On October 18, 1984, the edition in which, for the first time, I assumed the role of director of this newspaper, the first editorial was like this: “JORNAL DE LEIRIA does not last more than three months!” This was a common expression when the first issues of “JL” came out. In fact, few people believed that a handful of inexperienced young people could move forward with a journalistic project as ambitious as “JL”. No. 0 of “JL” came out on 03/22/84. Issue 29 is now out. After practically 7 months, we feel comfortable saying that those who predicted the near end of this newspaper were very wrong. In effect, the “JL” is here to last with the ever-present intention of satisfying the general public, with maximum impartiality and without “partisanship” attacks. We intend, above all, to be an alternative, a voluntary choice of the public, opening new space and new horizons in what Jornal Regional is.”
Was right. After 40 years, “JL” has definitively established itself in the local, regional and even national journalistic panorama. This did not happen for me, because of me or even because of me. “JL” exists because, in fact, a group of young high school students dared. And as long as we have those who dare, we evolve.
At this point, looking at nº 29 (the first in which I was director of “JL”), namely its technical file, I cannot help but remember those who were of primary importance in the process of creating and developing the project, having to headed by the late António José Laranjeira (Tozé). We had Fernando Mendes, who was responsible for the content, who took over, until I took over, and after that, the role of (interim) director.
I learned a lot from everyone who dedicated themselves, body and soul, to “JL”, all doing everything necessary to get the newspaper to its readers. May those I do not mention here forgive me, since, as you will understand and remember, the limits of the text’s extension “are not forgiving”.
40 years have passed, our democracy has strengthened (!?) but times seem to tend, on the one hand, towards some people placing themselves “on tiptoe” through, in particular, social networks, and, on the other, that freedom of expression is increasingly repressed, at least on certain and specific topics. Let us always know how to resist and dare.
My sincere thanks to everyone who agreed to contribute to this edition. A last word to everyone who currently provides us with JORNAL DE LEIRIA on a weekly basis, for their dedication, competence and boldness. Thanks.
