Highlights
- Mark Viviano is retiring at age 60 after a 40-year career in sports broadcasting, including 22 years as sports director at WJZ-TV in Baltimore.
- Viviano’s decision to retire is primarily driven by his desire to spend more time with his family, especially his young sons, aged 8 and 6.
- Post-retirement, Viviano plans to increase his involvement in charitable work, continuing his long-standing dedication to community service in Baltimore.
Mark Viviano, the esteemed sports director at WJZ-TV in Baltimore, is closing a significant chapter in his life.
At 60 years old, Viviano recently announced his retirement from broadcasting after an impressive 40-year career in the industry.
His last day on air was July 18, 2024, marking the end of a 22-year tenure at WJZ-TV.
Viviano’s journey in sports journalism began in his early twenties.
After graduating from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1986 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism, he quickly entered the field.
His career path led him through various cities, including Cedar Rapids, Dayton, and Atlanta, before he found his home in Baltimore in 1994 at the age of 30.
Throughout his six decades of life, Viviano has witnessed and reported on numerous significant sporting events.
His coverage spans from Cal Ripken Jr.’s record-breaking 2,131st consecutive game to the Baltimore Ravens’ Super Bowl victory in 2012.
These experiences have not only defined his career but also shaped his understanding of the impact sports can have on a community.
Now, as Viviano enters his sixties, he’s shifting his focus.
The decision to retire stems from a desire to spend more time with his family, particularly his young sons Michael, 8, and Christian, 6.
This change reflects the evolving priorities that often come with age, as Viviano recognizes the importance of being present for his children’s milestones and daily activities.
Despite retiring from his broadcasting role, Viviano isn’t slowing down.
His retirement plans include increased involvement in charitable work, a passion he’s cultivated throughout his adult years.
He plans to volunteer more with organizations like St. Vincent De Paul food pantry, Helping Up Mission, and the Casey Cares Foundation.
This transition showcases how Viviano’s age has brought a renewed sense of purpose and a desire to give back to the community that has supported him for three decades.
Viviano’s age has also brought wisdom and perspective to his career.
He reflects on his 40 years in broadcasting with gratitude, acknowledging the support of his late parents and the opportunities he’s had.
His decision to retire at 60 demonstrates a thoughtful consideration of life’s stages and the courage to embrace new challenges.
As he steps away from the camera, Viviano leaves behind a legacy of trusted reporting and community engagement.
His retirement at this stage in life opens doors for the next generation of sports journalists while allowing him to explore new avenues of personal growth and family involvement.
Mark Viviano’s story is not just about a career in sports journalism but about the natural progression of life and the wisdom that comes with age.
Just So You Know
- Viviano broke a major news story in 1995 when he reported that the Cleveland Browns were moving to Baltimore.
- Viviano didn’t get married until he was 49 years old and became a father at age 51.
- Throughout his career, Viviano has worked in various media roles, including radio, television, and even filling in at MASN (Mid-Atlantic Sports Network).
