Nine O’Clock Celebrates 33 Years of Excellence in Journalism with a Special Anniversary Edition
Nine O’Clock, Romania’s first English-language newspaper, celebrates its 33rd anniversary this year. To honor this occasion, the publication is launching a special anniversary edition entitled “Happy 33rd Anniversary, Nine O’Clock!”. This unique issue showcases a collection of interviews, messages, and speeches from prominent figures across the diplomatic and business sectors.
The issue includes contributions from distinguished personalities, including: Anca Dragu, the first female Governor of the National Bank of Moldova; Dr. Nawaf Salameh, Founder and Chairman of Alexandrion Group; Mr. Mustafa Tiftikcioglu, CEO of Garanti BBVA Romania; Mrs. Claudia Griech, CEO of E.ON Energie Romania; Mrs. Aurelia Costache, Partner – AI & Date; Mrs. Simona Constantinescu; Mr. State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Coordinator for Romania’s Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) accession process; Mr. Colin Lovering, Chairman of the British Romanian Chamber of Commerce; His Excellency Ricardo Guerra de Araújo, Ambassador of Brazil; His Excellency Alfredo Durante Mangoni, Ambassador of Italy; His Excellency Hernández Pérez-Solórzano, Ambassador of Spain; His Excellency Özgür Kıvanç Altan, Ambassador of Turkey; Her Excellency Kathleen Kavalec, Ambassador of the United States; Mrs. Dilek Saydan Batmaz, Founder and General Manager of DB Academy | Executive MBA, among others.
Join us in celebrating 33 years of dedicated journalism—be part of the Nine O’Clock story!
This commemorative edition also highlights the heartfelt and appreciative messages of loyal subscribers, reflecting the profound influence the newspaper has had on its readership and the broader community over the years.
One such voice is that of Her Excellency Mrs. Anca Dragu, Governor of the National Bank of Moldova, who emphasized the crucial role of quality journalism in a thriving democracy: “I discovered Nine O’Clock early in my career as an economist, seeking reliable, high-quality reporting and comprehensive coverage of economic, social, and political matters. For nearly three decades, Nine O’Clock has been my trusted companion with my morning coffee, both in print and, more recently, online. In my roles at the National Bank of Romania, the International Monetary Fund, and the European Commission, having access to top-tier English-language journalism has been a cornerstone of my daily routine. Nine O’Clock has been more than just a source of information; it has provided me with the insights needed to navigate the complexities of global economics, enabling me to make better decisions and meaningfully engage in the professional environment”.
In a world overflowing with information, much of it either misleading or shallow, quality journalism is more critical than ever. It serves as a pillar of democracy by holding those in power accountable, ensuring transparency, and empowering citizens to engage actively in civic life. A well-informed audience is the foundation of a thriving democracy, inspiring informed debate and encouraging greater civic participation.
Even today, I can’t help but feel drawn to printed newspapers whenever I pass by a newsstand. The unmistakable scent of ink and paper evokes treasured memories from the start of my career and reminds me of the indispensable role of quality journalism in maintaining an informed society and safeguarding democracy itself. The legacy of responsible journalism deserves to be treasured and nurtured for generations to come. Congratulations on your 33rd anniversary, Nine O’Clock!” she added.
His Excellency, Mr. Kap-soo Rim, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, shared his thoughts: “The media is one of the four pillars of a mature democracy, and a trusted newspaper must deliver sharp, accurate reporting that deepens its readers’ knowledge and broadens their perspective. Nine O’Clock has consistently met these expectations, and as Romania’s first English-language newspaper, it has also served as a bridge for international audiences, helping them connect with Romania, promoting global understanding, and making vital information accessible to a wider audience.
As the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Romania, my primary duty is to develop a strategic partnership between Korea and Romania, one based on mutual trust and shared benefits, while creating an environment where our citizens can express greater respect and affection for one another. To achieve this, I must gain a deep understanding of local dynamics and remain up to date with the daily events taking place in Romania. Nine O’Clock has been indispensable in this regard, covering a wide range of topics, from politics and business to culture and entertainment. It has become one of my primary sources of information, providing valuable insights and strengthening my genuine connection with Romania and its people.
Nine O’Clock is my morning staple, alongside a cup of coffee. Happy 33rd anniversary, Nine O’Clock, and kudos to the team for preserving the legacy of Romania’s first English-language newspaper!” concluded His Excellency.
Her Excellency, Mrs. Kathleen Kavalec, the U.S. Ambassador, also praised the newspaper’s outstanding contributions to Romania’s media scene: “For more than three decades, Nine O’Clock has held a unique and important place in Romania’s media landscape. Both the United States and Romania recognize that a free and independent press is fundamental to vibrant democracies worldwide. Since its launch in the early 1990s, Nine O’Clock has been an invaluable resource for English-speaking readers, diplomats, and the business community in Romania. This is a remarkable achievement, and we look forward to seeing what lies ahead!” she noted.
This anniversary also marks Nine O’Clock’s accession to the British Romanian Chamber of Commerce (BRCC), a collaboration that promises new opportunities to strengthen relations between the British and Romanian business communities. This step underscores the publication’s dedication to fostering economic progress and promoting intercultural understanding.
“Your commitment to supporting BRCC initiatives and activities highlights our mutual dedication to building meaningful connections that transcend borders. We are delighted to welcome Nine O’Clock to the BRCC family and look forward to our upcoming collaborations,” said Mădălina Ciinaru, Director of BRCC Bucharest Offices.
How to Order
“Happy 33rd Anniversary, Nine O’Clock!” is available at press outlets across Romania, through Manpres, as well as at the Nine O’Clock editorial office, located at Piața Presei Libere no. 1, District 1, Bucharest.
You can order it by email at: abonamente@manpres.ro or online at www.manpres.ro, with payment by credit card or bank transfer.
The price per copy is 200 lei.
For further details, call: 021 312 48 01 (Madalina)
About Nine O’Clock
Established in the early 1990s, Nine O’Clock holds the distinction of being Romania’s first English-language newspaper, delivering essential news to business leaders, diplomats, and expats. With a legacy spanning 33 years, it remains a trusted reference for professional and unbiased journalism.
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