The Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia

Gary Papa , Action News Sports Director, joined Action News on April 15, 1981, as the weekend sportscaster, and weekday sports reporter. On December 1, 1983, he became host of "Prime Time," the magazine format program which airs Saturday, at 7:00 PM, on Channel 6.

Gary was born in Buffalo, New York on Thursday, September 2, 1954. He's a graduate of Cornell University with a degree in Political Science. He also is a graduate of University of Buffalo Law School. Prior to joining WPVI-TV, Gary served as Weekend Sports anchor with WGR-TV (now WRGZ-TV) in Buffalo, New York, and as a news anchor with WSTV-TV, Steubenville, Ohio.

Gary Papa is currently the 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m., and 11 P.M sportcaster. In April of 2004, he revealed to viewers that he had been receiving treatment for prostate cancer and lost his hair as a result. He continued to work while receiving chemotherapy.

On Friday July 13th, 2007, a teary eyed Gary Papa along with Jim Gardner announced that he once again was going through chemotherapy. He resides in St. Davids, Pennsylvania, with his family. His house is an unofficial "landmark" of Radnor Township. Many curious Philadelphians make the trip down Chamounix Road just to get a look at Papa's house. Papa is also well known locally as being master of ceremonies for various local events, such as the Christmas Tree lighting at Wayne Station. Papa was also a contributor for the Station's restoration in the early 2000s.

On Friday, November 16, 2007, Gary Papa was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia's "Hall of Fame."

The e-mail address of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia is pioneers@broadcastpioneers.com