A Trophy, a Life, a Mission: Mihaela Crăciun and the Dignity of Being a Journalist

The awarding of the distinguished journalist Mihaela Crăciun with the „Romanian Excellence Trophy – Alexandru Ciorănescu” during the fourth edition of the Romanians of Excellence Campaign, held in November 2024 in Tenerife, stands as a recognition of an exemplary career and a celebration of a vocation lived with dignity and depth.

A prominent voice of Romanian National Television (TVR), Mihaela Crăciun blends in her presence the meticulous journalist, the refined intellectual, and the tireless, discreet spirit. With a composed demeanor and a warm presence, with an ever-awake conscience and a rare loyalty to authentic values, Mihaela doesn’t just walk through time—she illuminates it. Undoubtedly, she is one of the most compelling figures in contemporary Romanian media.

Born in Reuseni, Suceava County, in the heart of Bukovina, in 1970, Mihaela Crăciun holds a degree in History and Geography, a Master’s in the History of Ideas and Mentalities, and further specialization in areas such as History and Film and TV News Production. Her debut in visual journalism coincided with major historic moments, covering King Michael I’s visits to Romania in 1992 and 1997, during which she conducted landmark interviews with His Majesty and with Ion Rațiu.

In 1999, she was the anchor of TVR1’s prime-time evening news and, between 2000 and 2001, the host of “Jurnalul de noapte” (The Nightly News). Over the decades, she became a constant and respected presence on TVR International and, more recently, on TVR1 with the program Beyond Black and White. Behind these appearances lies painstaking work, extensive research, and an intellectual elegance that is hard to match.

Among her many projects, the documentary series „This is Radio Free Europe. On the Microphone…” stands out as a poignant restoration of the memory of voices that kept hope alive during dark times. Emil Hurezeanu himself praised the effort: “It’s extraordinary to see such a renewed and refreshed interest from young people, and from a central public information institution, in this phenomenon…”

With the same evocative power and commitment to authentic dialogue, Iosif Sava’s Soirées were brought back to public attention through a series of conversation-driven programs, acclaimed both critically and by audiences.

Between 2013 and 2019, Mihaela Crăciun extended her professional mission beyond the camera, serving as a diplomatic adviser at the Romanian Embassy in Lisbon. There, she built bridges of communication with the Romanian and Moldovan diaspora through carefully curated cultural, educational, and editorial projects.

In 2019, she returned to TVR International and created the program “Article 7 – Romanians Everywhere”, which has since become a vibrant platform for dialogue with Romanians living abroad. Its motto, “Romanians near and far, wherever you are, remember, you are Romania!”, remains a powerful message of identity, affection, and responsibility.

Mihaela Crăciun is undoubtedly one of the outstanding personalities in the Romanian media landscape, an example of excellence, elegance, and refinement. The Romanian Excellence Trophy – Alexandru Ciorănescu, awarded in November 2024 in Tenerife, is more than a recognition of her exceptional contributions. It is a tribute to a life dedicated to noble ideals.

With humility and deep gratitude, Mihaela Crăciun shared:

“For me, the Romanian Excellence Trophy is a public opportunity to thank the guests from whom I’ve learned so much in over 30 years of journalism. I’ve prepared for every interview, read books and studies, and always tried to bring something new. This award is also a moment of remembrance, for the great personalities who are no longer with us, and for my early steps in television, interviewing King Michael I and Ion Rațiu in Putna in the early ’90s. In the print press, my first article was about Father Cleopa, today Saint Cleopa of Sihăstria. Back home in Bukovina, I learned discretion, and this award came as a surprise, especially since I don’t like the spotlight being on me. I thank Occidentul Românesc and Mrs. Kasandra Kalmann Năsăudean, the esteemed jury, and all the laureates of this edition. I am truly honored! I also congratulate you for your perseverance, balance, professionalism, refinement, and moral integrity.”

Mihaela Crăciun remains a quiet yet powerful benchmark of meaningful purpose, a professional path lived with duty and respect for truth and humanity. The Romanian Excellence Trophy – Alexandru Ciorănescu simply casts light on a dignified trajectory, where words become bridges, and journalism becomes a form of service. And when a living conscience offers you thanks, you know you’ve witnessed something essential, the rare nobility of a life devoted to others.

Written by: Kasandra Kalmann Năsăudean
Images: Mihaela Crăciun (Personal Archive)

Editor’s Note:

Kasandra is more than a journalist—she is a public conscience, a founding spirit, and a force of cohesion within the Romanian diaspora. Immigrant, founder, editor, volunteer—these are not just labels, but testimonies of a life devoted to the Romanian cause abroad. Since 2010, month after month, Kasandra has shaped and given substance to a publication that has become a pillar of identity for thousands of Romanians living abroad: Occidentul Românesc. With a solid background in Romanian media from both the U.S. and Spain, she writes articles that not only inform but inspire, promoting fundamental values: dignity, mutual respect, responsibility. Through every written line, through every lucid analysis, Kasandra doesn’t just tell life stories—she shapes direction, she gives voice to conscience.