Einar Førde

Einar Førde (20 January 1943 – 26 September 2004) was a Norwegian journalist and politician of the Labour Party. He served as Minister of Education and Church Affairs from 1979 to 1981, and director-general of the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) from 1989 to 2001. He was also vice-chairman of the Norwegian Labour Party 1981–1989.

In his youth, Førde was a middle-distance runner. Representing IK Tjalve, he ran the 800 metres in 1:52.6 minutes, at Bislett stadion in September 1964. He ran the 1500 metres in 3:50.3 minutes at Leangen stadion in August 1963.

Later, as director of the NRK, Førde became a prominent public figure, often known for fearlessly speaking his mind as a knowledgeable political analyst and public debater. After his death Kåre Willoch, former prime minister from the Conservative Party, called him a ground-breaker in society, combining great force of mind with warmth and humour. Førde was also known for appearing in TV-shows on NRK, lampooning his own character.

Førde died of cancer in 2004, at the age of 61.