Journalist Radu Adrian Bogdan passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2024. He leaves behind a rich legacy of work in the service of journalism, both as a foreign policy commentator and as a writer.

A visionary and enterprising spirit, Radu Bogdan embarked on a pioneering journey in the history of Romanian press in the early 1990s, establishing the first foreign-language newspapers in Romania. On October 9, 1991, he launched the English-language daily “Nine O’Clock,“ which, during the 32 years under his leadership, became a prominent name in the Romanian media landscape.

From 1994, he also led the English-language weekly “Romanian Economic Observer” for several years. Additionally, starting in July 1996, he oversaw the French-language daily “Bucarest Matin,” which was later transformed into the weekly “Bucarest Hebdo.” In the autumn of 2000, he launched the Italian-language weekly “Sette Giorni.”

Radu Bogdan was born in Galați on September 25, 1941, and graduated from the Faculty of Law in Bucharest (class of 1964), where he also earned his Doctorate in Law in May 1987 with his thesis “The Right to Sovereignty over Natural Resources.”

From October 1964 until December 1989, he worked as a foreign policy commentator for the newspaper “Scânteia.” Between February 1973 and December 1976, he served as a correspondent for the Romanian news agency “Agerpres,” the newspaper “Scânteia,” and the Romanian Radio Television in Italy.

From February 1990 to September of the same year, he was the editor-in-chief of the daily newspaper “Dimineața.” Later, until the end of 1991, he led the biweekly magazine “Mondorama.”

Throughout his career as a foreign policy commentator, he produced works, studies, and articles focused on international law and international relations, some of which were published as independent books.

His contributions also include his work with the International Law and International Relations sections of the Romanian Association of International Law and International Relations (ADIRI) and the Association of Jurists, where he presented numerous papers on international law and international relations over the years.

Starting in 1970, he participated in a series of international conferences both in Romania and abroad, presenting papers on European security issues and disarmament in Europe and the world.

From 1980, he attended various sessions of the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Madrid, Vienna), and the Conference on Disarmament and Confidence in Europe (Stockholm), as part of Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs delegations.

After 1990, he continued to participate as a delegate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the CSCE Ministerial Conference in Rome (1993) and the High-Level Meeting in Budapest (1994).

Between 1994 and 1997, he served as an external collaborator, teaching at the Police Academy in Bucharest in the Department of International Law and International Relations.

Among his published works and books are: “The Hot Spots of Africa,” Political Publishing House, 1971; “When the Muses Confide,” Eminescu Publishing House, 1985; “Beyond the Clear Sky,” Albatros Publishing House, 1989; “Spanish Journal,” 1990; “Romania and the Process of European Security,” Political Publishing House, 1985; “Romania – 20 Years of Multilateral Diplomacy” (co-authored), Political Publishing House, Bucharest 1985.

After nearly three decades of success, in April 2023, Radu Bogdan sold “Nine O’Clock” to Mihai Manea, owner of the Manpres media group. Under the new management, the newspaper expanded to 16manpres pages, offering a broader and more modern format to its readers.

“It is with profound sadness that I have learned of Radu Bogdan’s passing, a remarkable man and a visionary in Romanian journalism. Radu was not only the founder of Romania’s first English-language daily, ‘Nine O’Clock,’ but also an example of dedication and professionalism. I had the honor of knowing and working with him during the period when I took over the publication he created with such passion. I will always remember with respect and gratitude the moments spent with Radu, our discussions, and his clear vision of journalism. His loss leaves a deep void in our community and in the hearts of those who knew him,” said Mihai Manea, the new owner and CEO of Nine O’Clock.

The news of his passing was announced by journalist Radu Tudor from Antena 3 CNN, who shared his condolences on Facebook:

“Radu Bogdan, a dear friend and professional journalist, the founder of Nine O’Clock, Sette Giorni, and Bucharest Matin, has passed away. I cherish the wonderful times we shared.

My condolences to Gabriela and Răducu. May he rest in peace.

The funeral will be held at Sfânta Vineri Cemetery on August 6th at 11:00 AM.”