Living in Chicago means you've basically grown up with certain voices in your living room. Honestly, if you flip to WLS-TV, it feels less like a corporate broadcast and more like a neighbor giving you the rundown of the day. The channel 7 news reporters Chicago viewers have trusted for decades aren't just reading off a teleprompter; they are the fabric of the city's identity.
Things have changed lately. If you haven't tuned in for a bit, the anchor desk looks different since the legendary Alan Krashesky called it a career in late 2022. That left a massive hole in the 5, 6, and 10 p.m. slots, but the station didn't just scramble—they leaned into the veterans who already knew the streets of the 312 and 773.
The Faces Behind the Desk
When we talk about the heavy hitters at ABC 7, Cheryl Burton is the name that usually leads the conversation. She’s a Chicago original through and through. Born at Provident Hospital and a former Chicago Honey Bear cheerleader, she’s been at the station since 1992. That’s over thirty years of longevity in a business that usually chews people up and spits them out after three seasons.
Burton now anchors the 10 p.m. news alongside Rob Elgas. Elgas is another local product, hailing from Crystal Lake. He spent time at NBC 5 before making the jump to Channel 7 in 2015. He’s got that relatable, steady vibe that plays well in the Midwest. Basically, he doesn't feel "Hollywood," which is exactly what Chicagoans want.
Then there is Ravi Baichwal. He’s the guy you see at 5 and 6 p.m. Baichwal joined the team in 2006, coming over from Canada, and has since become one of the most respected journalists in the market. He’s often paired with Judy Hsu, another veteran who moved to the afternoon and evening desk after a long, successful stint on the morning news. Hsu’s story is pretty incredible—she immigrated from Taiwan when she was 11 and now anchors the very news show she watched as a kid to help learn English.
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The Morning Grind and Field Reporting
If you're an early riser, your routine probably involves Tanja Babich and Terrell Brown. This duo has a chemistry that's hard to fake. Babich, the daughter of immigrants, often speaks about how the city "made" her. She even went viral a few years back for wearing her glasses on air to support her daughter, proving she’s as human as the people watching her.
Behind the big names, there’s a massive roster of general assignment and investigative reporters.
- Jason Knowles handles the "7 On Your Side" consumer bits.
- Chuck Goudie is the investigative powerhouse. If Chuck is at your door, you’ve probably messed up big time.
- Leah Hope has been covering the city's diverse communities for years with a focus that’s rare in modern news.
- Samantha Chatman brings high energy to the consumer beat and morning reporting.
Why Does This Lineup Rank So High?
It’s about E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness). Google likes it, but Chicagoans demand it. You can't fake knowing the difference between the Dan Ryan and the Kennedy during a snowstorm.
The channel 7 news reporters Chicago team wins because they stay. When you look at other markets, reporters jump every two years to get to a bigger city. Here, people like Roz Varon (the traffic queen who recently retired after 35 years) or Tracy Butler (the longest-running female meteorologist in Chicago) treat the job as a lifelong commitment.
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That consistency is why WLS remains the #1 station in the market. People don't just want the news; they want it from someone they've seen at the grocery store or at a neighborhood festival. It’s a parasocial relationship, sure, but it’s built on decades of showing up during the worst blizzards and the most contentious elections.
Navigating the 2026 Media Landscape
Honestly, local news is in a weird spot. More people get their updates from TikTok than from a 6 p.m. broadcast. But ABC 7 has pivoted. They were one of the first in the city to go heavy on their 24/7 streaming channel.
You'll see anchors like Hosea Sanders—who has been with the station since 1994—working on digital-first specials and community-focused segments like "Chicago Proud." They aren't just waiting for the clock to strike 10:00 anymore. They are filing stories for the app, the website, and social feeds all day long.
The team has had to deal with internal shifts too. The departure of sports anchor Mark Giangreco a few years back was a shock to the system, but Dionne Miller and the rest of the sports team have managed to maintain that high-octane energy the station is known for. It’s a delicate balance of keeping the "Old Guard" feel while appealing to a younger, more digital-savvy audience.
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What to Watch For Next
As 2026 progresses, keep an eye on how the station handles the "Race and Culture" beat, which has become a cornerstone of their reporting. They are moving away from just "crime and fire" coverage to more nuanced storytelling about the neighborhoods.
If you want to stay informed about the city, the move is to follow these reporters on their individual social platforms. That’s where you get the "behind the scenes" context that doesn't always make the two-minute TV package.
To get the most out of your local news experience, start by identifying the specific reporters who cover your neighborhood or interests. If you live in the suburbs, the "North Suburban" or "South Suburban" bureaus often have dedicated folks who know the local school boards and council meetings. Bookmark the ABC 7 Chicago "Team" page to see the full list of current reporters, as the roster can shift with new hires from smaller markets looking to make their mark in the Windy City. Don't just watch the broadcast; engage with their investigative pieces, as these often lead to real policy changes in Illinois.