Ann Liguori is a sports media pioneer who has thrived in a male-dominated industry since her humble beginnings in the Big Apple. From receiving financial support from her mother to hosting her own call-in sports show on WFAN, the nation’s first all-sports radio station, Liguori has broken barriers and made a name for herself. Her passion for sports and interviewing was sparked at a young age while watching Ruth Lyons on TV with her mother, setting her on a path that would lead her to become the first woman to host a sports talk show.
After graduating from the University of South Florida, Liguori pursued a summer fellowship program in New York with the International Radio and Television Society Foundation. This opportunity allowed her to work with industry professionals and further establish her career in the sports media landscape. She went on to work for various media outlets in Manhattan, covering a range of sports events and establishing her credibility as a sports journalist.
One of the highlights of Liguori’s career was her exclusive interview with Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden at Shea Stadium, just a week before WFAN’s launch in July 1987. This interview marked the beginning of her 37-year run at the station, where she has hosted numerous shows, including “Talking Golf” and “Hey Liguori, What’s The Story?” Liguori’s dedication to excellence and her commitment to providing quality content have set her apart in the industry.
Liguori’s approach to preparing for her shows involved perusing newspapers and clipping articles to create extensive files on sports personalities. Despite the evolution of technology in the industry, she adapted to these changes and continued to reinvent herself to stay relevant. Her passion for golf, in particular, has been a driving force in her career, leading her to cover prestigious events such as the Masters and host a cable television series focused on sports.
Throughout her career, Liguori has learned valuable life lessons from the game of golf, which she believes reflect broader societal issues. She emphasizes the importance of staying positive and resilient in the face of challenges, drawing parallels between the game’s lessons and real-life situations. As a brand ambassador for a women’s apparel company and a dedicated advocate for charity causes, Liguori remains committed to her work and shows no signs of slowing down, embracing each day with the enthusiasm and energy of a kid.
Liguori’s journey from a young girl watching television with her mother to becoming a celebrated sports journalist and broadcaster is a testament to her perseverance and passion for the industry. Her groundbreaking achievements and dedication to excellence have paved the way for other women in sports media, inspiring a new generation of talent to follow in her footsteps. As she continues to share stories and insights from the world of sports, Liguori’s impact on the industry and her legacy as a trailblazer will endure for years to come.
