Larry Bensky was known as much for his sharp journalism skills as he was for his political activism.
During his decades at Pacifica’s KPFA in Berkeley, Larry covered some of the biggest stories of our time including political conventions, presidential debates, Senate hearings for four US Supreme Court justices, and the Iran-Contra and 9/11 Commission hearings. He also hosted a talk show and served as general manager of KPFA from 1974 to 1977. In addition, Larry weaved in two stints at the legendary “Jive 95” KSAN where he worked as a news anchor, reporter, and talk show host.
Bensky railed against nuclear armament, the Vietnam War, and the death penalty. He advocated for Greenpeace, the Sierra Club, and the United Farm Workers.
Larry was also a French scholar, a print and journalism editor in France and the United States, and a teacher at Stanford, Cal State-East Bay, and Berkeley City College.
Bravo Mr Bensky! May your voice be undiminished
I remember Larry Bensky primarily for his excellent coverage of national news and affairs for KPFA; his became a very familiar voice — sad to see that he died in late 2024.