Barniak's voice became synonymous with some of the most iconic Philadelphia sports teams. He served as the play-by-play announcer for both the Philadelphia 76ers and the Eagles. His partnership with Matt Goukas as his color commentator and Marc Zumoff as the studio host for the 76ers broadcasts was particularly memorable. He also lent his voice to the Philadelphia Phillies broadcasts, showcasing his versatility and deep understanding of various sports.
In addition to his play-by-play roles, Barniak was instrumental in PRISM's sports programming. He hosted "The Great Sports Debate" and was the face of "Sports Scrapbook," a monthly sports anthology series that debuted on April 2, 1981. His role as a sports director at PRISM allowed him to influence sports broadcasting significantly in the region.
Barniak's tenure as an Eagles broadcaster spanned from 1978 to 1981, and he shared the booth with Bill Bergey in 1982. His work with the Phillies as a broadcaster was notable during the 1990-1991 seasons. Sadly, Barniak's life and career were cut short when he passed away from a gastrointestinal hemorrhage in December 1991 at the age of 50, leaving behind a legacy as a beloved and respected figure in sports journalism.
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