Robert Joseph “Bob” Dowling, who for 17 years ran The Hollywood Reporter as publisher and editor-in-chief, died on December 30 in Santa Monica following a short illness. He was 83. The affable journalist helped transition entertainment trade journalism into the digital trade.

Who was Robert Joseph “Bob” Dowling?

Dowling was born on September 16, 1939, in Long Island, New York. He was abandoned by his mother and spent three years in a series of foster homes before finding adoptive parents.

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Dowling started his career in magazine publishing during his 20s, becoming editor and publisher of several publications, including American Druggist, Hi-Tech Marketing, Menswear, and Sports Marketing News.

In September 1988, he moved from Westport, Connecticut to Los Angeles to join The Hollywood Reporter as president before being appointed the publisher and editor-in-chief. However, Dowling admitted that he had no experience in entertainment or any understanding of how the business worked.

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He took over 300 meetings with leaders of the entertainment industry and learned as much as he could about his strange new world. With his marketing instincts, Dowling created special editions and events and expanded international coverage. Eventually, during Dowling’s last decade which ended in 2005, The Hollywood Reporter was in close competition with Variety both editorially and financially.

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The Hollywood Reporter was way ahead of its competitors in terms of embracing the digital revolution. It was the first trade to post its content online, three years ahead of Variety.

Dowling headed the publishing of a special issue on September 12, 2001, following the 9/11 attacks, when editors produced a 16-page, ad-free paper during the heat of the subsequent national chaos and fallout.

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Dowling is survived by his wife Juanita, his three children, and their spouses Rob (Diane) Dowling, Michael (Gia) Dowling, and Matthew (Anna) Dowling. He had seven grandchildren, PJ, Larissa, Lena, Devan, Ella, Miles, and Radley, and his precious dog KC.