Bjartmar Gjerde (27 June 1931 – 28 April 2009) was a Norwegian journalist, civil servant, and politician affiliated with the Labour Party. He held senior governmental positions as Minister of Education and Church Affairs (1976–1978) and Minister of Transport and Communications (1978–1979). From the early 1980s until 1990, Gjerde served as director‑general of the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK), overseeing a period of significant development in public broadcasting.
Early life and education
Bjartmar Gjerde was born on 27 June 1931 in Norway. Details of his early schooling and university education are not extensively documented in publicly available encyclopedic sources.
Journalistic career
Prior to entering politics, Gjerde worked as a journalist for the Labour‑aligned newspaper Arbeiderbladet. His experience in media later informed his later appointment to the leadership of NRK.
Political career
- Minister of Education and Church Affairs (1976–1978) – Appointed in the cabinet of Prime Minister Odvar Nordli, Gjerde was responsible for overseeing Norway’s education system and church affairs during a period of policy reform.
- Minister of Transport and Communications (1978–1979) – Continuing in the Nordli cabinet, he supervised transport infrastructure and communications policy, including developments in road, rail, and maritime sectors.
Director‑general of NRK (1981–1990)
In 1981, Gjerde became the head of NRK, Norway’s public broadcaster. His tenure is noted for the introduction of new television channels, the expansion of radio services, and the modernization of broadcasting technology. He retired from the position in 1990.
Later life and death
After leaving NRK, Gjerde remained a respected figure in Norwegian public life, participating in various advisory roles. He died on 28 April 2009 at the age of 77.
Legacy
Bjartmar Gjerde is remembered for his contributions to Norwegian education, transport policy, and public broadcasting. His leadership at NRK coincided with significant growth in Norway’s media landscape, influencing the direction of public service broadcasting for subsequent decades.