It’s hard to recall a time when the mainstream media spoke truth to power – especially at the increasingly pro-establishment (Columbia, S.C.) State newspaper – but they did.
Lee Bandy certainly did …
The veteran journalist – who retired from The State in 2007 – was the undisputed king of the South Carolina press corps for decades, wielding unmatched influence over the Palmetto political scene.
Bandy was a legend – and not just for his talent and prodigiousness, but for the numerous journalists he took under his wing (many of whom are now enjoying successful careers at papers like The Wall Street Journal and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution).
“They only made one of him,” said a longtime friend and colleague.
Indeed …
(Read our founding editor’s column on the occasion of Bandy’s retirement here).
Sources tell FITS that Bandy – who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s toward the end of his illustrious career – has taken a turn for the worse over and has been hospitalized in Columbia, S.C. this week.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family – especially his wife, Mary.
1 comment
I’m wishing the best for Lee, a distinguished graduate of BJU.
I’ve known him a long time (41 years) and always placed him on the top shelf.