Jorge Lanata, one of Argentina's most influential journalists, passed away at the age of 64 on December 30, 2024, after battling various serious health issues. His death was confirmed by multiple media outlets as public figures reflected on his extensive career and complex legacy.
Born on September 12, 1960, in Mar del Plata, Lanata grew up battling personal and professional challenges. He began his journalism career at just 14 years old, working for Radio Nacional. Over the years, he distinguished himself as the founder of significant media outlets such as Página/12 and Crítica de la Argentina, garnering recognition for his deliverance of investigative journalism.
His early work with Página/12 set the stage for what would become his hallmark: unyielding criticism of those wielding power. During the 1980s, Lanata’s incisive style and capacity to question authorities made him one of the leading voices against the corrupt practices of the ruling elite. His tenure at Página/12 represented not only his rise as journalist but also the birth of modern investigative journalism within Argentina.
Lanata's career was marked by both significant achievements and controversies. He gained immense popularity for his program Periodismo Para Todos starting April 15, 2012, on Canal 13, which gave him prominence amid his battles against the kirchnerista regime. Becoming more widely perceived as the emblematic voice opposing the government of Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, he concentrated on exposing scandals, including allegations of corruption involving the Kirchner family.
Throughout his career, Lanata received numerous awards, including 23 Martín Fierro awards, underscoring his impact on the journalism profession. His ability to adapt, combined with his biting critique of authority, made him beloved by many, though it also drew ire from detractors, particularly those aligned with the former government.
Yet Lanata was not just defined by political commentary and controversies. His personal life was also fraught with health struggles, including diabetes and chronic kidney issues stemming from his renal transplant—reported as the first cross-kidney transplant of its kind in Latin America. "En el 2015, fuimos el primer caso en América Latina de trasplante cruzado," said Lanata during discussions about his health interventions.
Despite his chronic health conditions, he continued his media career until his health began to significantly decline. On June 14, 2024, he was hospitalized at the Hospital Italiano and faced mounting health complications over the months, eventually leading to cardiac and respiratory failures.
On the day of his passing, public responses flooded social media and news outlets alike. Politicians from various backgrounds paid tribute. Patricia Bullrich, former Minister of Security, stated, "Mientras muchos políticos eran cómplices, él iba al frente, disruptivo y sin miedo... Gracias por tu entrega, Jorge. Tu lucha seguirá inspirándonos."
Lanata's death has led to moments of reflection on his impactful, if polarizing, presence within both journalism and politics. While he was often lauded for his courage to challenge the status quo, some critics pointed to his later closeness with the Clarín group—once criticized for perceived monopolistic control—as evidence of contradictions within his principled stance.
The complex legacy of Jorge Lanata as the warrior journalist remains, enlightening future generations on the importance of accountability and the relentless pursuit of truth, even as new figures emerge within the ever-evolving media landscapes of Argentina.