2024-05-14
TRONDHEIM / BRUSSELS - Today is a sad day. Mr. Bones, John Bones (1954-2024), the CEO of Norway's SKUP (one of Europe's oldest Foundation for a Critical and Investigative Press), is no more.
Today and yesterday, dozens of journalists from around the globe shared this sad news via social media. After all, he was more than just SKUP's manager. John Kristian Bones turned up at every conference that had anything to do with investigative journalism. He was scouting, he used to say with a smile. He loved his job which was more like an adventure. He approached journalists somewhat shyly. He was disarming from the very first meeting. He had tons of empathy, was interested in everyone and everything, and had a great sense of humour, even though he was sparing with words. John loved life. He was always looking for talented young journalists from countries where it is difficult to live and work as a journalist. He created opportunities for them to receive training or participate in relevant conferences. Modestly, he generously filled the room wherever he appeared.
Journalismfund also knows John as a prominent member of its International Advisory board. This year too, he was looking forward to going down to Brussels at the end of this month. He was one of Journalismfund's behind-the-scenes jury members. Together with three colleagues, he decided whether or not to award local cross-border grants.
Journalismfund Europe thanks John for who he was and for what he contributed to investigative journalism. Our thoughts therefore go first and foremost to his family, friends, and colleagues. Rest in peace, John.
