Renowned Greek Journalist Kostas Chardavellas Dies at 79

Kostas Chardavellas, one of the most influential and well-respected Greek journalists, died today, December 17th, at the age of 79. His death was confirmed by his wife, Maria Panagopoulou, through a moving post on social media.

“You left as you lived: a winner,” Panagopoulou wrote. “Rest now, close to the people whom life took from you when you were a baby and whom you always longed for — your mother Kalypso and your father Konstantinos. Until we meet again, my giant…and in the next life, we will begin anew.”

Kostas Chardavellas had battled cancer, a struggle he documented in a book. He often said that he developed cancer due to the stress of television ratings. “Don’t hang your life on ratings. I got cancer from the anxiety over ratings,” the popular Greek journalist stated.

Kostas Chardavellas’ career

Born in 1945, Chardavellas began his career during the turbulent years of the Greek military junta, initially joining Ethnos, one of Greece’s most prominent newspapers. His first significant appearance on television came when he was 32 years old, presenting Prosklisi Sto Studio (Invitation to the Studio) on the state-run ERT network.

Chardavellas quickly became a key figure in Greek broadcasting. His investigative skills were brought to the forefront with the groundbreaking television program Reporters, which he co-hosted with fellow journalists Yiannis Dimaras and Giorgos Lianis. Premiering in 1982, Reporters became one of the most iconic shows in Greek television history. It aired on YENED and ERT2, providing in-depth news coverage until it concluded in 1988.

In the 1990s, with the expansion of private television in Greece, the renowned Greek journalist made the move to Mega Channel. There, he hosted 60 Lepta Choris Montage (60′ Without Editing) and Reportaz Stin Omihli (Reports in the Fog), the latter of which ran until 1999. Through these programs, Chardavellas further cemented his reputation as one of the leading investigative journalists in Greece. His shows were known for their thorough research, unflinching commitment to truth, and fearless exploration of controversial topics.

Throughout his career, Chardavellas worked with several prominent networks, including SKAI, Star, and Alter. He was also a regular columnist for Real News and Newsbomb newspapers. His work included popular television programs such as O Atheatos Kosmos (Unseen World) and Oi Pyles Tou Anexigitou (Gates of the Inexplicable), which gained widespread praise for their engaging investigative reports.

Chardavellas’ influence extended beyond television. For many years, he also hosted a news program on Real FM 97.8, maintaining a strong presence on Greek radio. His contribution to Greek journalism was not only through his work on television screen and in print but also through his mentorship of young journalists, many of whom continue to shape the industry today.

Chardavellas’ lasting legacy will continue to influence the Greek media landscape for generations. His death marks the end of an era in Greek journalism, as the country has lost a pioneering media figure who dedicated his life to informing the public and upholding the highest standards of journalism.