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. You do a great job.
Right now, this is where we need you.’” Challenge accepted. “I’m always ready for anything in life or in business.
You’ve got to be nimble,” Baker said. “The old saying is ‘If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.’ “I’ve been at this for awhile now.
” Baker has worked in the prestigious Chicago market for more than two decades. And at age 55, with time left on his contract, he plans to stay on the air. “The way I look at it, whatever happens, I’ve already won,” he said.
“You want to do this as long as you can and I anticipate that’s going to happen. “The beauty of it is I’m back in my wheelhouse, back in familiar territory.” It felt right immediately to Baker.
“All the creative juices and that adrenalin came back ,” he said. “It’s truly like riding a bike.” Baker is adjusting to his new schedule.
During his five years as morning anchor, he woke each day at 2 a.m. to go to the station.
“My body has gotten readjusted,” Baker said. “There is no two ways about it, it’s a grind when you have to get up at that hour, be on the air at 4:30 in the morning.” There were upsides to the morning gig.
For one, the day ended earlier. “From a family-life standpoint, it worked out, at my kids’ age, over the last five years to be there when they got home from school,” he said. “Now, it’s the exact opposite.
I’ll see them in the morning when they go to school. When I get home now, everyone’s asleep. It used to be, for five years, when I went to work, everyone was asleep.
There’s a price to pay for everything.” Baker and wife Jesa just celebrated their 15th anniversary. The couple has two daughters, Grace (10) and Rose (8).
Baker left the news side at a busy time. The Democratic National Convention starts Aug. 19 in Chicago.
Of course, he is jumping into Chicago Bears training camp, the Cubs’ push for the playoffs and the end of a miserable season for the White Sox. “All these things, it’s like ‘OK, you’re back home,’” he said. A student manager with the 1989 Flyin’ Illini, Baker maintains strong relationships with the beloved players.
Kendall Gill, Stephen Bardo and P.J. Bowman, vital members of the Final Four qualifier, celebrated Baker’s 55th birthday with him — all looking like they can still play.
“We’re still brothers,” Baker said. “And it was just like yesterday. The word is family.
” Legendary Illinois coach Lou Henson played an important part in Baker’s life. “Coach Henson over the years was always so supportive,” Baker said. “It’s interesting how the relationship grew to a great friendship.
That affiliation with the University of Illinois basketball, specifically the Flyin’ Illlini, has been life-changing.” Too bad getting paid for your name, image and likeness wasn’t allowed in 1989. “That might have changed a lot of things.
” Baker said. “Nick (Anderson) might not have gone pro. He probably would have come back.
” Over the years, Baker has made his way to Champaign-Urbana whenever possible. It was easy to root while he was working as a morning anchor. “I could actually be a fan because I wasn’t covering the team per se,” Baker said.
“I could go to New York and be a fan.” Now that he’s back in sports, Baker has to temper his fandom. “Everyone knows I bleed orange and blue, but I take my profession very seriously,” he said.
“When it comes to covering the team, I believe I can be objective.” He looks forward to being more involved in Illinois coverage. Historically, the Chicago media tunes in when the team is a national contender.
Like the 2004-05 men’s basketball team and Brad Underwood’s 2023-24 squad..
