WLS

“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.

In many cases, local TV news promos are easily recognized. But through the years, some stations have gone high concept, hired professional actors or volunteer station employees, to be in carefully scripted skits that don’t look like the news promos you’re used to seeing, at least at first.

John Owens joins WLS, the ABC O&O in Chicago, as a programing producer on the station’s creative services programming team.

When I get press releases about ratings performances from local TV stations, I reply asking the station to put their performance into context. Why did your station do well do you think? Did you do anything differently in marketing or content? Here’s how WLS, the ABC O&O in Chicago, answered those questions.

Chicago Live Again features highlights from Navy Pier’s event, including performances by Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the Black Ensemble Theater, Chicago Children’s Choir, and Broadway in Chicago’s Production of Disney’s Frozen Among Performances.

WLS in Chicago is airing a half-hour special to celebrate the people and the stories that comprise the LGBTQ+ tapestry in Chicago, while also exploring some of the top-of-mind issues important to the community.

Cheryl Burton, an anchor/reporter for WLS Chicago, presented Cheryl Burton Lindblom Scholarships to two students from her alma mater, Lindblom Math and Science Academy. Each received $5,000 towards the college of their choice.

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.

WLS created a video of 41 musicians, 13 dancers and one singer performing separately and then mixed them all together for a rousing performance of Frank Sinatra’s Chicago (That Toddlin’ Town).