Under Fire: A Journalist's Story of the 1989 Romanian Revolution (380)

Cold War Conversations

Today we are transported back to a pivotal moment in history that occurred 35 years ago this month - the Romanian Revolution of 1989.

This episode is from our archive and features, Mark Brayne, a former Reuters and BBC journalist, who provides a gripping first-hand account of the tumultuous events that led to the fall of Nicolae Ceausescu. As Mark recounts his experiences, listeners are given a rare glimpse into the life of a journalist reporting from a war zone.

He embarks on a perilous journey to Bucharest, navigating roadblocks and dodging bullets to report on the revolution. His determination to capture the story amidst chaos and danger is a testament to the courage and resilience of journalists who risk their lives to bring us the news.

Beyond the historical events, Mark shares personal reflections on how these experiences shaped his life and career. The emotional intensity of covering such significant moments led him to a new path as a psychotherapist, helping others navigate their own traumas.

This episode is not just a recounting of history but an exploration of the human stories behind the headlines. It highlights the bravery of journalists like Mark, who venture into the unknown to bring us closer to the truth. For anyone interested in history, journalism, or the human condition, this episode is a must-listen.

Related episodes:

• Mark - A UK Journalist in the Soviet Union & GDR https://pod.fo/e/1c4ef
• Mark - A British Journalist under Stasi Surveillance https://pod.fo/e/1e111
• The Human Factor: Gorbachev, Reagan, and Thatcher, and the End of the Cold War https://pod.fo/e/17bf8
• Reporting on the 1989 Revolution in Romania and the Czechoslovak Velvet Revolution https://pod.fo/e/2544b1

Episode extras here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode380/

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