August 13

He was born in Bogotá in 1960 and trained as a lawyer before entering broadcast journalism. His creation of comic personas like 'Heriberto de la Calle' made him a household name. He used satire to critique political corruption and advocate for peace amid civil unrest. In 1999, he was murdered in a politically motivated assassination that shocked the nation. His legacy endures through ongoing debates on political accountability and free expression. He is remembered as one of Colombia's most influential media figures.

Brooke Astor (1902-2007) was an American philanthropist born into the prominent Astor family. As chairwoman of the Vincent Astor Foundation, she oversaw millions in grants to educational, cultural, and social service organizations. Astor's patronage benefited institutions such as the New York Public Library and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her lifelong dedication to charitable work. Astor authored a memoir, Pioneer Girl, reflecting on her life and philanthropic philosophy. Her legacy endures through the programs and institutions she championed.

Edwin Newman was a prominent American journalist who spent over four decades as a news correspondent for NBC. He covered historic events such as the Civil Rights Movement, the moon landing, and multiple presidential elections. Newman was also a skilled author, writing books on linguistics and media, including the best-selling 'Strictly Speaking'. Known for his wit and command of language, he became a trusted voice in broadcast journalism. He served as NBC's bureau chief in London and Paris, earning numerous awards for his reporting. Newman's deep understanding of the news industry influenced generations of journalists. He passed away in 2010, leaving a lasting impact on television news and language commentary.

Tareque Masud was a Bangladeshi director, producer, and screenwriter instrumental in revitalizing Bangladeshi independent cinema. His debut feature film, 'Matir Moina' (The Clay Bird), won the FIPRESCI Prize at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival, putting Bangladesh on the global film map. Masud produced numerous documentaries and feature films that explored social and political themes in his country. He co-founded the Bangladesh Short Film Forum to nurture young filmmakers. Known for his poetic storytelling and cinematographic style, his work addressed issues of identity, religion, and rural life. Masud's films earned critical acclaim at international festivals, inspiring a new generation of directors. His untimely death in a road accident in 2011 was a significant loss to world cinema.

Mishuk Munier was a pioneering Bangladeshi journalist and cinematographer recognized for his dynamic leadership in television news. As news director at ATN News and previously head of Bangladesh Television's news division, he modernized broadcast operations with investigative reporting. Munier was also an accomplished documentary filmmaker, producing award-winning works on social issues and human rights. He held leadership positions in international media organizations, advocating for press freedom. Known for his technical expertise, he advanced cinematography standards in South Asia. Tragically, he died in a car accident in 2011, and his death was widely mourned by colleagues and the journalistic community.