Ina Jaffe, a respected NPR correspondent known for her coverage of aging in America and politics, passed away on Thursday at the age of 75.
Key Takeaways
- Ina Jaffe, renowned NPR correspondent, passed away at 75 after battling cancer.
- Jaffe won numerous journalism awards and was named one of the U.S. Top 50 Influencers in Aging for 2015.
- She is survived by her husband, Lenny Kleinfeld, a novelist and former playwright.
“She’s very tough,” said Renee Montagne, former Morning Edition host.
She was a tough journalist in the classic way. She wanted you to tell her the truth and she wanted to get it right. She’s an example for everybody.
Renee Montagne
Started Her Career At NPR In 1988
Jaffe’s journalism career at NPR spanned several decades. She covered the aging of America, focusing on older adults’ involvement in politics, elections, dating, divorce, work, retirement, fashion, and sports.
Her reporting also delved into long-term care and end-of-life choices, bringing attention to crucial issues affecting the elderly.
In addition to her work on aging, Jaffe contributed to NPR’s coverage of national elections since 2008, offering insightful political analysis.
She developed award-winning enterprise pieces, including investigations into the West Los Angeles VA and California’s public psychiatric hospitals.
NPR: built with union labor since 1976. Me, proud member since 1988. #WeMakeNPR #ShowYourCard pic.twitter.com/0J05d19dRr
— Ina Jaffe (@InaJaffeNPR) June 27, 2017
Jaffe also reported on major news events in the West, from the Rodney King beating to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s election.
Before joining NPR, she had a career in theater as part of the Organic Theater group in Chicago, demonstrating her versatility as a performer and communicator.
Award-Winning Journalist
Ina Jaffe’s work earned her numerous accolades throughout her career.
She received the Silver Gavel Award from the American Bar Association for her 2010 series on California’s three-strikes law.
This is how happy I feel when I think about making great radio w/so many great journalists. #WeMakeNPR #InSolidarity pic.twitter.com/GE7ekhXbAB
— Ina Jaffe (@InaJaffeNPR) July 1, 2015
Her coverage of rising violence in California’s public psychiatric hospitals won her the Investigative Reporters and Editors Award.
Last night at #thegracies with actress/presenter Sarah Chalke. pic.twitter.com/M8J2kgppDY
— Ina Jaffe (@InaJaffeNPR) May 22, 2013
She also garnered multiple awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and The Gracie Award from the Alliance for Women in Media for her VA investigation and psychiatric hospital coverage.
In 2015, the PBS publication Next Avenue named Jaffe one of the nation’s top “Influencers in Aging,” recognizing her significant contribution to the field of aging journalism.
Personal Life
Born in Chicago, Ina Jaffe passionately pursued higher education.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the University of Wisconsin and later obtained a master’s degree in philosophy from DePaul University.
Jaffe was married to Lenny Kleinfeld, a novelist and former playwright.
The couple shared a background in theater, with both having been part of the Organic Theater group in Chicago.
Kleinfeld, known for his crime novels set in Chicago, stood by Jaffe’s side throughout her career and during her battle with cancer.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Ina Jaffe was an avid supporter of the Chicago Cubs.
- She participated in triathlons and was known to encourage her colleagues to stay active.
- Her 2012 investigation into the West Los Angeles VA had a direct impact on the lives of homeless veterans.
