David L. (Dave) Diles

David L. “Dave” Diles
WXYZ Sports Director (1961 – 1972, 1979 - 1982)
Broadcaster - Detroit Lions, Detroit Pistons

President - Michigan Chapter of the Football Writers of America

Dave Diles was born in Middleport, Ohio and attended Ohio University. He worked for the Associated Press early in his career until 1961, when he became the sports director for Detroit’s WXYZ-TV. He held this role until 1972 and again from 1979 to 1982. He hosted a variety of National events including ABC’s Wide World of Sports, the Olympic Games, the Indy 500 and college football play-by-play among many other assignments. He worked play-by-play for the L.A. Clippers, Detroit Lions and Pistons and Ohio State basketball. He hosted a sports talk show called “Dial Dave Diles” during the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Diles was also the president of the Michigan Chapter of the Football Writers of America and the Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association. He has also authored eight books on broadcasting and biographies of players and coaches.  Diles has received numerous awards for his sports work, including three Associated Press Sportscaster of the Year and four Associated Press Documentary Awards. Dave Diles was inducted into the Michigan Media Hall of Fame and the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. He passed away on December 29, 2009 at 78 years of age.