Chicago Radio: Mark Giangreco OUT As ABC-7's Lead Sportscaster

Mark Giangreco’s 26-plus-year run as WLS ABC-7′s lead sportscaster — and perhaps his 39-year Chicago TV career — has come to an abrupt end, reports The Chicago Tribune.

Giangreco, 68, has been off the air since the Jan. 28 10 p.m. newscast, on which he joked that anchor Cheryl Burton could play a “ditzy, combative interior decorator” on a reality TV series.

Burton complained to management. That led to Giangreco’s suspension and, ultimately, the exit agreement with the Walt Disney Co.-owned station, the Tribune confirmed Friday. Terms of the separation were not disclosed.

John Idler, president and general manager of ABC-7, announced Giangreco’s departure in a note to staff that steered clear of explaining any of the circumstances behind it.

Cheryl Burton

“Mark Giangreco, who has been as influential on the Chicago sports scene as the athletes he’s covered, is moving on to a new chapter,” Idler said in the note. “During his career, Mark has been there and done that, covering daily highlights and championship play for every major sports franchise in this city.

“He has been widely recognized for reporting sports with both passion and insight. I want to thank Mark for his many contributions to ABC 7 and our viewers. I’m sure you will all join me in wishing him the very best.”

Idler forwarded a note to “colleagues and friends” from Giangreco, which similarly avoided details.

ABC-7 management, through the station’s spokeswoman, refused additional comment. Giangreco also declined to discuss his exit.

Giangreco had 18 months remaining on a contract that, when he signed in 2019, was reputed to keep him the nation’s highest-paid local TV sportscaster despite a dip in pay from the roughly $1 million-per-year compensation he previously earned.

With his ABC-7 run behind him, Giangreco will weigh his career options. It was not immediately clear when or whether Giangreco, who also has been absent from his regular appearances on WMVP 1000AM′s weekday afternoon “Waddle & Silvy” program, will return to radio. There might be other opportunities as well, but it’s not known to what degree his negotiated separation restricts him.