Former NPC president Myron Belkind an inspiration to journalists

Former National Press Club President Myron Belkind retired after more than four decades as a bureau chief for The Associated Press. But he’s keeping busy teaching news writing and reporting at George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs.

His work was recently featured in a story sent to AP alums and retirees. In that account, he notes the foundation of his course “is to teach the importance of accuracy.” He remains optimistic about the outlook for journalism given the ubiquity of sources for information.

Belkind, now 77 years-old, continues to encourage young people to pursue their interest in journalism as he did while running AP operations in New Delhi, London and Tokyo. During his many years an AP manager, Belkind helped launch many successful careers in journalism.

After Belkind left the AP, he and his wife Rachel moved to their home at the Watergate complex. He quickly became involved with the Club. Belkind led the International Correspondents Committee, was elected to the Board of Governors and eventually became the Club’s 107th president in 2014. During his term, Belkind leveraged his extensive contacts in the international community, including at his inaugural, which featured numerous ambassadors and other diplomatic personnel.

It isn’t all work and no play for the Belkinds, however. They travel extensively, including on cruises across the globe, and visit family members, including their son and daughter, both of whom have successful careers in politics and entertainment.