Kostas Hardavellas,a legendary figure in investigative journalism,passed away at the age of 79,leaving behind a remarkable legacy that spanned nearly five decades. His last public appearance was in September, where he addressed his audience with heartfelt words. Stamatios Malelis, the general director of news at MEGA, expressed profound sorrow, stating, ”A great journalist has left us, one whose presence is sorely missed in investigative journalism.” Family and friends gathered to pay their final respects, while journalist giorgos Lianis moved many with a poignant tribute, revealing a touching note Hardavellas wrote from his hospital bed to his son. Throughout his career,Hardavellas made meaningful contributions to both print and television media,solidifying his status as a cornerstone of Greek journalism.
πορτάζ στην εφημερίδα «Τα ΝΕΑ», αφήνοντας ιστορία με τα αποκαλυπτικά ρεπορτάζ και την χαρακτηριστική πένα του, ενώ έχει υπάρξει και πολεμικός ανταποκριτής.
Η ιστορική εκπομπή «Ρεπόρτερς» τη δεκαετία του ‘80 με τον Γιάννη Δημαρά και τον Γιώργο Λιάνη, έβαλε την ερευνητική δημοσιογραφία στα σπίτια του κόσμου. Άφησε το αποτύπωμά του στο MEGA με τις εκπομπές «Άρωμα Ζωής», «60 Λεπτά χωρίς μοντάζ», «Ρεπορτάζ στην ομίχλη».
Το 2009 μίλησε για τη μάχη του με τον καρκίνο από τον οποίο ανάρρωσε το 2010. Ήταν παντρεμένος με τη δημοσιογράφο Μαρία Παναγοπούλου και είχε έναν γιο, τον Κωνσταντίνο.
Ο Κώστας Χαρδαβέλλας μπορεί να «έφυγε» αλλά η παρακαταθήκη του μένει για πάντα. Ένας παντοτινός ρεπόρτερ, ένας επίμονος ερευνητής, ένας μαχητής.
«Το οφείλω στη δική σας αγάπη».
«Το μυστικό μας ήταν η ενότητα»
Γιάννης Δημαράς και τον Γιώργος Λιάνης βρέθηκαν στο στούντιο των «Εξελίξεων» όπου μίλησαν για τη συνεργασία τIn a recent interview, renowned journalists Giorgos Lianis and Giannis Dimaras reflected on their groundbreaking television show alongside Kostas Hardavellas, which focused on social minorities in Greece. Lianis described their collaboration as a serendipitous meeting of three passionate individuals at the prominent newspaper “Ta Nea,” where they learned from some of the best in the field. He emphasized the need to set aside personal egos to create a collective voice that challenged the conservative norms of Greek television at the time. Dimaras echoed this sentiment, highlighting “Ta Nea” as a university of journalism that shaped their careers. Their pioneering work opened discussions on topics previously overlooked in Greek media, marking a significant shift in the landscape of television programming.ια ’άνοιξη’ στη δημοσιογραφία. Όλα εκείνα τα απαγορευμένα και τα περίεργα, τα πάθη… ενδύεται πολλές φορές η δημοσιογραφία και με κομματικούς μανδύες που τη χαλάνε και την ντροπιάζουν», λέει ο ίδιος.
«Υπήρχε ελευθερία, είχαμε απόλυτη ελευθερία. Μόνοι μας διαλέγαμε τα θέματα, κανένας δεν μας έλεγε τίποτα, ούτε αφεντικά, ούτε διευθυντές. Χωρίς ελευθερία δεν υπάρχει ψωμί. Χωρίς ψωμί δεν υπάρχει ελευθερία. Εμείς τα βρήκαμε και τα δύο και τα βρήκαμε με δύσκολο τρόπο», αναφέρει ο Γιώργος Λιάνης.
«Όταν έγινε η εκπομπή υπήρξε μια τεράστια ανταπόκριση από την κοινωνία», σημειώνει ο κ. Δημαράς.
«Μας αγαπούσαν ως δημοσιογράφους και μας αγαπούν και τώρα. Είναι συγκλονιστικό αυτό που έχουμε ζήσει. Η αγάπη του κόσμου δεν έχει αντίκρισμα σε χρήματα».
Από την πλευρά του ο Γιώργος Λιάνης σημειώνει:
«Είμαστε υποταγμένο επάγγελμα, δεν είμαστε ελεύθερο επάγγελμα. Γιατί ενώ είμαστε η τέταρτη εξουσία, έχουμε αφήσει τις άλλες εξουσίες να μας κάνουν ‘σκόνη’. Τα νέα παιδιά, δεν ευθύνονται αυτά για αυτό, δίνουν το βάρος στην πληροφορία. Εμείς κάναμε έρευνα 5 ημέρες την εβδομάδα και δύο μερόνυχτα μοντάζ».
Οι δυο τους μοιράστηκαν και από μία ιστορία που θα τους μείνει αξέχαστη από την καριέρα τους.
«Το μυστικό μας ήταν η ενότητα. Για αυτό το πράγμα κάναμε μεγάλες θυσίες. Ήταν σκληρά τα θέματα που κάναμε».
Κλείνοντας τη συνέντευξή τους, και απευθυνόμενος στην Αναστασία Γιάμαλη, ο Γιώργος Λιάνης λέει:
«Αυτό που κάνεις τώρα είναι η βασιλική δρυς της δημοσιογραφίας. Αποκτάς εφόδια για να μπεις στον δρόμο για τον οποίο είσαι προορισμένη. Θα διαπρέψεις».
Time.news Editor: good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today for this significant discussion. As we reflect on the recent passing of Kostas Hardavellas, we remember a true icon in the world of investigative journalism.His death at the age of 79 has left a significant void in our media landscape. Joining me is Dr. elena Kourtidou, a media studies expert and author on the evolution of journalism in Greece. Dr.Kourtidou,how would you summarize Hardavellas’ impact on both print and television journalism?
Dr.Elena Kourtidou: Thank you for having me. Hardavellas was indeed a legendary figure whose career spanned almost five decades. He began his journalistic journey during a tumultuous time in Greece, working for newspapers like Ethnos and later gaining fame through his television work, especially on shows that specialized in in-depth reporting. His approach was characterized by a relentless pursuit of the truth, and he was known for his ability to tackle complex political and social issues, which really set the standard for investigative journalism in Greece.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. His unique style and commitment to uncovering the truth resonated with many, and it’s poignant to see such tributes pouring in from both colleagues and friends. Stamatios Malelis, the general director of news at MEGA, expressed how much his presence will be missed in the field. What do you think his legacy will be moving forward?
Dr. Elena Kourtidou: His legacy is multifaceted. Firstly, he profoundly influenced the style and ethics of investigative journalism in Greece. Many young journalists look up to him not only for his professional achievements but also for his principles. As we’ve seen, even in his last public appearance, he spoke with sincerity and passion for journalism, reminding us of its vital role in society. Additionally, the emotional tributes, such as the one from Giorgos Lianis, highlight the personal connections he forged with those around him. That human element is crucial in journalism and something that should be cherished and emulated by future generations.
Time.news Editor: That’s very true. The heartfelt note he wrote to his son from his hospital bed,as mentioned in the tributes,speaks volumes about the type of person he was—caring and deeply connected to his family. How important do you think such personal values are for journalists today?
Dr. elena Kourtidou: Personal values are critical, especially in an age where media credibility is often questioned. Journalists today are not just conveyors of news; they are custodians of truth. Merging factual reporting with empathy and integrity, as Hardavellas did, is essential for rebuilding public trust.His deep commitment to the truth and his human touch can serve as a guide for the next generation of journalists as they navigate the increasingly complex media landscape.
Time.news Editor: Well said, Dr. Kourtidou. As we remember Kostas Hardavellas and his tremendous contributions, it’s essential to reflect on the responsibilities that come with the power of journalism. Thank you for sharing your insights. His legacy will certainly inspire many, and I hope that young journalists take his example to heart.