The people of WGN: For 75 years, unforgettable figures have shaped the station

To celebrate WGN TV’s 75th anniversary, we look back on its history and memories in a series of stories.

in this week’s series 75 wagons, A look back at the memorable figures who shaped Channel 9 over the past 75 years.

In the video above, you can see WGN executives such as Ward Quall, who led WGN in its early days, and Jim Dowdle, the visionary Tribune Broadcasting executive who expanded WGN’s reach.

See the faces of news stations such as Spencer Allen, the first news director and anchorman, and John Drury, who became the mainstay of the Chicago Broadcasting Station, as well as a parade of WGN News reporters.

You can see the faces of sportscasters like jack brickhouse, Vince Lloyd, Harry Carey, Ken Harrelson, Wayne Larribee and even Bob Costas presented the Bulls’ season of games on WGN. The music show host and The Barn Dance’s he revisits celebrity guests like Johnny Cash.

I also remember public relations and talk show hosts such as Bill Berry and Peter Nuno.

Of course, we’re revisiting Channel 9’s unparalleled roster of children’s programming personalities – Frazier Thomas, Ray Rayner, Bozo and more.

Photojournalist Kevin Doleman contributed to this piece