The farewell ceremony for Eduard Sagalaev, a renowned journalist and longtime media executive, was held at Troekurovsky Cemetery in Moscow. The gathering reflected on a career that shaped Russian television and journalism across decades. Attendees included key figures from the media landscape who observed Sagalaev’s influence on the industry and its standards.
Dmitry Kiselev, head of the International Media Group Russia Today, and Konstantin Ernst, managing director of Channel One and president of the Union of Journalists of Russia, participated in the tribute. Colleagues recalled how Sagalaev helped usher in an era when television news began with the anchors rather than the announcers, a shift that defined the tone and credibility of Russian TV news. Vladimir Solovyov, a prominent journalist, spoke of the formation of a new, cohesive team within the Television News Service, noting his own early involvement and the opportunities Sagalaev created for emerging talent.
Colleagues credited Sagalaev with elevating journalistic standards and meeting the challenges of changing times with leadership and vision. He was praised for launching and nurturing a news ecosystem that gave reporters greater freedom and responsibility, helping television stay ahead of social changes and remain a dynamic, real-time platform. Those who worked with him described Sagalaev as brave and steadfast, consistently accepting accountability for the decisions that guided the industry through rapid transformation.
Eduard Sagalaev passed away on May 13 at the age of 76, leaving a lasting legacy in domestic television journalism. His career is remembered as a turning point in the profession, influencing generations of journalists and the way audiences engage with news and information.
In the recollections that followed, industry leaders and peers acknowledged Sagalaev’s role in shaping modern Russian television and highlighted how his leadership helped set new directions for investigative reporting, news presentation, and media ethics. His impact extended beyond a single program or channel; it was a catalyst for broader discussions about media responsibility, public trust, and the evolving relationship between viewers and the news media.