The passage of time can often act as both a balm and a reminder of what we have lost. Tina Brown, the distinguished journalist and publisher, finds herself navigating this profound landscape following the death of her husband, Sir Harry Evans. Commemorating the fourth anniversary of his passing, Brown candidly reveals the emotional tempest of living without her “soulmate.” For her, the essence of grief intertwined with productivity creates a poignant narrative, allowing her to channel her sorrow into something constructive—the establishment of The Sir Harry Evans Global Fellowship in Investigative Journalism.
In her recent dialogue with Page Six, Brown, now 70, illuminated the contours of her ongoing journey. She describes the experience of losing Evans—a man who served not only as her partner but also as a mentor—as “really hard.” However, it is through the lens of their shared love for journalism that she seeks solace. The fellowship she has initiated is a testament to their shared passion, a way to honor his legacy by cultivating a new generation of investigative reporters. This focus on education and advocacy provides Brown with a means of keeping Evans’ spirit alive amid her grief.
To further celebrate the fellowship and commemorate Evans’ contributions to journalism, Brown hosted a dinner that drew an impressive roster of attendees, including prominent figures such as Hillary Clinton, Salman Rushdie, and legendary reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein. The event, held at the Stanley Kaplan Penthouse at Lincoln Center, not only fostered connections among influential voices but also emphasized the importance of investigative journalism in a time of widespread misinformation. Co-hosts Walter Isaacson and Alessandra Galloni added to the evening’s weight by engaging Woodward and Bernstein in meaningful dialogue with CNN’s Fareed Zakaria.
The evolution of the fellowship is marked by an astounding rise in interest; this year alone saw a staggering 1,000 applicants vying for the opportunity—more than double those who applied in the fellowship’s inaugural year. This surge in applications speaks volumes about the growing recognition and need for courageous journalism in today’s complex, often contentious landscape. Brown has complemented the fellowship with the launch of the Truth Tellers investigative journalism summit in London, scheduled for May. The summit aims to honor trailblazing journalists while fostering resilience and innovation in a field facing numerous challenges.
Brown’s commitment to the fellowship and summit reveals an enduring acknowledgment of the rallying power of storytelling and truth. She affirmed that these initiatives not only serve as a means to digest her own grief but also stand testament to the excitement that Evans would have felt witnessing the active engagement and bravery of journalists. As she reflects on their vibrant home, once filled with a steady stream of media professionals, Brown acknowledges the influence they had on each other’s careers. Her work not only highlights the importance of legacy but also poses a compelling argument for the role of journalism in democracy—a role that is needed now more than ever.
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