“Through his journalism, social media, books and appearances on CNN and MSNBC, Eric has been a staunch defender of democracy, social justice and truth in the media,” the Boehlert family said in a statement. was given on Wednesday. “He was fearless and brilliant in his research into hypocrisy and double standards and measures in the media and his contribution was invaluable.” Boehlert’s wife, Tracy Breslin, told the Bergen Record her husband was the cyclist NJ Transit said was hit by a train Monday night. The couple has two adult children. The news of Boehlert’s death sparked an outburst of grief on the Internet from friends and fans of his media criticism, which began appearing in liberal publications such as Media Matters for America, Daily Kos and Salon in the mid-decade. 2000, before later becoming known on social media and cable news. “He loved his children Jane and Ben, his dogs, his bike, his running and his basketball, and his good friends, a tough and fearless defender of the truth,” wrote veteran journalist and commentator Soledad O’Brien on Twitter. . “Eric was an amazing friend. “He fought to save journalism and democracy, which need salvation.” Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Will Bunch told The Post that he had known Boehlert for more than a decade and called him “one of the great human beings in journalism – just a good father, a sports and outdoor enthusiast who happened to be also a relentless pit bull. in the public arena to invoke misinformation or bad work in the media, whether that was his useless noir, Fox News, or often in mainstream media like the New York Times. “ Hillary Clinton wrote on Twitter: “I am devastated by his family and friends and I will miss his critical work on tackling misinformation and media bias. What a loss. “ Boehlert covered the music industry for Rolling Stone and Billboard early in his career, before turning his attention to media criticism. He has been with the liberal organization Matt Matters for more than a decade since the mid-2000s and has also worked as a Senior Writer for the Salon and media critic for the Daily Kos. He targeted both the right and the mainstream media for their failures, and in early 2020 launched his own liberal newsletter called the Press Run because, as he wrote, “we can not build America if we do.” . do not correct the press “. “When a radical White House player eagerly abolishes our freedoms and the Constitution, we need the press to meet the unprecedented challenge we have – a press body that does not sink into the journalism of ‘both sides’ as a way to escape rage from Republicans, “he wrote in February 2020. “His death is a real loss for the truth and will leave a void in the wider media landscape,” Media Matters said in a statement. “Eric’s strong wit and shrewd insight shone through in his wild writing.” Salon said in a statement that “his death is a huge loss for media criticism and liberal journalism.” While NJ Transit did not confirm Boehlert was the victim, the agency said a passenger train hit and killed a cyclist at about 9:40 p.m. Monday near Watchung Avenue Station in Montclair. No other injuries were reported. Breslin told the Record on Wednesday that she did not know the details of her husband’s accident, but said Boehlert often cycled around Montclair at night, with lights and protective clothing. He added that Boehlert was active in community organizations and “loved living in Montclair”, a town about 20 miles outside of New York City. “That was his position,” he said. The medical examiner’s office and Montclair police did not immediately respond to a request for comment by The Post. The NJ Traffic Police Department is leading the ongoing investigation. This article has been updated with comments from Boehlert’s family and friends.
