Chicago Radio: Kris Kridel, Veteran WBBM Anchor Retires

Kris Kridel (WBBM photo)

After 34-years, the WBBM newsroom Friday said goodbye to one of its most loved and longtime reporter and anchor, Kris Kridel.

During her career, she has covered just about every event imaginable, anchored both mid-day and afternoon drive and filled in mornings. Kridel is a founding member of the WBBM Noon Business Hour, where she co-anchored since its beginning in 2001. She was also a staple on election nights.

"She’s been the consummate journalist, our go-to person for any discussion of ethics and how best to cover stories," said WBBM Program Director Ron Gleason. "We will miss her dearly, but are excited she’ll be able to travel and enjoy much more time with her family and friends."


Sherman Kaplan joined in on the show to say goodbye to Kridel and offer her some advice on retirement. He shared what he will remember about the show and its beginning.

"Kris and I happened to be in the right place at the right time — we all had a common vision," Kaplan said. "Kris and I can feel secure that what we helped to create is going to last far beyond us in the broadcast world."

"It's hard to say goodbye," Kridel said at the end of the Noon Business Hour show Friday.