Ken Bedford, 68, received the award at a ceremony in New York City. Awards were given out to about 800 employees from several news stations who had all worked with ABC television stations for over 20 years. Bedford was one of a few to receive the 45 year award.
"I'm having a really great time at ABC7 covering news and more importantly getting news from our community on television, that really means a lot to me," Bedford said.
Bedford said he has no immediate plans to retire.
He will be honored in Chicago with a proclamation Tuesday by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.