CBS 2's Jim Williams to host long-delayed Silver Circle Awards

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Jim Williams (Photo: Kathleen Virginia Photography)

Better late than never, veteran news anchor Jim Williams will host a virtual ceremony to honor the latest recipients of the Chicago television industry’s Silver Circle Awards.

The most recent class of inductees was first announced in November 2019, with plans to induct them the following the May. But COVID-19 intervened, forcing cancellation of the annual awards dinner and postponement of the program for nearly 16 months.

Presented by the Chicago/Midwest chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the Silver Circle recognizes individuals who have devoted 25 years or more to the business and made significant contributions to Chicago broadcasting.

In addition to streaming on the academy's website, this year's taped event will air September 12 at 3 p.m. on "The U," Weigel Broadcasting's WCIU-Channel 26.2/WMEU-Channel 48.1.

Williams, weekend news anchor and reporter at CBS-owned WBBM-Channel 2 (and a 2018 Silver Circle inductee), will preside over the honors for:

  • Jackie Bange, weekend news anchor and reporter at Nexstar Media WGN-Channel 9.
  • Rich Bernal, former staff director at CBS 2 and Fox-owned WFLD-Channel 32 and longtime adjunct faculty instructor at Columbia College Chicago.
  • Mark Giangreco, former sports anchor at ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7 and NBC-owned WMAQ-Channel 5.
  • Alan Krashesky, main news anchor at ABC 7.
  • Marda LeBeau, former executive producer of specials and investigations at CBS 2, and former producer at ABC 7.
  • Jennifer Lyons, former news director at WGN and CLTV and former vice president of news at NewsNation.
  • Lynn Hauldren (posthumously), advertising copywriter best known as “The Empire Carpet Man.” He died in 2011.
  • Jack and Elaine Mulqueen (posthumously), children’s show producers, best known as creator and star, respectively, of the preteen dance show “Kiddie A-Go-Go.” Jack Mulqueen died in 2016. Elaine Mulqueen died in 2012.
  • Marlin Perkins (posthumously), former Lincoln Park Zoo director who hosted "Zoo Parade" and “Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.” He died in 1986.

"This well-deserved tribute to these great representatives of the Chicago broadcast community is long overdue," said John Owens, president of the Chicago/Midwest chapter. "We hope to be live again for Silver Circle in 2022."

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