More than 60 years of Boston Globe history is coming to an end. Sean P. Murphy, a reporter at the paper since 1987, is retiring. His father, Jeremiah V. Murphy, was a reporter and columnist at the Globe, and the earliest byline I could find for him dates back to 1961. That’s quite a stretch of time.
Sean Murphy has worked in a variety of reporting and editing jobs at the Globe, serving in recent years as the consumer advocate reporter. His column, “The Fine Print,” is popular and widely read. In a message to the newsroom shared with me by a trusted source, Murphy said in part:
There is no more honorable work than what we do. It is vital to our way of life, our well-being, our democracy, our systems of government and justice and business, our decency. Every morning, I spend a significant amount of time reading all sections of the noble Boston Globe. (At this stage of my life, I begin reading before dawn, sipping my one cup of coffee of the day, classical music in the background.) The Globe informs me, amuses me, fortifies me. For many years, I have been a part-time college instructor in media law. [Murphy earned a law degree from Suffolk University.] I tell my students there is no better investment than the cost of the Boston Globe. “Start a relationship with the Globe,” I say. “Read it every day. It will pay huge dividends.” Hurrah for every one of you, and for those who have gone before us at the Globe.
Business editor Greg Huang and assistant business editor Tim Logan wrote:
Sean was adamant (annoyingly so) that we not sing his praises or go through his lengthy list of achievements here. So we won’t mention that his “Fine Print” column built a large and dedicated readership over the past nine years, winning well over a million dollars back to mistreated consumers from corporations, landlords, and even the state. Or that his wide experience as a courts reporter, investigative reporter, city editor, and other roles at the Globe helped inform how this department, for one, handles its business. Or, more importantly, how his advice, mentorship, and friendship have influenced generations of journalists for the better.
Sean, we will miss you more than we can say. You are irreplaceable, we all know that. We also know you will stay connected. Thanks for all you’ve done. Below are Sean’s parting words to the room.
Our paths did not intersect much over the years, although I do recall that we were on a panel together in Gloucester a few years ago. I can also report that a graduate student in my opinion journalism class, Alexa Gagosz, who took Sean’s media law class at Suffolk University when she was an undergraduate, used to rave about his consumer column as an ideal blend of reporting and opinion. (Sean earned a law degree at Suffolk.) Alexa is now a star reporter for the Globe’s Rhode Island edition.
Congratulations to Sean, and best wishes for a long and satisfying retirement.