Ryan Baker leaving CBS Chicago after nearly two decades

What they're saying: "Having grown up in the south suburbs watching Channel 2 every night and idolizing the legendary Johnny Morris, it's been an indescribable dream come true to sit in his sports anchor chair for the bulk of the last 18 years at WBBM-TV," Baker said in a statement.

• "However, I'm ready for the next chapter and challenge in my life."

Flashback: Baker burst on the Chicago television scene as a sports anchor at NBC 5 from 2003-08 before joining CBS Chicago in 2008.

• In 2019, he moved from sports to the station's morning newscast, a role he held for five years before returning to the 10 p.m. sports desk in 2024.
• "Ryan Baker's impact on the Chicago sports landscape is truly immeasurable," CBS Chicago's president and general manager Jennifer Lyons said in a release.

Context: A south suburban native and Thornridge High School graduate, Baker got his start in broadcasting as an intern at WGN Radio before attending the University of Illinois and launching a 35-year broadcasting career.

What's next: His last day at the station is June 25.