Radu Bogdan, the founder of Romania’s first English-language daily newspaper “Nine O’Clock”, has passed away
On a sorrowful day for Romanian journalism, Radu Bogdan, the founder of “Nine O’Clock,” Romania’s first newspaper written exclusively in English, passed away on Sunday, August 4th, 2024. The sad news of his passing reached Mihai Manea, the new owner of Nine O’Clock,” in the dead of night.
Radu Bogdan was an emblematic figure in the Romanian media landscape. In 1991, a year after the fall of the communist regime, he launched “Nine O’Clock,” a newspaper that brought an international perspective to events in Romania. From its initial four pages, the publication grew significantly, covering political, financial, sports, and domestic news, and became a reference point for English-speaking Romanians and international communities in Romania.
In a tribute to Radu Bogdan, Radu Tudor wrote on social media: “Radu Bogdan, a good friend, a professional journalist, and the founder of the first English-language daily, Nine O’Clock, as well as the newspapers Sette Giorni and Bucharest Matin, has passed away. I shared many beautiful moments with Radu. I will cherish his memory. May he rest in peace! The funeral will take place at the Sfânta Vineri Cemetery on August 6, at 11:00 AM.”
In addition to “Nine O’Clock,” Radu Bogdan contributed to the founding of other publications, including “Sette Giorni” and “Bucharest Matin,” thereby consolidating his influence in international media. He and his wife, Gabriela Bogdan, formed a successful couple in the world of journalism, with Gabriela serving as the editor-in-chief of “Nine O’Clock.”
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 12 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.
Alongside Mihai Manea, the entire team at Nine O’Clock expresses our deepest condolences. May Radu Bogdan rest in peace, and may his remarkable legacy endure through our continued commitment to excellence.
Radu Bogdan leaves behind a significant legacy in Romanian journalism, recognized for his vision and commitment to providing an accurate and objective portrayal of Romanian realities. As he himself stated in 2009, the success of “Nine O’Clock” was due to the ongoing efforts of the entire editorial team to maintain high standards of professionalism.
On this day of mourning, Romanian journalism deeply feels the absence of a great visionary. Radu Bogdan will always be remembered with respect and admiration for his invaluable contributions to the media field.
May he rest in peace!
The diplomatic daily newspaper Nine O’Clock does not assume responsibility for the information received and published on the public website. The responsibility for the content lies solely with the issuer of the press release.
The diplomatic daily newspaper Nine O’Clock cannot be held accountable for false information transmitted by the recipients of the press releases/announcements.
The diplomatic daily newspaper Nine O’Clock reserves the right not to publish press releases that contain inappropriate expressions or accusations and violations of the rights of other individuals, guaranteed by the Constitution of Romania.
The content of the website www.nineoclock.ro is intended for public information. Copying, reproduction, recompilation, modification, as well as any form of content exploitation from this website are prohibited. The use of the Comments section signifies your agreement to abide by the terms and conditions regarding the publication of comments on www.nineoclock.ro.
