Long-Time WGN Radio News Anchor Steve Bertrand Announces Retirement
CHICAGO (October 29, 2025) – WGN Radio today announced its afternoon news anchor Steve Bertrand will be retiring from radio on November 13, 2025. A trusted voice in the newsroom, Bertrand recently celebrated his 40th Anniversary with WGN Radio this past June. He is known for his quick-witted commentary. He has hosted several shows and anchored news on nearly every part of the clock during his tenure.
“From joining WGN Radio in 1985 during the Wally Phillips era to anchoring news on the Lisa Dent Show today, throughout his 40 eventful years here Steve has faithfully maintained the highest standards of journalistic integrity, combined with his own unique gift for playful on air banter which is sure to be missed by colleagues and listeners alike,” said WGN Radio Vice President and General Manager Mary Sandberg Boyle.
Raised in Manteno, Illinois and a Marquette University graduate, Bertrand started at WGN Radio as an intern and hired full-time in 1985. He has been in the news anchor chair since 1992, working with legendary WGN names including Wally Phillips, Roy Leonard, Spike O’Dell and Kathy O’Malley and Judy Markey. With the latter, he brought a unique blend of banter and insight to the conversation of the duo known as “The Girlfriends.”
“I feel like I’m the luckiest guy in the history of radio. As a kid, I dreamed of one day living in Chicago. I never imagined I’d be part of her daily conversation,” said Steve Bertrand. “I will forever be grateful to the legends I worked with and, most especially, the listeners who made it all happen. I’ve had the privilege of being part of a pretty amazing family for 40 years.”
“Our loss is Steve’s (and his family’s) gain. But, boy are we gonna miss him. He has been the stable, warm and wise voice for Chicago radio for so many years. If he’ll no longer talk on our shows, I hope he’ll call in. Chicago needs more Steve Bertrands,” said WGN Radio host John Williams.
Bertrand spent six years on the road with the Chicago Bears when WGN Radio was the flagship for the team, producing play-by-play broadcasts, hosting pre- and post-game shows and interviewing Coach Mike Ditka live from the locker room.
A few of the more notable news stories Bertrand has covered over the past four decades include the death of Mayor Harold Washington, the Plainfield tornado of 1990, Al Gore’s decision not to concede on election night in 2000, the Oklahoma City bombing, and the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He has received several awards and gained a national reputation for interviewing top authors.
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About WGN Radio
For more than 100 years, WGN Radio AM 720, a Nexstar Media Group, Inc. station, has been dedicated to being the #1 source of Chicagoland news, information, entertainment, and sports. WGN Radio is the official broadcast home of the Chicago Blackhawks and Northwestern University. Listen at AM 720, online at wgnradio.com, on your WGN Radio app, smart speakers, Apple Car Play, Android Auto, Audacy.com, TuneIn, or iHeartRadio. For the latest news conversation and more, visit wgnradio.com and follow @wgnradio on social media channels.
WGN RADIO MEDIA CONTACT:
Kristina Quinn
(312) 222-5098 or krquinn@nexstar.tv