Ex-Press writer, WTAE host Musick dies
Pittsburgh: Former WTAE (1250) host and longtime Pittsburgh Press columnist Phil Musick died this morning. He was 71.
The Post-Gazette reports this morning on its website that Musick died of congestive heart failure.
Musick's journalism career included stints as sports editor of both the Greensburg Tribune-Review and the Post-Gazette. He later served as sports columnist for USA Today and general columnist for the Press.
In 1987, he became a talk-show host for the former WTAE, where he remained for 11 years in afternoons and overnights before moving to KDKA-TV as managing editor.
Readers’ Forum
Of course the Post-Gazette “forgot” to mention that Musick was fired from the Press when he was caught for plagiarism.
John B. - January 05, 2010 at 5:27 pm
It’s kind of moot, at this stage of the game, John B., but Phil was an old-time newsman who always had something interesting to say…
Bruce - January 05, 2010 at 8:36 pm
No, John, they didn’t “forget.” It was in the Post-Gazette’s obituary.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10006/102..
I’m not sure what you’re trying to imply. Why not spit it out and stop being coy?
For the record, Musick was accused of plagiarism and admitted stealing someone else’s column idea (from the Providence Journal) but not of copying the column.
The Press demanded he either give up the WTAE gig, or stop writing for the paper. He refused to give up the talk show.
(In fairness, it wasn’t the first time Phil Musick faced an accusation of plagiarism. There was a similar incident when he worked for the P-G: http://tinyurl.com/musick1987)
But Musick also sued the Press for defamation for calling him a plagiarist:
http://www.tinyurl.com/musick1988
http://www.tinyurl.com/musick1988-2
In any event, the Post-Gazette did address the incident, and to imply that there was some bias by the newspaper in reporting Musick’s death isn’t true.
Jason Togyer, PBRTV.com - January 06, 2010 at 2:47 pm
Second article the PG posted did talk about it, and did a very good job. First article PG posted did not.
John B. - January 06, 2010 at 5:21 pm
After hearing of Phil’s passing I dug out my copy of Phil’s book “Pittsburgh Places Pittsburgh People: the best of Phil Musick” a compilation of his general interest columns from the Pittsburgh Press. I think I’ll spend a few days rereading his excellent writing. Rest in peace, Phil.
Bill - January 06, 2010 at 6:52 pm
Give it a break…..What would be the point of bringing this up? Let his family and friends mourn in peace…
Rest in Peace Phil Musick!
Bob - January 07, 2010 at 09:08 am
As long as Pittsburgh sports remain relevant, the hills will always be alive with the Sound of Musick.
Rick - January 08, 2010 at 7:02 pm