Stan Savran, who spent over 50 years in sports broadcasting capturing Pittsburgh’s transformation into the “City of Champions” has pἀssed away on Monday, June 12, 2023.
His cause of deἀth is not revealed yet officially. Savran had been extremely open about his struggle with lung cἀncer before his deἀth. Rich Walsh of KDKA-TV paid tribute to Stan on Twitter:
Stan Savran was a legend. A true professional but more importantly a great person. Stan was a mentor and a good friend. I’ll miss him dearly.
R.I.P to The Godfather of Pittsburgh sports @StanLoveTheShow pic.twitter.com/Unh8c2lnmC
— Rich Walsh KDKA (@RichieWalsh) June 13, 2023
KDKA-TV’s Bob Pompeani tweeted: “#RIP Stan, You will be missed.”
#RIPStan Savran. One of the very best people I Know 🙏🏻❤️ pic.twitter.com/PvOkgiK7Fx
— Bob Pompeani (@KDPomp) June 13, 2023
The Cleveland native is affectionately referred to as the “Godfather” of Pittsburgh sports. In Pittsburgh, he started his career in radio before transitioning to TV and even working part-time as a newspaper columnist.
Although Savran was born in Cleveland, he moved to Pittsburgh in 1976. He started out at WWSW-AM and afterward moved on to the erstwhile KQV. After that, he worked at WTAE-TV for ten years while concurrently hosting a chat show on the previous WTAE-AM.
Savran conducted pre and post-game shows for the Penguins and Pirates while working for the Steelers. Savran was admitted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame’s Western Chapter in 2003.
However, Savran was most recognized for co-hosting the daily cable program “SportsBeat” from 1991 to 2009 with Guy Junker. The line “Stan, Guy, love the show” was frequently used by callers to start conversations with the program hosts and it stuck around long after the show had stopped.
He most recently served as the host of a weekday chat show on ESPN’s 970. Savran became one of the most respected voices in a congested media environment by fusing his unwavering work ethic almost extensive sports knowledge and outspoken yet direct delivery.
His adaptability allowed him to assume a variety of roles including hosting pre-game shows for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Pittsburgh Penguins as well as hosting an eponymous radio show on multiple occasions.
Savran also served the Pittsburgh Steelers in a variety of ways including on their radio network and as a member of the team’s Hall of Honour committee. In a statement, Steelers President Art Rooney II said:
“He was a gentleman in every way possible and he did so much for our city and Western Pa. with his honest candor and knowledge of all sports, both locally and nationally.”
If you are interested in reading more about Stan Savran check out our prior post:
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