ESPN Chicago, a Good Karma Brands radio station, is excited to announce the programming and talent lineup for the upcoming 2023-2024 Chicago Bears football season. ESPN Chicago’s new Bears Radio Network lineup will include pre-game, halftime, and post-game shows, as well as a new daily podcast focused on local personalities and dynamic, engaging, and entertaining content.
Danny Zederman, director of content for ESPN 1000 said, “I am ecstatic for ESPN Chicago to enter a new
era for exclusive Bears content 365 days a year while bringing together a diverse, energetic, and passionate group of talent with a deep knowledge of Chicago sports. Our talent has a real understanding of the importance of the Chicago Bears and what the team means to the fansbecause our team is made up of fans. We are counting down the days until kickoff!”
Scott Hagel, senior vice president, marketing and communications for the Chicago Bears said, “The hometown radio call continues to be an integral part of Bears football. It provides the unique soundtrack of each season. Bears fans expect informed commentary and a shared passion for their favorite team as pillars to their experience. Good Karma has assembled a talented cast to deliver on both while providing a fresh take on Bears football not only for ESPN 1000 listeners, but for fans across the entire national Chicago Bears Radio Network.”
ESPN 1000 talent, Marc (Silvy) Silverman of Waddle & Silvy (weekdays from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.) and Dionne Miller of Peggy & Dionne (Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.) will be joined by former Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs to host the Network Pre-Game Show. Briggs spent his entire NFL (National Football League) career playing for the Bears and will give his unique perspective, taking fans onto the field and into the huddle. Silvy has been a staple of the ESPN Chicago team since 1998 and was the station’s Bears beat reporter for five seasons. Miller is entering her 12th season covering the Bears and reports weekly from Halas Hall. The pregame show, which will broadcast two hours before each game, will breakdown each week’s matchup and serve as a pep rally, welcoming fan calls and increasing excitement leading up to kickoff.
Silvy will also host the Network Halftime Show, which will provide a fresh, fan-focused take on what fans expect from a typical halftime show. The new Network Halftime Show will incorporate fan reactions to the first half of each game, as well as a new segment called “The Celebrity Spotlight,” highlighting a conversation with a well-known celebrity guest with Chicago ties.
Joining Jeff Joniak and Tom Thayer, former Bear and current local high school football coach Jason McKie will serve as the Bears Radio Network Sideline Reporter for each home and away game. Having played at the highest level, McKie will be able to provide fans with a unique, inside look at what’s happening on the field.
The Network Post-Game Show will run two hours after each game and will be hosted by ESPN 1000 personalities John Jurkovic (Jurko) of Carmen & Jurko (weekdays from noon – 2 p.m.) and Peggy Kusinski of Peggy & Dionne. Jurko and Peggy’s live analysis and passionate reactions to the outcome of each game will create compelling and interesting content, as well as give fans another opportunity to join the on-air conversation. Jurko, a 10-year NFL veteran, has been a fan-favorite member of ESPN Chicago’s team since 2001. Kusinski is a 12-time Emmy Award winning sportscaster and is a staple on the Bears beat.
ESPN Chicago’s new daily Bears podcast, “The Chicago Bears Podcast,” will be hosted by local talent and YouTube personality, Pat the Designer. Each weekday, Pat will be paired with different ESPN 1000 and Bears Radio Network talent to discuss all things Chicago Bears football. The podcast will run year-round, starting on Monday, April 24.
Chicago Bears Radio Network Programming:
Network Pre-Game Show Marc (Silvy) Silverman, Dionne Miller, Lance Briggs
In-Game Jeff Joniak, Tom Thayer, Jason McKie
Halftime Show Marc (Silvy) Silverman
Network Post-Game Show Jurko and Peggy Kusinski
The Chicago Bears Podcast Lineup:
Monday Pat the Designer and Lance Briggs
Tuesday Pat the Designer and Courtney Cronin
Wednesday Pat the Designer and Jason McKie
Thursday Pat the Designer and Courtney Cronin
Friday Pat the Designer and Jurko
Tune into ESPN 1000, 100.3 HD2 and the ESPN Chicago App to listen to our Bears content, follow along on ESPN Chicago’s social media platforms to engage with our talent and watch the shows on our YouTube channel.
