The history of Romanian press cannot be written without the name of Constantin Mille, considered by contemporaries and later generations as “the father of modern Romanian journalism.” A complex personality, Mille was not only a journalist, but also a writer, lawyer, and socialist militant. Yet his true calling was tied to the printing press, to the newspaper pages that brought him both glory and suffering. His life is a story of ambition, sacrifice, vision, and at the same time, of deep disillusions that haunted him until his final days.

From law and politics to journalism

Born in 1861, Constantin Mille was drawn from an early age to the world of ideas and debates. His law studies prepared him for a legal career, yet his interests soon shifted toward public life. A fervent socialist militant, Mille initially believed that politics was the way to contribute to society’s transformation.

But he quickly realized that the press had far more power than the parliamentary tribune. Through newspapers, he could spread progressive ideas, educate the masses, and, most importantly, influence public opinion almost instantly. This insight would change his destiny and, at the same time, reshape the course of Romanian journalism.

„Adevĕrul”, the newspaper that revolutionized the Romanian press

The decisive moment in Mille’s career came in 1895, when he took over the leadership of “Adevĕrul”. The newspaper’s founder, Alexandru Beldiman, wanted the publication to remain independent, free from the control of conservatives or liberals. Mille, with his modern vision and democratic principles, proved to be the right man for the job.

Under his leadership, “Adevĕrul” quickly became the most important newspaper of the time. The subjects tackled, the way the news was presented, and the direct style, anchored in everyday reality, attracted an ever-growing readership.

While other publications preferred academic or politicized tones, Mille transformed the press into an accessible, attractive, and credible instrument.

Innovations that reshaped Romanian journalism

One of Mille’s greatest merits was the modernization of newsroom organization and operation. He introduced radical changes, inspired by Western journalism.

He created a telegraphic service for fast news transmission, hired stenographers to accurately reproduce official statements, and established a network of correspondents both in the country and abroad. Thus, “Adevĕrul” was always up to date, surpassing its rivals.

Another innovative element was the introduction of prizes for readers: trips, money, even houses. This strategy built loyalty and strengthened the connection between the newspaper and its community. At the same time, “Adevĕrul” was the first Romanian newspaper distributed in villages through postmen, greatly extending its reach.

The birth of „Dimineața” and the first steps toward modern press

To counter the influence of “Universul,” led by Luigi Cazavillan, Mille launched in 1904 “Adevĕrul de dimineața”, later renamed “Dimineața”( eng - „Morning”).

“Dimineața” was a true first: the first Romanian newspaper focused on information and reportage, complementing the analysis found in “Adevĕrul.” It also stood out through a remarkable innovation: in 1912, it became the first daily newspaper in the world to be printed in color, a stunning technical achievement for the era.

Mille also introduced paid remuneration for journalists, breaking the tradition that writing in a newspaper was an honor but unpaid. By doing so, he transformed journalism into a respectable, professional, and well-paid career. Proof of this revolution can be found in the testimony of copy editor Alexandru Nora:

“Until him, you were happy to find shelter in the columns of a newspaper, with no remuneration. The new director of Adevĕrul thought it proper to revolutionize this unfair tradition.”

The trials of war and the loss of his newspapers

Romania’s entry into World War I brought immense challenges. The “Adevĕrul” Palace was requisitioned by German troops and transformed into the headquarters of the propaganda newspaper “Bukarester Tageblatt.” Mille was forced to take refuge in Iași, and later in Paris, where he continued to advocate for Romania’s cause.

After the war, he returned to Bucharest and resumed publication of “Adevĕrul” and “Dimineața.” However, in 1920, a mysterious episode unfolded: Mille sold both newspapers to banker Aristide Blank. The reasons were never fully clarified, though it is assumed that political and financial pressures forced him to yield.

„The Struggle”, a failed attempt at return

After losing his creations, Mille tried to re-enter journalism by launching the newspaper “Lupta” (“The Struggle”). However, it never matched the success of his previous publications. “Lupta” lacked the resources, staff, and infrastructure of a major newspaper, and Mille seemed already tired and resigned.

Copy editor Alexandru Nora recounted:

“He was tired… he had given up journalism… divorced from daily writing. And yet, he took on the yoke of a publication lacking everything: its own building, printing press, rotary machines…”

Thus, the great journalist became a silent observer of the success of the newspapers he had once built with his own hands.

Constantin Mille, the torment of regret and his final days

The years after losing “Adevĕrul” and “Dimineața” were marked by suffering. Mille lived across from the “Adevĕrul” Palace, on Sărindar Street (today Constantin Mille Street). From his window, he watched daily the bustling newsroom, the trucks loaded with newspapers, the glow of lights at dusk, and the roar of the presses.

The sight devastated him. Alexandru Nora described the heart-wrenching scenes:
 “He fixed his tearful eyes on all these riches that had once been his… and when he left his home, he didn’t dare step onto the mosaic-paved sidewalk opposite, for fear his arteries would burst and his heart would freeze in terror.”

In February 1927, Constantin Mille died, forgotten by the world, but remembered in history as “the father of modern Romanian journalism.” On his tombstone in Bellu Cemetery is engraved, with simplicity and dignity: “Const. Mille. The father of modern Romanian journalism.”

The legacy of a press visionary

Although his final years were marked by sorrow, Mille left behind an immense legacy. He transformed Romanian press from an elitist, occasional activity into a respected, organized, and reality-driven profession.

“Adevĕrul” and “Dimineața” were more than just newspapers: they became symbols of a free, independent, and modern press. Through his innovations—from color printing to journalist remuneration—Mille paved the way for a new era of journalism.

Today, when we speak of editorial independence, journalistic ethics, and the press’s role in society, Constantin Mille’s name remains a fundamental reference point. He is the example of a man who combined courage, vision, and devotion to truth, even though this path cost him his personal peace.

Constantin Mille’s life was a mixture of glory and torment. He reached the heights of success, revolutionized Romanian journalism, and wrote golden pages in the history of the press, but he also experienced crushing disillusionment.

The “father of modern Romanian journalism” died with a broken heart, but with the conscience of having devoted his life to a noble mission: turning the press into a force of progress and freedom.

His destiny remains both an example of passion and sacrifice, and a lesson about the fragility of success and the torment of regret.