The Definitive ABC 7 Thread

[R.R. 126]

17 hours ago, 24994J said:

I'd imagine they'll platoon Christian Piekos, Cate Cauguiran & Jasmine Minor, in the interim.

Hopefully Jasmine can pronounce Cicero Avenue correctly

[cpet228 2]

Rob Hughes was on this morning with Samantha and Jaisol.  

[24994J 5888]

10 minutes ago, cpet228 said:

Rob Hughes was on this morning with Samantha and Jaisol.  

 

He's moving to that slot for the foreseeable future. They're framing it as permanent, but we'll see. They need reporters more than anchors, right now, so leaving Karen solo late is fine for the fall football season. I can't help but think Hughes' stock is a little low, as well, and shifting him to slot where he can come out of his shell a bit is a chance for him to prove his value.

[Jase 1164]

2 hours ago, 24994J said:

 

He's moving to that slot for the foreseeable future. They're framing it as permanent, but we'll see. They need reporters more than anchors, right now, so leaving Karen solo late is fine for the fall football season. I can't help but think Hughes' stock is a little low, as well, and shifting him to slot where he can come out of his shell a bit is a chance for him to prove his value.

 

Hughes may be better suited for mornings. Looking at his bio, he doesn't have a strong news background, so this new arrangement may work in his favor. He has this 'sports guy reading the news' sort of persona,if you will, that doesn't work well on a afternoon/evening newscast. He lacks an authoritative voice.

Edited October 5, 2025 by Jase

[24994J 5888]

To me, the new arrangement just feels like what they should've done in the first place, two years ago. Mark had instant chemistry with Karen, and already was great with Greg. If they had put Hughes with Sam in the morning in '23, he'd probably have developed to the point of moving to nights now, with Mark's shift change. It's weird, it all feels like 7's version of how 5 has fumbled Patrick Fazio. That said, Rob was probably miscast, while I think Patrick was just a poor hire.

[Chicago2008 39]

A shooting happened outside the Chicago theater across the street from ABC 7 last night right before the ten o'clock news. 

[24994J 5888]

2 hours ago, Chicago2008 said:

A shooting happened outside the Chicago theater across the street from ABC 7 last night right before the ten o'clock news. 

 

They extended the late news until 11 on the stream.
 

 

[24994J 5888]

I have this video unlisted, because it's not a big deal, but a classic practice was brought back on last night's 5pm news. Talked to a few buddies, and none of us think the 6pm anchor has teased that show at the close of the 5 in at least 25 years.

 

 

[TheRolyPoly 3510]

When you watch ABC 7, you know it for its hard-hitting serious journalism. In the morning, its the same while WGN loves to have fun and poke and make fun at all different kinds. But don't be surprised if every once in a while, WLS does have some fun.

 

Case in point: last night's 10pm news. Cheryl Burton got to wear... a cheese grater hat. With the Bears  in the playoffs and playing against the Packers in the wild card round, Bears fans will have every opportunity to hate on the Packers and prove why they should win. Its a serious and bitter rivalry, but its good and nice to see media folks have fun every once in a while in a fun and light-hearted manner and setting and this was one of those times.

 

 

[24994J 5888]

28 minutes ago, TheRolyPoly said:

When you watch ABC 7, you know it for its hard-hitting serious journalism. In the morning, its the same while WGN loves to have fun and poke and make fun at all different kinds. But don't be surprised if every once in a while, WLS does have some fun.

 

For all my issues with Burton, I do respect that she's willing to drop the facade and look a little goofy...of course it has to be on her terms. 

But beyond that, a younger, new generation late news has forced the need for a little freshness. I'm not about to say that one era comes to the same level as another, but between the pandemic and a slew of retirements, this is as about cohesive that the late team has felt in almost a decade. You have a meteorologist and sports anchor who are very good friends on & off-air, plus the WMAQ import who bounces well off them both. There's a shred of Magers-Taft-Giangreco in there, and I like it. That said, Burton still feels a little like the odd one out in the current group, the mom trying to be cool in front of teenagers (I much prefer her dynamic with Ravi Baichwal, who plays the grounded adult better), but the other 3 feel like a group that's built to last, no matter who's in the chair next to Rob.

 

On 11/22/2025 at 3:39 PM, 24994J said:

I have this video unlisted, because it's not a big deal, but a classic practice was brought back on last night's 5pm news. Talked to a few buddies, and none of us think the 6pm anchor has teased that show at the close of the 5 in at least 25 years.

 

Oh, and this is still going. Guess it's back for good, or at least until it's not.

Edited January 10 by 24994J

[Georgie56 3661]

Leah Hope was attacked in January while covering a story on the State & Lake station closing. She was off air for five weeks while recuperating.

Edited February 17 by Georgie56

[312newswannabe 11]

Damn, that is wild and in broad daylight too; I’m glad she's ok. Reminds me when Cheryl Burton was attacked in the loop in 2008 in between shows.