Hagi Šein

Hagi Šein (also, Hagi Shein; 13 September 1945 – 19 June 2024) was an Estonian journalist, film director, screenwriter, professor, media pedagogue and former figure skater.

Biography Šein was born into a Jewish family in Tallinn. In 1973 he graduated cum laude from Tartu State University, majoring in history and sociology. He then completed his postgraduate studies in television journalism and telesociology at the Department of Journalism at Moscow State University. In 2001, he received a master's of science (MSc) degree in journalism from the University of Tartu. In 2007, he completed his doctoral studies in television history and media policy. In 2002, he was elected professor of television media for five years by the Council of Concordia International University Estonia.

From 1967 until 1997, he worked at Eesti Televisioon (ETV). From 1992 until 1997, as Director General of ETV. From 2000 to 2012 he was the Member of the Estonian National Broadcasting Council and 2010–2012 the Chairman of the council. He was the author of many television series, including Prillitoos (1983–1990), Mõtleme veel (1987–1989). and Digiajastu teleraamat. Digiaja televisioon Eestis 2000-2020 ( Tallinn, 2021).

Hagi Šein was a member of the Social Democratic Party. He was also a member of the leadership of the Estonian People's Front, the president of the Estonian Forum of National Minorities, a member of the Tallinn city council (2001–2004), a representative of the President of the Republic at the roundtable on national minorities, and a member of the Academic Council of the President of the Republic (2002–2007).

Šein died on 19 June 2024, at the age of 78.

Acknowledgements Order of the White Star, IV Class (2002) Order of the National Coat of Arms, III Class (2006) 2014 – Annual Award of the Audiovisual Art Endowment Fund of the Estonian Cultural Foundation (mission award for the creation and consistent development of the Estonian Film Database) 2015 – Order of Merit of Tallinn University 2021 – EFTA (Estonian Film and Television Awards) Lifetime Achievement Award 2022 – National Culture Foundation award for contribution to the development of media and television culture