SPJ/LA mourns loss of CBS News Correspondent David Dow

The Society of Professional Journalists Los Angeles chapter mourns the loss of former board member David Dow, who died in late January at age 87.

Dow had a long and successful journalism career, spending 29 years as a correspondent for CBS News, based in New York, Los Angeles and Buenos Aires. He also anchored for CBS News Radio Network for many years in L.A. During his time at CBS, Dow covered six national political conventions, four presidential campaigns and both O.J. Simpson trials. He worked at CBS News from 1972 to 2002.

In addition to reporting the news, Dow taught the next generation of journalists. He was an adjunct lecturer at USC’s Annenberg School of Journalism for more than 22 years.

Dow also served on the SPJ/LA Board of Directors for several years beginning in 2003, and was chapter president in 2008. Before joining SPJ/LA, Dow was honored as one of the chapter's Distinguished Journalists in 1994.

“It was an honor working with David from the moment I arrived in Los Angeles. David Dow was an Angel in the City of Angels and will be missed by all,” said board member Frank Mottek.

Outside the world of journalism, Dow was heavily involved with the Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles. He joined the Union Rescue Mission’s Board of Directors in 1999, was named Chairman of the Board in January 2004, and served until 2019.

Dow, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications from Stanford University, was remembered by many as a respected reporter and a kind, generous and honorable man.

A father of two, Dow was married to the late Dr. Nancy Edwards Dow, MD, a renowned pediatric doctor. He is survived by his daughter Mary.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Union Rescue Mission in his memory.