Who is Howard Eskin? Howard Eskin is a legendary sports broadcaster, television personality, and radio host who has shaped Philadelphia's sports media for over four decades. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Eskin graduated from Northeast High School in 1968. He began his career as an engineer at WFIL-AM and transitioned to television in 1982, joining KYW-TV as a sports anchor. Eskin launched the first-ever sports talk show on SportsRadio 610 WIP in 1986, marking a significant milestone in sports radio. Known for his relentless work ethic, Eskin has broadcast nearly 7,000 shows on WIP and continues to be a prominent figure in Philadelphia sports media.
Key Takeaways:
- Howard Eskin, a Philadelphia sports icon, has hosted over 7,000 shows on WIP, breaking numerous sports stories and earning the nickname "The King" from Pete Rose.
- Eskin's relentless pursuit of stories and philanthropic efforts have left a lasting mark on sports journalism, inspiring future broadcasters and making a positive impact on his community.
Early Life and Education
Howard Eskin's journey into sports broadcasting began in Philadelphia, where he was born and raised.
- Howard Eskin was born in Philadelphia and graduated from Northeast High School in 1968.
Career in Radio
Eskin's career in radio set the foundation for his future success in sports media.
- Eskin began his career in radio as an engineer at WFIL-AM (Famous 56) under late night disc jockey George Michael.
Transition to Television
Eskin made a significant shift from radio to television, expanding his influence in sports media.
- In 1982, Eskin transitioned from radio to television, joining KYW-TV as a sports anchor.
Launch of Sports Talk on WIP
Eskin played a pivotal role in the creation of sports talk radio in Philadelphia.
- In 1986, Eskin launched the first-ever sports talk show on SportsRadio 610 WIP, marking the beginning of the station's full-time sports radio format.
Switch to 94.1 FM
Eskin continued to innovate in the radio industry with a major frequency switch.
- When the station switched its dial position to 94.1 FM in 2011, Eskin's show was the first on the air.
Broadcasting Milestones
Eskin's dedication to his craft is evident in the sheer number of shows he has hosted.
- Eskin has broadcast nearly 7,000 shows on WIP, more than any other sports talker in the country.
Current Role at WIP
Eskin remains a prominent figure on WIP, continuing to engage sports fans.
- Today, Eskin hosts the top-rated Saturday morning talk show on SportsRadio 94 WIP and frequently appears on air throughout the week.
Philadelphia Eagles Coverage
Eskin's involvement with the Philadelphia Eagles has been a highlight of his career.
- He co-hosts the station’s Eagles pre-game shows and serves as a sideline reporter for the Philadelphia Eagles radio broadcasts.
Super Bowl Experience
Eskin's career reached a pinnacle with the Eagles' Super Bowl win.
- Eskin ranks being on the air from the field during the Eagles' legendary 2018 Super Bowl win as the best experience of his storied sports broadcasting career.
Local Media Recognition
Eskin's hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed by local media.
- Dubbed the market’s "hardest working sportscaster" by local media for his eternal hustle on the job, Eskin has broken more sports stories than any one broadcaster in the Philadelphia market.
Multi-Media Personality
Eskin's versatility has allowed him to excel across various media platforms.
- In addition to his dominant radio presence, Eskin has excelled as a multi-media personality throughout his career. He has appeared on local television, national radio shows, and even the NFL Network.
Television Career Highlights
Eskin's television career is marked by significant achievements and contributions.
- Eskin first made the transition from radio to television in 1982 when he joined CBS 3 (KYW-TV). He broke a major story less than four months into his TV career, reporting that Eagles owner Leonard Tose was planning to sell and move the team out of town.
KYW-TV Contributions
Eskin's work at KYW-TV had a lasting impact on the Philadelphia sports scene.
- One of his managers at KYW even credits Eskin with keeping the Eagles in Philadelphia. "If Howard had not stepped in when he did, Leonard Tose would have snuck the Eagles out of town," says Frank Traynor.
Launch of Fox29’s Ten O’Clock News
Eskin helped establish a new news program that became a staple for viewers.
- Later, Eskin helped launch Fox29’s (WTXF-TV) Ten O’Clock News as part of its original anchor team in 1986.
Return to KYW-TV and WCAU-TV
Eskin's career saw him return to familiar stations, continuing his impactful work.
- Eskin rejoined KYW-TV in 1992 and then moved to WCAU-TV in 1996 where he hosted the station’s Sunday night sports show, Sports Final.
Current Role at Fox29
Eskin remains active in television, particularly during football season.
- In 2012, he rejoined FOX29 where he remains a host during football season.
Contributions to National Programs
Eskin's expertise has been sought after by national programs.
- Eskin has been a contributor to the George Michael Sports Machine on NBC and co-hosted a nationally-syndicated radio show, Let’s Talk Sports.
Columnist and Commentator
Eskin's insights have been featured in print and on various programs.
- He has also written a column for the Philadelphia Daily News and been called on for his opinions by diverse programs such as NBC’s Today Show and PBS’s MacNeil Lehrer Newshour.
Philanthropic Efforts
Eskin has used his platform to support numerous charitable causes.
- Throughout his career, Eskin has used his celebrity to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities, including The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, The Terri Lynne Lykoff Child Care Foundation, The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and The National Multiple Sclerosis Society through sales of his own signature bobble head.
Awards and Honors
Eskin's contributions have been recognized with various awards.
- The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society named him "Man of the Year" in 2002, and the March of Dimes named Eskin its "Media Person of the Year" in 2003.
Inductions into Halls of Fame
Eskin's achievements have earned him a place in multiple halls of fame.
- In 2007, Eskin was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. In 2010, he received the March of Dimes prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for Achievement in Radio. In 2012, he was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers' Hall of Fame. In 2014, he was inducted into the Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.
Signature Greeting
Eskin's positive outlook is encapsulated in his signature greeting.
- Eskin’s signature greeting is “never had a bad day in my life,” which reflects his positive and energetic approach to his career.
National Television Appearances
Eskin's reach extends beyond local media to national television.
- Eskin has appeared frequently on national television programs, including The Dan Patrick Show, which is broadcast nationally on radio and TV.
NFL Network Contributions
Eskin's expertise is regularly featured on the NFL Network.
- He is a weekly contributor to the NFL Network and has also appeared as a commentator on FOX News.
Sports Icon
Eskin's nickname and reputation highlight his status in sports media.
- Nicknamed “The King” by Pete Rose, Eskin is a local sports icon who has been instrumental in the sports talk revolution in Philadelphia.
Current Roles
Eskin continues to be a prominent figure in sports broadcasting.
- Eskin currently serves as sports anchor and host of Sports Sunday and Game Day Live for FOX29 in Philadelphia. He also serves as sideline reporter for the Eagles broadcast on SportsRadio 94 WIP.
Community Involvement
Eskin's commitment to his community is evident in his charitable work.
- Eskin is deeply involved in his community, using his platform to raise awareness and funds for various charitable causes. His philanthropic efforts have made a significant impact on local organizations.
Legacy in Sports Journalism
Eskin's relentless pursuit of stories has left a lasting mark on sports journalism.
- Eskin’s legacy in sports journalism is marked by his ability to break stories and stir public opinion. His relentless pursuit of information has earned him recognition as one of the hardest-working sportscasters in the industry.
Impact on Local Radio
Eskin's pioneering work in sports talk radio set new standards.
- The launch of the first-ever sports talk show on WIP in 1986, which Eskin hosted, had a profound impact on local radio. It set a new standard for sports talk programming and paved the way for future generations of sports broadcasters.
Television Anchoring Experience
Eskin's anchoring roles have honed his skills as a versatile broadcaster.
- Eskin’s experience as an anchor on various television stations, including KYW-TV, WCAU-TV, and FOX29, has been instrumental in shaping his career. His ability to anchor high-profile news programs has honed his skills as a versatile broadcaster.
Radio Show Contributions
Eskin's work on national radio shows has expanded his influence.
- In addition to his television work, Eskin has co-hosted a nationally-syndicated radio show, Let’s Talk Sports. This experience has further solidified his position as a leading voice in sports media.
Local Television Contributions
Eskin's presence on local television has been a constant for sports fans.
- Eskin’s contributions to local television are extensive. He has been part of several groundbreaking programs, including the launch of Fox29’s Ten O’Clock News. His presence on local airwaves has been a constant, providing sports enthusiasts with reliable and engaging coverage.
National Recognition
Eskin's work has earned him national attention and respect.
- Eskin’s work has not gone unnoticed nationally. He has appeared on various national programs, including The Dan Patrick Show and the NFL Network. This exposure has further cemented his status as a prominent figure in sports broadcasting.
Philanthropic Initiatives
Eskin's charitable efforts have made a significant impact.
- Through the sales of his signature bobble head doll, Eskin has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities. This initiative reflects his commitment to giving back to the community and using his platform for good.
Legacy and Impact
Eskin's influence continues to inspire future generations of broadcasters.
- Howard Eskin’s legacy extends beyond his impressive career milestones. He has inspired a new generation of sports broadcasters and continues to be a beloved figure in Philadelphia sports media. His dedication, hard work, and passion for storytelling have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Howard Eskin: A Philadelphia Sports Legend
Howard Eskin's career in sports broadcasting is nothing short of legendary. From his early days as a radio engineer to becoming a household name in Philadelphia sports media, Eskin has left an indelible mark. Launching the first-ever sports talk show on WIP in 1986, he revolutionized local sports radio. His work spans radio, television, and even national programs, showcasing his versatility and dedication.
Eskin's contributions go beyond broadcasting. His philanthropic efforts have raised significant funds for local charities, reflecting his commitment to the community. Recognized with numerous awards and hall of fame inductions, Eskin's legacy is cemented in both sports journalism and philanthropy.
Whether breaking major sports stories or engaging with fans on air, Howard Eskin's impact is undeniable. His relentless pursuit of excellence and passion for sports continue to inspire and entertain, making him a true icon in Philadelphia sports media.
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