Former international editor of Ebony magazine, Era Bell Thompson grew up in North Dakota. This noted journalist and author has written several books including American Daughter, which tells the story of her youth in North Dakota.

A former editor of Life magazine, Edward Thompson received his early journalism experience in North Dakota.

Raised in St. Thomas, North Dakota, Thompson began his journalism career in 1927 as editor of Carrington's Foster County Independent. Two months later, he was the night city editor of the Fargo Forum. In another two months, he was a reporter for the Milwaukee Journal in Wisconsin. Thompson later became picture editor and assistant news editor at Milwaukee. He joined Life magazine in 1937.

Nationally known television commentator, news analyst, and author, Eric Sevareid is particularly noted for his perceptive essays on public events and personalities.