overdue for a man whose contributions to journalism were exceptional. McCulloch’s grandson, Christopher Parman, spoke on behalf of the family at the ceremony, highlighting his grandfather’s role as a great teacher and lifelong student, not just in journalism but also in life. Parman shared touching memories of fishing trips and baseball games coached by McCulloch, emphasizing that, above all, he was a Marine who embodied integrity, courage, and grit.
Despite McCulloch’s remarkable career and impact on journalism, his name may not be widely recognized in Nevada today. This is a missed opportunity for the state’s veteran journalists and aspiring reporters to learn from his story. McCulloch’s work spanned from San Francisco to Saigon, where he broke significant stories and exposed corruption in various industries. His defense of his team members, even in the face of multimillion-dollar defamation suits, showcased his unwavering support for those who worked alongside him.
Born in Fernley in 1920, McCulloch’s journey to becoming a renowned journalist was a testament to his dedication and passion for storytelling. He once remarked that without the journalism school that set him on his path, he might have remained on his family’s ranch in Nevada. His investigative reporting on organized crime in the casino business and his coverage of civil rights issues in the segregated South demonstrated his commitment to uncovering the truth and holding power to account.
McCulloch’s career took him to various publications, including Time, Life, and the Los Angeles Times, where he played a pivotal role in transforming newsrooms to prioritize investigative reporting. His time as a bureau chief in Hong Kong and Saigon during the Vietnam War exposed him to the harsh realities of conflict reporting and shaped his perspective on the role of journalism in society.
Throughout his life, McCulloch remained dedicated to upholding the principles of the First Amendment and fighting for press freedom. His legacy continues to inspire journalists across generations to pursue the truth and uphold the integrity of their profession. Warren Lerude, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and friend of McCulloch, emphasized that McCulloch’s unwavering commitment to integrity and public service set a high standard for all reporters.
McCulloch’s passing in 2018 marked the end of an era in journalism, but his influence lives on in those who continue to champion the values he stood for. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of journalism in a free society and the enduring impact of reporters who strive to tell the story and get it right. John L. Smith, an author and columnist, is currently working on a biography of McCulloch to preserve his legacy for future generations.