Einar Førde

Einar Førde (20 January 1943 in Høyanger – 26 September 2004) was a Norwegian journalist and politician of the Labour Party. He served as Minister of Education and Church Affairs from 1979 to 1981, and director-general of the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) from 1989 to 2001.[1] He was also vice-chairman of the Norwegian Labour Party 1981–1989.[2]

Einar Førde
Førde at the 1997 Nordic Ski Championship in Trondheim.
Parliamentary Leader for the Labour Party
In office 10 May 1986 – 16 October 1989
Leader	Gro Harlem Brundtland
Preceded by	Gro Harlem Brundtland
Succeeded by	Brit Jørgensen
Minister of Education and Church Affairs
In office 8 October 1979 – 14 October 1981
Prime Minister	Odvar Nordli Gro Harlem Brundtland
Preceded by	Kjølv Egeland
Succeeded by	Tore Austad
Member of the Norwegian Parliament
In office 1 October 1969 – 30 September 1989
Constituency	Oslo (1969–1981, 1985–1989) Akershus (1981–1985)
Personal details
Born	(1943-01-20)20 January 1943 Høyanger, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway
Died	26 September 2004(2004-09-26) (aged 61) Oslo, Norway
Political party	Labour
Spouse(s)	Synnøve Nymo (m. 1995; – 2004 his death) Brit Fougner (m. 1971; div. 1991)
Children	5

As director of the NRK Førde became a prominent public figure, often known for fearlessly speaking his mind as a knowledgeable political analyst and public debater. After his death Kåre Willoch, former prime minister from the Conservative Party, called him a ground-breaker in society, combining great force of mind with warmth and humour. Førde was also known for appearing in TV-shows on NRK, lampooning his own character.

Førde died of cancer in 2004, at the age of 61.

In his youth, Førde was a middle-distance runner. Representing IK Tjalve, he ran the 800 metres in 1:52.6 minutes, at Bislett stadion in September 1964.[3] He ran the 1500 metres in 3:50.3 minutes at Leangen stadion in August 1963.[4]