Earleen Fisher, a notable editor and writer who dedicated over 30 years to The Associated Press, has passed away at the age of 78. Fisher, known for her insights and thorough reporting on some turbulent events of the late 20th century, had the opportunity to interview many influential figures, including Yasser Arafat and the Dalai Lama.
Her cousin, Phil Dowty, confirmed that Fisher died peacefully on Wednesday morning at The Maples at Waterford Crossing nursing home in Goshen, Indiana, due to complications arising from Parkinson’s disease, which she had battled for several years.
Fisher’s expansive career began in her home state of Indiana before taking her to the bustling environment of New York as an editor at the agency’s General Desk. She also had significant roles in Tel Aviv and Beirut, ultimately transitioning to bureau chief positions in India, Cyprus, and Egypt, where she managed extensive coverage of Middle Eastern affairs.
During her leadership of Middle Eastern operations for the AP in the 1980s, a time marked by intense conflict, Fisher’s commitment to her team was well-remembered. Robert Reid, a seasoned AP international correspondent, praised her editorial skills and strong guidance, saying she held high expectations yet showed genuine care for those she worked with.
Fisher, known for her forward-thinking approach, aimed to bring innovation to the agency while remaining committed to its core values of speed and accuracy—a challenge amidst the complexities of reporting in war-torn regions.
In 2003, shortly after the U.S. invasion of Iraq, she made a trip to Baghdad to oversee operations and reconnect with local media. Her visit resulted in warm receptions and discussions with local newspapers, emphasizing the importance of AP’s services in a transforming Iraq. One editor noted her evident passion for the work she did.
Her impact as a trailblazer in journalism was celebrated by many. Edith M. Lederer, a long-time colleague and friend, remarked on Fisher’s incredible skills in editing as well as her ability to sell AP’s news services effectively to various platforms in the region. Fisher’s sharp intellect and zest for history and cats further endeared her to those who worked alongside her.
Fisher’s journey began early; she started her reporting career at The Milford (Ind.) Mail during high school. She later honed her skills at Indiana University, working on the Indiana Daily Student’s editorial team. Following her graduation, she joined the AP as a part-time newswoman in Indianapolis and quickly moved to a full-time role.
In 1971, she shifted to AP’s headquarters in New York and eventually became a freelance writer in Cairo, where she reported on significant events including Anwar Sadat’s presidency and the Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty. She rejoined the agency in 1980, working in pivotal locations such as Beirut and Tel Aviv, before returning to New York, where she took on various supervisory roles.
Appointed bureau chief in New Delhi in 1987, she managed coverage extending across multiple countries and fostered significant narratives, including thoughtful observations about the Dalai Lama’s duality as a spiritual leader and a pragmatic politician.
In 1992, she led the AP’s Middle East Services, overseeing news coverage for 16 countries while documenting significant events like the Israeli invasion of Lebanon. Later reflections on Beirut’s resilience after turmoil indicated her deep understanding of the region’s complexities.
Following her retirement from the AP in 2004, Fisher shared her expertise through teaching at the American University in Cairo and contributed to media development programs in Beirut. She returned to her roots in Indiana in 2007.
Fisher’s legacy is marked by her significant contributions to journalism, particularly in the realm of Middle Eastern reporting, earning her a place in the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame. She is survived by her brother, Rex, also residing in Milford, Indiana. Funeral arrangements are set for Sunday at Mishler Funeral Home in Milford, to be followed by burial.
