Posted by chicagomedia.org on August 25, 2008 at 18:46:45:
Merri Dee, the one-time anchor and longtime director of community relations at WGN-Ch. 9, is leaving Oct. 1 after 37 years with the station.
Dee, who has remained an on-air presence as host of several parades and telethons and other TV specials, will continue working as a consultant to community organizations and companies, the station said in a statement today. It is unclear whether the station will replace her.
"Merri has been a tremendous asset to WGN-TV over the years,'' said Marty Wilke, WGN interim general manager. "We're evaluating all the various aspects of community relations to decide how we will proceed in this new media environment."
In a separate announcement, AARP Illinois announced that Dee will join its State Executive Council. Dee will be a volunteer member of the organization's seven-member leadership committee, helping to shape AARP's state agenda.
Dee, 71, had held a number of high-profile positions at WGN throughout the years, including newscaster, talk-show host, staff announcer before moving into her current position.
(Chicago Tribune)