Boston sports radio pioneer Eddie Andelman has died at 89. His family announced the news Monday on social media.
What We Know: Andelman spent 42 years on Boston-area radio airwaves. In 1969, he co-launched Sports Huddle, New England’s first interactive sports talk show. The program ran on WEEI before moving to WHDH, where it aired for 17 years. Over his career, Andelman appeared in roughly 13,000 radio broadcasts and over 1,200 TV commentaries on channels 5 and 7. He’s widely considered as a founding figure of the modern sports radio format.
What They Said: Andelman’s sons Dave, Mike and Dan via social media: “Eddie Andelman was loved by his wife of fifty seven years, worshipped by his sons, and adored by his grandchildren. From humble roots in Dorchester, he went onto great success in business and broadcasting. Some call him the godfather of sports radio. He certainly changed and elevated the sports radio game.”
What Remains Unclear: No memorial service details are unknown.
What It Means: Andelman’s death marks the loss of a true sports radio trailblazer. His Sports Huddle format became, as the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame notes, a blueprint for stations nationwide. Consequently, his influence extends far beyond Boston, shaping an entire industry.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.
