Say what you want about Howard Eskin, but when you think sports broadcasting in Philly, he is one of the names that comes to mind. After being off radio for a couple months, Eskin announced he is launching a podcast.
I have always hated the sports talk radio bit "Mount Rushmore", where you pick the top four things in a certain category. But I'll use it here anyway. My Mount Rushmore of Philly sports talk radio is Eskin, Mike Missanelli (he and Howard would have to be on opposite ends), Angelo Cataldi, and the late, great Steve Fredericks.
Howard abruptly retired from 94 WIP back in December. Shortly thereafter, allegations surfaced about a confrontation with a female Audacy employee. Eskin denied the allegations on social media. This came after the alleged inappropriate actions at Citizens Bank Park with a female Aramark employee. Of course I cannot condone what he was accused of, but I am not here to pass judgement. I have no clue what happened or did not happen in either situation.
I know Howard wasn't nice to everyone. But I can only talk about how he was to me. I was only in his company a handful of times, including a couple times doing Sports Updates during his afternoon show on what was then 610 WIP. Howard was always nice to me. When I did the updates on his show, I introduced myself to him, and he said to me, "nice to meet you. you sound pretty good". That meant a lot. More recently, I would see him sometimes in the Audacy headquarters at 2400 Market Street. Prior to the pandemic, I did weekends at B101, which is a sister station to WIP. I did Saturdays from 9a-2p. Howard did Saturdays 8a-10a on WIP, and when he wasn't broadcasting from The Borgata in Atlantic City, he would be in the studio. I would see him when I went to get coffee...or grab a Tastykake outside the WIP air studio. WIP is in the "Tastykake studios", and they have about 5 shelves of Tastykakes that are constantly supplied. My lack of willpower not withstanding, the point is, Howard was always great to me.
When I was in 7th grade at Klinger Jr. High in Southampton, I had an assignment to write a letter...yes, an actual letter...to someone in the industry I wanted to work in. So I sent a letter to Howard at Channel 29. He sent me back an autographed picture.
When I got my TV show on PHL17, Sports Scene, I posted that pic on Twitter, and Howard posted a really nice response. He complimented my drive and hard work, and wished me continued success. As someone who always dreamed of being on TV and radio, that meant the world. And I never forgot it.
So one good turn deserves another. I want to wish Howard well with his new podcast. He built sports talk radio in Philly, and I think his voice still needs to be heard. Looking forward to the first episode. And hey Howard...I do a podcast too. You're invited on anytime. Meanwhile, all the best!