Howard Eskin, born on April 29, 1951, is a prominent American sports anchor and radio personality based in Philadelphia. Known for his dynamic presence on both radio and television, Eskin has a storied career spanning over five decades. He began his career in radio as an engineer at WFIL-AM and later transitioned to television in 1982 with KYW-TV. Eskin has broken numerous sports stories and is known for his vibrant and often controversial personality. His work includes contributions to WIP-FM 94.1/WTEL AM 610, WTXF-TV Fox 29, and appearances on the NFL Network and “The Dan Patrick Show”.
Howard Eskin’s Career Highlights
Eskin’s career is marked by significant achievements and a strong presence in Philadelphia sports media. He launched the first sports talk show on WIP in 1986 and was the first to broadcast when the station moved to 94.1FM in 2011. Known for his bold reporting style, Eskin has been involved in various high-profile stories, including a notable interview with reputed mob boss Joey Merlino about Philadelphia Flyer Eric Lindros. Eskin’s impactful reporting and vibrant on-air personality have earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and the Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame.
Howard Eskin’s Personal Life
Howard Eskin is married to Andi Eskin. Despite his public career, Eskin has kept details about his personal life relatively private. The couple has two children: Brett “Spike” Eskin and Jason Eskin. Spike Eskin has followed in his father’s footsteps in the media industry and is currently the Vice President of Programming for WFAN and CBS Sports Radio.
Philanthropy and Activism
Beyond his media career, Howard Eskin is actively involved in philanthropy. He has raised substantial funds for various causes, including the Eagles Autism Foundation, the Brandywine Valley SPCA, and the victims of Hurricane Katrina. His efforts have earned him numerous awards, such as “Man of the Year” by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and “Media Person of the Year” by the March of Dimes.
Controversies and Public Persona
Eskin is no stranger to controversy, often known for his strong opinions and confrontational style. He has had public spats with sports figures and teams, and his critiques have sometimes led to heated exchanges. For instance, he was once involved in a confrontation with Phillies manager Charlie Manuel, which nearly turned physical. Eskin has also faced disciplinary actions, such as his suspension in 2000 for comments about the Miss America pageant and more recently being banned from Citizens Bank Park for an alleged “unwanted advance” toward a female employee.
Legacy and Impact
Howard Eskin’s influence on Philadelphia’s sports media landscape is undeniable. With over 7,000 broadcasts under his belt, he is a fixture in the industry known for his tenacity, charisma, and ability to engage with audiences. His legacy is marked by both his professional accomplishments and his dedication to philanthropy, making him a multifaceted personality in American sports media.
