Robert Chandler earned a journalism degree from Stanford University and served in the United States Army's Counter Intelligence Corps during World War II. Following the war, he worked for various newspapers, including The Denver Post, and eventually purchased The Bend Bulletin, which he ran for over four decades. Chandler modernized the newspaper by introducing new technologies and expanding its operations. He was also a significant contributor to local institutions, including the High Desert Museum and educational programs at the University of Oregon and Central Oregon Community College. Chandler's legacy includes numerous journalism scholarships, a visiting scholar program, and an annual award in his name.

Robert Chandler combines a deep-rooted commitment to civic engagement with an innovative approach to media technology, advocating for journalism education while pioneering digital advancements in newspaper operations. His unique ideological positioning emerges from a blend of localism and forward-thinking, as seen in his support for regional institutions and his early adoption of digital publishing. Chandler's rhetorical style likely emphasizes the importance of informed citizenry and technological progress, creating an intriguing tension between traditional journalism and modern media.