Knut Bjørnsen

Knut Bjørnsen (26 July 1932 – 14 November 2008) was a sports commentator and journalist for the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation.

Knut Bjørnsen
Born	(1932-07-26)26 July 1932 Oslo, Norway
Died	14 November 2008(2008-11-14) (aged 76) Svelvik, Norway
Occupation	Sports commentator (1961–1991), Journalist (1954–2008), Television host (1966–1994)
Spouse(s)	Karin Bjørnsen, since 1988

In his youth, Bjørnsen was a promising speed skater. He was junior Norwegian champion in 1951.[1] He worked for the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation between 1961 and 1991, and was NRK's main commentator for speed skating most of those years, together with fellow NRK veteran journalist Per Jorsett.[2] He also hosted the popular Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation game show Kvitt eller dobbelt ("Double or Nothing") for many years.[2] In 1991, Bjørnsen left the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation, and began working for cable channel TV3, where he hosted the game show Lykkehjulet (a Norwegian adaptation of Wheel of Fortune).[1]

In his later years he spoke out as a supporter of the Progress Party, having lost his confidence in the Conservative Party.[3]

In April 2008, Bjørnsen was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer, and he died from the illness seven months later, on 14 November 2008.[1]

References

1. Andersen, Ingunn; Lars Akerhaug; Per Opsahl; Andreas Fosse (16 November 2008). "Knut Bjørnsen er død" (in Norwegian). Verdens Gang. Retrieved 19 November 2008.
2. Sæbø, Sun Heidi; Morten Øvrebye (16 November 2008). "Knut Bjørnsen er død". Dagbladet (in Norwegian). Retrieved 19 November 2008.
3. Rasmussen, Trond (20 August 2007). "Lei av norsk snillisme". Fremskritt (in Norwegian). Retrieved 4 March 2009.

Awards
Preceded by Halvor Kleppen	Se og Hør's TV Personality of the Year 1983	Succeeded by Kari Storækre and Simon Flem Devold