Chicago investigative reporter Chuck Goudie out at ABC7
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Chuck Goudie, Chicago media's dean of investigations, is no longer on the air at ABC7.
Why it matters: Goudie has been a larger-than-life media personality for over 40 years in Chicago.
The latest: The award-winning broadcast journalist hasn't been seen on the station's newscasts this year, and the station has confirmed they have parted ways.
What they're saying: "Chuck Goudie was a valued member of our ABC7 team for many years and we thank him for his groundbreaking contributions," spokesperson Jayme Nicholas tells Axios.
- "We wish him only the best in his next chapter."
Context: Goudie started as a general assignment reporter at ABC7 in 1980. A decade later, he was promoted to chief investigative reporter. Up until a few weeks ago, he led the vaunted "ITeam" at ABC7.
- In 2018, he was inducted into the Silver Circle of the Chicago/Midwest chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Flashback: Goudie has been a huge local news competitor, working sources and stories on the Chicago mob, the Mexican cartel and even maneuvering to get big interviews, like when former Gov. Rod Blagojevich was released from a Colorado prison.
- Who was sitting next to the governor on the plane home? Goudie.
Zoom out: The move comes as television stations across the country are cutting back amid a challenging climate for advertising and revenue.
- Goudie joins Pam Zekman, another legendary local investigative reporter, on the sidelines. Zekman was laid off in 2020.
Between the lines: Goudie, who did not respond to Axios' request for comment, has been silent about his departure, which could suggest that the 69-year-old isn't retiring and instead could resurface at another station.
- He told the Tribune last May he expected to be at ABC7 for "many years to come."