Fred Honsberger, long-time radio talk show host, dies (KDKA Pittsburgh RW'er)

[RamboLiberal]

Longtime KDKA-AM radio talk host Fred Honsberger died this morning. He was 58.

The station reported that Mr. Honsberger died at home following a lengthy battle with medical issues.

Mr. Honsberger had hosted afternoons on the station since Jan. 5, 2009. His last show was Dec. 8.

"The NEWSRADIO 1020 KDKA family is deeply saddened to learn that Fred has passed away," said Michael Young, senior vice president and market manager for CBS Radio in Pittsburgh. "Fred truly loved the Pittsburgh area, the KDKA listeners and his colleagues at the station. His immense passion and the enjoyment and pride he took in preparing and producing his shows will be greatly missed."

Mr. Honsberger celebrated 30 years on KDKA this year. He joined the station in 1979 as a news reporter. He later worked as news director and, in 1989, launched a daily talk show.



Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09350/1021265-100.stm#ixzz0Zs5m1PKY

For those who don't know Pittsburgh radio, Honsberger was a conservative Rush wannabee talker. Kind of an institution on KDKA.

[spinbaby]

1. I hate to see anyone die before their time

But I can't say I'll miss him.

[RamboLiberal]

2. You echo my feelings

I wanted him off the radio, but I was hoping he'd retire. Sorry he's dead but I won't miss him on the radio. Of course KDKA will just replace him with another RW'er, local or syndicated I bet.

I had to turn him off - especially during the election cause he endangered my blood pressure.

[jschurchin]

3. I really will miss Fred.

Although I rarely saw eye to eye with him, he made me think about my position on issues. It was interesting to debate with someone, who could actually debate.

God bless his family, my sincere condolences to them.

[yasmina27]

4. I'll miss him

I rarely agreed with him, but his arguments always made me think - to clarify and solidify my own arguments.

Some days he just stuck to his RW talking points, particularly during the election. Other days, he expressed his own views, particularly in support of teachers whenever a local district went on strike.

Who knows? Maybe they'll give a spot to Lynn Cullen, or give more time to Rick Bergman. Hey, one can always hope!

[RamboLiberal]

5. I doubt they'd put a liberal in his spot

They skew way right. My bet is they move Pintek in to that slot and pick someone new for an evening slot. Maybe they could hire Mike Romigh back for his old slot at night. Just please don't bring back Steigerwald (yuck - stick to sports), Round Mound of Dung Kevin Miller, or BORING and RW nut Dmitri. Chris Moore took over Honsberger's old TV show (which originally Lynn Cullen originated before she decided a TV and radio show were too much) - I'd like to see him get a weekday gig on KD.

Only time I listened to Honsberger anymore was in the car - and then if he made my blood pressure rise I'd switch over to an Audio book.

I'm sorry Honzman is gone, occasionally I'd agree with him and he did have talent. But he should've called it quits when he was in ill health for awhile.

[yasmina27]

6. Oh I agree

but it is, afterall, the season of hope!

[livetohike]

7. My sympathy to his family and friends

Although I could hardly listen to his show for more than 10 minutes, we did agree on one thing. He didn't think much of Sarah Palin.

I would love to see Chris Moore pick up his time slot, or Lynn Cullen of course.

[RamboLiberal]

10. They'd never give Cullen his slot

Lynn and Fred weren't exactly bosom buddies after they took some verbal shots at each other a few years ago.

[livetohike]

12. I remember....I'm just dreaming of a liberal voice on that

50,000 watt station :-).

[femmocrat]

8. I'm amazed he was only 58! He looked much older.

KDKA has really gone downhill over the years.

[RamboLiberal]

9. Yeah I thought he was older too

I was shocked he was only 58. He seemed to go downhill after his stomach stapling surgery a few years ago. He was lucky though to have health insurance and an employer who would put a studio in his house so he could continue working.

[MrMickeysMom]

11. His health had been bad and he had gastric bypass surgery to control all of ..

... the things that come from what I term, "lifestyle" choices when you can't control weight, diabetes, blood pressure, etc. Others who knew him told me a lot of things about him, but I honestly wished I had a chance to have met him.

He lives/lived in my ward (I serve on council in Monroeville). Fred was having a radio show at my expense with our very interesting mayor a few months back and some things that were not too kind were said about me before this year's general election, another story. For two years, I tried to visit Fred, left brochures whenever I walked the neighborhoods and talked to people in this ward. I wrote him an e-mail, which he read on air after those insults.

I did meet his wife last year, who was a nice woman. I knew he had sons. When walking and looking at someone's house/yard, I notice indications that tell you a little about other sides of that person. I believe if I'd ever have gotten to talk in person to him, I would have found something I would have liked.

Farewell, Fred. I tried to know you. Bless your family, for I know they will miss you.

[oddmanout]

13. RIP

Rest in peace Fred.



:patriot: