Former NewsChannel 5, 104.5 The Zone Host Mark Howard Passes At 65

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Mark Howard. Photo: Courtesy of 104.5 The Zone

Nashville broadcaster and former 104.5 The Zone host Mark Howard passed away on Sunday (July 24) at the age of 65.

Howard, born Howard Mark Levenson, was a native of West Hartford, Connecticut, and become a Nashville sports mainstay while at NewsChannel 5 where he spent 20 years before transitioning into radio.

In 2004, Howard became co-host of the “Wake Up Zone” on The Zone 104.5-FM, along with Kevin Ingram and former Tennessee Titan Frank Wycheck. The show was extremely popular, becoming the No. 1-rated show in Nashville, but Howard and Ingram left the show in 2020. Howard spent a total of 21 years employed by The Zone.

Howard also made appearances hosting the Nashville Predators pre-game and post-game shows on then-Fox Sports South, and was an occasional fill-in host for 102.5-FM The Game this past year.

“Tough news. Had a lot of fun working with Mark for a lot of years. Still talked to him on a regular basis, will miss our chats about baseball and everything else. A good friend who was always encouraging and supportive toward my career. Condolences to his family,” Ingram shared on social media.

With the news of Howard’s passing, an outpouring of remembrance came in though social media from the Nashville sports media.

Titan’s writer and longtime Nashville reporter David Boclair tweeted, “Sometimes it is no fun to break news. It is with great sadness that I must report that Nashville television/radio sports personality Mark Howard passed away this afternoon at home… Mark was a friend and supporter, and his voice (booming and knowledgable) will be missed.”

George Plaster, credited as one of Nashville sports talk radio’s founding fathers honored Howard on Twitter as well.

“No matter what the topic was; kids, Yankees, Preds, NY food…It was always fun talking to Mark because those conversations were never superficial. He genuinely cared about people and showed it with each interaction. Rest In Peace Mark, and thank you for being so kind to so many,” said Nashville Predators President Sean Henry via Twitter.

Former 104.5 The Zone host and current co-host of OutKick 360 Paul Kuharsky wrote a tribute to Howard on his website talking about their friendship and his long career in the Nashville sports world.

Howard is survived by his wife Debra and their two sons. No funeral arrangements have been confirmed.

Steven Boero
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