Record Newspaper: A History of Portugal's Sports Publication
The landscape of Portuguese sports journalism has been significantly shaped by Record, a publication with a rich history rooted in the passion of its founder. From its humble beginnings as a weekly paper funded by a lottery win to its evolution into a daily powerhouse, Record has mirrored the political and economic shifts of Portugal over several decades.
The Origins of Record
The story of Record begins with Manuel Dias, a man whose life was defined by both athletics and commerce. Dias served as a newspaper vendor and was a competitive athlete, notably representing Portugal in the 1936 Summer Olympics held in Berlin, Germany.
The financial catalyst for the newspaper arrived in 1949 when Dias won 40 contos in the Portuguese national lottery. He invested these winnings into the creation of the publication. The first edition of Record was published on November 26, 1949, initially operating as a weekly newspaper.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Political Shifts and Ownership Changes
Over its 63-year history, Record has navigated various ownership structures, transitioning between private and public control. Prior to the Carnation Revolution of 1974—a military coup that overthrew the authoritarian Estado Novo regime—the newspaper was owned by the bank Banco Borges e Irmão.
Following the revolution and the subsequent Processo Revolucionário Em Curso (Ongoing Revolutionary Process), the publication was nationalized. This period of state control lasted until 1989, when Record was reprivatized.
The PEI Era and Expansion
In 1989, the company Projectos e Estudos de Imprensa (PEI) acquired Record. Under the leadership of Pedro Santana Lopes, a member of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), the publication expanded its reach. Shortly after, in 1990, PEI also acquired the paper Diário Popular.
The 1990s marked a pivotal shift in the publication's frequency. Record transitioned from a weekly or periodic format to a daily release, publishing every day from Monday to Sunday to keep pace with the fast-moving world of sports.
Modern Era and Recognition
Record was eventually acquired by the Cofina media conglomerate, further solidifying its position in the Portuguese media market. Beyond reporting, the newspaper established itself as a promoter of sporting excellence.
In 2005, the publication launched the Artur Agostinho Award. Named in memory of Artur Agostinho, this prestigious award is designed to distinguish the sports person of the year.
Key Facts
- Founder: Manuel Dias, a former 1936 Olympian and newspaper vendor.
- Founding Date: November 26, 1949.
- Initial Funding: 40 contos won from the Portuguese national lottery.
- Frequency Evolution: Started as a weekly; became a daily (Monday-Sunday) in the 1990s.
- Major Owners: Banco Borges e Irmão, the Portuguese state (nationalized), PEI, and Cofina.
- Annual Honor: The Artur Agostinho Award, established in 2005.
| Year/Period | Event/Milestone | Ownership/Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1949 | First edition published (Nov 26) | Manuel Dias |
| Pre-1974 | Operational as a sports paper | Banco Borges e Irmão |
| Post-1974 | Nationalization after Carnation Revolution | State-owned |
| 1989 | Reprivatization | Projectos e Estudos de Imprensa (PEI) |
| 1990s | Transition to daily publication | Cofina (later acquisition) |
| 2005 | Creation of Artur Agostinho Award | Cofina |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Record and how was it funded?
Record was founded by Manuel Dias, an athlete and newspaper vendor. He funded the establishment of the paper using 40 contos won from the national lottery in Portugal in 1949.
How did the Carnation Revolution affect the newspaper?
Before the 1974 revolution, Record was owned by Banco Borges e Irmão. Following the revolution and the Processo Revolucionário Em Curso, the newspaper was nationalized by the state.
When did Record become a daily newspaper?
Record transitioned to a daily publication schedule, releasing issues from Monday to Sunday, during the 1990s.
What is the Artur Agostinho Award?
Established by Record in 2005, the Artur Agostinho Award is an honor created in memory of Artur Agostinho to recognize the sports person of the year.
Which media conglomerate currently owns Record?
Record was acquired by the Cofina media conglomerate following its period of ownership under Projectos e Estudos de Imprensa (PEI).