Despite constant changes in the media industry, Richard Lee “Dick” Milliman never lost faith in journalism’s power.
The Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame member owned or started nearly 30 newspapers in the state over a 35-year span and believed it was important to teach new reporters at Michigan State University and Central Michigan University how to pursue careers.
Milliman purchased Grayling’s Crawford County Avalanche newspaper in 1967 and went on to own or start weekly newspapers in 26 communities. At one time, he owned the Williamston Enterprise, the Towne Courier in East Lansing and the Ingham County News.
In addition to being a former Michigan Press Association president and director, Milliman served on the State News Board of Directors for 26 years and was its president for four years. The State News is MSU’s student newspaper.
While teaching classes at MSU in reporting and editing, he also founded Capital News Service. The program still exists and gives students the opportunity to get published in newspapers across the state and receive academic credit for it.
In addition to journalism, Richard Milliman had a love for politics. He worked for Michigan Governor George Romney as his press secretary and executive assistant for public information. Milliman stayed with Romney’s team through the governor’s second term re-election. Milliman then rejoined the team for Romney’s presidential campaign.
For the full article, see Eric Lacy, Michigan journalism pioneer Richard Milliman dies at 88“,