Sasha-Ann Simons leaving WBEZ after six years
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Sasha Ann-Simons. Photo: Courtesy of Chicago Public Media
WBEZ host Sasha-Ann Simons is leaving the public radio station and her flagship show, "In the Loop."
Why it matters: Simons has become a fixture of WBEZ's morning lineup, and her departure comes just one year after the station overhauled its local programming and launched "In the Loop."
The latest: Simons, who took over "Reset" in 2020 after Jenn White left to host the nationally syndicated "1A," announced Friday she's departing after six years at the microphone.
- Her last day is Nov. 6.
What they're saying: "Leading 'Reset' and now 'In the Loop' has been one of the great privileges of my career," Simons said in a statement. "I am truly thankful for the Chicagoans who welcomed me into their lives and trusted me with their stories, questions and hopes for this city."
Zoom out: A lot has changed at the NPR member station since Simons arrived in 2020.
- WBEZ's parent company, Chicago Public Media (CPM), acquired the Chicago Sun-Times in 2022.
- CEO Matt Moog stepped down, and Melissa Bell took over the role, while Kimbriell Kelly returned to Chicago as CPM's editor-in-chief.
- WBEZ also lost federal funding following cuts to public broadcasting under the Trump administration.
The big picture: Beyond her daily broadcasts, Simons has served as a prominent voice at the station, hosting debates, covering politics and contributing to podcasts.
- "Sasha-Ann has contributed to our collective organization in countless ways beyond her daily broadcasts," Kelly said in a release. "We are sad to see her leave, but excited for her as she embarks on this next chapter."
Reality check: Neither the station nor Simons has disclosed what's next for the veteran journalist.
What's next: The station says it's searching for a replacement host and will use fill-in hosts in the meantime.
- The show's rotating lineup of fill-in hosts has included staffers Araceli Gómez-Aldana, Susie An and Michael Puente.