Mike Sparrow

Michael Anthony Sparrow (29 November 1948 – 4 January 2005), known as Mike Sparrow, was a producer and presenter for BBC Radio London.

Early life Michael Anthony Sparrow was born on 29 November 1948 in Winchester, Hampshire, to Margaret (née Hartley) and Freddie Sparrow. Sparrow graduated from the University of Cambridge with an MA in History and English.

Career

After graduating, Sparrow worked as a researcher and writer for the Mirror Magazine. He went on to work as a researcher for The Observer Supplement, Cosmopolitan and Angliya, a Russian cultural newspaper. In 1973, Sparrow took over production and presentation of the weekend film programme Close-Up.

Sparrow presented various radio programmes on BBC Radio London including a jazz programme, an afternoon magazine programme and, from 1975, a midday phone-in show Call-In. At the start of 1976, he briefly presented the breakfast programme, Rush Hour, before moving to host a weekday evening an arts and entertainment programme Look, Stop, Listen! from September 1976. In 1978, Sparrow presented Rocks Off!, a weekly programme featuring the best of folk and rock, and in 1979 he presented Weekend What's On. Sparrow also hosted a mid-morning phone in, The Mike Sparrow Telephone Programme from January 1981, and drive-time programmes Not Mike Sparrow's music and Sparrow Over London between 1983 and 1988.''

On 7 October 1988, Radio London closed and was relaunched as Greater London Radio (GLR). The final Radio London programme was presented by Sparrow and Susie Barnes, ending at 7pm. Sparrow was also involved in local community events such as compering charity galas, judging the London Children's Art competition, and attending the Mary Boon School prize-giving in West Kensington where his aunt, Miss Margaret Sparrow, was Headmistress

Death and legacy Sparrow died on 4 January 2005 at his home in Hampstead, London, aged 56. His funeral was held on 20 January 2005 at All Saints Church, Upper Clatford, Andover.