Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
AWARDS
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Ryan Baker

Glenview,IL

Summary

Dynamic broadcast professional with over 30 years of experience as an on-air television and radio talent, producer, writer, and editor. Recognized for strong problem-solving abilities and a commitment to continuous learning, complemented by exceptional communication skills. Eager to leverage expertise to contribute to team success and drive positive outcomes. Prepared to embrace new challenges and advance organizational objectives with unwavering dedication and enthusiasm.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience

Work History

Anchor/Reporter

CBS 2 Chicago/WBBM-TV
Chicago
01.2008 - Current
  • Lead Sports Anchor and Morning News Anchor. Reported live from various events: Super Bowl, World Series, Stanley Cup Playoffs, NBA Playoffs, NBA/NFL Draft, MLB/NBA All-Star games, Final Four, College Football Bowl Games. Host of Chicago Bears pre and postgame shows.

Host

Fighting Illini Sports Network
Champaign, IL
10.2005 - 06.2023
  • Host of University of Illinois basketball and football TV shows.

Host

Big Ten Network
Chicago, IL
01.2016 - 01.2019
  • Host of BTN Live, Big Ten Football and Beyond, and college basketball pre/halftime/postgame shows.

Sports Anchor/Reporter

NBC 5/WMAQ-TV
Chicago, IL
01.2003 - 01.2008
  • Lead Sports Anchor. Host of Sports Sunday and Bears Gameday/Gamenight Live. Reported live from various events: Super Bowl, World Series, NBA Playoffs, NCAA Tournament/Final Four, Rose Bowl, 2004 Summer Olympics.

Sports Director

WKMG-TV
Orlando, FL
01.1995 - 01.2003
  • Lead Sports Anchor and Host of Sports Jam. Host of Inside Magic, feature TV show for the Orlando Magic. Reported live from various events: NBA Finals, NBA Playoffs, NBA All Star Games, Super Bowl, World Series, college bowl games, NASCAR Daytona 500 and PGA Tour events.

Reporter/Anchor

KFMB-TV
San Diego, CA
01.1994 - 01.1995
  • News and sports reporter. Fill-in anchor.

Reporter

WCIA-TV
Champaign, IL
01.1992 - 01.1994
  • News and sports Reporter. Fill-in news and sports anchor.

Reporter/Producer/Photographer

WICD-TV
Champaign, IL
01.1991 - 01.1992
  • News and sports reporter, producer, photographer, and editor. Fill-in sports anchor.

Education

B.S. - Journalism

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL
08.1991

Skills

  • Team collaboration
  • Organizational skills
  • Excellent communication
  • Active listening
  • Storytelling
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Relationship building
  • Creative writing
  • Social media proficiency
  • On-air presence

Affiliations

  • National Association of Black Journalists
  • American Cancer Society-IL Board
  • Western Golf Association/Evans Scholars Director
  • Ronald McDonald House Charities-NWI Board
  • Illini Athletics Chicago Advisory Board
  • ICON Collective Board Of Directors

Timeline

Host

Big Ten Network
01.2016 - 01.2019

Anchor/Reporter

CBS 2 Chicago/WBBM-TV
01.2008 - Current

Host

Fighting Illini Sports Network
10.2005 - 06.2023

Sports Anchor/Reporter

NBC 5/WMAQ-TV
01.2003 - 01.2008

Sports Director

WKMG-TV
01.1995 - 01.2003

Reporter/Anchor

KFMB-TV
01.1994 - 01.1995

Reporter

WCIA-TV
01.1992 - 01.1994

Reporter/Producer/Photographer

WICD-TV
01.1991 - 01.1992

B.S. - Journalism

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

AWARDS

Chicago/Midwest Regional Emmy, Central Florida Sportscaster of the Year, Chicago Illini of the Year, Chicago Public League Hall of Fame
Ryan Baker