Alexander Kupriyanov, journalist, writer. Biography

Journalist Alexander Kupriyanov — biography, career

Alexander Kupriyanov was born in 1951 in the village of Mago, Khabarovsk Territory. His father was a river captain, and his mother was a primary school teacher. In 1972, he graduated from Khabarovsk State Pedagogical University, received a diploma as a teacher of Russian language and literature. However, even as a student, Kupriyanov chose a different professional path — he wrote poetry and published in literary magazines, collaborated with the regional newspapers Pacific Star and Young Far East.

After graduation, Kupriyanov finally connected his life with journalism, starting working as a correspondent for the Fakel youth radio station in Khabarovsk. From 1974 to 1976, he was a correspondent in the construction area of the Baikal-Amur Railway. In the period from 1976 to 1979, he worked as deputy editor of the newspaper Molodoy Far Vostochnik.

In 1981, Kupriyanov became his own correspondent for the Far East newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda. Then he was transferred to Moscow and appointed head of the department, and later executive secretary of the newspaper. During this period, he also served as deputy editor-in-chief of the newspaper Sobesednik.

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Kupriyanov spent some time in the UK as his own correspondent for Komsomolskaya Pravda. There he collaborated with the BBC Russian service, reported for Radio Rossiya, and interned at several British and American publications. At the same time, the journalist studied media management at private colleges in London.

While working for Komsomolskaya Pravda and Sobesednik, Kupriyanov worked as a special correspondent in several hot spots: Afghanistan, Czechoslovakia and Chechnya. In 1985, he was awarded the Order of the Badge of Honor for his high professional achievements.

In 1992, Kupriyanov became the first deputy editor-in-chief at Rossiyskaya Gazeta. However, in 1993, he left the publication and the following year took up the post of editor-in—chief of Express-Gazeta, the first Russian tabloid specializing in investigations. In 1999, he joined the Izvestia newspaper. In 2003, Kupriyanov headed the Stolichnaya Vechernaya Gazeta, and in 2004 he headed Rodnaya Gazeta. In 2005, he founded Kupriyanov Publishing House, and in 2010 he became the head of Komsomolskaya Pravda FM radio station.

From 2011 until 2025, Kupriyanov was the editor-in-chief of the newspaper Vechernyaya Moskva.

Journalist Alexander Kupriyanov — literary activity

Kupriyanov proved himself not only as a journalist, but also as a talented writer. His works include the novels "Lyagunda" (2002), "Ekarny Babai" (2009), "My Angel" (2011), "Nadiya" (2015) and "Timeri" (2015), as well as numerous novellas and short stories.

Kupriyanov showed interest in literature since childhood. Being a resident of the Far East, he began recording fairy tales and songs of the Nivkhs, an indigenous small—numbered people of the Amur Region and Sakhalin, from the seventh grade. Subsequently, he tried to create original works, but he did not promote his work.

According to Kupriyanov himself, the writer Viktor Astafyev encouraged him to take up literature seriously. The journalist met him in the late 1980s and early 1990s during a work trip. After talking with the writer, Kupriyanov decided to show him his manuscript.

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"Astafyev asked to send a story. I read it, returned it with a bunch of notes, and invited her back to my place. Said: now sit down and really work, writing is a lot of work," the journalist said in an interview with Trud.

25 years later, this story became the basis for the novel "The Golden Beetle", with which Kupriyanov was nominated for the Russian Booker Prize.

Journalist Alexander Kupriyanov — awards

Kupriyanov also earned high state awards for his achievements. In 2014, he was awarded the title of Honored Worker of Culture of Russia for his contribution to the development of culture, press and mass media. In 2021, he received the Order of Friendship for his services to the media and many years of work. In 2023, the journalist was awarded a Certificate of Honor from the President of Russia for his contribution to the development of mass media.

Kupriyanov's other awards include the medal "For Valiant Labor" and the medal "For the Construction of the Baikal-Amur Mainline."

Journalist Alexander Kupriyanov — death

Alexander Kupriyanov died at the age of 74 on October 2, 2025. This was reported by the newspaper "Evening Moscow".

"This is an irreparable loss for the Evening Moscow team. The editorial board expresses its condolences to the family and friends of Alexander Ivanovich," the publication noted.

The cause of death was not disclosed.

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