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Jake Highton’s lifelong devotion to journalism—as a reporter, editorial writer, columnist, author, and educator—cemented his legacy as one of Nevada’s most passionate defenders of the press and chroniclers of its history. His work spanned decades and disciplines, unified by his unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity, intellectual rigor, and the written word.
Highton’s professional journalism career took root at major national newspapers, including serving as a reporter for the Baltimore Evening Sun (1959–1962), editorial writer for the Detroit News (1976–1978), and reporter for the Los Angeles Times. These experiences honed the sharp editorial voice that would later become his trademark in Nevada journalism.
In Nevada, Highton contributed to several outlets throughout his career, including feature-length cover stories for the Reno News & Review and long-running weekly columns for the Sparks Tribune from 1990 to 2017. His incisive commentary tackled everything from national politics to local government, often with biting wit and fearless honesty. His columns also appeared in The Progressive Magazine and occasionally in the Las Vegas Sun, further extending his reach and reputation as a provocative thinker.
Highton was a prolific author whose work helped preserve the rich history of Nevada journalism. His seminal book, “Nevada Newspaper Days: A History of Journalism in the Silver State,” is widely recognized as the definitive chronicle of Nevada’s press, documenting every newspaper published in the state from its territorial beginnings through the modern era. His additional published works—including Reporter, Editing, The Spirit That Says No, and numerous hardbound compilations of his commentary such as Defrocking the Supreme Court—underscore his belief in the enduring power and responsibility of the press.
Jake’s commitment to journalism extended beyond the newsroom and page. As a professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, he mentored generations of aspiring journalists, equipping them with not only the technical skills of reporting and editing but also a deep understanding of the journalist’s civic duty. His students remember him as a forceful presence who demanded excellence and instilled respect for ethical, fact-based journalism.
A tireless advocate for the First Amendment and a fierce critic of complacency in the media, Jake Highton’s legacy is one of courage, scholarship, and conviction. He believed journalism was not just a profession but a public trust—and he lived that belief every day.
Through his prolific writings, landmark scholarship, and decades of mentorship, Jake Highton left an enduring imprint on Nevada’s journalistic landscape. His voice continues to resonate in newsrooms, classrooms, and libraries across the state.
