Legendary sports commentator and journalist Mike Gibson dies aged 75

[rhugh89]

Legendary sports commentator and journalist Mike Gibson dies aged 75


6 minutes ago
The Daily Telegraph


Mike Gibson has passed away

LEGENDARY sports commentator and journalist Mike Gibson has passed away aged 75.

“Gibbo” as he was affectionately known passed away this morning.

He lived on the NSW Central Coast.

A multi-award winning journalist, Gibson hosted the popular Back Page programme from 1997 to 2012 alongside comedian Billy Birmingham who famously impersonated “Gibbo” in one of his early recordings “The Wired World of Sports.”

In his 16 years as host he recorded 720 episodes.

Mike Gibson was a celebrated journalist, broadcaster and commentator.

Alongside former Australian cricket captain Ian Chappell, Gibson was the inaugural host of Saturday afternoon programme Wide World of Sports which propelled him to national fame following its launch in 1981.

Gibson was a well known figure on Sydney’s lower north shore.

His hangouts included the skiff club at Kirribilli, the Oaks at Neutral Bay and the Mosman Rowers.

He loved horse racing and was a regular at the track.

At the Daily Telegraph he was a mentor to numerous journalists - from sport and news.

His love of sport was both endearing and engaging and he was a popular columnist and TV figure renown for his plain speaking.


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...son-dies-aged-75/story-fni2flhh-1227540552291

 

[IanG]

Lost another icon this year

 

[rhugh89]

Vale Mike Gibson

NRL.com

Rugby League fans are today mourning the loss of one of the game's most celebrated broadcasters and commentators, Mike Gibson, who has passed away aged 75 on Wednesday.

"Gibbo", as he was affectionately known, was a host of television shows Wide World of Sports and The Back Page, as well as a journalist with The Daily Telegraph.

He will be remembered as a passionate journalist and commentator across a number of platforms, according to NRL Head of Football Todd Greenberg.

"Mike had a wonderful turn of phrase and his passion for sport and for Rugby League was always clear," Mr Greenberg said.

"He was at the forefront of sports broadcasting. His incredible knowledge wasn't restricted to Rugby League – he had a great affection for our game but he also had a great affection for other sports commentary as well.

"His style was unique and brought incredible colour to any occasion.

"And his love of the North Sydney Bears was legendary. Sport will miss him."


http://www.nrl.com/vale-mike-gibson/tabid/10874/newsid/90060/default.aspx