Richard Kipling, L.A. Times Veteran and Longtime Tech Advisor, Dies at 81

Richard Kipling (right), with graduates of the Minority Editorial Training Program and L.A. Times colleagues. (Photo: L.A. Times)

Richard Kipling, former director of the Los Angeles Times’ Minority Editorial Training Program (Metpro), advocate for diversity in the newsroom, and longstanding advisor of The California Tech, passed away on October 27 following a stroke. He was 81.

Kipling spent decades at the L.A. Times, where he held various editorial positions, including editor of the Orange County edition. He is best remembered at that institution for his visionary leadership of Metpro, the groundbreaking initiative he shaped into a national model for newsroom diversity.

Under his direction, Metpro trained generations of journalists of color, many of whom went on to prominent roles at publications such as the L.A. Times, The New York Times, and The New Yorker. Though his work met resistance early on, Kipling remained an unflagging and persuasive advocate for a more representative press corps—even as the industry’s financial pressures mounted.

After leaving the L.A. Times in 2009, Kipling joined USC’s Center for Health Journalism, leading efforts to enhance public understanding of health policy through reporting. He continued to mentor Metpro graduates throughout his life.

At Caltech, Kipling further extended his commitment to training new journalists. He joined the institute in 2008 as a Lecturer in Journalism and (for over a decade!) taught students how to think like a reporter, both in the context of their own research and the world at large. Generations of Techers remember his thoughtful guidance, firm standards, and deep belief in the power of clear, ethical reporting.

On a more personal note, Kipling was my journalistic touchstone. Even as support for the Tech waxed and waned—and student editors came and went, with the occasional challenging interregnum—Kipling remained our steadfast champion of the Caltech reporter. We couldn’t have asked for a better advisor.

May you rest in peace, Richard.