Obituary: Michael Sposito

Born in Winnipeg, Canada, Sposito studied journalism and then worked with radio stations before joining Visnews in London, becoming bureau chief for South Africa at the age of 28.

After South Africa, he spent three years in Israel as bureau chief where he covered the Intifada and hired Palestinians to gain access to Gaza. When Reuters acquired Visnews he continued to provide coverage of events in the Middle East and Europe. He also reported from Afghanistan during the Soviet invasion, the first Gulf War, wars in Kosovo and Bosnia, and events in Kurdistan, before landing in Rome as bureau chief.

On leaving Reuters to write short stories, screenplays and novels, Sposito also continued to freelance for Reuters and the Associated Press in Kosovo and Macedonia.

Stephen Claypole said: “Mike was one of the best journalists ever to work at the Visnews (later Reuters Television) agency. I watched him admiringly as the Head of News there between 1988 and 1994. He was courageous, compassionate and a notable leader of hard-pressed staff in the field. He was an intuitive newsman who sometimes seemed to have the capacity to think around corners. The word charisma hardly began to describe his personal qualities. He was serious about everything he did but at the same time a great deal of fun.”

Sposito died on 11 July. Following cremation his ashes were laid in Palestrina. ■