Rowland Evans: A Legacy of Washington Political Journalism
Rowland Evans was a cornerstone of American political reporting for over half a century. Known for his deep connections within the halls of power and his partnership with Robert Novak, Evans helped define the modern era of the Washington press corps. His career spanned the transition from traditional print journalism to the dawn of 24-hour cable news, leaving an indelible mark on how political "insider" information is delivered to the public.
Early Life and Military Service
Born in Whitemarsh Township, Pennsylvania, Evans began his higher education at Yale University. However, his studies were interrupted by the onset of World War II, leading him to enlist in the United States Marines. During his service, he saw active combat in the Solomon Islands. His military career ended in 1944 when he was medically discharged after contracting malaria.
Following his discharge, Evans entered the field of journalism. He started his professional journey at the Philadelphia Bulletin before moving to the New York Herald-Tribune. Through diligent reporting, he rose to the position of Congressional correspondent, officially establishing himself as a Washington journalist in 1945.
The Evans-Novak Partnership
While working in Washington, Evans met Robert Novak, who served as the Capitol Hill correspondent for The Wall Street Journal. This meeting sparked a lifelong professional partnership. In 1963, the duo launched a nationally syndicated column, and by 1967, they founded the Evans-Novak Political Report.
Their work became famous for producing what the industry termed "dope pieces"—reports focused on inside information and scoops rather than polemics (strong verbal or written attacks). While the pair eventually became known for their conservative inclinations, their primary value lay in their ability to uncover the inner workings of government. This influence was significant enough that Evans was placed on President Richard Nixon's master list of political opponents.
Expansion into Television and Literature
By 1980, Evans and Novak had become some of the most widely syndicated columnists in the United States. They expanded their reach into broadcast media, becoming early contributors to the fledgling CNN. Their discussion program became one of the network's most-watched shows. As Evans eventually scaled back his on-air presence, the program expanded to include Al Hunt and Mark Shields, becoming Evans, Novak, Hunt & Shields.
Beyond the screen and the daily column, Evans was a prolific writer. He contributed essays to prestigious publications including Harper's, The Atlantic, The New Republic, and The Saturday Evening Post, and served as a contributing editor for Reader's Digest.
The partnership also produced several influential books detailing the exercise of power in the White House:
- Lyndon B. Johnson: The Exercise of Power (1966)
- Nixon in the White House: The Frustration of Power (1971)
- The Reagan Revolution (1981)
Their role as quintessential insiders was further immortalized in Timothy Crouse's best-selling book, The Boys on the Bus, which chronicled the press corps during the 1972 presidential campaigns.
Personal Connections and Final Years
Despite his public conservative stances, Evans maintained diverse personal relationships. He was a close friend of President John F. Kennedy; according to Novak, Evans was the guest at Kennedy's first dinner as president-elect.
Evans retired from the syndicated column in 1993, though he continued to collaborate with Novak on television and through their bi-weekly newsletter. In 2000, he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. He passed away in a Washington, D.C. hospital in 2001, one month shy of his 80th birthday.
Key Facts
- Military Service: Served in the U.S. Marines in the Solomon Islands during WWII.
- Career Start: Began in journalism at the Philadelphia Bulletin and New York Herald-Tribune.
- Major Partnership: Co-founded the Evans-Novak Political Report in 1967.
- Media Pioneer: One of the first major political commentators to join CNN.
- Literary Work: Co-authored three major books on Presidents Johnson, Nixon, and Reagan.
- Political Reach: Maintained a friendship with JFK while being listed as an opponent by Nixon.
| Period/Year | Milestone/Achievement |
|---|---|
| 1944 | Medically discharged from Marines (malaria) |
| 1945 | Became a Washington journalist |
| 1963 | Launched nationally syndicated column with Robert Novak |
| 1967 | Founded the Evans-Novak Political Report |
| 1980s | Joined CNN as a featured discussion program host |
| 1993 | Retired from the syndicated column |
| 2001 | Passed away in Washington, D.C. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the "Evans-Novak Political Report"?
It was a political newsletter and syndicated column founded in 1967 by Rowland Evans and Robert Novak, known for providing inside reporting on Washington politics.
What are "dope pieces" in the context of Evans' work?
In the journalism trade, "dope pieces" referred to reports that focused almost exclusively on inside information and scoops rather than opinion-driven polemics.
Which U.S. Presidents did Evans write about in his books?
Evans co-authored books focusing on Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Ronald Reagan.
How did Evans contribute to the early days of CNN?
Evans and Novak were among the first political commentators to join the network, hosting one of its most-watched discussion programs.
What was Evans' relationship with President John F. Kennedy?
Despite his conservative views, Evans was a close friend of JFK and was the guest at Kennedy's first dinner as president-elect.