Italy on Tuesday bade farewell to TV
science popularizer Piero Angela, a national treasure often
likened to Britain's David Attenborough.
The body of Angela, who died Saturday aged 93, lay in state at
the Capitol in Rome Tuesday morning and hundreds of people paid
their respects.
His funeral, which by his wishes will be non-religious, will
take place later Tuesday.
The Turin-born Angela was a television host, science journalist,
writer, and pianist.
He started as a radio reporter, then became a foreign
correspondent, and established himself in the 1960s as the host
of the RAI state broadcaster's main newscast.
He is best known as the creator and presenter of broadcasting
programs modelled on BBC and Attenborough documentaries, to whom
he was often compared, and also for his scientific journalism
published in numerous publications.
His signature, long-running and seminal show Quark began in 1981
and he doubled up with Super Quark due to popular demand in the
1990s.
Angela wrote thirty-three books, which sold over three million
copies, received many honorary degrees, made over sixty
documentaries and hundreds of television episodes, won seven
Telegattos, and eight times won the national television
directing award.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime MInister Mario
Draghi both called him a "great Italian" in their tributes at
the weekend.
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