Meinrad Rahofer was a truly international man, As Vice President of the European Journalism Training Association (EJTA); he worked hard at establishing an international platform for an ongoing discussion on all aspects of journalism training. Especially responsible for the midcareer section of the EJTA, Meinrad realised that trainers of journalists could only learn from each other. He was well aware that no country is an island and that international sharing of experiences and knowledge can only improve the quality of journalists at home.
From his vast experience in Austria he was able and willing to contribute substantially to international meetings and projects. He had a distinctive and important voice in the European training strategy discussion.
With his contributions he was instrumental in rebuilding the EJTA into the strong organisation it is now.

It was my great pleasure to work in the Board with Meinrad. He was very supportive and certainly critical, but never in a negative way. His sharp analyses of the important developments in journalism and the media were always accompagnied by brilliant and funny side remarks.

This combination of humour and seriousness made him a wonderful person to work with.
We have worked in many cities: Tartu, Paris, Capetown, Valencia , Sofia and elsewhere. The most fun we had on Crete where we both spoke and attended a very turbulent conference.
It was always a joy knowing he was there: you worked and had fun as well.

With great, great sadness I realise that we will never meet again. His former and current colleagues in the EJTA Board are very shocked, they convey their condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

The European Journalism Training Association has lost a wonderful, supportive, knowledgeable colleague and a good friend.

He will be remembered at the Annual General Meeting in Paris, in May.

Marianne Peters

Ex President of the European Journalism Training Association

Kuratorium für Journalistenausbildung is saddened by the loss of its managing director, Dr. Meinrad Rahofer, Austria’s heart and soul of quality journalism training. From 2003 to 2006, Rahofer served as vice-president of the European Journalism Training Association (EJTA).

Rahofer, who was director of the Salzburg-based Austrian Media Academy / Kuratorium für Journalistenausbildung (KfJ), passed away on Feb. 12 after a short, but severe illness at the age of 54. He is survived by his nine-year-old daughter.

For more than 20 years, Rahofer was at the forefront of developing training and education models and programs for generations of young Austrian journalists. With an eye on new international trends and
developments, Rahofer always strived to incorporate non-Austrian viewpoints in countless workshops and roundtables.

He received several awards for his efforts to instill a drive for quality among Austrian journalists.

He will be missed by us all.