Mike Feinsilber fought the epic AP-UPI rivalry from both camps with wit and grace

By CALVIN WOODWARD
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — A veteran of the epic wire service rivalry between The Associated Press and United Press International has died. Mike Feinsilber was 89. Feinsilber knew both sides of that long-fierce competition, first as a reporter for UPI in bureaus from Pennsylvania to Vietnam to Washington, then as a reporter, editor and leader in the AP’s Washington bureau. Colleagues remember Feinsilber for his masterful way with words, mischievous wit and drive to find the humanity in all he covered. Feinsilber’s wife of 55 years says he died at home Monday. Former AP Washington Bureau Chief Sandy Johnson says it was “a huge coup for AP” to hire Feinsilber away from UPI when the wire service rivalry was at its pinnacle.