CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Today, the WBBM newsroom said goodbye to one of our most loved and longtime reporter and anchor, Kris Kridel.
After 34 years, Kridel is signing off and hanging up her microphone.
During her career, she has covered just about every event imaginable, anchored both mid-day and afternoon drive and filled in mornings. Kridel is a founding member of the WBBM Noon Business Hour, where she co-anchored since its beginning in 2001. She was also a staple on election nights.
"She’s been the consummate journalist, our go-to person for any discussion of ethics and how best to cover stories," said Program Director Ron Gleason. "We will miss her dearly, but are excited she’ll be able to travel and enjoy much more time with her family and friends."
Former WBBM Noon Business Hour anchor Sherman Kaplan joined in on the show to say goodbye to Kridel and offer her some advice on retirement. He shared what he will remember about the show and its beginning.
"Kris and I happened to be in the right place at the right time — we all had a common vision," Kaplan said. "Kris and I can feel secure that what we helped to create is going to last far beyond us in the broadcast world."
Kaplan also touted the hard work of producer Andy Giersher, who has been with the show for 12 years. Kaplan said it would not be as good without Giersher's connections in the industry.
"It's hard to say goodbye," Kridel said at the end of the Noon Business Hour show today.
Our staff joined Kridel and Cotto in the studio for a proper sendoff. Coworkers expressed their gratitude, guidance and mentorship from Kridel over the years, and how much we will miss her.
Before joining WBBM, Kris worked as reporter-anchor at WCOL in Columbus, and, in Chicago, anchor/reporter/news director at WFYR. Kris has also taught journalism at Loyola University in Chicago.