The retirement of Chicago news icon John Drury from WLS-TV at the end of the
February ratings book opens the door for another prominent Chicago anchor.
Ron Magers, who currently anchors at 5 p.m. for WLS-TV, will move to 10 p.m.
with co-anchor Diann Burns, general manager Emily Barr said Tuesday.
Burns currently co-anchors both newscasts, as will Magers. Drury will
continue to file reports for the station, along with longtime producer Alex
Burkholder, the station said.
Magers joined the ABC-owned station in 1997, after he and Carol Marin -- now
with CBS News -- bolted NBC-owned WMAQ-TV over the issue of Jerry Springer's
commentaries for that station.
Barr said her station's 5 p.m. newscast has consistently led its competition
since Magers began anchoring it.
Magers debuts on the late news March 4.
