Chicago Radio and TV News Changes as Long-Time Stations End Shows
CBS Radio shuts down its century-old news service while Chicago sports network sets new ratings records.
Jennifer Keiper had been the voice of CBS News Radio for Chicago listeners for over five years. Every afternoon and evening, she would read the news from her studio in the city. But on Friday, she said goodbye for the last time as CBS Radio shut down its news service forever.
Keiper has worked in Chicago radio for 30 years. She started as an intern at B96 radio station when she was young. Over the years, she worked at many different stations around the city. She even did traffic reports from the very top of the Willis Tower, looking down at all the cars below.
When CBS called her in 2020, Keiper was excited to join the famous network. She hosted news shows and became the only Chicago-based anchor for CBS News Radio. But the company started canceling shows in December, and Keiper knew her job was in danger too.
Now Keiper is taking time off to enjoy what she calls the "Summer of Jen." She wants to learn archery, get her violin fixed, and take fun trips with her husband. Even though she's taking a break, she still loves radio and hopes to find another news job soon.
The first time I got fired, I cried.
Comprehension quiz preview
1. How long did Jennifer Keiper work for CBS News Radio?
2. What does the word 'ecstatic' mean when Sean Lewis talks about his new job?
3. Why did CHSN probably get such high ratings during the City Series?