Formidable journalist and former Sunday Times editor, Ken Owen, 80, has died of cancer. Tributes from journalists flowed in yesterday.
Writer and novelist Mark Gevisser once said of Owen: “His words are sourballs that seem to corrode the roof of his own mouth as he swallows them back in a perpetual mumble.”
Former Sunday Times news editor and journalism trainer, Raymond Joseph, described Owen as: “The finest newspaper man, a legend and a gifted journalist.
“A tortured genius, he was a hard task master who demanded (and got) the best out of his staff,” Joseph said.
“He used to see through to the heart of a story. You could not bulls**t him. When it came to issues with ethics, it was black or it was white. He was harsh on ethics.
“He was also a brilliant writer. He had one of the best-read columns in South Africa. He would sit down and write that column in an hour.”
He said Owen’s crisp and clean writing also attracted readers.
Daily Dispatch leader page editor Dawn Barkhuizen who worked for Owen on the Sunday Times said: “One of South Africa’s iconic newsmen. A true wordsmith and a total maverick – razor sharp, rigorous and appropriately cynical.
“He could not stomach mediocrity, let alone slothfulness in his newspaper or in the political realm.
“He was incredibly tough but he gave me some of the greatest opportunities of my life.”
Cherilyn Ireton, the executive director of the World Editors’ Forum, who was hired by Owen at the age of 21, said: “Ken Owen, the legendary newsman who died this morning, was my editor on the Sunday Express, Business Day and the Sunday Times. He was also my mentor and friend.
“The cancer diagnosis came shortly before his 80th birthday in mid-February and his last social gathering was his birthday party.
“He made it clear there he was determined to have a dignified exit.”
Politics journalist Tim Cohen tweeted: “Fearsome editor, fearless journalist, and one of the greatest writers South Africa will ever know.” — abongilem@dispatch.co.za
Legendary Rebecca may call it a day
Writer and novelist Mark Gevisser once said of Owen: “His words are sourballs that seem to corrode the roof of his own mouth as he swallows them back in a perpetual mumble.”
Former Sunday Times news editor and journalism trainer, Raymond Joseph, described Owen as: “The finest newspaper man, a legend and a gifted journalist.
“A tortured genius, he was a hard task master who demanded (and got) the best out of his staff,” Joseph said.
“He used to see through to the heart of a story. You could not bulls**t him. When it came to issues with ethics, it was black or it was white. He was harsh on ethics.
“He was also a brilliant writer. He had one of the best-read columns in South Africa. He would sit down and write that column in an hour.”
He said Owen’s crisp and clean writing also attracted readers.
Daily Dispatch leader page editor Dawn Barkhuizen who worked for Owen on the Sunday Times said: “One of South Africa’s iconic newsmen. A true wordsmith and a total maverick – razor sharp, rigorous and appropriately cynical.
“He could not stomach mediocrity, let alone slothfulness in his newspaper or in the political realm.
“He was incredibly tough but he gave me some of the greatest opportunities of my life.”
Cherilyn Ireton, the executive director of the World Editors’ Forum, who was hired by Owen at the age of 21, said: “Ken Owen, the legendary newsman who died this morning, was my editor on the Sunday Express, Business Day and the Sunday Times. He was also my mentor and friend.
“The cancer diagnosis came shortly before his 80th birthday in mid-February and his last social gathering was his birthday party.
“He made it clear there he was determined to have a dignified exit.”
Politics journalist Tim Cohen tweeted: “Fearsome editor, fearless journalist, and one of the greatest writers South Africa will ever know.” — abongilem@dispatch.co.za
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