Hélder Nunes founded Barlavento, which became a “cornerstone of local Portuguese news”
Hélder Nunes, founder of the Algarve’s Barlavento newspaper (part of the Open Media Group), has died at the age of 75 after battling a long-lasting illness.
As the team at Barlavento have written: “Hélder Nunes was responsible for a big transformation of regional press in the Algarve, to which he dedicated 40 years of his life.” Due to his unwavering commitment to his role as a journalist, he was “deeply respected and, at times, even feared by the regional political class”.
His death has also been lamented by the municipal council of Portimão, his hometown.
“A native of Portimão, Hélder Nunes dedicated his life to regional journalism, founding in 1975 a weekly newspaper that became a cornerstone of local Portuguese news,” the council says in its tribute.
“His commitment to truth and his close ties to local communities left an indelible mark on the history of regional press, actively contributing to the much-desired regional cohesion.
“In 2008, Hélder Nunes was publicly recognised for his professional achievements in journalism and his active and dedicated citizenship on behalf of the municipality, being awarded the Municipal Merit Medal by the city of Portimão.
“The man has departed, but his exemplary journey remains – a legacy that will endure, inspiring future generations of journalists,” the council adds.
