Radio journalist Leho Männiksoo dies aged 93

Longtime radio journalist Leho Männiksoo died on Sunday, October 18, aged 93, ERR reported. He worked as an editor of children’s and youth programmes at Estonian Radio for nearly three decades.

Born and raised in Rahumäe, Männiksoo began school there. His childhood interests included geography, travel writing, aviation, sport and school theatre. He started working at 17, taking a job as a construction labourer alongside his studies. During his military service, he worked as an interpreter for border troops on Sõrve, on the island of Saaremaa.

Männiksoo graduated in journalism from the University of Tartu in 1972. His thesis was titled “Active formats in the Estonian Radio programme schedule.”

From 1967 to 1996, he worked as an editor of children’s and youth programmes at Estonian Radio. A central focus of his career was helping boys grow into men. He joined the broadcaster around the time the Estonian Radio Boys’ Club was founded and was one of its initiators and leaders.

He organised summer camps for young traffic inspectors and sailors, and helped guide the Estonian Radio Young Reporters’ Club. Those he mentored at the radio station included Kalev Vapper, Ilmar Taska, Olav Osolin, Andres Raid, Jaan Laugamõts and Tiit Terik.

Under Männiksoo’s direction, programmes including “Tormitraavel”, “Raaliklubi”, “Seigad ja seiklused” and “Kiikerkava” reached listeners. He also wrote radio plays and stories. After his radio editing job ended in spring 1996, he made several programmes and series for Vikerraadio, a radio station, until 1998. These included “Kesköömosaik” and “Inimene ja tiivad”, which focused on his interest in aviation.

Later, he was editor and editor-in-chief of Eesti Jahimees, a hunting and nature magazine.

Männiksoo’s funeral will be held on October 23 at 1 p.m. in the ceremonial hall of Memoris funeral home at Valdeku 113. He will be buried at 2 p.m. at Rahumäe Cemetery.