ABC7's Ron Magers to retire; Alan Krashesky to anchor 10 PM newscast
CHICAGO (NEWS RELEASE) (WLS) -- ABC 7 Anchor/Reporter Ron Magers, who has been one of Chicago's most respected and lauded broadcast journalists for more than three decades, is set to retire Wednesday, May 25. Magers joined ABC 7 in 1998 as the station's 5 PM anchor and was named the 10 PM News Anchor in 2002. He currently anchors the station's 5 PM newscast with Cheryl Burton and the 10 PM newscast with Kathy Brock. During his career, Magers has greatly contributed to the station's repeated ratings success and standing as the Number 1 station in the market. Alan Krashesky has been tapped to take the reins of the station's 10 PM newscast, co-anchoring with Kathy Brock, beginning May 26. Krashesky's role at the station will include additional anchor duties at 5 PM alongside anchor Cheryl Burton. He will continue to anchor the 6 PM news with Kathy Brock.
According to John Idler, President and General Manager, ABC 7 Chicago, "No hyperbole is necessary to describe Ron Magers. He is simply the best. We thank Ron for his unrelenting pursuit of excellence and for all he has meant to ABC 7 and our Chicago viewers. We will miss him." Jennifer Graves, Vice President of News and News Director, ABC 7 said, "For decades Ron Magers has been the trusted voice of authority for Chicago news viewers. His intellect, ability to put complicated stories into context and effortless broadcast style have put him in a league of his own. We thank him for always trying to make us better and wish him nothing but the best."
Ron Magers has earned a reputation for his mastery in handling live, breaking news. His impeccable news judgment has led to a leadership role in every newsroom he has worked in and the respect of colleagues, critics and viewers. His significant contributions to broadcast journalism have translated into numerous awards, including seven Chicago Emmy Awards, a Peter Lisagor Award and a National Press Club citation. Newscasts anchored by Ron Magers have received awards from the Associated Press and the Illinois Broadcasters Association. He has also received an Ethics Award from the Society of Professional Journalists.
"I've been a night worker in television all of my adult life. It's time for a leisurely dinner and maybe a movie or the theater. I'm delighted that Alan is taking the job. He's a pro who will carry on the great tradition of excellence we have all worked so hard to create," Magers said.
Krashesky is an Emmy Award winning anchor/reporter who has long been a key member of AB7's Eyewitness News team. He joined the station in 1982 and had been a major contributor to the station's news efforts. He was the first anchor of ABC 7's weekday morning newscast, once anchored the station's 5 PM newscast and currently anchors the station's top-rated 4 and 6 PM newscasts. He frequently is the go-to reporter for big stories, breaking news and international coverage. He is recognized as an authority on matters related to the Pope and has traveled to Rome extensively to provide insightful, live reports. He hosts News Views, the station's political and current affairs Sunday morning program and has covered national political conventions as well.
Graves said, "Alan Krashesky's accomplishments have made him a trusted news source throughout Chicago. He is an outstanding journalist with a commanding presence on the anchor desk, and his leadership in the field has made him the 'go-to' expert for the big stories. I am confident it will be a seamless transition at 10 PM, with Alan joining Kathy Brock at the helm."
"I'm grateful for this opportunity to expand my responsibilities at ABC 7. I want to congratulate Ron on his remarkable career and I'm looking forward to building on the Eyewitness News legacy at 5, 6 and 10 PM," Krashesky said.
