2025 Honorees of Smith Memorial Playground

Patty Jackson

The personality shines bright, and the news is always fresh! When Philadelphians seek their go-to source for news mixed with entertainment, they inevitably think of multimedia personality Patty Jackson. Known for her infectious smile and soothing voice, Patty not only knows where to find the best barbecue in the city and navigates the Reading Terminal Market like a pro but is also celebrated for her famous peach cobbler. A proud South Philadelphia native, Patty boasts an impressive 41-year career in radio and multimedia, and she shows no signs of slowing down.

Patty began her broadcasting journey at WSSJ in Camden, New Jersey, before moving to Philadelphia’s country station WXTU and later WUSL. In 1987, she joined the WDAS family, and by 1993, she ventured into a new format at WIOQ for a year. However, the call of home brought her back to WDAS, where she currently captivates listeners with her midday show from 10 AM to 3 PM, Monday through Saturday. Her signature voice, engaging features like the 4-1-1, and her popular YouTube channel have cultivated a loyal fanbase that eagerly tunes in.

In 2015, Patty faced a life-changing stroke that raised concerns about her return to broadcasting. Yet, she not only recovered but surged forward, crediting her resilience to God and using her journey to advocate for health and wellness.

Patty’s accolades are numerous; she was recently honored with a star on the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame and inducted into the Philadelphia Broadcast Pioneer Hall of Fame. She has also been named one of the most influential Philadelphians and had the 2300 block of Ellsworth renamed “Patty Jackson Way” in her honor. You can even catch her profile in an issue of Philadelphia Magazine.

With an ever-evolving presence on-air, Patty continues to reinvent herself through her thriving YouTube channel and her successful podcast, “Patty and the Millennials.” Driven by her passion for entertainment and a commitment to keeping her audience informed, Patty Jackson is a force to be reckoned with in the world of media. As she always says, “It's not cute not knowing!”