Emilio Fede: A Leading Figure in Italian Public Broadcasting Remembered

Rome: Emilio Fede, the former TV journalist who has died at the age of 94, was a leading figure in the early years of public service broadcasting in Italy, state broadcaster Rai said of the anchor who would become more widely known for his support for late ex-premier Silvio Berlusconi, his later employer and close friend.

According to Ansa News Agency, Rai “remembers Emilio Fede with emotion,” a statement said. Fede joined Rai in 1958 as a contract anchor and later served as a special correspondent in Africa for eight years.

As a TG1 anchor, Fede appeared on the first color edition on February 28, 1977. He served as director of the flagship network’s news program for two years, then as deputy director until his contract with the company ended in 1987.