Ina Jaffe, a prominent voice in public radio for over four decades, passed away on August 1, 2024, at a Los Angeles nursing home. She was 75 years old. Her husband, Lenny Kleinfeld, confirmed that metastatic breast cancer was the cause of her death.
Jaffe's career at NPR, which began in the 1980s, was marked by her distinctive alto voice and empathetic reporting style. She covered a wide range of topics, from politics to veterans affairs and aging in America. Her journey to becoming a respected journalist was unconventional, starting with a background in theater and philosophy.
Before her radio career, Jaffe was a member of the Organic Theater group in Chicago during the 1970s. This experience likely contributed to her ability to capture the nuances of human speech in her reporting. While pursuing acting, she also freelanced for the Chicago Reader, an alternative newspaper founded in 1971.
Jaffe's transition to radio came when she approached NPR's Chicago bureau with her portfolio. Scott Simon, host of "Weekend Edition Saturday," recalled her arrival with an artist's portfolio, impressed by her eye for detail and ear for human speech. This encounter led to a full-time position at NPR, where Jaffe quickly made her mark.
Her career highlights included covering the 1992 Los Angeles riots following the Rodney King incident and reporting on Arnold Schwarzenegger's election as California's governor in 2003. In 2012, Jaffe's investigative reporting uncovered misuse of Veterans Affairs property in West Los Angeles, leading to legal action and policy changes.
"While covering aging for NPR, I'd met so many inspirational elders that I wanted to be one of them."
In recent years, Jaffe focused on issues facing American seniors, including long-term care needs and health challenges like Alzheimer's disease. Her reporting during the COVID-19 pandemic provided crucial insights into the experiences of nursing home residents during isolation.
Jaffe's educational background was as diverse as her career. She held a bachelor's degree in philosophy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master's from DePaul University in Chicago. This academic foundation likely contributed to the depth and thoughtfulness of her reporting.
Colleagues remember Jaffe not only for her journalistic skills but also for her vibrant personality. Simon shared an anecdote from the 1983 Chicago mayoral race, where Jaffe was passed hand-over-hand by supporters to reach the stage and set up her microphone, exemplifying her dedication and the respect she commanded in her field.
Jaffe's passing marks the end of an era in public radio, leaving behind a legacy of impactful journalism and a voice that resonated with listeners across the nation.