A Q&A with WTTW News Director Jay Smith as Changes Come to 'Chicago Tonight'
Julia MaishJanuary 17, 2023
As Chicago Tonight prepares to move to 10:00 pm weeknights beginning January 23, we sat down in WTTW’s Crown Studio with news director Jay Smith to talk about the local news business and plans for Chicago Tonight and WTTW News.
WTTW News Debuts a New Experience for Viewers
WTTWOctober 3, 2022
The Emmy award-winning, flagship nightly news program Chicago Tonight is about to look very different.
WTTW Has a New Weekend News Lineup
Daniel HautzingerSeptember 20, 2021
Beginning Saturday, September 25, WTTW will have a new weekend news lineup.
A Chicago Native Returns Home to Become the Newest WTTW News Reporter
Daniel HautzingerJuly 21, 2021
Joanna Hernandez spent the past five years as a journalist in New York City, but she has always wanted to return to Chicago to tell the stories of her native city. "I’ve talked about it since day one,” she says.
Elevating the Voices of Chicago's Diverse Communities
Daniel HautzingerAugust 25, 2020
The new Chicago Tonight: Voices programs spotlight issues pertinent to Chicago's Black and Latino communities, which each make up a third of the city. "I'm hoping that any community, of any racial ethnicity, can watch the show and have a feel for what the Black experience in Chicago is like," says Black Voices host Brandis Friedman.
Window To The World Communications, Inc. Names Hugo Balta as News Director, WTTW News
Daniel HautzingerJanuary 27, 2020
Window To The World Communications, Inc. (WWCI), parent of WTTW and WFMT, announced today that Hugo Balta has joined the organization as News Director for WTTW News effective February 3, 2020.
From the Archive: Caroll Spinney, Big Bird's Performer
Daniel HautzingerDecember 9, 2019
Caroll Spinney, who performed Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch on Sesame Street for almost 50 years, died at the age of 85 on Sunday. Revisit a 2003 interview with him on Chicago Tonight where he tells memorable stories, like the time he got in an argument with Mister Rogers.
Meet the Newest 'Chicago Tonight' Correspondent
Daniel HautzingerAugust 12, 2019
Angel Idowu is a Chicago native who is excited to return home after farflung journalistic assignments. “When I wasn’t living in Chicago, every time I heard someone say Chicago or saw an Illinois license plate I would get excited," she says.
From the Archive: Tour a Chicago-Based Candy Factory
Daniel HautzingerDecember 13, 2018
The Chicagoland-based Ferrara Candy Company has announced that it's moving into the Old Post Office downtown. Take a tour of their factory, where even the air tastes sweet, in a segment from a 2004 episode of Chicago Tonight.
What 'Chicago Tonight' Is Reading This Summer
Daniel HautzingerJuly 5, 2018
Need some new book recommendations for the summer? Discover some of the books the Chicago Tonight is reading right now, from a sweeping family saga to a clear-eyed memoir of race to a book of chatty but opinionated essays by a Chicagoan.
Brandis Friedman Wants to Dance (And Eat, And Shop)
Daniel HautzingerMay 9, 2018
She's not just a Chicago Tonight correspondent – Brandis Friedman has also been a beauty and lifestyle writer, considered becoming a professional dancer, and loves eating out. Go behind the scenes with her while she shoots a story and learn why she became a journalist.
'Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review' Celebrates 40 Years with Joel Weisman
Julia MaishJanuary 17, 2018
On the 40th anniversary of Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review tonight, its host and one of its creators Joel Weisman steps down. Joel recalls memorable incidents and more.
Paris Schutz Sings a Holiday Song (That He Wrote)
Daniel HautzingerDecember 6, 2017
Journalistic chops aren't Paris Schutz's only talent. The Chicago Tonight broadcaster also plays piano, sings, and writes songs, including his own "schmaltzy Christmas tune." Hear him perform "Lonesome Christmas Night."
Phil Ponce's Hobby
Daniel HautzingerOctober 12, 2017
As Phil Ponce retires from regular appearances on Chicago Tonight, watch him discuss his hobby and the deeper meaning behind it, hear him share some tips, and see the fruits of his labor around his home.
Looking Back at Nixon's Resignation
Daniel HautzingerAugust 8, 2017
43 years ago today, Richard Nixon announced his resignation from the Presidency on national television. The next day, August 9, he resigned. At 10:00 pm on August 8, you can revisit the events leading to Nixon's downfall in Dick Cavett's Watergate, which compiles some of Cavett's interviews and analysis of the Watergate investigation.
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