Neal Travis (1940–2002) was a New Zealand-born journalist, editor, and novelist, primarily recognized for his influential work in the American and Australian media industries. He is most frequently cited for his role in the development and establishment of the "Page Six" gossip column at the New York Post.
Born in 1940, Travis began his journalism career in New Zealand and Australia, working for publications such as the Sydney Daily Mirror under the ownership of Rupert Murdoch. In 1977, following Murdoch's acquisition of the New York Post, Travis moved to New York City. He became the founding editor of "Page Six," where he was instrumental in crafting the column’s distinctive tone—a blend of social observation, political insider information, and celebrity news. This format became a staple of tabloid journalism and influenced the style of social reporting in the United States.
In addition to his work in New York, Travis maintained a prominent presence in Australian journalism. He worked as a columnist and editor for The Bulletin and contributed to The Australian. His writing often focused on the intersection of power, media, and high society.
Travis was also a successful author of commercial fiction. His novels, which often drew on his professional experiences in the media world, include Mansions (1981), Castles (1984), and The New York Post (1983). His books were noted for their depictions of the high-stakes environments of journalism and international business.
Neal Travis died of cancer in Sydney, Australia, on September 14, 2002, at the age of 62. He is remembered for his contribution to the modernization of the gossip column and his long-standing professional relationship with the News Corporation media empire.