Greg Packer

Greg Packer, a 57-year-old retired highway maintenance worker from Huntington, New York, has a unique claim to fame – he is the most quoted man in news articles around the world, yet many people have never heard of him.

Packer has been quoted in major publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and USA Today, as well as international media outlets including the BBC and AFP, on topics ranging from sports to politics to science. He has been described by journalists as “ubiquitous” and “pervasive” in his ability to appear at news events and offer his opinions.

Packer first gained media attention in the late 1990s when he was frequently seen lining up early for events, such as the release of Apple products and the opening of new stores. He became known as the “professional line stander,” often camping out for days or even weeks to be the first in line.

This tendency to queue for hours, or even days, extended beyond commercial events. Packer has also made a habit of appearing at public gatherings, protests, and press conferences to share his thoughts with journalists.

In a 2005 New York Observer article, Packer described his motivation for seeking out news events: “I just like being out there, being around other people. I like the excitement, the interaction. And I like giving people my input.”

Despite his many quotes and appearances in the media, Packer is not exactly a well-known figure. He has never published a book or held public office, and his views on any given topic are often described as “unremarkable.” In fact, some journalists have speculated that Packer’s quotes are often included in articles simply because he is readily available and willing to speak to reporters, rather than for any particular insight he may offer.

However, some have argued that Packer’s ubiquity in media is an indication of deeper problems with journalism. In 2016, Gawker writer Hamilton Nolan argued that Packer is “a living symbol of what is wrong with the media,” in that he represents a focus on the “person on the street” over substantive analysis or investigation.

“The tedious practice of capturing ‘ordinary people’s’ opinions in shorthand quotes inevitably skews news coverage toward superficiality, perpetuates a false sense of consensus and often serves the agendas of the most powerful interest groups,” Nolan wrote.

Despite criticisms of his media presence, Packer continues to appear at news events and offer his opinions. He has also become something of a celebrity in the amateur radio world, where he is known for his love of radio communications and his participation in contests.

Packer himself seems unfazed by his fame, telling reporters that he is simply “enjoying the ride.” And while some may question the value of his quotes in news articles, there is no doubt that Packer’s unique story has captured the curiosity of many people around the world.

In the end, whether you view Greg Packer as a symbol of the media’s shortcomings or simply as an interesting character, there is no denying the fact that he has left a mark on the world of news and media. And who knows – perhaps his unremarkable quotes will one day be remembered as a quirky footnote in the history of journalism.