Jon Kelly back in town!

BYLINE: The Tribune


Fox 32 Chicago has named Jon Kelley and Melody Mendez as anchors of “Good Day Chicago.” The pair will helm the 5 1/2-hour morning news show along with recent addition Natalie Bomke, the station announced Tuesday.
Meanwhile, morning co-anchor Dawn Hasbrouk is shifting to the 9 p.m. newscast, replacing longtime anchor Robin Robinson, who is stepping down to become host of Fox 32’s “Chicago at the Tipping Point” investigative series. Hasbrouk will co-anchor with Kansas import Jeff Herndon, who joined the station this month.

Robinson will yield the anchor chair on November 27, according to station executives.

“I will miss interacting every weeknight with the wonderfully engaged and informed Chicago news audience, it has been an honor and privilege,” Robinson said in a statement “I look forward to continuing and even expanding a tradition of reporting stories that explore the issues, challenges and solutions that strive to make a difference in our lives.”

Kelley, who served as a sports anchor for WMAQ-Ch. 5 for eight years, comes to Fox 32 from San Francisco, where he was co-anchor of the morning news program, “Today in the Bay” on KNTV-TV. Earlier in his career, he was an anchor for Fox Sports Network. Kelley also served as a host for ABC’s “The Mole” and the nationally syndicated “Extra” program.

“To say I’m excited about this opportunity would be an understatement,” Kelley said in a statement. “I’m energized to join forces with a team that’s passionate and committed to compelling and engaging storytelling.”

In a statement, Dennis Welsh, vice president and general manager of Fox-owned WFLD-Ch. 32, called Kelley “a dynamic journalist whose news instinct is innovative, curious and bold.”

Mendez joins Fox 32 from KDVR-TV in Denver, where she was anchor and reporter for three years. Mendez starts Nov. 11 and Kelley on Dec. 2, according to executives. Current morning co-anchor Corey McPherrin will stay with the station in a new role, according to sources.

On Monday, Anna Davlantes announced she would be stepping down as co-anchor of “Good Day Chicago” and leaving the station after four years. Her last day on the air at WFLD-Ch. 32 will be Nov. 8.

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favrefan said:"Chris Coghlan isn't gonna pay your rent, Jimmy."

Beardown thinks this will be about Goff.

They should have Dick Versace & Rodman cohost w/ him.

Is this shakeup the reason Mark Strehl hasn't been on much lately? I like him. He's better than Tammy Souza.

That guy has fallen upwards fairly nicely.

The original himbo in my Chicago news consciousness. He was every bit as bad as Adamle at spitting out what he was trying to say but with no concussion/age excuse to fall upon.

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O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

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Proud member of the white guy grievance committee

It aint the six minutes. Its what happens in those six minutes.

I wonder if he died a little bit inside after saying that? Or at least rolled his eyes so hard that he gave himself a headache for the rest of the day.

I'm amazed by this also.

I remember a few years after he left town I was shocked to hear he was still working on Extra or something.

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You know me like that.

Larry > Kelley

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Reality is your friend, not your enemy. -- Seacrest

Ding.

The only word that works is "curious".

hatchetman is right. I would add Sir>Rose>Kelley.


Who is the best TV talking head right now? Ryan Baker, Gianngreco?