My friend and colleague Robert Beers, who has died aged 66, will be remembered for his work as an award-winning television correspondent, a documentary producer and latterly as a respected teacher.
Robert was born in Seattle and was undoubtedly influenced in his determination to become a reporter by his uncle William Calhoun Baggs, who edited the Miami News from 1957 to 1969. After a BA in international relations and an MSc in journalism and mass communication at Florida State University (where he eventually returned as a guest lecturer), Robert began his broadcasting career in the early 1970s with CBS. He was their youngest ever bureau chief in Miami, reporting on conflicts in Central and South America, and he was one of the first US journalists to return to Cuba and report on how the country had progressed since the American embargo. His other assignments included three US elections; travelling aboard the presidential plane Air Force One; interviewing Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan; and taking four papal trips with John Paul II.
Robert, who counted the broadcaster Walter Cronkite as a friend and mentor, interviewed leaders including Fidel Castro, Yasser Arafat and Indira Gandhi. His documentaries and special reports gave fascinating insights into the world's hot spots. Their clarity led to dozens of awards including a gold medal at the New York international film festival, for his film Lebanon: After the War Before the Peace, and an Emmy for Russia on Transition.
He was subsequently an executive vice-present with PBS America and worked with the National Education Association. Later he became editorial consultant to the Gleaner newspaper group and the Bermuda Broadcasting Company in the Caribbean, where he was also a contributor to the BBC World Service.
Like many journalists Robert had a mistrust of authority and spin, a dislike of bureaucracy and paperwork. But this consummate professional was a kind, gentle, down-to-earth man who adored travel, films and writers such as John Steinbeck, Ernest Hemingway and John le Carré.
He joined the University of Central Lancashire, Preston, in 2004 and helped to develop the first postgraduate international journalism course in the UK. He was admired and cherished by his students who benefited from his wisdom, humour and insight.
Robert was on the way to India when he died unexpectedly in Istanbul.
His first marriage, to Sandy, was dissolved. Robert is survived by his second wife, Melanie, his daughter, Carrie, his son-in-law, Charlie, stepdaughter, Freya, and granddaughter, Juliette.