WLS/Chicago Political Reporter, Host Bill Cameron to Retire

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, July 23, 2021

Bill Cameron

Chicago political reporter and host of WLS-AM Sunday evening radio show, "Connected to Chicago with Bill Cameron," has announced his retirement after a 51-year career. His last day on-air will be Friday, August 20, which, fittingly, is his 21st anniversary at WLS-AM. He will share stories and insights from his tenure covering the good, the bad and the ugly of Chicago politics with listeners on "The Bruce St James Show" from 5:30-9am and later on "The John Howell Show" from 4-7pm.

Cameron, who until the demise of WMAQ Radio was its political editor, is considered the "dean" of radio political reporters in Chicago. He joined the Chicago City Hall beat in 1970. In addition to daily reporting of Chicago politics, he has hosted and produced weekly public affairs programs, including the current "Connected to Chicago with Bill Cameron" at 7pm Sundays on WLS-AM, featuring leading newsmakers and political reporters.

Cameron's coverage of Chicago politics began with Mayor Richard J. Daley and includes the "revolving-door administration" of Mayor Jane Byrne, the "Council Wars" of the city's first black mayor, Harold Washington, Mayor Richard M. Daley, Rahm Emanuel and now Lori Lightfoot. He was also on the scene for many other famous Chicago stories including the tragic plane crashes and train accidents of the '70s, the grisly mass murders of John Wayne Gacy, and the scandals that have sent so many governors and other politicians to prison.

Cameron is the winner of two Edward R. Murrow Awards from the Radio & Television News Directors Association, shared in a Peabody Award, and has received numerous AP, UPI and Gabriel awards for his work. He holds a B.S. in Broadcast Journalism from Indiana University. The son of an Illinois High School Hall of Fame football coach, Fred Cameron, he has called football and basketball games on radio in addition to working as a trainer and referee in sports.

Cameron said, "The time has come for me to plan my retirement. I've enjoyed covering Chicago politics very much, but half-a-century on the day-to-day beat is probably enough. Time to go visit many more national parks."

WLS-AM Program Director Stephanie Tichenor commented, "No matter what the news entailed, you could always count on Bill to bring it to you accurately and without bias. Never swayed by the political winds of the day, Bill's interviewing and reporting skills will not only be missed by us here at the Big 89 but by Chicago as a whole. We wish him the very best in his retirement."

WLS-AM News Director Nick Gale remarked, "Bill is one of the most important cogs in the wheel that moves the needles at WLS. Having covered the City Hall beat since 1970, first with 670 WMAQ and later with WLS, Bill is a walking encyclopedia of political knowledge. Having covered nine mayors, numerous governors, as well as an endless stream of government corruption, his institutional knowledge of the ins and outs of city and state government will be greatly missed. Personally, I'm humbled to have been able to work with him and learn from him. I know I speak for everyone in the newsroom past and present when I say that we wish nothing but the best to the "dean" of Chicago political reporters as he prepares to enjoy a much-deserved retirement."