NBC 5 Chicago 191 Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 From Robert Feder this morning - http://www.suntimes.com/business/feder/736237,CST-FIN-feder11.article NBC 5 loses veteran sportscaster's 'creative spark' to budget cutbacks Bruce Wolf, whose brief tenure at WMAQ-Channel 5 included stints as traffic reporter, morning show host and sports anchor, is being forced out of the NBC-owned station. The victim of ongoing budget cuts at Channel 5, Wolf was told that his contract would not be renewed when it expires Feb. 17. The lifelong Chicagoan and veteran broadcaster joined Channel 5 in 2006 after more than 18 years as sports anchor at Fox-owned WFLD-Channel 32. Starting on Channel 5 as a traffic reporter, he segued to host of "Barely Today," a freewheeling showcase for his wit and wisecracks, airing in the predawn mist of 4:30 a.m. After that was deemed a noble but unsuccessful experiment, he was deployed as the fifth person on a four-person sports staff. "From morning traffic to 'Barely Today' to sports, Bruce has shown his great versatility during his time here," Frank Whittaker, vice president of news, told staffers in a memo Thursday. "His energy and wit have been fun to watch. We will miss his creative spark." Wolf continues on Jonathon Brandmeier's morning show on Emmis Communications' classic rock WLUP-FM (97.9). Of his experience at Channel 5, Wolf said: "It was heartbreaking at times, but very rewarding too." TRACKING: Reporter goes home Juan Carlos Fanjul, a reporter and fill-in news anchor at Tribune Co.-owned WGN-Channel 9, is leaving to return to his hometown of West Palm Beach, Fla., as an anchor at WPEC-TV. He joined Channel 9 in 2002 from WSVN-TV in Miami. Maternity Leave Weekend news anchors Stacey Baca and Karen Jordan will be filling in alongside Hosea Sanders while Judy Hsu is on maternity leave from ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7's weekday morning newscast. As of Monday, Hsu will be off while expecting her third child. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/2880-chicago-shake-ups/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
5Viewer 1 Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 I'm glad Bruce is going. I've never liked him. I think he jokes around too much and I don't like his attitude. I wonder, will Paula Faris resume the evening sports spot, or will Mike Adamle fill-in? Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/2880-chicago-shake-ups/#findComment-25643 Share on other sites More sharing options...
former newsboy 52 Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 What's wrong with a sports guy joking around? Wolf's wit is what sets him apart from a fumbling, awkward fella like Mike Adamle. Or an out of touch, egotistical Mark Malone. Besides, his knowledge and passion for Chicago sports are unparalleled. If Channel 2 doesn't snap him up this time, they truly haven't a clue. I'm actually excited about his departure because of this possibility, but at the same time marvel at Channel 5's decision to let him go rather than move him up. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/2880-chicago-shake-ups/#findComment-25665 Share on other sites More sharing options...
NBC 5 Chicago 191 Posted January 11, 2008 Author Share Posted January 11, 2008 Bruce wolf was the only one that had a time slot to do the sports. Before Bruce all the sports reporters would rotate and anchor the newscasts. So they will probably continue to do the same. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/2880-chicago-shake-ups/#findComment-25668 Share on other sites More sharing options...
5Viewer 1 Posted January 11, 2008 Share Posted January 11, 2008 There is nothing with a sports anchor joking around. Bruce just does it too much. Mark Giangreco and Corey McPherrin joke around ,but they don't joke around all the time or make funny voices while anchoring sports, unlike Bruce. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/2880-chicago-shake-ups/#findComment-25669 Share on other sites More sharing options...
lazynetjunkie 34 Posted January 12, 2008 Share Posted January 12, 2008 I wouldn't call what Bruce Wolf does exactly "joking around". He has a unique witty style of reporting/anchoring sports that no one else in the market has. Alot of people in the market enjoy his way of reporting/anchoring sports. He was at FOX Chicago for over 18 years so that must show something. Remember, it's sports. It's not exactly the serious portion of the newscast. All anchors don't have to do the same thing. It's nice to have a little variety in a market. And if you don't like it, you can always flip the channel. Where else can you find a guy that has a law degree and anchors sports the way he does? He's still got his radio gigs but I'm pretty sure another TV station in town will snatch him up. I wouldn't be surprised if FOX Chicago forgives him and tries to lure him back. He would be a good catch for CBS 2. Imagine puting Bruce Wolf and Rick DiMaio together on a newscast again. That would be some good stuff. Link to comment https://localnewstalk.net/topic/2880-chicago-shake-ups/#findComment-25685 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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