Ryan Baker will depart CBS Chicago 2 WBBM after nearly two decades, concluding an accomplished broadcasting career spanning more than 35 years, the station announced.
Baker, a respected figure in the Chicago sports media landscape since joining CBS Chicago in 2008, will transition to the nonprofit sector as the new president and CEO of First Tee Greater Chicago, an organization dedicated to mentoring young people and teaching life skills through golf.
His final day with CBS Chicago will be June 25, 2026.
“Ryan Baker’s impact on the Chicago sports landscape is truly immeasurable,” said Jennifer Lyons, regional president and general manager of CBS Chicago and CBS Detroit. “For decades he has been a trusted voice for fans and a respected presence in our newsroom, as well as a committed member of the Chicago community. We are grateful for his many contributions to CBS Chicago and wish him continued success.”
Baker's broadcasting career began in central Illinois after graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a degree in journalism. He worked as a reporter, producer, and photographer at WICD-TV in Champaign before moving to WCIA-TV, where he served as a general-assignment news and sports reporter, anchor, and host of a public affairs show.
He later joined KFMB-TV in San Diego as a news and sports reporter/anchor before becoming Sports Director at WKMG-TV in Orlando in 1995. During his eight-year tenure there, Baker anchored weekday sportscasts and hosted several popular programs, including "Sports Jam," "Inside Magic," and the high school football show "6 Yard Line."
In 2003, Baker returned to Chicago as a sports anchor and reporter at NBC 5 Chicago WMAQ, where he covered the Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, the 2004 Olympic Games, and the NCAA Final Four. He also co-hosted the station's "Sports Sunday" program and served as host of the Chicago Bears-produced pregame and postgame shows "Bears Gameday Live" and "Bears Gamenight Live," including the team's run to Super Bowl XLI.
Beyond his local television work, Baker has served as host of University of Illinois basketball programming and worked as a studio host for the Big Ten Network from 2016 to 2018, anchoring football and basketball coverage for the conference network.
Throughout his career, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign grad has been known not only for his sports expertise but also for his commitment to community service and mentorship. In his new role, Baker will lead First Tee Greater Chicago's efforts to expand its reach and have a positive impact on more young people across the region.
“Having grown up in the south suburbs watching Channel 2 every night and idolizing the legendary Johnny Morris, it’s been an indescribable dream come true to sit in his sports anchor chair for the bulk of the last 18 years at WBBM-TV,” said Baker. “However, I’m ready for the next chapter and challenge in my life as I continue to serve the community as the CEO of First Tee Greater Chicago. I depart with nothing but sincere gratitude to my talented colleagues, and terrific station managers. But most of all, thank you to the Chicagoland viewers who’ve trusted and supported me for over two decades.”
CBS Chicago will recognize and celebrate Baker's contributions in the coming weeks as he prepares for the next chapter of his distinguished career.
