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Jon Petrovich Obituary
Petrovich, who would have turned 64 on Feb. 28, died Thursday in New York City, said his nephew, Ron Petrovich.
A widely respected broadcast executive, Petrovich joined the AP in 2007. As Vice President for Broadcast U.S. Operations, he oversaw the day-to-day domestic operations, working with AP's broadcast wire, online, radio and television platforms.
Petrovich "deeply understood and loved the broadcast business and was very optimistic about the possibilities of digital media," said Sue Cross, AP's senior vice president of U.S. media markets. "He was a force in encouraging our broadcast teams to explore new ways of delivering news, and always a source of inspiration and humor."
Petrovich served as executive vice president of CNN for 15 years, where he developed CNN Interactive, which produces CNN.com., CNN en E spanol and many of the company's niche channels. He was instrumental in developing CNN's news service to affiliates and its airport network.
He also held the title of president of Turner Broadcasting Latin America for two years.
Former CNN president Tom Johnson said Petrovich was brought in by Ted Turner to run CNN's Headline News, which he built into a prominent presence on the cable spectrum.
"He was a tremendous innovator and a creative force," Johnson said. "He really was somebody who helped lead CNN into the future."
Before joining AP, Petrovich was a professor and chairman of the broadcast department at the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. He served as visiting distinguished lecturer and on the school's board of advisers in the 1990s.
He oversaw international networks for Sony Television.
Besides news, Petrovich's passions included fine food and dining. He "at least tried to find every great restaurant in every city throughout the world," recalled his nephew, Ron.
A native of Gary, Ind., Petrovich began his career in 1970 as a reporter at WHAS-TV in Louisville, Ky. While news director at WBAL-TV in Baltimore, the station won an Edward R. Murrow Award for best regional newscast.
Besides his nephew, Petrovich is survived by his wife, Karen, a daughter and a son, and three grandchildren.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
24 Entries
Deboray Kieckhefer
April 5, 2024
1974 tornado Louisville ky
Deboray Kieckhefer
April 5, 2024
Deboray Kieckhefer
April 5, 2024
Amazing news coverage even when he was just starting out in life.
CORINNE AGUILAR
May 27, 2011
I just found out Jon passed away in Feb. I worked with Jon on the Assigment Desk at Channel 7 News in Detroit. He was a funny happy guy with an ethusiam for news, Yes we were #1 , seventh in the market,he always trumping the other stations in breaking news stories. He will be missed greatly . My sympathies to his family . I have a private Ch 7 news group on Facebook and this Memorial day weekend, we,the former employees and his friends from Channel 7 News, WXYZ will remember him fondly.
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Jim Kemp
February 16, 2011
Jon was not only an innovative journalist, but a true gentleman. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.
Adrian Duncan-Fullwood
February 16, 2011
To the Petrovich Family, Praying that the Lord will comfort you with His peace .. surround you in His Love and encourage you with His presence. I'm truly going to miss my talks with Mr. Petrovich..
Tamara Browne
February 16, 2011
Mrs. Petrovich,
I extend my condolences to you and your family. You may recall that I spoke with Jon when he was a resident at the Kennedy Warren (DC) a few years ago - as I am also a native of Gary. We had a delightful conversation and I will always remember his kind and encouraging words. Peace be with you and your family during this time.
K. Henderson
February 16, 2011
My condolences to your family at this difficult time. I hope that your memories give you the needed comfort now. Also comforting are the words "He will swallow up death forever, and wipe the tears from all faces."
February 14, 2011
Karen and family,
You could have knocked me down with a feather when I read that Jon pasted. I tried for the last few months to have him respond to some emails. I told Carla there must be something wrong with Petro. Now I know. It has been 41 years since we were neighbors and friends. It make me cry when I think about Petro stories. Jon shamed me into eating orental food, if you recall. Do you remember to Rotto Rutter story! Miles have come between us but not the memories. Sharon and I are not together but I sent her the paper so she would know. I have not been a very good godfather but I always cared a great deal about you all. I am so sorry but I know he will be ok in Gods hands.
Love, Kelly Alvarez, Louisville, KY
Carol (Padol) Janssen
February 13, 2011
Karen,
I'm so sorry to hear about Jon. I've kept up on your whereabouts from your niece Aimee & always looked forward to hearing what you & Jon were up to. You've had a wonderful life with Jon, cherish those memories.
Know that you are in my thoughts & prayers.
Paul and Freddie Anderson
February 13, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
February 12, 2011
TO THE FAMILY OF PETROVICH,I EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY AT THIS VERY DIFFICULT AND PAINFUL TIME,PLEASE FIND COMFORT IN READING DANIEL 12;2.A,W.HOUSTON,TX.
Sheri Nash-Braun
February 12, 2011
Karen,
I hate that we have to re-connect this way. I learned of Jon's passing while looking up another friend's obituary. I know he had an amazing career, but to me he'll always be Mayor Shinn from Music Man @ Andrean. God bless you and your family during this difficult time.
You'll be in my prayers.
Linda Fleisher
February 12, 2011
To the Petrovich Family:
I had the pleasure of working with Jon for many years in Atlanta while he headed CNN Headline News and I worked at CNN Newsource Sales. His professional leadership meant a great deal to all of us and I was proud to consider him a personal friend who offered good advice when it was asked for, and who always had the time to chat and listen to a good joke. Our only consolation at this time is that he really did live life to the fullest.
February 12, 2011
May God Bless you and your family.Your work is done rest in Gods kingdom.
+Bishop Stephan Petrovich
and Family.
Huron Ohio
Jeffrey Anderson
February 12, 2011
To the Petrovich family: I'm saddened to hear of Jon's passing, and sorry for your loss. He was a kind, generous man whom I recall with fondness.
Ronald Corbeille
February 12, 2011
Karen,
I am so sorry for you and your family's loss. I have been following Jon's career on the internet. What an amazing man.
I remember all of the good times we had at Andrean. All the best to your family.
Ron
G. Gamble
February 12, 2011
To the family and friends of Jon Petrovich I extend my sincere condolences. Losing a dear love one is very difficult, but I have found much comfort in the Bible where it assures us that "Our Heavenly Father is near to those that are broken at heart, and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. May your wonderful memories always bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart."
R Golay
February 12, 2011
To the the family of Jon Petrovich - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that Jon will be missed by many.
Denise Oliver
February 11, 2011
Karen, I just learned of your great loss. Jon was such a wonderful man whose friendship I cherished. I was blessed to work with him on 3 separate occasions at different stages in our careers. We talked about all kinds of things but in recent years, he loved nothing more than telling me about Gracie. Honestly, I can't imagine the world without Jon and I will miss him terribly. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Michele (Mitchie) (Niedzielski) Gullic
February 11, 2011
Dear Karen and Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this sad and difficult time.
Barry Felcher
February 11, 2011
Jon hired me for my first job in t.v. news (WDIV Detroit in 1978.) I never forgot him. Rest in peace, Jon.
Barry Felcher, NBC5 News Chicago, retired.
Shirley Suhanik Stevens and Wanda Suhanik
February 11, 2011
Dear Karen and Family,
May knowing that others share in your loss lessen the burden of your grief.
When Jon and I were at Holy Trinity (Gary) in 4th grade, he had a crush on me. His mother told him we were cousins and he was somewhat angry; we were great friends during grade school. Our paternal grandmothers were sisters. I've followed his career first by news stories and then his brother Ron would keep me posted...what a unique gift Jon had! Look forward to seeing him some day in heaven and maybe we'll have time to catch up.
My mother and I send our sincere sympathy. God bless you all and comfort you.
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