Louis Black
Editor and Co-Founder
Austin, Texas
About Louis Black
Louis Black is an American journalist, editor, and film producer based in Austin, Texas. He is best known as the co-founder and former editor of The Austin Chronicle, an alternative weekly newspaper launched in 1981. Black served as editor of the Chronicle for over 35 years, writing more than 600 articles before retiring in 2017.
In 1987, Black co-founded South by Southwest (SXSW), a music and media festival that grew from a small regional event to an internationally recognized cultural platform. He played a key role in expanding the festival to include film in 1994 and interactive media in 1995.
Black earned his master’s degree in Film from the University of Texas at Austin in 1980. During his time at UT, he ran campus film screenings and became involved with the local film community. He helped establish the Austin Film Society, served as its board member and president, and co-created the Texas Film Hall of Fame in 2000.
His work as a producer includes the documentary Be Here to Love Me about musician Townes Van Zandt, and Richard Linklater: Dream Is Destiny, which aired on PBS’s American Masters. He also appeared in the 2005 documentary The Devil and Daniel Johnston.
Black is recognized for his contributions to the growth of Austin’s film and media scene. He continues to be involved in film production and literary projects, including a recently completed book on filmmaker Jonathan Demme and plans to open a used bookstore.
Areas of Focus
Career Background
Education
Media
Press
Alumni Spotlight: Austin Chronicle editor looks back on almost four-decade career at alternative weekly paper
Read the full article ›Boards & Memberships
- Austin Film Society, Founding Board Member and Past President
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Louis Black do?
Louis Black is an American journalist, editor, and film producer based in Austin, Texas, best known as editor and co-founder of The Austin Chronicle. He also co-founded the SXSW music and media festival.
What is Louis Black known for?
Black is known for co-founding The Austin Chronicle in 1981 and serving as its editor for over 35 years, as well as co-founding SXSW in 1987 and helping expand it to include film and interactive media. He has also produced documentaries including Be Here to Love Me and Richard Linklater: Dream Is Destiny.
Where is Louis Black based?
Louis Black is based in Austin, Texas.
Where did Louis Black study?
Black attended Windham College and Boston University before earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master's degree in Film from the University of Texas at Austin.
Who does Louis Black work for?
Louis Black is Editor and Co-Founder of The Austin Chronicle.
Last updated February 20, 2026