CBS Names Jennifer Lyons WBBM Chicago GM

CBS today appointed Jennifer Lyons, an award-winning Chicago television news executive, president and general manager of CBS News and Television Stations’ local businesses in Chicago, including WBBM, CBSN Chicago and CBSChicago.com.

A Chicago native who has spent the past 27 years of her career in the nation’s third-largest market, Lyons will assume her new role on Monday, Aug. 23.

Wendy McMahon, president and co-head of CBS News and Stations, said: “We feel extremely fortunate to have someone like Jennifer, who has a proven track record of success in Chicago, joining as the leader of our team, products and platforms at CBS 2,” McMahon said.

“Jennifer knows this market like few others, understands what it takes to develop and maintain meaningful relationships with the diverse communities that make up this city and is deeply committed to growing our brands and business for the future.

“I also want to congratulate the CBS 2 Chicago news department which, under the leadership of News Director Jeff Harris, continues to produce award-winning investigations and best-in-class news content that have captured local and national attention, including this week’s announcement that WBBM won the National Edward R. Murrow Award for Overall Excellence. Congratulations to the team on your exceptional coverage and well-deserved recognition,” McMahon added.

Since 1993, Lyons has worked for WGN Chicago, most recently as news director from 2014-20. In 2017, she was named News Director of the Year by Broadcasting+Cable. During the past year, she led the creation and launch of WGN parent company Nexstar Media Group’s Chicago-based national cable news channel, NewsNation, including the design and buildout of a 24-hour newsroom and studio.

Prior to leading the news department at WGN, Lyons was the station’s assistant news director from 2008 to 2014. Before that, she was the executive producer of WGN’s morning and midday news.

After earning her bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication from Iowa State University, Lyons began her career in Davenport and Des Moines, Iowa, working as a photographer, live truck operator and producer for KWQC and WHO, respectively.

Lyons is the recipient of Chicago/Midwest Emmy and Silver Dome awards.