Karl Th. Birgisson, an Icelandic political scientist, editor, broadcaster and writer, died on September 16 at the age of 62 after dealing with illness in recent years.
Karl worked across newspapers, magazines, online media and radio, including Pressan, Mannlíf, Eyjan, Herðubreið and RÚV’s Rás 1.
Former Editor, Political Operative and Rás 1 Host Had a Decades-Long Media Career
- Karl Th. Birgisson died on September 16 at the age of 62.
- His media career included editing Pressan and Mannlíf and work with Eyjan and Herðubreið.
- He was also known for the long-running Rás 1 programme Orð skulu standa.
A Career Across Icelandic Journalism and Public Life
Karl began his media career as a journalist and later edited Pressan. He also served as editor of the magazine Mannlíf and the online publications Eyjan and Herðubreið, and wrote columns for outlets including Fréttablaðið and Heimildin.
Radio listeners knew him from the popular Rás 1 programme Orð skulu standa, which he hosted for years with recurring team captains including director Hlín Agnarsdóttir and pastor Davíð Þór Jónsson.
Karl also worked in politics, including a period as executive director of the Social Democratic Alliance beginning in 2002, alongside his writing and broadcasting work.
His death comes during a period of significant change in Icelandic media. Iceland Review has recently reported on Nordic journalists’ response to newsroom closures and Bogi Ágústsson’s farewell to the RÚV newsroom. Iceland Review also recently marked the death of co-founder and former editor Heimir Hannesson.
Source: Vísir
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