Journalist Léo Batista, a notable figure in Rede Globo’s sports journalism, is hospitalized in serious condition in Rio de Janeiro. At 92 years old, the announcer was admitted to the hospital this week.
Rios D’Or Hospital released a medical bulletin giving details of the journalist’s situation. According to the hospital, the communicator was diagnosed with a tumor in the pancreas after complaining of dehydration and abdominal pain.
“The patient João Batista Belinaso (Léo Batista) was admitted to Rios D’Or Hospital on January 6th, due to dehydration and abdominal pain”, describes the medical bulletin.
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The career of journalist Léo Batista
Rede Globo’s oldest employee, having been with the station since the 1970s, Léo Batista is known as a “remarkable voice”.
Born in Cordeirópolis, in the interior of São Paulo, on July 22, 1932, he began his career on local radio.
He had stints at Rádio Clube de Birigui and Rádio Difusora de Piracicaba, until arriving at Rádio Globo. On the station, he was the first radio host to publicize Getúlio Vargas’ suicide.
After his prominence on global radio, he moved to TV Rio – which would end its activities in 1977. In 1970, he joined Rede Globo and began covering: World Cups, Pan-American Championships, Olympics, among other national events and international.
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Léo Batista still works or has he retired?
Over the years, Léo accumulated participation in different programs on the network, such as Fantástico, Globo Esporte, Esporte Espectacular and Jornal Nacional.
Despite his advanced age, the journalist does not need retirement.
— The other day I was imagining the time when I can no longer go on the station and talk to my friends. I avoid thinking about it. I want to continue doing my work. Unless they think I’m too old, that I’m already stuttering. (laughs) As long as God gives me a voice and health and TV Globo wants me to, I will continue — he declared, in an interview.
There are more than 77 years dedicated to journalism.
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