Howard Eskin exits WIP with a complex legacy and unanswered questions

Controversial and combative sports talk-radio pioneer Howard Eskin and 94-WIP finally parted ways Friday. No reason was given.

A spokesperson for Audacy, the parent company of WIP, said in a statement, “WIP and Howard Eskin have parted ways. We thank Howard for his years of contributions to WIP.”

Eskin, a multimedia personality both nationally and locally, helped build the station and the genre over the past four decades ... for better or worse.

While many Philadelphians appreciated Eskin’s gruff delivery and his biting criticisms, his bullying manner and shameless self-promotion — he calls himself “The King” — rubbed legions of others the wrong way.

He was involved in a long list of feuds and misdeeds, most recently his suspension from Phillies and Sixers events after he made an unwanted advance toward a female Aramark employee at Citizens Bank Park in May.

I wrote at the time that WIP, where Eskin lately worked as a part-time contributor, as well as the Flyers and Eagles, should follow suit. They did not.

» READ MORE: Howard Eskin barred from Citizens Bank Park following unwanted advance toward an Aramark employee

As a Philly sportswriter for the past 30 years, and as a part-time colleague of Eskin’s at WIP for the past four years, I’ve seen his star rise and fall and rise again. And since I addressed the departure of WIP morning host Angelo Cataldi when he retired in February of 2023, I believe I also should address Eskin’s exit.

Eskin was, and is, a well-connected reporter. He always has worked extremely hard. He asks tough questions. Unlike most radio jocks, if he rips a player, coach, or executive, he eventually will present himself to the target of his enmity in case said target takes issue with him; just ask Charlie Manuel.

Let’s leave it at that.