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. Upstate New York would be his home for the next 27 years. He was a graduate of Cornell University with a degree in Political Science. He also was 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.

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.

(left to right) Dave Roberts and Gary Papa with Gary's sons (in front)
Broadcast Pioneers Annual Banquet
Bala Golf Club, Philadelphia
Friday, November 16, 2007
Photo © 2007. Broadcast Pioneers - All Rights Reserved

On Friday July 13th, 2007, a teary eyed Gary Papa along with Jim Gardner announced that he once again was going through chemotherapy. He resided 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.

Gary Papa
Broadcast Pioneers Annual Banquet
Bala Golf Club, Philadelphia
Friday, November 16, 2007
Photo © 2007. Broadcast Pioneers - All Rights Reserved

On Friday, November 16, 2007, Gary Papa was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia's "Hall of Fame." On Friday, June 19, 2009, Gary Papa passed away.

From the official archives of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia
Publicity Photo and bio courtesy of WPVI, 6abc
2007 banquet photos originally donated by Broadcast Pioneers member Bob Kravitz
2007 banquet photos protected under U.S. copyright
© 2007& 2012, Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia
All Rights Reserved

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