Biography & Career Highlights
Joseph Medill Patterson Albright, born in New Orleans on April 3, 1937, comes from a long line of notable journalists. Albright entered the Chicago Sun-Times newspaper in 1958 after attending Groton School and Williams College. He worked for Newsday, where he sharpened his reporting skills, and the San Francisco Chronicle, where he had an editorial effect. Albright became a top Washington and foreign affairs correspondent for Cox Newspapers.
Honours for his journalism career demonstrate his contributions. He and his wife Marcia Kunstel co-authored “Their Promised Land,” a geopolitical exploration, and “Bombshell: The Secret Story of America’s Unknown Atomic Spy Conspiracy,” a historical espionage narrative. Albright loved storytelling. Albright co-owned Flat Creek Ranch in Wyoming, exhibiting his environmental activism. Philanthropy and conservation were his priorities, as he led the Alicia Patterson Foundation and Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance.
| Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 3, 1937 |
| Place of Birth | New Orleans, USA |
| Education | Groton School, Williams College |
| Career | Reporter for Chicago Sun-Times, Newsday, San Francisco Chronicle; Washington/foreign correspondent for Cox Newspapers |
| Books Co-authored | “Their Promised Land,” “Bombshell” |
| Leadership Roles | Alicia Patterson Foundation, Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance, St. John’s Health Trustee |
Family Background & Notable Relatives
Albright’s family is deeply rooted in American media. Josephine Medill Patterson, his mother, was a journalist and the daughter of the New York Daily News founder. Albright descends from a media pioneering family, including his grandpa, Chicago Tribune journalist Joseph Medill. This distinguished background gave Albright a thorough awareness of media, affecting her career choices.
His father’s legal job and adoptive father’s art shaped his early family. The Albright siblings, including screenwriter Alice Patterson Albright, expand the family’s creative history. His extended family included media magnates Eleanor “Cissy” Patterson and Alicia Patterson, keeping journalism, critique, and innovation lessons near. Albright married Madeleine Jana Korbel, subsequently U.S. Secretary of State gave his life a political edge. Three daughters from their union expanded his family’s civic work and advocacy.
| Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Mother | Josephine Medill Patterson |
| Father | Jay Frederick Reeve |
| Adoptive Father | Ivan Albright |
| Siblings | Alice Patterson Albright, Adam Albright, Blandina Albright |
| Grandfather | Joseph Medill Patterson |
| Notable Relatives | Eleanor “Cissy” Patterson, Alicia Patterson |
| Marriage | Madeleine Jana Korbel (first), Marcia Kunstel (later) |
| Children | Anne, Alice, Katherine (“Katie”) Albright |
Net Worth & Assets
Joseph Medill Patterson Albright’s net worth is unknown, however it is estimated in the mid-to-high 7 figures due to his numerous income streams. His journalism, book sales, and land ownership are examples. He co-owns Flat Creek Ranch in Wyoming to demonstrate his conservation and real estate investment interests. The National Register of Historic Places recognises the ranch’s cultural and architectural value.
His humanitarian influence is shown by his positions on the Alicia Patterson Foundation and conservation boards, which support his riches. His property, which shows his environmental stewardship, gives him personal fulfilment after retiring from journalism.
| Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Estimated in mid-to-high 7 figures |
| Key Assets | Flat Creek Ranch in Wyoming |
| Source of Wealth | Journalism, Books, Real Estate, Board Roles |
| Conservation Efforts | Co-owner of Flat Creek Ranch, Philanthropy |
Recent News & Public Engagement
After retiring from journalism in 2000, Joseph Medill Patterson Albright focused on Flat Creek Ranch management and conservation. With the ranch as a conservation property and personal hideaway, his environmental efforts continue. Albright’s switch from journalism to stewardship shows his dedication to nature and history.
He is active in philanthropy, serving on the Alicia Patterson Foundation and Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance. These roles allow him to influence journalism philanthropy and environmental conservation, reflecting his lifelong commitment to public service. His involvement in healthcare boards cements Albright’s legacy of communal and social well-being.
| Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Retirement | Retired in 2000 |
| Focus Post-Retirement | Managing Flat Creek Ranch, Philanthropy |
| Conservation Impact | National Register of Historic Places, Environmental Advocacy |
| Philanthropy | Alicia Patterson Foundation, Conservation Leadership |
FAQ
Joseph Medill Patterson Albright—who?
The Medill–Patterson media family has influenced retired American journalist Joseph Medill Patterson Albright, who wrote historical works and contributed to major publications.
How is he involved in media?
Albright’s grandfather, Joseph Medill Patterson, founded the New York Daily News, and other notable relatives worked in the media.
What are his notable contributions?
Albright has made important contributions through journalism, co-authorship of incisive books, and environmental and philanthropic leadership.
What is his estimated net worth?
Journalism, book sales, real estate, and board memberships have raised his net worth to the mid- to high-seven figures.
Where does he currently live?
Joseph Medill Patterson Albright co-owns and operates the historic Flat Creek Ranch in Wyoming as a conservation property.
