Behind the Mic: Pittsburgh’s Memorable Sportscasters

Honoring Pittsburgh’s Sports Broadcasting Legends: “Behind the Mic” Celebrates Iconic Voices

Tom Rooney vividly remembers the aroma of Bard’s Dairyland filling his senses while he diligently served customers, yet his ears were tuned to something far more captivating. The crackle of the transistor radio broadcasting Penguins games, brought to life by the legendary Ed Conway, became the soundtrack of his teenage years. For many Pittsburgh natives, Rooney’s experience resonates deeply – local sports broadcasting voices served as the portal to countless cherished memories.

Driven by this shared nostalgia, Rooney teamed up with Monroeville author David Finoli, a fellow champion of Pittsburgh’s broadcasting legacy, to craft a tribute to these iconic figures. The result: “Behind the Mic,” a heartfelt homage to Pittsburgh’s legendary sports broadcasters, set to hit shelves in late March.

“I grew up listening to these voices, and you could truly feel the passion as they wove tales and called the game,” Finoli explains. “I don’t no if any other city can boast three phenomenal play-by-play announcers like Myron Cope, bob Prince, and Mike Lange.” His enthusiasm is infectious, echoing the sentiments of countless Pittsburgh sports fans who experienced the magic of live broadcasts through these iconic voices.

For generations raised before widespread television coverage, local radio broadcasts were the primary window to their beloved teams. As Finoli aptly states, “When I was younger, there were onyl a handful of Pirate games on TV during the year, so hearing Bob Prince describe the action really made for a splendid time.” Prince’s unique style and the unforgettable memories he ignited are a testament to the power of storytelling through radio.

Adding a layer of historical insight, Rooney, a member of the renowned Rooney family, known for their stewardship of the Pittsburgh Steelers, contributed his expertise. The book profiles pivotal figures like Joe Tucker, the Steelers’ inaugural announcer, and Ray Goss, a broadcasting titan whose voice has resonated through Duquesne basketball for nearly six decades. “They called Joe ‘The Screamer,’ a genuinely keen guy who loved that nickname,” Rooney shares. Having interviewed Tucker’s grandson and nephew, Rooney offers a unique viewpoint and depth to these captivating narratives.

Rooney’s profound connection to Pittsburgh’s history ignited a desire to honor these voices. He envisioned a dedicated wing at the Heinz History Center showcasing Pittsburgh’s media personalities. While that vision remains in advancement,”Behind the mic” stands as a powerful tribute to their contributions and a heartfelt ode to the magic they created.

“It’s a way to honor their contributions and create a hall of fame for our local broadcasters,” Finoli emphasizes. The book is his 44th, nearly all focused on local Western Pennsylvania stories and personalities, underscoring his unwavering commitment to preserving and celebrating his hometown’s rich cultural tapestry.

“Behind the Mic” is available through Finoli’s publishing company, 21-66books.com, and Amazon.com.

What role do you think social media plays in modern sports broadcasting?

Archyde Exclusive:⁣ An Interview with Pittsburgh Sports broadcasting icon, Jenna Harner

A Pittsburgh Icon: Jenna Harner on Sports, Social Justice, and Inspiring the Next Generation

Jenna Harner, the vibrant voice behind Channel 11 Sports on WPXI, is more than just a familiar face on Pittsburgh screens. Her passion for sports, her commitment to social justice, and her genuine connection with the community have made her a true icon in the local sports broadcasting scene.Growing up in Pittsburgh, Harner was immersed in the city’s love for sports. “My dad used to take me to Pirates and Steelers games, and we’d listen to hockey on the radio,” she recalls. “Ed Conway’s voice was synonymous with Penguins games back then,and I distinctly remember trying to catch glimpses of the games while helping out at our family’s north Side store.”

This early exposure sparked a lifelong passion that eventually led her to a career in sports journalism. Inspired by legendary broadcasters like Ed Conway,Myron Cope,and Bill Hillgrove,she honed her skills and developed a unique style that resonated with audiences. Today, she stands alongside other WPXI greats like alby Oxenreiter and Bob Pompeani, constantly learning and evolving as a storyteller.

However,Harner’s work extends far beyond simply covering games. She is a strong advocate for social justice and believes in using her platform to shed light on important issues. “Sports have always been a reflection of society,” she explains, “and I believe it’s our obligation as journalists to shine a light on both the amazing athletic feats *and* the social issues that intersect with sports. I’ve witnessed firsthand how powerful athletes’ voices can be in driving change, and I want to use my platform to amplify those voices and educate young people about social justice.”

This commitment to social impact has made Harner a trailblazer in the industry. She is a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in sports broadcasting and provides invaluable advice to aspiring broadcasters from underrepresented communities.

“Believe in yourself and your unique perspective,” she encourages. “Don’t be discouraged by the lack of representation you might see. Push for diversity, whether it’s through internships, mentorships, or even creating your own content. Journalism benefits from a variety of voices, and we need to continue fighting for that.”

Jenna Harner’s story is an inspiring testament to the power of passion, dedication, and a commitment to using one’s voice for good. As she continues to shape the landscape of Pittsburgh sports broadcasting, she serves as a role model and a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and equitable future.

What role does social media play in Erin Clark’s successful broadcasting career?

Archyde Exclusive: An Interview with Pittsburgh Sports Broadcasting Rising Star, erin Clark

Archyde, January 23, 2025

In the realm of sports broadcasting, where legendary voices like Myron Cope and Bob Prince once reigned, a new generation is emerging, led by the likes of Erin Clark. A University of Pittsburgh graduate, Clark is making waves in the male-dominated field, bringing her unique viewpoint and passion to the airwaves.Archyde had the pleasure of sitting down with clark to discuss her journey,the evolution of sports broadcasting,and the role of social media in the modern landscape.

Archyde (A): Erin, thank you for joining us today. you’ve had an impressive start to your career, from interviewing Pitt football legends to hosting the Panther Choice Awards. What sparked your interest in sports broadcasting?

Erin Clark (EC): Thank you for having me. Growing up, I was always surrounded by sports, thanks to my family’s love for them.I remember listening to games on the radio with my grandfather,and the way the broadcasters brought the action to life was captivating. I wanted to do that – to share my passion for sports and create those same memories for others.

A: Your time at Pitt has certainly provided invaluable experience. How has your university shaped your broadcasting journey?

EC: Pitt has been astonishing.The opportunities I’ve had here, from hosting shows on WPTS Radio to covering games for Pitt Athletics, have been invaluable. I’ve learned so much from my professors and mentors, and the support from the Pitt community has been truly humbling.

A: Speaking of support, social media has become a notable platform for broadcasters like yourself. How do you think social media has changed the sports broadcasting landscape?

EC: Social media has fully transformed the way we consume and interact with sports content.For broadcasters,it’s a powerful tool for engagement. We can connect directly with our audience, share behind-the-scenes looks, and even gather feedback. It’s also democratized the industry in a way, allowing new voices to be heard and seen.

A: That’s an interesting point. How have you used social media to connect with your audience and grow as a broadcaster?

EC: I’ve used platforms like Twitter and Instagram to share my journey,from game coverage to studio shows. I’ve also started a podcast, “Swish Sisters,” with a fellow female sports broadcaster, where we discuss everything from game analysis to industry trends. Social media has been crucial in promoting that and engaging with our listeners.

A: Your podcast, “Swish Sisters,” is a great example of how broadcasters are adapting to the digital age. What advice would you give to aspiring sports broadcasters looking to make their mark in this era?

EC: First, be authentic.Find your voice and use it. don’t be afraid to be different. Also, embrace the digital world. Start your own podcast, create a blog, or build a following on social media. The more you can showcase your skills and personality, the better. Lastly,network. Reach out to broadcasters you admire, attend industry events, and never stop learning.

A: Wise words from someone who’s already making quite the name for herself. Thank you, Erin, for sharing your insights and experiences with Archyde.

EC: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to see what the future holds, both for myself and for sports broadcasting as a whole.

In a world where legendary broadcasters like those profiled in “Behind the Mic” once reigned,Erin Clark and her peers are forging a new path,one tweet,Instagram post,and podcast episode at a time. As the sports broadcasting landscape continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: the passion and dedication of these new voices ensure that the magic of live sports coverage will endure for generations to come.