Dave Durian, the long-time morning host on WBAL 1090, died early Monday after a battle with lung cancer and a stroke, the station announced this morning. He was 72.
As the station’s obituary notes, Durian began his three-decade career in Baltimore after a stint at KDKA in Pittsburgh. After short stops on WBAL-TV and Maryland Public Television, he returned to TV Hill to work in WBAL’s radio department.
Two years later, he became host of the morning show.
“Dave had the ability to connect with almost everyone,” WBAL’s former vice president and station manager Jeff Beauchamp said in an email to the station. “He not only informed and entertained a generation of Marylanders, he also befriended them. People invited him into their homes and cars every morning because they trusted him and, more importantly they liked him.”
Colleagues from across Durian’s 22-year radio career recalled his professionalism, including one 1999 incident when he continued to broadcast from the parking lot as crews worked on an unhinged construction crane that threatened to fall on WBAL’s headquarters.
Tributes continued to pour in on social media from WBAL journalists and other local media figures.
Our friend and colleague Dave Durian passed away at 2:30 this morning after a battle with lung cancer and a stroke. Here are some memories of one of the smoothest broadcasters there ever was.https://t.co/tny9ZwNuZa
— John Patti (@JohnPattiWBAL) January 28, 2019
Growing up we listened to Dave Durian on the way to school. Then as a patrol officer, we listened on the car radio at work. Sad news https://t.co/WE9JFAWUdw
— jeremysilbert (@JeremySilbert) January 28, 2019
Rest on Peace to one of the classiest pros I ever had the chance to call a colleague and friend https://t.co/DJi1dcVFSQ
— Robert Lang WBAL (@Reporterroblang) January 28, 2019
Remembering one of the best story tellers who ❤️to bring the snow closings to listeners-Dave Durian. Dave died today at age 72. He spent 22 yrs @wbalradio and @wbaltv11 Listen all morning as we share stories and remember our friend and broadcaster @JohnPattiWBAL @BryanNehman pic.twitter.com/ZAh6fM6Udp
— Anne Kramer (@AnneKramerNews) January 28, 2019
Just woke to the news that Dave Durian has died. A consummate pro. I really admired him. Keep his family in your thoughts.
— Bruce Cunningham (@Bruce45Sports) January 28, 2019
Per the station, funeral arrangements are pending.
