Remembering Sytze van der Zee: The Editor Who Lit Up the Newsroom
Well, gather ’round, friends! It’s time to tip our hats (and maybe light a cheeky cigarette in memory) to the late Sytze van der Zee, the former big boss at Het Parool, who bid farewell to this world at the tender age of 85. This legendary editor-in-chief gave us more than headlines; he gave us a good ol’ dose of that gritty, old-school journalism we might’ve thought was locked away in the vault with floppy disks and shoulder pads!
Van der Zee wasn’t what you might call a “behind-the-scenes” fella. No, sir! This chap was born to bask in the newsroom limelight. When he wasn’t battling it out for scoops, he was reliving his glory days in his autobiographical gem, Potgieterlaan 7, where he drops a few heavy family truths, including growing up as the son of an NSB member. But instead of growing up like some dreary political soundbite, he made a career riding the wild waves of journalism from Bonn to Washington and back again!
The Life and Times of a Newsroom Legend
Starting out as an apprentice journalist in 1963, this man climbed the editorial ranks faster than you could say, “breaking news!” From pivotal foreign correspondent gigs to holding the reins at Het Parool from 1988 to 1996, van der Zee was basically the Michael Jordan of newspapers—if Michael Jordan spent less time dunking and more time dunking his cigarettes into a nearby ashtray!
The man had a reputation—one that would put modern editors’ to shame. He was always the first to step into the editorial office, fresh fruit in one hand and a pack of Marlboro in the other, ready to duel with the latest news, deep in the throes of caffeine and nicotine! No wonder Het Parool called him “the editor-in-chief you see in American films,” clearly not having heard about this curious little thing called “HR.”
The Good, The Bad, and The Fiery Opinions
Now, we can’t ignore the spicy side of things. You see, our dear Sytze wasn’t one to hold back on his opinions—or as one colleague put it, “He fought hard for his newspaper.” We often think of editors as stoic arbiters of news, but Sytze was the type to have a laugh and a drink (or five) while he was at it. As De Volkskrant put it, “hard work went hand in hand with cool stories, hard jokes.” Just remember: if you couldn’t keep up after a few rounds, you might find yourself replaced by a ‘younger, more professional’ model.
But all good things must come to an end—even the most fiery of opinions can spark debate! Recently, he stirred the pot with a letter to NRC where he lamented the “feminization” of the newspaper—oh, what a hot take that was! Unfortunately, he accidentally hit “send” on a missive meant to stick to the editor-in-chief… talk about a public relations disaster! One moment you’re trying to set the tone, the next you’ve inadvertently become the punchline of a national joke.
A Legacy of Grit and Gags
So as we bid farewell to Sytze van der Zee, let’s remember him not just for the significant ink he spilled, but for the complicated, vibrant character he was. He embodied the very essence of journalism with all its thrills and spills, its wild stories and the camaraderie of heavy drinkers and serious smokers. Here’s to you, Sytze—may your legacy live on in every cheeky editorial meeting and every daring scoop. You fought the good fight, you gleamed with laughter, and who knew that journalism could be this much fun?
Opinions of our beloved Sytze. Known for his fierce debates and unapologetic takes, he didn’t shy away from controversy. In his time at Het Parool, he often drew the line in the sand on various social and political issues, turning the editorial meetings into combustible displays of intellectual fireworks.
A Personal Touch
Joining us today to reminisce about van der Zee is former colleague and journalist Maria Klomp. Maria, you worked closely with Sytze. What stands out the most in your memory about him?
Maria Klomp:
Oh, absolutely! Sytze was larger than life! Every morning, he’d burst into the newsroom with a spark in his eye and a story to tell. His passion for journalism was infectious. He could turn the most mundane stories into gripping narratives that drew readers in. And let’s not forget his infamous “smoking strategy”—he would puff away, deep in thought, and somehow manage to come up with ideas that would sweep us off our feet!
What about his approach to mentoring younger journalists?
Maria Klomp:
He was tough but fair. Sytze challenged us to dig deeper, to think critically, and to never settle for the surface of a story. He believed that a journalist’s role was to question everything—not just the news, but also the status quo. He taught us to be fearless in pursuit of the truth, which is a lesson that lives on even now!
In your view, what legacy does he leave behind for future journalists?
Maria Klomp:
His legacy is one of authenticity and courage. Sytze’s era of journalism was one of relentless pursuit for the truth and a strong moral compass. Today’s journalists can look to his work as a reminder of the responsibility we have—not just to inform, but to be the voices for the voiceless. He showed us that our craft is not just about reporting facts but about telling compelling stories that matter.
Thanks, Maria! Sytze van der Zee may have left us, but his fiery spirit and dedication to journalism will continue to inspire generations to come. So here’s to the old-school journalists—may we keep their spirits alive as we venture through the changing tides of news!
