John Fisher Burns facts for kids

John Fisher Burns (born 4 October 1944 – died 12 March 2026) was a famous British journalist. He won two Pulitzer Prizes, which are very important awards for journalism.

Burns worked for The New York Times for many years. He was their main reporter in London until March 2015. He covered important international news stories. Many people called him "the dean of American foreign correspondents" because of his experience. He also often appeared on PBS to share his insights.

A Life of Reporting: John Fisher Burns

John Burns was a dedicated journalist who traveled the world. He reported on major events and conflicts. His work helped people understand what was happening in different countries.

Early Life and Education

John Burns was born in Nottingham, England, on October 4, 1944. His father was from South Africa and served in the Royal Air Force. John learned to speak French and German, which helped him in his career.

From 1998 to 1999, he studied Islamic history and culture. He did this as a visiting fellow at King's College, Cambridge.

Reporting from Around the World

Burns began his journalism career in the early 1970s. He wrote for The Globe and Mail in Canada. He started as a local reporter and later covered the Canadian Parliament. During this time, he also earned a master's degree in political science from McGill University.

Covering China and Early Awards

In 1971, Burns was sent to China. He was one of the few Western journalists there during the Cultural Revolution. This was a time of big changes in China.

Burns joined The New York Times in 1975. He first reported on local news in New York City. Soon, he began working as a foreign correspondent. He led several of the Times' international news offices.

In 1978, Burns and two other Times journalists won an award. They received the George Polk Award for their reporting on Africa. From 1981 to 1984, Burns was the Times' main reporter in Moscow.

In 1986, while working in Beijing, China, Burns faced difficulties. The Chinese government asked him to leave the country.

Reporting on Conflicts and Major Events

John Burns was known for his brave reporting from dangerous places. In 1993, he won his first Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting. This was for his courageous reporting on the conflict and suffering in Bosnia-Herzegovina. He showed the world what was happening in Sarajevo.

In the mid-1990s, Burns led the New York Times' office in New Delhi, India. He covered news across the Indian subcontinent. This included countries like Afghanistan and Burma. He often traveled to places like Kabul and Islamabad.

His work in Afghanistan led to his second Pulitzer Prize in 1997. He reported on the challenging situation under the Taliban government. Burns was also in Baghdad, Iraq, before and during the Iraq War. He wrote many stories about the war and its aftermath.

Later Career and Recognition

In July 2007, Burns became the chief reporter for the Times in London. He continued to cover important global news. In September 2007, he received the Elijah Parish Lovejoy Award. He also got an honorary degree from Colby College.

Burns often appeared on PBS shows. He shared his knowledge from places like Afghanistan and Iraq. Many people recognized his talent. Michael Barone called him "one of the great foreign correspondents of our time." Christopher Hitchens described him as "the greatest war correspondent of our time."

John Burns's long career at The New York Times ended in March 2015. His final article was about the burial of Richard III.

Family and Legacy

John Burns married Jane Peque Gnat in 1972. Later, he married Jane Scott-Long in 1991. Jane Scott-Long also worked for The New York Times in Baghdad.

Burns had two children, Jamie and Emily. He also had a stepchild named Toby from his second marriage.

John Fisher Burns passed away in Cambridge, England, on March 12, 2026. He was 81 years old. He will be remembered for his brave and insightful reporting.