A Letter from Local President Paul Martino

By Paul Martino

Three iconic Pittsburgh broadcasters, all solid union members and friends of mine, made passages in their lives recently.

Wayne Van Dine

Wayne Van Dine, the longtime consumer advocate on KDKA TV, passed away earlier this year after a long battle with cancer. While Wayne retired more than 10 years ago, he was still very much revered by TV viewers in Western Pennsylvania, who remember his Take it to Wayne segments that helped little old ladies battle with the IRS or the electric company or unscrupulous contractors. Wayne always got results. He worked at WTOV in Steubenville, at WPXI and finally at KDKA. I will always remember the advice he gave me when I started at KDKA in 1984. He said, “You’ve got a good act, kid, don't let management try to change you.” For better or worse, I took his advice. We miss you, Wayne.

Harold Hayes

Highly respected newsman Harold Hayes called it quits last month after 37 years at KDKA. He was the consummate television reporter who covered popes, presidents and Pirates (the baseball team). Harold built a reputation as the top courtroom reporter in town who knew everyone in the courthouse. He set a standard in this market and was the guy in the newsroom who you went to for advice. Harold was a great union guy too. I consulted him often about how to deal with station management on sensitive issues. Aside from his professional success, Harold is an awesome father of two daughters and a super friend. His keen sense of humor kept morale high in a business that can often bring you down. We wish him well in retirement and we all hope to continue the standard that he set.

Sean McDowell

WDVE’s Sean McDowell is now a Pittsburgh rock ’n’ roll legend. Sean was inducted into the Pittsburgh Music Hall of Fame on April 28 for his work as a rock 'n' roll deejay and broadcaster. He’s been a fixture on the city’s leading rock station for 23 years, where he hosts the afternoon drive program. Sean is gifted with a smooth delivery and a passion for rock music and rock musicians. He’s been instrumental in promoting local acts like Joe Gruscheky, Norm Nardini and B.E. Taylor. Broadcasting is in his genes. His father Al was a TV news pioneer, anchoring on both KDKA-TV and WTAE-TV in the ’60s and ’70s. Sean also fights for his union in the very difficult climate that radio faces these days. Like Harold Hayes and the late Wayne Van Dine, I’m proud to call Sean my friend.

Future 

Honoring our veteran talent is a reminder that a generation of broadcasters is moving on. The new kids on the block have arrived as new technology takes over the business. What does this mean for SAG-AFTRA? Well for one thing, we need to get this next generation more involved with our union. I’ll be saying and writing more about that in the days ahead. But for now, let’s honor and remember those who have made us proud to be broadcasters.

This item was originally featured in the June 2015 local newsletter.