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Reporters And Politicians From Louisiana To D.C. Remember Cokie Roberts

Janet Wilson
/
WWNO
Cokie Roberts was praised by members of the media as well as politicians for her distinguished and longtime career in journalism. Roberts died Tuesday at age 75.

Politicians, newsmakers, and members of the media have been reflecting on the life of Cokie Roberts after news that she passed away Tuesday morning due to complications from complications with breast cancer. Roberts was a native New Orleanian, reporter, news anchor, and commentator for several news outlets during a long career in media. She was also the daughter of Louisiana politicians Lindy and Hale Boggs.

Roberts helped shape the on-air sound of NPR during the early years of that organization, where she was also one of a small handful of female journalists. One of those journalists, Nina Totenberg, said “the world will be a lesser place” without Roberts in it.

Former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu called Roberts a “great journalist with a clear-eyed voice” who was “always a champion for New Orleans.”

Donna Brazile, political strategist and former chair of the Democratic National Committee called Roberts a “woman of faith who prayed for others and watched over so many.”

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi both called Roberts a “trailblazer."

Political commentator EJ Dionne said Roberts’ “love of life, politics, and journalism was infectious.”

Congressman Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) both called Roberts “a pioneer for women in journalism.”

Kellyanne Conway, a Trump administration official, remembered Roberts as someone who “showed patience,” “worked hard,” and “disagreed agreeably.”

As Coastal Reporter, Travis Lux covers flood protection, coastal restoration, infrastructure, the energy and seafood industries, and the environment. In this role he's reported on everything from pipeline protests in the Atchafalaya swamp, to how shrimpers cope with low prices. He had a big hand in producing the series, New Orleans: Ready Or Not?, which examined how prepared New Orleans is for a future with more extreme weather. In 2017, Travis co-produced two episodes of TriPod: New Orleans at 300 examining New Orleans' historic efforts at flood protection. One episode, NOLA vs Nature: The Other Biggest Flood in New Orleans History, was recognized with awards from the Public Radio News Directors and the New Orleans Press Club. His stories often find a wider audience on national programs, too, like NPR's Morning Edition, WBUR's Here and Now, and WHYY's The Pulse.

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