Random WMAQ Thread

[24994J 5888]

Yeah, I found it notable that this appearance was the same kind of investigative breaking news role that made up most of his appearances, during the last couple of years at 7. He's already in a team promo, with Ahern, Haeberle & Randhawa, as well.

[ns8401 995]

3 hours ago, 24994J said:

Yeah, I found it notable that this appearance was the same kind of investigative breaking news role that made up most of his appearances, during the last couple of years at 7. He's already in a team promo, with Ahern, Haeberle & Randhawa, as well.

The image of the two anchors looking at him while he says his spiel for whatever story they were talking about almost screams “Hi! Boy are we glad to have you over here now!”. 

Edited February 11, 2025 by ns8401

[TheRolyPoly 3510]

You have to admit: this is cool. WMAQ did a special open earlier tonight to celebrate SNL's 50th Anniversary after the network aired a live telecast to mark the occasion.

 

 

[LinCruzChicagoNYLA 33]

Allison Rosati recently posted on social media that she suffers shingles.

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/DG03QzbzOND/?img_index=1

[Weeters 2173]

An update to the previous report that NBC was downsizing their space in NBC Tower...

 

Not sure when it went up, but the landlord for NBC Tower has begun to advertise what seem to be the spaces WMAQ will be leaving. Curiously, is the Loopnet listing description for Suite 100.

Quote

Available Jan 2026. Former studio/newsroom space with double height space. Ground floor access, with ability to connect directly to floors 3, or 5 through dedicate entrance and elevator.

 

Additionally, space on the third floor and fifth floor is being advertised. A number of building permits were issued last summer/fall for the 2nd-4th floors as well.

 

Universal has ceased advertising the production studios within the tower. I'm pretty certain it is, but Is someone more familiar with WMAQ's space able to explain if the space being advertised is the current newsroom? 

[Jase 1164]

1 hour ago, Weeters said:

Overlooked last April was a report that NBC had extended their lease/naming rights at NBC Tower through 2040, with a catch. They will be downsizing the space they occupy, by about half. 

 

Not sure when it went up, but the landlord for NBC Tower has begun to advertise what seem to be the spaces WMAQ will be leaving. Curiously, is the Loopnet listing description for Suite 100.

 

Additionally, space on the third floor and fifth floor is being advertised. A number of building permits were issued last summer/fall for the 2nd-4th floors as well.

 

Universal has ceased advertising the production studios within the tower. I'm pretty certain it is, but Is someone more familiar with WMAQ's space able to explain if the space being advertised is the current newsroom? 

I mentioned this downsizing last April. That said, there were plans ‘unofficially’ announced early last year that NBC was planning to create a massive combined newsroom (and possibly studios) upstairs for both WMAQ (NBC 5) and WSNS (T44). 
 

However, this was before they announced they were downsizing. But based on this new information (and if I'm understanding the listing correctly), it looks like they will be moving upstairs (likely the same floor as the NBC News Midwest bureau and master control). And if I remember correctly, that’s on the second floor. It’s been a while since I’ve visited the NBC Tower…

Edited March 13, 2025 by Jase

[Weeters 2173]

19 minutes ago, Jase said:

I mentioned this downsizing last April. That said, there were plans ‘unofficially’ announced early last year that NBC was planning to create a massive combined newsroom (and possibly studios) upstairs for both WMAQ (NBC 5) and WSNS (T44). 
 

However, this was before they announced they were downsizing. But based on this new information (and if I'm understanding the listing correctly), it looks like they will be moving upstairs (likely the same floor as the NBC News Midwest bureau and master control). And if I remember correctly, that’s on the second floor. It’s been a while since I’ve visited the NBC Tower…

I skimmed the thread too fast!  There wasn't any discussion so I suppose it was still overlooked... That said I've updated the post.

 

It sure does seem like that. I believe the big studios where Springer and them taped were also on the second floor? The third floor listing shows that part of the building as "Open to Below".

[Jase 1164]

37 minutes ago, Weeters said:

I skimmed the thread too fast!  There wasn't any discussion so I suppose it was still overlooked... That said I've updated the post.

 

It sure does seem like that. I believe the big studios where Springer and them taped were also on the second floor? The third floor listing shows that part of the building as "Open to Below".

Yes, the studios/sound stages are on the second floor. They have a lot of open space to work with on 2, so it will be interesting to see what they come up with. 

[TheRolyPoly 3510]

THE gold standard of Chicago journalism and investigations at its finest... Carol Marin.

 

Now, she's getting a call from the Order of Lincoln, the state's highest honor.

 

This is a very well deserving recipient.

 

https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/veteran-nbc-5-journalist-carol-marin-among-2025-order-of-lincoln-honor-recipients/3674772/?_osource=db_npd_nbc_wmaq_eml_shr&fbclid=IwY2xjawJZuKxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHZQgePBQzq7ynFe12dhBzn5t3GZDmuAzKJV7_wWNvf_5URNrYODFWTJp-w_aem_vHG2EjoQOKQmqqdQA3Gnyg

[TheRolyPoly 3510]

Allison Rosati is back at WMAQ after a month away due to an illness.

 

https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/allison-rosati-makes-emotional-return-to-nbc-5/3717381/?_osource=SocialFlowFB_CHBrand&fbclid=IwY2xjawJijPRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHtU_UW_5JDcPJcUZhYCVvSpfpTmSgq5EQ_4m7ckaePwSFNpw89lVLy9I1ISX_aem_tyFuVBSxMy-Aj8z2Lv-MdA

[24994J 5888]

Steve Dolinsky is getting out of broadcasting entirely at the end of the month, taking a job scouting for concepts and collaborations for Levy Restaurants. His research will inform and mold the foods they serve at sports and entertainment venues across the country. The company is based in Chicago.

 

He also mentions the brand new studio they'll be getting later this year.

 

[R.R. 126]

I didn’t realize NBC 5 was still a necktie-optional operation. Not mad about it, sometimes you gotta let your voice box breathe.

[Chicago2008 39]

Per Sandra Torres instagram, she is leaving WMAQ and the industry entirely. 

[24994J 5888]

From the Broadcast Plaza server, here's the first peak at the new NBC-Telemundo Newsroom. The new set is slated for later this year, and I'd imagine this follows a similar timeline.

 

[Jase 1164]

On 6/30/2025 at 10:45 AM, 24994J said:

From the Broadcast Plaza server, here's the first peak at the new NBC-Telemundo Newsroom. The new set is slated for later this year, and I'd imagine this follows a similar timeline.

 

Looking pretty good. I’m sure they will be happy to have some breathing room given their current situation. My guess is a November reveal [ in time for sweeps ]. 

Edited September 19, 2025 by Jase

[R.R. 126]

And as this comes into play. Let us reflect on all the NBC 5 sets of the NBC Tower in the last 35 years!

[R.R. 126]

35 years at the Tower for Allison Rosati. Reflection on her anchoring with Sirott, Norman, Saunders, Magers, Kwan, Stafford, Holt and many others. Her streak of long running evening anchor for now 28 years remains untouched.

[TheRolyPoly 3510]

19 hours ago, R.R. said:

35 years at the Tower for Allison Rosati. Reflection on her anchoring with Sirott, Norman, Saunders, Magers, Kwan, Stafford, Holt and many others. Her streak of long running evening anchor for now 28 years remains untouched.

 

A look back from last night's 10pm news. Longtime anchors are hard to come by now these days. Allison has proved it all with dignity. She is WMAQ of this generation.

 

 

[R.R. 126]

Well, football season is underway with some changes in the talent roster:

 

1. Kevin Jeanes will shift to weekend evenings, and Pete Sack will shift back over to the weekend morning show.

2. Allison and Stefan will anchor Sunday-Thursday, and Natalie will anchor Friday nights.

 

This would be the second time in about 20 years that this has taken place

[GraphicsMan 345]

On 6/30/2025 at 11:45 AM, 24994J said:

The new set is slated for later this year

Another new set isn’t there current one only like 2 years old.

[Jase 1164]

57 minutes ago, GraphicsMan said:

Another new set isn’t there current one only like 2 years old.

They’re moving to an entirely new space upstairs which would necessitate a new set. 

[R.R. 126]

Ever since Warner Bros. dropped Judge Mathis, and the other talk shows and court dramas left NBC Tower, it has given NBC 5 and Telemundo more space to operate under one roof.

[Jase 1164]

Kristen Kirchhaine joins NBC 5 weather team

 

 It appears she is part of the WMAQ weather team on a freelance basis. She previously worked for TMJ4.

[Jase 1164]

The big move upstairs should be starting soon as they’re putting the final touches on the new combined newsroom and studios. Curious to see if they replicate the current set or come up with something completely new.

[R.R. 126]

From a brief time as Morning traffic anchor, to doing special feature stories, LeeAnn Trotter has done it all. Wednesday was her final day with NBC 5 after 2 decades. Before then she was with CLTV.