Reporters Committee Mourns Death of Longtime Media Champion, Attorney Dick Goehler

The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press stands with his family, friends and professional associates in mourning the loss of longtime First Amendment and media attorney Richard M. “Dick” Goehler.

Goehler, 54, a partner in the Cincinnati firm Frost Brown Todd, died yesterday after a nearly yearlong battle against leukemia.

“Dick had an incredible impact on both professional media and student journalists around the country,” said Reporters Committee Executive Director Lucy Dalglish. “He was a dedicated volunteer and friend to us all, whether he was writing amicus briefs for media coalitions or ensuring individual reporters were able to do their work unimpeded. Dick literally never said ‘No’ when we asked for help. He was a man who made a difference, and we will miss his cheerful enthusiasm and support for a free press for many years to come.”

Goehler was chairman of the board of the Arlington, Va.,-based Student Press Law Center and a board member of the Advertising Club of Cincinnati. In addition, he served as the Cincinnati Bar Association delegate to the American Bar Association House of Delegates, was past chair of the ABA Forum on Communications Law and past co-chair of the ABA First Amendment & Media Litigation Committee.

Goehler was also active on the boards of Cincinnati tourism and convention organizations.

A magna cum laude graduate of the University of Notre Dame College of Law, Goehler completed his undergraduate work at Miami University. He remained active in the alumni associations of both schools.

He is survived by his family, including children Mike and Laura, and his former wife, Jeri.