Fernando Pessa was born in a modest house in the neighborhood of Graça, in Lisbon, on April 15, 1902, in a humble family of shopkeepers. He attended primary school in the city, but he had to drop out at the age of 12 to help his parents with their business. He started working as a delivery boy, a salesman, and a clerk in various shops and offices.

However, he never gave up his dream of becoming a journalist. He taught himself English, French, German, and Italian by reading newspapers and books. He also developed a keen interest in radio, cinema, and photography. He bought his first camera at the age of 16 and started taking pictures of Lisbon and its people.

In 1924, he got his first job as a journalist, working for the newspaper O Século. He soon became known for his lively and witty style, as well as his curiosity and courage. He covered various topics, such as sports, culture, politics, crime, and society. He also traveled around Portugal and abroad, reporting on events such as the Spanish Civil War, the World Exposition in Paris, or the coronation of King George VI in London.

In 1934, Fernando Pessa joined the Portuguese National Radio (Emissora Nacional), where he worked as a newsreader, commentator, and correspondent. He also started collaborating with BBC radio in London, sending reports on the situation in Portugal and Europe during World War II.

In 1940, he moved to London to work full-time for BBC radio. He became one of the most popular and trusted voices of the Portuguese service, broadcasting daily news bulletins, interviews, documentaries, and cultural programs. He also covered some of the most important events of the war, such as the Blitz, the D-Day landings, or the liberation of Paris.

For his work for BBC radio, Fernando Pessa was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by King George VI in 1946. He was also praised by Winston Churchill, who called him "the voice of Portugal in England". He was admired by millions of listeners in Portugal and around the world, who appreciated his professionalism, honesty, and humanity.

In 1957, Fernando Pessa returned to Lisbon after 17 years in London. He resumed his work for Emissora Nacional and also became involved in television. He made history by presenting the first live television broadcast in Portugal on March 7, 1957. He also hosted several TV shows, such as "Conversas com Fernando Pessa" (Conversations with Fernando Pessa), where he interviewed famous personalities from various fields.

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Fernando Pessa continued working as a journalist until his death in 2002. He never retired or lost his enthusiasm for his profession. He witnessed and reported on many changes and events that marked the history of Portugal and Lisbon in the second half of the 20th century, such as the end of the dictatorship, the Carnation Revolution, or the Expo '98.

He also remained faithful to his love for Lisbon, which he considered "the most beautiful city in the world". He wrote several books about Lisbon's history, culture, and people. He also took thousands of photographs of Lisbon's streets, monuments, landscapes, and events. He donated his collection of photographs to the Museum of Lisbon (Museu de Lisboa), where they are displayed as a testimony of his vision and affection for his hometown.

Fernando Pessa died on April 29, 2002, in Lisbon. He was honored with several awards and tributes for his contribution to Portuguese journalism and culture. He was also remembered by many people who admired him as a journalist and as a person. Fernando Pessa was not only honored by his listeners and his colleagues, but also by the city of Lisbon, which recognized his contribution to its history and culture. In 2004, two years after his death, the city of Lisbon named a garden after him, the Fernando Pessa Garden (Jardim Fernando Pessa). The garden is located in the Areeiro district, near the Avenida de Roma, where Fernando Pessa used to live. The garden has a statue of Fernando Pessa sitting on a bench, holding a microphone and a camera, as if he was still reporting on the city he loved. The garden is a tribute to Fernando Pessa’s legacy and a reminder of his voice and vision.

Fernando Pessa was more than just a journalist; he was a legend and a lover of Lisbon.