Emilio Fede, one of the most well-known figures in Italian television journalism, passed away today at the age of 94.
Fedela passed away at the San Felice hospital in Segrate, near Milan.
His health condition unexpectedly deteriorated in the last few hours, causing his daughters, Sveva and Simona, to be by his side in his final moments.
Emilio Fede was born on June 24, 1931 in Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, Messina, and developed a career spanning over 70 years in journalism.
He started in the printed press, then moved to RAI as a special correspondent and director of TG1, before continuing his long run of TG4 from 1992 to 2012. He also founded Studio Aperto in 1991.
Fede was one of the iconic figures of Italian television, a career that began at RAI in the 1960s, as a war correspondent, continued as director of Tg1, and then with his arrival at "Fininvest", where Silvio Berlusconi appointed him to direct Tg4.
For 20 years, from 1992 to 2012, his newscast was the most openly pro-Berlusconi voice on the television screen, loved and hated, sometimes caricatured, but undoubtedly recognizable for its always excessive tone.
"I am the most criticized editor, but also the most followed," he claimed.
His direct and personal style, often accompanied by editorial commentary, left an indelible mark on Italian television.
With his editorials, Fede embodied a television era and a unique style of journalism.
His professional career ended abruptly in 2012, when he left Mediaset, following his involvement in the Ruby scandal investigation.
He spent the last years of his life away from the spotlight.
The last period of his life was also deeply affected by the loss of Diana De Feo, a journalist and later a "Forza Italia" MP, whom he married in 1963 and remained his wife for nearly 60 years.
She died in June 2021. Diana's death was a heavy blow for Fede. He himself called this loss his greatest pain.
Italian journalism thus loses one of its most iconic figures, who will be remembered for the professionalism and unique character that accompanied him throughout his career.