Rolf Thommessen (20 July 1879 – 8 June 1939) was a Norwegian newspaper editor, journalist, and politician affiliated with the Liberal Party (Venstre). He is notable for his leadership of several prominent Norwegian newspapers in the early 20th century and for his brief tenure as a member of the Storting, Norway’s parliament.
Early life and education
Rolf Thommessen was born in Christiania (present‑day Oslo), Norway, into a family with a strong journalistic tradition; his father, Ola Thommessen, was a well‑known newspaper editor. He pursued legal studies and earned the cand.jur. degree, a prerequisite for many professional careers in Norway at the time.
Journalistic career
- Morgenbladet (1910‑1917): Thommessen became editor of the conservative‑leaning daily Morgenbladet in 1910, overseeing the paper during a period of political upheaval surrounding the dissolution of the union with Sweden (1905) and the First World War.
- Tidens Tegn (1917‑1939): In 1917 Thommessen founded the newspaper Tidens Tegn, positioning it as a liberal‑oriented publication. He served as its editor‑in‑chief until his death in 1939, guiding the paper through the interwar years and influencing public discourse on cultural and political matters.
Political activity
Thommessen was elected to the Storting representing the constituency of Kristiania (Oslo) for the Liberal Party, serving from 1915 to 1918. During his parliamentary term, he participated in committees dealing with press freedom and education, reflecting his professional background.
Professional associations
He held the chairmanship of the Norwegian Press Association from 1918 to 1921, advocating for journalistic standards and the protection of press rights.
Personal life
Rolf Thommessen was married to Aagot Thommessen (née Hagerup). The couple had children, among them the writer and publisher Anne Thommessen.
Death
He died on 8 June 1939 in Oslo at the age of 59. His contributions to Norwegian media and public life are remembered through historical accounts of early 20th‑century Norwegian journalism.
Legacy
Thommessen’s editorial work, particularly with Tidens Tegn, helped shape liberal opinion in Norway during a transformative era. His involvement in press organizations contributed to the development of professional norms that continue to influence Norwegian journalism.