Hale Sparks; Ex-Chief of UC Broadcasting

Hale Sparks, former head of broadcasting for the University of California and host of two network radio educational programs, has died. He was 89.

Sparks, who retired in 1971, died Nov. 13 in San Antonio of a heart attack, said retired UCLA public information director Chandler Harris.

Sparks’ two programs, “The University Explorer” and “Science Editor,” were heard locally over KNX-AM (1070) and nationally on the CBS radio network.

A graduate of UCLA, Sparks began his career at UC Berkeley, where he originated “The University Explorer.” He plumbed the far reaches of UC for topics ranging from the atom bomb 10 years before it became reality to the sound of termites chewing on a frame house.

His on-air tenure was interrupted by World War II, during which he served as a Navy lieutenant with the Office of War Information and as an admiral’s staff news commentator on Saipan and Guam.

In 1948, Sparks moved his base as UC director of broadcasting to UCLA, and “The University Explorer” moved with him. The innovative program continued to explore topics that ranged from Gypsies to narcotics addiction to the search for the biblical city of Gath.

That year he also created “Science Editor,” which earned him a Peabody Award in 1963.

“The program is designed to help the public keep up with the fast-changing world of science and technology.”

Sparks also earned awards from Edison, Ohio State University and the Freedom Foundation. In 1972 he won the Professional Achievement Award from the UCLA Alumni Assn.

After his retirement, Sparks lived in Guadalajara, Mexico, and then moved to San Antonio.

He is survived by his wife, Josie; a son, Ty Sparks of Canadian, Texas; and a daughter, Holly Brickner of Sacramento.

The family has asked that any memorial contributions be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.