An icon of local politics is stepping in to fill the large shoes left by a recently deceased Philly icon.
Longtime Pennsylvania State Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-7th District) was named the successor Friday to take over hosting duties for the "Philly Speaks" show on Old School 100.3 that was left vacant when E. Steven Collins died last month.
A longtime radio legend and civic leader, Collins died Sept. 9 from a heart attack on He was 58.
Hughes was a frequent guest on Collin's show. He called the opportunity to take over for his good friend "an honor."
"I only hope that I can continue the work of a great journalist, E. Steven Collins, who was not only a good friend, but someone who loved and cared about Philadelphia in a very special way," Hughes said in a statement released by the radio station. "I will work to build upon the strong foundation that he laid, with sound information, expert guests, and topics that reach deep into the community that connect with national and international issues."
Old School 100.3 program director Elroy Smith said he was "thrilled" to bring Hughes on board.
"Senator Hughes is the epitome of a professional," Smith said. "Every time he appeared on our air-waves, he was thoroughly versed on the subject at hand."
The one-hour community affairs-themed show airs Sunday mornings at 8 a.m.
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"Philly Speaks reaches out to a large majority of the Philadelphia community who look forward to an informed conversation about what's happening nationally and locally," said program producer Tiffanie Stanard. "I am proud to have this opportunity to represent the legacy of E. Steven Collins by continuing to foster new ways to have this show serve the city at the intersection of culture, community, and global conversations in media."
