Heinz Nußbaumer Dies at 82

Veteran Journalist Heinz Nußbaumer Dies at 82

Veteran journalist and historian Heinz Nußbaumer has passed away at the age of 82. Known for his intimate insights into global politics and his ability to narrate its stories, Nußbaumer left an enduring legacy that includes his clarion call: 'Learn from history. Fight prejudice. Teach tolerance.'

Nußbaumer's career spanned over five decades. He started at the Salzburger Volkszeitung before moving to the Kurier, where he served as the longtime foreign policy editor. His tenure at Kurier saw him lead the foreign policy desk for two decades, producing in-depth series on global entry. Beyond journalism, Nußbaumer also served in the Presidential Chancellery from 1990 to 1999, acting as spokesman for Presidents Kurt Waldheim and Thomas Klestil.

His memoir, 'My Small, Great World', offers a fascinating account of his encounters with global figures like Muammar Gaddafi, Yasser Arafat, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and the Dalai Lama. Nußbaumer's deep understanding of the Arab world and Eastern Orthodoxy was evident throughout his work. Despite his success, he was troubled by the erosion of trust in traditional media and the loss of a shared public sphere.

Nußbaumer's contributions to journalism were recognised with the Concordia Prize for Lifetime Achievement in 2018. His passing marks the end of an era for Austrian journalism, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and inform.