Posted by chicagomedia.org on May 15, 2009 at 11:27:40:
WGN-TV cuts Jane Boal, others
Jane Boal, who gained a measure of fame in 1999 when a car plowed into her while she reported live on WGN-Ch. 9's noon newscast, was among those the station let go Thursday in response to the economic climate and media revenue picture.
At least one non-news employee also was cut in addition to Boal, a sports producer, a special projects producer and a producer on Channel 9's morning show.
WGN parent Tribune Co. also owns the Chicago Tribune.
Boal hosted Illinois Lottery drawings before moving to Channel 9's news in 1998, serving as a general assignment and feature reporter.
Although her recurring segments included "Chicago's Very Own," "Good News" and "Unsung Heroes," Boal is probably best known for being struck by a car while on the air in October 1999, injuring her leg. Video of the accident, seen by thousands as it happened, was rebroadcast repeatedly in Chicago and beyond.
Just in the last month, Chicago media outlets making reductions in response to the economy and advertising revenue situation have included Clear Channel Radio, CBS-owned WBBM-Ch. 2, NBC-owned WMAQ-Ch. 5, Fox-owned WFLD-Ch. 32, the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times.
(Phil Rosenthal, Chicago Tribune)