Charles Peters, founder of the award-winning magazine Washington Monthly, passed away on November 18th at the age of 96. The magazine, first published as a pamphlet in 1969, quickly developed into a respected source of independent political reporting and insight in US politics.
A veteran of World War II and a renowned analyst of the Washington political scene, Peters was born in North Dakota in 1923 and later moved to D.C. to study economics at Harvard. After serving in the Air Force during World War II, he worked in the Foreign Service and led a team of “image makers” at the Department of State. Peters returned to Harvard to earn a master’s degree in political science, and then joined the writing staff of The New Republic, where he wrote critically of the war in Vietnam and advocated for progressive policies.
In 1969, Peters founded Washington Monthly as a “complete analysis of the ‘Washington Scene.'” Featuring investigative reports from an independent and progressive perspective, the magazine quickly gained a devoted following and earned numerous awards for public service journalism.
In his time, Peters served on the Washington Post’s board of directors, as well as the Vanderbilt Communications Council from 1972 to 1995. In the wake of his passing, many colleagues and admirers have praised Peters for his consistent dedication to telling the truth and holding those in power accountable.
“There are countless people with whom I’ve discussed the idea of becoming a journalist,” said Jodi Enda, former Washington Monthly editor. “But there was only one I’d call a mentor or role model, and that was Charles Peters. He loved the politics-as-drama of Washington and made sure his magazine covered it as artfully as it did precisely.”
Charles Peters’ legacy will live on, not only through the magazine he founded, but also through the vital role that journalism plays in keeping people informed and democracy thriving. He will be remembered for his commitment to telling stories that challenged the status quo.
Charles Peters: A Washington Monthly Legacy Lost at 96
