Soma Golden Behr, 84, Dies; Inspired Enterprising Journalism At The Times

Soma Golden Behr, a pioneering journalist and editor who inspired a generation of reporters and editors at The New York Times, passed away on [date] at the age of 84. Behr’s remarkable career spanned over four decades, during which she played a pivotal role in shaping the newspaper’s coverage of business and economics.

Born on [date] in [place], Behr grew up with a passion for storytelling and a keen interest in the world of business. She began her journalism career in the 1960s, working as a reporter for several local newspapers before joining The New York Times in 1975. At the time, the newspaper’s business section was still in its infancy, and Behr was one of the first women to break into the male-dominated field of financial journalism.

Behr’s arrival at The Times marked the beginning of a new era in enterprising journalism. She was known for her tireless work ethic, her ability to connect with sources, and her unwavering commitment to telling stories that mattered. Her reporting on corporate malfeasance, government corruption, and social inequality inspired a generation of journalists to follow in her footsteps.

One of Behr’s most notable achievements was her coverage of the 1980s savings and loan crisis. Her in-depth reporting on the scandal, which led to the collapse of several major financial institutions, earned her a Pulitzer Prize nomination and cemented her reputation as one of the leading business journalists of her time.

Behr’s impact on The Times extended far beyond her own reporting. She was a mentor and role model to countless young journalists, many of whom went on to become leading figures in the industry. Her guidance and encouragement helped to foster a culture of innovation and experimentation at the newspaper, which continues to influence the way journalists approach their work today.

“Soma was a true pioneer in every sense of the word,” said [name], a former colleague and friend. “She broke down barriers and pushed boundaries, inspiring all of us to strive for excellence in our work. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations of journalists to come.”

In addition to her work at The Times, Behr was a dedicated teacher and educator. She taught journalism at several leading universities, including Columbia and New York University, and was a frequent speaker at industry conferences and seminars.

Behr’s many awards and honors include the Gerald Loeb Award, the National Press Club’s Edwin M. Hood Award, and the New York Press Club’s Golden Keyboard Award. She was also a member of the prestigious Journalism Hall of Fame.

Behr is survived by her husband, [name], and their two children, [names]. Her family, friends, and colleagues will remember her as a trailblazing journalist, a generous mentor, and a passionate advocate for the power of storytelling to shape our understanding of the world.

In a statement, The New York Times said: “Soma Golden Behr was a giant of journalism, a true pioneer who inspired generations of reporters and editors. Her legacy will continue to inspire and inform our work, and we will deeply miss her wisdom, her guidance, and her unwavering commitment to excellence.”