Journalist and author Werner Thuswaldner dies aged 84

Werner Thuswaldner, a cultural journalist, author and longtime head of the culture section at the Salzburger Nachrichten, died on August 3 at the age of 84 after a long illness, ORF reported Friday, citing the newspaper.

Thuswaldner, who was born in Carinthia, began his career as a technician working on the construction of motorways and bridges. He later decided to study German and history in Salzburg.

He joined the Salzburger Nachrichten in 1967 and led its culture department from 1982 to 2003. After retiring, he continued to work for the newspaper as a freelance theatre and literary critic and feuilleton writer, while also writing for several other media outlets.

As an author, Thuswaldner wrote non-fiction books, novels, children’s books, plays, radio dramas and a television play. He also worked with various cultural institutions.

In 1992, he received the Golden Medal of Merit of the Province of Salzburg. Thuswaldner was married and had four children. He lived with his family in Salzburg.