Francisco Pinto Balsemão fhe died on October 21st, at the age of 88, but his legacy continues to live on in newsrooms, on screens and in the conversations of those who defend journalism as a public service.
The restless spirit of a creator
Graduated in Law, but with the soul of a journalist and the head of a manager, “Dr. Balsemão”, as many called him, did a little bit of everything. At the age of 33, in 1973, he founded the weekly Expresso (during the dictatorship!) and faced censorship with courage and boldness. Almost two decades later, in 1992, he launched SIC, the first private television in the country, anticipating a new era in Portuguese media.
But his genius did not live solely in the press. Francisco was fascinated by ideas that made a difference and by technology, which led him to create the podcast “Making the World Better”. A moment of conversation about innovation, ethics and the power of words.
Ricardo Araújo Pereira, comedian, guest on the podcast ‘Leave a better world’ by Francisco Pinto Balsemão. 10-08-2022.
Nuno Fox
Um leader with behind-the-scenes stories
Founder and number 1 activist of the Social Democratic Party, he was also Prime Minister of Portugal between 1981 and 1983. In that short period, he helped to modernize the country: he extinguished the Revolutionary Council, promoted the 1982 Constitutional Review and paved the way for entry into the European Economic Community.
It is said that he was meticulous, but with good humor: he had the habit of crossing out errors in newspapers with a red pen. and praised good headlines with the same enthusiasm. He was a demanding but fair boss; a boss who inspired more than ordered.
Family, affection and multiple tributes
Married to Mercedes Presas Balsemão, he is the father of five children, grandfather of 14 grandchildren and great-grandfather of one great-grandson, one true “Balsemão club”! The long queues at the Jerónimos Monastery for the last goodbye proved the affection and admiration that the country has for him. That’s why The Government even decreed two days of national mourning.
Impresa workers paid him a moving tribute: they created a video with 88 words – one for each year of his life – to describe him and thank him for his dedication. “Lighthouse”, “teacher”, “humanist”, “futurist” and “generous” were just some of those chosen.
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The man with the curious look
Francisco Pinto Balsemão had many interests besides news: he was passionate about cinema (he saw hundreds of films and knew the names of the directors by heart!), music (he played the piano and drums) and animals, especially cats. He also loved driving: his first car was a Renault Dauphine, when he was still a student at college. Above all, it was very curious. Is this one of the best ways to be free?
In the video below you can learn a little more about the life of this inspiring personality. Take the opportunity to think about how you can make (your) world better.
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The post The Lord of Freedom – Expresso appeared first on Veritas News.
