Former presidential advisor Julian Read dies in Austin Read was known as the first to provide a media briefing following President John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963. Author: KVUE News Staff Updated: 10:50 AM CDT May 10, 2021 AUSTIN, Texas — Julian Read, a former campaign adviser to several U.S. presidents, has died in Austin of natural causes. A spokesperson confirmed his passing on May 8 and said a memorial service will be held on May 13 at the Texas State Cemetery. Read, who is known as being the first person to deliver the media briefing after President John F. Kennedy's assassination, also served as an advisor to presidents Dwight Eisenhower, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush.