Remembering Mike Getler

To the editor:

(re: “Former Press writer dies,” Press Points, April 12)

I was sorry to read about the passing of Mike Getler, who began his career as a cub reporter at The Riverdale Press, and went on to play a number of important roles as a writer and editor for the Washington Post, and as the first ombudsman for PBS news.

Dave Stein, my dad and founder of The Press, was proud of Mike’s accomplishments, and kept in touch with him long after he left Riverdale.

The Press was just six years old when Mike was hired as one of its first newsroom employees. Before then, Dave did most of the writing himself, with the help of his wife, Ceil.

Mike was the first of what Dave called his “distinguished alumni” who have gone on to noteworthy careers at many of America’s most prestigious publications — a practice that goes on to this day.

Richard Stein

The author is publisher emeritus of The Riverdale Press.