CHICAGO — We knew Ryan Baker when he was just getting started in the ratings-driven world of TV broadcasting. The 1991 University of Illinois graduate first worked at Champaign’s WICD, then WCIA. He moved on and up, with stops in San Diego (KFMB) and Orlando, Fla.
(WKMG). Finally, Baker went back to where he started, his hometown of Chicago. The Thornridge High School alum became a sports anchor and reporter at WMAQ in 2003 and switched to CBS News Chicago in 2008, taking over as lead sports anchor on weekday evening broadcasts.
“I’ve been very fortunate to have a dream job,” Baker said. “I have a saying ‘If the keycard still works, you’re in business.’” Recently, Baker’s role at the station changed.
After a five-year stint as the anchor of the morning news, he is again in charge of sports. His first day back in that job was July 8. The move was a bit of a surprise.
“In local television, there are different challenges that come along the way,” Baker said. “I wasn’t expecting this particular move.” “Management said ‘As great of a job as you did in the morning, it’s not related to your performance, we just feel we need to shift some things around; it’s better for the station overall,’” he said.
The boss said “Back to sports,” so Baker returned to sports. “It’s business,” he said. “These things happen.
What they said, which was flattering to hear, is that ‘You’re known in Chicago as a sports guy. That’s your brand. Yo.