WGN Radio to Air Final ''Walter Jacobson's Perspective''

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, March 24, 2025

Walter Jacobson

Veteran Chicago broadcaster Walter Jacobson is set to retire, with his last segment, "Walter Jacobson's Perspective," airing this Thursday on WGN Radio. Jacobson, a mainstay in Chicago media, has delivered sharp and insightful commentaries on local politics and current events since 2014, marking the end of an era for the beloved personality.

Beginning his career in print journalism, Jacobson transitioned to television in 1963 at WBBM, where he served various roles including news writer, reporter, and political editor. His most prominent tenure was from 1973 to 1982 when he co-anchored "The 10 O'Clock News" on WBBM-TV with Bill Kurtis, a period during which the duo led the ratings for nine consecutive years.

Reflecting on Jacobson's influential career, WGN Radio's Vice President and General Manager Mary Sandberg Boyle remarked, "I 'knew' Walter Jacobson mostly for his TV news work virtually all my life. He and Bill Kurtis revolutionized the look and feel of television news broadcasts in Chicago at CBS 2 and it's still talked about by those who watched them in the 70s."

Boyle added, "Working with him at WGN Radio and getting to know him in-person has been an honor. After seeing firsthand his uncompromising devotion to his craft, it's easy to see why he is the media legend that he is. Walter's personality, contributions, and ever unique 'Perspective' will be greatly missed."

Jacobson's career has been distinguished not only by longevity but by impactful journalism, including an exclusive 1992 interview with serial killer John Wayne Gacy, which he cited as "the biggest scoop of my career." In 1991, he notably spent 48 hours on the streets to shed light on the homelessness crisis for his six-part series "Mean Street Diary" on CBS-2.

Over the years, Jacobson has been honored with multiple accolades, including 10 consecutive Chicago Emmy awards for his commentaries, several Peter Lisagor Awards, and a prestigious Peabody Award.

Listeners can tune in to WGN Radio this Thursday to catch the final installment of "Walter Jacobson's Perspective," as Chicago bids farewell to one of its most iconic voices in journalism.