Spackman joined Media in 1981 as editor, while still serving as editor of the Syme Media Enterprises-published Computer-Asia. After three years at Media, Spackman was appointed financial editor of the South China Morning Post, before leaving for the US in the late '80s. The Australian journalist began his career at the Sydney Morning Herald, The Daily Telegraph and the Melbourne Age before coming to Hong Kong, where he worked on the now-defunct papers The Star and the China Mail. He set up the Hong Kong Journalists Association and was one of the founders of the Hong Kong Press Club.
In the US, Spackman spent 16 years with ANG Newspapers.
He is survived by his first wife Maggie and their children Maria and Sophia, and his second wife Liu Ling.
Ex-Media editor Spackman loses fight with cancer
Former Media editor-in-chief John 'Jack' Spackman has passed away aged 70, following a protracted battle with cancer.