Francisco Balsemão Doença
Francisco Balsemão Doença (1937-)
Francisco Pinto Balsemão, born in 1937 in Viseu, Portugal, is a prominent figure in the Portuguese media landscape and has made significant contributions to journalism and business in the country. He is best known as the founder and former CEO of the media conglomerate Impresa, which owns several newspapers, magazines, and television channels, including the leading Portuguese newspaper Expresso and the television channel SIC.
Early Life and Education
Balsemão was born into a wealthy family in Viseu, Portugal. His father was a lawyer and politician, and his mother was a teacher. Balsemão received a privileged education, attending the prestigious Colégio Militar in Lisbon and later studying law at the University of Lisbon. After completing his studies, he worked as a lawyer for a short period before embarking on his career in journalism.
Journalism Career
Balsemão's journalism career began in the 1960s when he joined the staff of the newspaper Diário Popular. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming editor-in-chief of the publication in 1972. Under Balsemão's leadership, Diário Popular became known for its independent and critical reporting, challenging the authoritarian regime of the Estado Novo. This stance brought Balsemão into conflict with the government, and he was briefly imprisoned in 1975 following the failed military coup known as the 25th of April movement. After the Carnation Revolution, which ended the dictatorship, Balsemão played a key role in the founding of the Portuguese Socialist Party (PS).
Impresa and Media Empire
In 1979, Balsemão founded the media conglomerate Impresa, which quickly became one of the most influential media companies in Portugal. Impresa owns a diverse portfolio of media assets, including newspapers, magazines, radio stations, and television channels. Balsemão's flagship publication, the newspaper Expresso, is considered one of the most respected and influential newspapers in Portugal. Impresa's television channel SIC is the most watched private television channel in the country. Under Balsemão's leadership, Impresa has been at the forefront of media innovation in Portugal, introducing new technologies and formats.
Business and Political Involvement
In addition to his media career, Balsemão has also been involved in business and politics. He has served as chairman of the board of Banco Português de Investimento (BPI), one of the largest banks in Portugal. Balsemão is also a former president of the Portuguese Football Federation and a former member of the Portuguese Parliament. He has been a vocal advocate for media freedom and has played a significant role in shaping media policy in Portugal.
Awards and Recognition
Balsemão has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to journalism and media in Portugal. In 2005, he was awarded the prestigious Camões Prize, the highest literary award in the Portuguese-speaking world. He has also received honorary doctorates from several universities, including the University of Lisbon and the University of Coimbra. Balsemão is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Portuguese media and has left a lasting legacy on the country's media landscape.
Francisco Balsemão Doença
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