David J. Halberstam, a longtime broadcaster, executive and author whose career in sports media spanned more than five decades, has died from brain cancer. He was 74.
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Halberstam worked in numerous roles throughout the broadcasting industry, beginning as a play-by-play announcer and later serving in management, sales and publishing positions.
He was best known to many sports fans as the radio voice of St. John's men's basketball from 1982-92 and later as a play-by-play broadcaster for the Miami Heat from 1992-98.
Halberstam also held leadership positions behind the scenes, including a stint as general manager of Westwood One Sports from 2002-08. He was instrumental in the creation of the Madison Square Garden Radio Network and remained active in sports media throughout his career.
I first contacted David in the summer of 2019. I wrote for his site, but also he became a mentor and a very close friend. We only met twice, but talked on the phone regularly. I'm really sad for his family and all the people who have worked with him. https://t.co/53HT6DxfBx
— Jake Baskin (@jakebaskinpxp) June 2, 2026
Later, Halberstam returned to broadcasting as the voice of Nova Southeastern University men's basketball, calling Sharks games from 2011-19.
In 2018, he launched Sports Broadcast Journal, a publication dedicated to covering the sports broadcasting industry. He also authored two books, including Sports on New York Radio: A Play-by-Play History and Sports Media and Sponsorship Sales: Developing New Accounts.
Tributes from colleagues and friends quickly followed news of his passing.
Chicago Bulls broadcaster Chuck Swirsky remembered Halberstam as a passionate supporter of the profession and a caring friend.
"David was passionate about broadcasting and was a caring, supportive soul who loved his family," Swirsky wrote on social media.
Halberstam remained involved in sports media through writing and commentary until recent years, leaving a lasting impact on the broadcasting industry.
