Ruth Weisberg, a longtime voiceover artist, radio personality, television host, and broadcasting professional, died at the age of 70. She died of ovarian cancer at an assisted living facility in Sarasota, Florida, leaving behind a career that spanned nearly five decades in broadcasting, commercial voiceover, and entertainment.
Best known for her work in Philadelphia radio and television, Weisberg built a versatile career that included news reporting, commercial narration, corporate productions, and voiceover instruction. She became a familiar voice to listeners through her work with Shadow Traffic and several Philadelphia radio stations, while also lending her voice to advertising campaigns and telephone messaging systems.
Beyond her broadcasting achievements, Weisberg was remembered for her creativity, humor, and willingness to explore different forms of performance throughout her life.
Ruth Weisberg’s Career in Radio and Voiceover
Born on May 31, 1956, in Philadelphia, Weisberg attended Northeast High School before studying special education at Pennsylvania State University. Her interest in broadcasting developed during her college years, when she began producing radio and television programs. An opportunity to cohost a rock-and-roll radio show while studying in England helped establish her enthusiasm for the medium.
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Weisberg became the radio voice of Shadow Traffic, delivering traffic reports to Philadelphia-area listeners. She subsequently worked as a news anchor and features reporter at several stations, including WXTU, WCAU, WIFI, WPEN, and WSNI.
Her broadcasting career expanded into talk radio and television, including hosting Frank Talk With Frank Rizzo on WCAU in 1988 and 1989. Over the years, she received recognition for her reporting from organizations including the Associated Press and the Philadelphia Press Association.
Alongside her on-air career, Weisberg developed an extensive portfolio as a commercial voiceover artist. Her assignments included corporate training videos, audiobooks, and radio and television advertisements. One of her notable projects came in 1985, when Bell Telephone selected her to record automated telephone messages, including the familiar notification informing callers that their calls could not be completed as dialed.
Weisberg also shared her professional experience by teaching voiceover classes and mentoring aspiring performers. Her work as an instructor reflected her interest in helping others develop their communication and performance skills.
A Creative Career Beyond Broadcasting
Weisberg continued exploring new media formats throughout her career. In 2015, she hosted Storytime and Show ‘n Tell with Miss Ruth, a children’s program distributed through local cable television and online platforms. After relocating to Sarasota in 2016, she remained active in broadcasting and entertainment, including hosting the comedy-focused radio show and podcast Funny You Should Ask in 2023.
Her creative interests extended beyond voiceover and broadcasting. She worked as an art model for more than two decades, performed in local theater productions, appeared as a stand-up comedian, and participated in public speaking engagements. She was also named Miss Greater Philadelphia in 1980.
Friends, colleagues, and family members remembered Weisberg for her warmth, humor, and enthusiasm for creative expression. Her daughter, Talia, described her as an exuberant and whimsical personality whose energy left a lasting impression on those around her.
Weisberg is survived by her daughter, son Elliott, two brothers, and other relatives. Her career leaves a legacy of versatility across radio, television, and professional voiceover, reflecting a lifelong commitment to communication, performance, and storytelling.