One of the most prominent journalists the province has ever known has passed away. Bill Callahan, who gained prominence in both print and broadcast media, was a cabinet minister in the last years of the Joey Smallwood administration in the late 1960s.

His first foray in the newspaper world was with the Western Star. He then became publisher and managing editor of The Daily News, a newspaper with an edge to its content. He later became managing editor of The Evening Telegram under publisher Steve Herder.

He wrote two books: Joseph Roberts Smallwood: Journalist, Premier Newfoundland Patriot, and The Banting Enigma.

He was elected to the House of Assembly in 1966, representing the district of Port au Port, and held the seat until 1971.

Callahan, who was 90, was one of the most sought-after commentators and columnists in the province, receiving numerous awards over the years in many venues, including the Atlantic Journalism Awards, the industry’s most prestigious forum of exceptional talent. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.

Bill Callahan leaves to mourn his wife Daphne Marie and six children including son Brian who carried the journalism torch to The Telegram, CBC and, currently, VOCM. We send our regrets to Brian and his family on this solemn occasion.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later.