Seventy-two years defined the life of Kåre Valebrokk, a Norwegian journalist and executive who bridged the divide between newspaper publishing and television management. His career spanned from the newsrooms of Oslo to the leadership of national media organizations, leaving a distinct mark on the Nordic landscape before his death in 2013.
Early Career and Print Journalism
Born in Kristiansand Municipality in 1940, Valebrokk received his education at the BI Norwegian Business School. He began his professional path in 1962 as a journalist for Morgenbladet, where he worked until 1968. He transitioned to Verdens Gang in 1979, serving there for six years. By 1985, he ascended to the role of editor-in-chief at Dagens Næringsliv, maintaining oversight of the publication until 1999. Parallel to his editorial duties, he assumed the role of CEO for Norges Handels- og Sjøfartstidende AS in 1989.
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In October 1999, Valebrokk moved into the television sector, accepting the dual responsibilities of editor-in-chief and administrative director at TV 2. For nearly eight years, he steered the network’s editorial output and operational strategy. He remained in these positions until his retirement in June 2007. During his tenure in the media industry, he consistently articulated support for libertarian economic principles, including the implementation of a flat tax.
Retirement and Legacy
Following his departure from TV 2, Valebrokk engaged in several professional roles. He contributed a weekly column to the newspaper Aftenposten and accepted the chairmanship of the Bergen Art Museum. He was the father of Per Valebrokk, an economist and editor. On 9 February 2013, he died in his sleep in Oslo. His final resting place is at Vestre gravlund. His contributions to the Norwegian media sector earned him the Gold Pen award during his professional life.
Fast facts
- Born: 1940, Kristiansand Municipality
- Died: 9 February 2013, Oslo
- Education: BI Norwegian Business School
- TV 2 Tenure: 1999–2007
- Key Awards: Gold Pen
- Burial: Vestre gravlund
Questions readers ask
What media outlets did Kåre Valebrokk lead?
He served as the editor-in-chief of the newspaper Dagens Næringsliv and later as the editor-in-chief and administrative director of TV 2.
What were his primary political views?
He advocated for libertarian views, specifically supporting a flat tax system.
Achievements
- Educated at BI Norwegian Business School
