Krashesky To Succeed Magers At WLS

Anchor/reporter Ron Magers, whose broadcast journalism career in Chicago (DMA 3) stretches back for more than three decades, is set to retire from ABC-owned WLS on Wednesday, May 25.

Magers joined WLS in 1998 as the station’s 5 p.m. anchor and was named the 10 p.m. news anchor in 2002.  He currently anchors the station’s 5 p.m. newscast with Cheryl Burton and the 10 o’clock news with Kathy Brock.

Alan Krashesky has been tapped to take the reins of the station’s 10 p.m. broadcast, co-anchoring with Kathy Brock, beginning May 26. Krashesky’s role at the station will include additional anchor duties at 5 p.m. alongside anchor Cheryl Burton.  He will continue to anchor the 6 PM news with Kathy Brock. 

According to John Idler, WLS president-GM, “No hyperbole is necessary to describe Ron Magers.  He is simply the best.  We thank Ron for his unrelenting pursuit of excellence and for all he has meant to ABC 7 and our Chicago viewers.  We will miss him.”

Ron Magers has earned a reputation for his mastery in handling live, breaking news. The station cited his “impeccable news judgment” as contributing to his “leadership role in every newsroom he has worked in and the respect of colleagues, critics and viewers.”

His significant contributions to broadcast journalism have translated into numerous awards, including seven Chicago Emmy Awards, a Peter Lisagor Award and a National Press Club citation.  Newscasts anchored by Ron Magers have received awards from the Associated Press and the Illinois Broadcasters Association.  He has also received an Ethics Award from the Society of Professional Journalists.

“I’ve been a night worker in television all of my adult life.  It’s time for a leisurely dinner and maybe a movie or the theater.  I’m delighted that Alan is taking the job.  He’s a pro who will carry on the great tradition of excellence we have all worked so hard to create,” Magers said.

Krashesky has long been a key member of the station’s Eyewitness News team.  He joined WLS in 1982 and had been a major contributor to the station’s news efforts. He was the first anchor of the station’s weekday morning newscast, once anchored the station’s 5 p.m. newscast and currently anchors the station’s top-rated 4 and  6 p.m. newscasts.

He frequently is the go-to reporter for big stories, breaking news and international coverage. According to WLS, he is recognized as an authority on matters related to the Pope and has traveled to Rome extensively to provide insightful, live reports.

He also hosts News Views, the station’s political and current affairs Sunday morning program and has covered national political conventions as well.