Nicosia, Cyprus. Condolences were expressed on Thursday following the death of veteran journalist and newscaster Giorgos Tsalakos, one of the most familiar faces on television for decades. Media reported that he died after a long battle with cancer.
Official condolences
President Nikos Christodoulides, in a written statement, expressed his sincere condolences to Tsalakos’ family and friends.
“With his whole life’s attitude, he earned the respect of his colleagues but also of the public in general,” the president said.
In a social media post, Disy leader Annita Demetriou said Tsalakos leaves behind a significant legacy.
Career in broadcasting
Born in the village of Lysi in Famagusta district, Tsalakos studied law at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
During a career spanning more than four decades, he began at ERT, Greece’s public broadcaster, where he worked from 1981 to 1990.
After returning to Cyprus, he played a part in the development of private television channels that began broadcasting during the 1990s, including Antenna Cyprus, Alpha Cyprus and Omega.
Public service and writing
Tsalakos later served as board chairman at the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation from 2013 to 2015.
He also authored a book on the late former president Spyros Kyprianou.