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NBC5's Ryan Baker jumps to CBS2

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Posted by chicagomedia.org on March 22, 2008 at 08:52:55:

Someone should have told him that joining CBS2 = career death. Then again I suppose everyone needs a paycheck. Maybe the real message should be emailed to CBS2 saying that their money could be better spent instead of luring expensive local personalities to their side.

After five years on the sports team at NBC-owned WMAQ-Channel 5, Ryan Baker is switching sides.

Starting April 14, the Chicago native and University of Illinois graduate will sign on as sports anchor at CBS-owned WBBM-Channel 2.

In a role created specifically for Baker, he initially will anchor sports for Channel 2's weekday morning newscast and report for other newscasts on the station. But it could be only a matter of time before he supplants Mark Malone as main sports anchor.

Carol Fowler, vice president and news director at Channel 2, said Baker "brings an incredible knowledge of sports and a love for Chicago to our weekday morning show. You watch Ryan, and you have no doubt that he has a command of what the fan is talking about and wants to know."

Baker, 38, whose contract with Channel 5 expired earlier this year, had been working under a short-term extension when his agent, Steve Mandell, negotiated the new deal with Channel 2.

"I wish things had worked out differently [at Channel 5], but I thank them for allowing me to realize my dream of coming back to my hometown," Baker said.

Calling his gig at Channel 2 "an absolute thrill," Baker said he was grateful to his new bosses for "appreciating my talent and providing me such an exciting opportunity."

Baker's last appearance on Channel 5 is expected to be on this weekend's "Sports Sunday," when he interviews Cubs Hall of Famer Ernie Banks. No decision has been made about whether he will be replaced.

Since 2006, Channel 5 has gone with a team approach to its sports coverage, with Baker sharing more or less equal status with Mike Adamle, Paula Farris and Peggy Kusinski.

Baker joined Channel 5 as weekend sports anchor in 2003 from WKMG-TV in Orlando, Fla. He previously worked at KFMB-TV in San Diego and WCIA-TV and WICD-TV in Champaign.

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: Someone should have told him that joining CBS2 = career death. Then again I suppose everyone needs a paycheck. Maybe the real message should be emailed to CBS2 saying that their money could be better spent instead of luring expensive local personalities to their side. : : After five years on the sports team at NBC-owned WMAQ-Channel 5, Ryan Baker is switching sides. : Starting April 14, the Chicago native and University of Illinois graduate will sign on as sports anchor at CBS-owned WBBM-Channel 2. : In a role created specifically for Baker, he initially will anchor sports for Channel 2's weekday morning newscast and report for other newscasts on the station. But it could be only a matter of time before he supplants Mark Malone as main sports anchor. : Carol Fowler, vice president and news director at Channel 2, said Baker "brings an incredible knowledge of sports and a love for Chicago to our weekday morning show. You watch Ryan, and you have no doubt that he has a command of what the fan is talking about and wants to know." : Baker, 38, whose contract with Channel 5 expired earlier this year, had been working under a short-term extension when his agent, Steve Mandell, negotiated the new deal with Channel 2. : "I wish things had worked out differently [at Channel 5], but I thank them for allowing me to realize my dream of coming back to my hometown," Baker said. : Calling his gig at Channel 2 "an absolute thrill," Baker said he was grateful to his new bosses for "appreciating my talent and providing me such an exciting opportunity." : Baker's last appearance on Channel 5 is expected to be on this weekend's "Sports Sunday," when he interviews Cubs Hall of Famer Ernie Banks. No decision has been made about whether he will be replaced. : Since 2006, Channel 5 has gone with a team approach to its sports coverage, with Baker sharing more or less equal status with Mike Adamle, Paula Farris and Peggy Kusinski. : Baker joined Channel 5 as weekend sports anchor in 2003 from WKMG-TV in Orlando, Fla. He previously worked at KFMB-TV in San Diego and WCIA-TV and WICD-TV in Champaign.

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