R. Peter Straus, media executive who led VOA under Carter, dies at 89

(Courtesy of Voice of America) - R. Peter Straus

R. Peter Straus, a New York media executive who served as director of the Voice of America in the late 1970s and who earlier led a court battle that resulted in the reapportionment of many state legislatures, died Aug. 6 of a heart ailment at his home in New York City. He was 89.

His daughter Diane Straus Tucker confirmed the death. 

Mr. Straus, whose grandfather was a principal owner of Macy’s department store, was born into a wealthy and politically active family in New York. Throughout his life, he combined public service with a successful career in business.

In 1964, he was a campaign manager for Robert F. Kennedy’s successful run for the U.S. Senate from New York. During the administration of President Lyndon B. Johnson, he was an administrator in the U.S. Agency for International Development, in charge of African affairs. 

Under President Jimmy Carter, Mr. Straus served as VOA director from 1977 to 1979.

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(Source : The Washington Post via www.kimandrewelliott.com)