WGN’s Bertrand Announces Retirement

• WGN Radio/Chicago announced the impending retirement of longtime afternoon news anchor Steve Bertrand, effective Nov. 13. A trusted voice in the newsroom, Bertrand celebrated his 40th anniversary with WGN Radio in June. Known for his quick-witted commentary, Bertrand has hosted several shows and anchored news in nearly every daypart during his four-decade tenure.

Raised in Manteno, IL, and a graduate of Marquette University, Bertrand started at WGN Radio as an intern and was hired full-time in 1985. He has been in the news anchor chair since 1992, working with legendary WGN names including Wally Phillips, Roy Leonard, Spike O’Dell and Kathy O’Malley, and Judy Markey. With the latter, he brought a unique blend of banter and insight to the conversation of the duo known as “The Girlfriends.”

Mary Sandberg Boyle, VP/GM of WGN Radio remarked, “From joining WGN Radio in 1985 during the Wally Phillips era to anchoring news on the Lisa Dent Show today, throughout his 40 eventful years here Steve has faithfully maintained the highest standards of journalistic integrity, combined with his own unique gift for playful on-air banter, which is sure to be  missed by colleagues and listeners alike.”

“Our loss is Steve’s — and his family’s — gain,” said WGN Radio host John Williams. “But, boy are we gonna miss him. He has been the stable, warm and wise voice for Chicago radio for so many years. If he’ll no longer talk on our shows, I hope he’ll call in.  Chicago needs more Steve Bertrands.”

Bertrand remarked, “I feel like I’m the luckiest guy in the history of radio. As a kid, I dreamed of one day living in Chicago. I never imagined I’d be part of her daily conversation. I will forever be grateful to the legends I worked with and, most especially, the listeners who made it all happen. I’ve had the privilege of being part of a pretty amazing family for 40 years.”