John Idler

“Throughout our history, we have led the way in news, technical innovation and service to the community,” says John Idler, WLS’ GM.

With over 1 million spectators, the Bud Billiken Parade holds the distinction of being the oldest and biggest African American parade in the nation. Every August, it has been a day of celebration and family fun marking the beginning of the new school year for generations of Chicago families.

Not many high school graduates can boast that Oprah Winfrey gave the commencement address at their graduation. But 35,000 seniors graduating from Chicago high schools will remember that Oprah was there, virtually anyway.

“As the need has doubled and even tripled locally in recent weeks, knowing this campaign will help provide millions of dollars in groceries for our neighbors statewide when they need us most is simply incredible—there’s never been a more important, impactful time for a campaign like this than right now,” said Julie Yurko, Northern Illinois Food Bank’s president.

A cutting-edge study, Video News Research Project, will test the use of new forms of animation, graphics, and data visualization in video storytelling. Year-long, paid fellowship positions will be created as part of the project, one position at each of these stations in Chicago and Boston.