Morning TV is usually a drag. You get the same recycled headlines, the same over-caffeinated anchors, and that weirdly aggressive "we're all best friends" energy that feels fake before you've even finished your first cup of coffee. But if you live in Chicago, or if you've ever fallen down a YouTube rabbit hole of news bloopers, you know the WGN News Morning Show is different. It’s chaotic. It’s loud. It’s been on the air since 1994, and somehow, it still feels like a group of friends who stayed up too late and forgot they had to go on camera at 4:00 AM.
That’s the secret sauce. While the network morning shows in New York are polished to a mirror shine, WGN-TV (Channel 9) leans into the messiness of real life. People don’t just watch for the traffic updates or the weather; they watch because they want to see if Pat Tomasulo is going to get into a fight with a local mascot or if Robin Baumgarten is going to lose it laughing at a teleprompter typo.
The WGN News Morning Show Identity Crisis (That Actually Works)
Most news directors would have a heart attack if their anchors started eating tacos on air or making fun of the station’s own promos. At WGN, that's Tuesday.
The show has managed to bridge a gap that almost no other local news program has. It is a legitimate, heavy-hitting news source for the third-largest market in the United States, yet it functions like a late-night talk show. It started small. Back in the early 90s, morning news wasn't the juggernaut it is now. WGN saw an opening to be "Chicago’s Very Own," a slogan they’ve stuck with for decades because it actually means something to the people living in the South Side, the North Side, and the sprawling suburbs.
It’s about the "Very Own" part. When the weather gets bad—and in Chicago, "bad" means a polar vortex that freezes your eyelashes together—the WGN News Morning Show is where people turn. Not just for the school closings list scrolling at the bottom of the screen, but for the shared misery. There is a specific kind of Midwestern camaraderie in watching Tom Skilling (before his retirement) or the current weather team explain exactly why it’s -20 degrees while the anchors joke about wanting to stay in bed.
The Faces That Won't Leave
You can’t talk about this show without mentioning the longevity of the talent. In an industry where people jump markets every three years to climb the ladder, the WGN crew stays put. Larry Potash has been there since the beginning. Think about that. Since 1994. He’s seen the transition from VHS tapes to streaming, from the Bulls' second three-peat to the Cubs finally breaking the curse.
Then there’s Robin Baumgarten. She’s the heart of the broadcast. She has this uncanny ability to pivot from a tragic breaking news story about a fire in Englewood to a segment about a dog that can ride a skateboard without making the transition feel jarring or disrespectful. It’s a tightrope walk. Most people fall off. She doesn't.
And of course, Pat Tomasulo. He’s technically the sports guy, but "sports guy" is a loose term here. He’s more of a resident provocateur. His "Man of the People" segments are legendary because they tap into the collective frustration of anyone who has ever had to deal with a red-light camera or a confusing parking sign in Chicago. He’s cynical, he’s biting, and he’s exactly what a 7:00 AM audience needs to wake up.
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Why Local News Still Wins Against Social Media
Everyone says local news is dying. They say TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) have killed the need for a morning broadcast. They’re wrong.
What a social media feed can’t give you is context. When a major highway like the Dan Ryan or the Kennedy is backed up for six miles, an app can show you a red line on a map. But the WGN News Morning Show tells you why. They tell you about the construction project that’s been delayed for six months. They show you the drone footage. They give you the "around the water cooler" talk that makes you feel like you’re part of a community, not just a data point in an algorithm.
The show also understands the power of the "viral moment" before it was even called that. They don't try to be viral; they just are. Whether it’s an accidental double entendre during a cooking segment or a guest who clearly didn't realize they were on live TV, the show embraces the "live" part of live television. They don't edit out the mistakes. They highlight them. They play them back in slow motion. They make fun of themselves.
Honestly, it’s refreshing. In a world of filtered Instagram photos and scripted PR statements, seeing a news anchor get genuinely annoyed by a malfunctioning graphics computer makes them feel human. You trust people who are human.
The Transition of Tom Skilling and the New Era
For years, the anchor of the entire WGN brand was Tom Skilling. His retirement in early 2024 was a massive moment for Chicago media. People were genuinely worried. How do you replace a guy who is basically the human personification of a barometer?
But the WGN News Morning Show survived because the brand is bigger than one person. It’s a vibe. It’s a specific Chicago attitude—a mix of hard work, a thick skin, and a refusal to take yourself too seriously. The meteorologists who have stepped up, like Demetrius Ivory and Morgan Kolkmeyer, haven't tried to "be" Skilling. They’ve been themselves.
That’s a lesson in brand management. You don't replace an icon by mimicking them. You replace them by maintaining the standard they set while bringing your own energy to the desk. The show’s ratings have stayed dominant because the audience’s relationship is with the show, not just the individuals.
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The Production Grind: What Happens Behind the Scenes
Most people watching at 8:00 AM while they’re making school lunches don't realize that the show has been running for four hours already. The WGN News Morning Show starts at 4:00 AM. That means the producers, writers, and technical crew are arriving at the station on Bradley Place when the rest of the city is in deep REM sleep.
It is a massive logistical puzzle. You have to balance:
- Breaking news that happens overnight.
- Live traffic reports every few minutes (crucial for a city as congested as Chicago).
- National headlines.
- Local community interest stories.
- Guest interviews, which range from local politicians to touring comedians.
The pacing is relentless. If you watch closely, the show changes its tone as the morning progresses. The 4:00 AM to 6:00 AM block is a bit more traditional—fast-paced, heavy on the "need to know" info for people heading to early shifts. But once 7:00 AM hits, the "Morning Show" personality really comes out. That’s when the segments get longer, the banter gets weirder, and the show turns into the hybrid news/variety hour that everyone loves.
Common Misconceptions About the Show
A lot of people think the banter is scripted. It’s not. I’ve spoken to folks in the industry who have visited the set, and the "cross-talk" is almost entirely organic. The producers give them a framework, but the reactions are real. If Robin looks shocked by something Pat said, it’s usually because she actually is.
Another misconception is that they "don't do real news." Because they joke around so much, critics sometimes dismiss them as lightweights. That's a mistake. WGN’s investigative unit and their political coverage are some of the best in the city. They’ve won more Emmys than most people have shoes. They just happen to believe that you can be serious about the news without being a boring person.
How to Watch (Even if You Aren't in Chicago)
One of the coolest things about the digital age is that the WGN News Morning Show has a global following. Thanks to their live stream on WGNTV.com and their presence on apps like NewsNATION, people tune in from all over the world. There are expats in Europe who wake up in the middle of the night just to feel a connection to home.
The show’s YouTube channel is also a goldmine. They upload segments almost immediately after they air. If you miss a "Man of the People" bit or a particularly funny interview, you can find it within an hour. This digital strategy has kept them relevant with a younger audience that doesn't even own a traditional television.
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Actionable Insights for the Morning Show Fan
If you want to get the most out of your morning viewing, or if you’re just trying to navigate the landscape of Chicago media, here’s how to do it:
1. Use the WGN News App for Traffic, Not Just the TV.
The television broadcast is great, but the app gives you the real-time maps that correspond to what the anchors are talking about. If Sarah Jindra says there’s a crash on the Eisenhower, you can see the alternate routes on your phone instantly.
2. Follow the Anchors on Social Media.
The fun doesn't stop when the show ends at 10:00 AM. Robin, Pat, and Larry are very active on Instagram and X. They often post the "behind the scenes" stuff that was too "edgy" for the actual broadcast. It’s like the DVD extras for the news.
3. Check the "Around Town" Segments for Weekend Ideas.
Ana Belaval’s "Around Town" segments are basically a curated guide to the best hidden gems in Chicago. If you’re looking for a new bakery, a weird museum, or a neighborhood festival, she’s already done the legwork for you.
4. Don't Be Afraid to Interact.
The show thrives on viewer feedback. They read emails and comments on air all the time. If you have a gripe about a local issue or a funny photo to share, send it in. You’d be surprised how often they actually use viewer-submitted content to drive a segment.
The WGN News Morning Show isn't just a news program; it’s a Chicago institution. It’s the visual equivalent of a Harold's Chicken bucket or a walk down the lakefront. It’s messy, it’s loud, it’s occasionally frustrating, but it’s ours. As long as they keep the coffee flowing and the cameras rolling, Chicago will keep tuning in to see what kind of trouble they can get into before noon.