Veteran journalist Laurence Grech dies

Former editor of The Sunday Times of Malta, Laurence Grech has passed away at the age of 77.

Grech’s career in journalism began when he was a teenager and, even after retiring, he remained active as a regular contributor and commentator.

He joined The Times in January 1963 at just under 15 years old, after being interviewed personally by the newspaper’s owner, Mabel Strickland. 

Grech went on to serve as sub-editor of The Sunday Times of Malta and became assistant editor in 1967.

In 1970, he was appointed deputy editor and, in 1991, succeeded Anthony Montanaro as editor until he retired in 2007. That same year, he became editorial consultant and later was appointed director of Allied Newspapers.

Upon his retirement in 2007, Grech was honoured with the National Order of Merit on Republic Day.

In 2019, his lifelong dedication to Maltese journalism was further recognised by the Institute of Maltese Journalists, which awarded him its Gold Award.

MediaToday Managing Director pays tribute to Laurence

Managing Director of MediaToday Saviour Balzan told MaltaToday: “Laurence Grech was a pleasant and engaging personality and a constant inspiration for many young journalists, including myself. 

“Though we were rivals, over the years we engaged in long friendly discussions about the political episodes dominating the last four decades.  

“He was a font of information and a stickler for detail. Under his leadership the Sunday Times passed through the apex of its print run and editorial influence. He was steady, conservative and traditionalist but faithful to the facts and the editorial stance of the newspaper which stood firmly as pro-Nationalist and pro-Catholic Church.  

“On a personal note, I fondly recall our mutual interest in the German Language and German history.”