ESPN Chicago Announces Lineup for Bears Radio Network

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, April 18, 2023 | 11:05am CT

WMVP (ESPN Chicago)

Good Karma Brands' Sports WMVP (ESPN Chicago)/Chicago has announced the programming and talent lineup for the upcoming 2023-2024 Chicago Bears football season. The new Bears Radio Network lineup will include pre-game, halftime and post-game shows, as well as a new daily podcast focused on local personalities.

ESPN 1000 Director of Content Danny Zederman said, "I am ecstatic for ESPN Chicago to enter a new era for exclusive Bears content 365 days a year while bringing together a diverse, energetic, and passionate group of talent with a deep knowledge of Chicago sports. Our talent has a real understanding of the importance of the Chicago Bears and what the team means to the fans because our team is made up of fans. We are counting down the days until kickoff!"

Chicago Bears Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications Scott Hagel added, "The hometown radio call continues to be an integral part of Bears football. It provides the unique soundtrack of each season. Bears fans expect informed commentary and a shared passion for their favorite team as pillars to their experience. Good Karma has assembled a talented cast to deliver on both while providing a fresh take on Bears football not only for ESPN 1000 listeners, but for fans across the entire national Chicago Bears Radio Network."

ESPN 1000 talent, Marc (Silvy) Silverman of Waddle & Silvy (weekdays from 2-6pm) and Dionne Miller of Peggy & Dionne (Saturdays from 11am-1pm) will be joined by former Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs to host the Network pre-game show. Briggs spent his entire NFL (National Football League) career playing for the Bears and will give his perspective, taking fans onto the field and into the huddle. Silvy has been a staple of the ESPN Chicago team since 1998 and was the station's Bears beat reporter for five seasons.

Miller is entering her 12th season covering the Bears and reports weekly from Halas Hall. The pregame show, which will broadcast two hours before each game, will breakdown each week's matchup and serve as a pep rally, welcoming fan calls and increasing excitement leading up to kickoff.

Silvy will also host the Network Halftime Show, which will provide a fresh, fan-focused take on what fans expect from a typical halftime show. The new Network Halftime Show will incorporate fan reactions to the first half of each game, as well as a new segment called "The Celebrity Spotlight," highlighting a conversation with a well-known celebrity guest with Chicago ties.

Joining Jeff Joniak and Tom Thayer, former Bear and current local high school football coach Jason McKie will serve as the Bears Radio Network Sideline Reporter for each home and away game. Having played at the highest level, McKie will be able to provide fans with a unique, inside look at what's happening on the field.

The Network Post-Game Show will run two hours after each game and will be hosted by ESPN 1000 personalities John Jurkovic (Jurko) of Carmen & Jurko (weekdays from 12-2pm) and Peggy Kusinski of Peggy & Dionne. Jurko, a 10-year NFL veteran, has been a fan-favorite member of ESPN Chicago's team since 2001. Kusinski is a 12-time Emmy Award winning sportscaster and is a staple on the Bears beat.

ESPN Chicago's new daily Bears podcast, "The Chicago Bears Podcast," will be hosted by local talent and YouTube personality, Pat the Designer. Each weekday, Pat will be paired with different ESPN 1000 and Bears Radio Network talent to discuss all things Chicago Bears football. The podcast will run year-round, starting on Monday, April 24.