Philadelphia is mourning the loss of one of its most trusted voices. Harry Donahue, the longtime KYW Newsradio anchor and Temple University sports broadcaster, passed away Wednesday at the age of 77 after a battle with cancer, Audacy confirmed.
For nearly four decades, Donahue’s calm, authoritative tone guided Philadelphians through the city’s breaking news, weather updates, and morning commutes. He joined KYW Newsradio as a freelance reporter in 1974 and became an anchor in 1979, serving in that role until his retirement in 2014 — a career spanning 35 years that made him one of the most familiar voices in Philadelphia broadcasting.
“For decades, Harry’s voice was the definition of Philadelphia news,” said David Yadgaroff, senior vice president and market manager for Audacy Philadelphia. “He embodied professionalism, passion, and trust — the very heart of our newsroom.”
A Philadelphia native and graduate of St. Joseph’s Prep, Donahue was also a major presence in the city’s sports scene. For more than 20 years, he called Temple football and basketball games on both TV and radio, becoming the voice of countless Owl memories. Temple University honored him in a statement, calling him “a Philadelphia broadcasting legend whose passion brought Temple Athletics to fans across the city and beyond.”
Beyond Temple, Donahue’s career was as versatile as it was accomplished. He hosted Inside Golf on Comcast SportsNet, contributed to NFL Films for 15 years, and lent his voice to Philadelphia Eagles preseason games, Atlantic 10 basketball, and 76ers broadcasts. His deep connection to sports earned him a place in the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2000.
Donahue’s award-winning reporting included coverage of the Philadelphia Phillies’ 1980 World Series victory, which earned him two Associated Press Awards. His blend of professionalism and warmth left a mark not just on listeners, but on the entire broadcasting community.
His passing comes on the same day as another Philadelphia radio legend, Pierre Robert, marking a somber week for local media.
Harry Donahue’s legacy — a voice synonymous with credibility, kindness, and community — will long echo through the airwaves he helped define.
