Regis Cordic was born in Pittsburgh's Hazelwood neighborhood and completed his education at Central Catholic High School. He began his broadcasting career as a staff announcer and substitute sportscaster at WWSW-AM. In 1948, following the departure of morning host Davey Tyson, Cordic was selected to take over the show. Initially starting as a conventional announcer, he soon infused humor into his broadcasts, creatively blending real sports scores with comedic segments, such as the fictional "East Overshoe University." This innovative approach led to the rebranding of his show as Cordic & Company, which quickly became a beloved morning staple in Pittsburgh.
In 1954, Cordic & Company transitioned to KDKA (AM) on Labor Day, marking a significant moment in radio history as it was one of the first instances of a major personality moving directly from a local competitor. Cordic took over the morning slot after popular host Bette Smiley opted for a part-time role. With a revamped format and the addition of news updates from Ed Schaughency, Cordic & Company soared in popularity, achieving ratings that reached an astonishing 85 share—meaning that 85% of radios in Pittsburgh were tuned in. By the end of his time in the city, Cordic had become one of the highest-paid radio hosts, earning an impressive $100,000 annually, a remarkable figure for the era.
