The news was met with numerous tributes paid to Tjarve online by former students and work colleagues.
"Rolands Tjarve was a much-loved teacher to his students, he had a unique, even amazing ability to be a teacher, colleague and friend at the same time," said Zelče, praising his warm, human qualities and describing his early death as "a cruel blow of fate."
Tjarve has been working in the field of journalism since the late 1980s, in both print and on Latvian Radio.
In 1995, he was elected to the National Radio and Television Council, where he served until 1998. He then took up the position of Director General of Latvian Television, and worked in this position for four years, where he was held in high regard by employees.
Tjarve had been a lecturer at the University of Latvia since 2003. From 2017, he was the media director of the Communication and Innovation Department of the University of Latvia. He also worked as an advisor to the Latvian Investment and Development Agency and to the State Auditor a member of the board, and from 2004 to 2007 he was a member of the Supervisory Board of airBaltic, and from 2007 to 2011 Tjarve was also an advisor to the State Auditor.
He was a longtime member of the Latvian Association of Journalists, as well as the author of several academic publications including “Baltic Media in Transition” and “Information Environment in Latvia”.
"Rolands was the one who helped to turn television from state television into public television. His articles, his research and his insights will remain,” said Skaidrīte Lasmane, Professor Emeritus of the University of Latvia.
At LSM we would like to add our condolences to Rolands' family and friends.
