A presentation by Philadelphia-based journalist and editor Dan Rottenberg on his latest book, The Education of a Journalist: My 70 Years on the Frontiers of Free Speech (Redmount Press, 2022) was the topic on February 20, 2024. Dan discussed what he learned through 70 years of media turmoil, as editor of seven groundbreaking publications, author of 12 books, press critic, business writer, film critic, arts critic, and dining critic. As a champion of free speech, he successfully defended seven libel suits and survived protest demonstrations and death threats. Along the way, he helped launch the alternative media movement, the modern Jewish genealogy movement, and the “Forbes 400” list of wealthiest Americans. He covered the Chicago Seven trial for the Wall Street Journal and chronicled billionaires for Town & Country Magazine.
Although much of his work has been national, Philadelphia has been Dan Rottenberg’s base for the past 50 years. The book includes chapters about his experiences at Philadelphia Magazine, the Inquirer during its “Roberts revolution” of the 1970s and ’80s, the alternative weekly Welcomat, and Broad Street Review, as well as with such notable figures as Frank Rizzo, Riccardo Muti, and Donald Trump. Dan also explains why he believes Philadelphia is the ideal place to practice a journalist’s craft and to experiment with new ideas.