![](https://web.archive.org/web/20220505092754im_/https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cd/Jeff_Joniak_and_Tom_Thayer_visit_Glen_Ellyn_4th_of_July_Parade_2019_%2848226407107%29.jpg/220px-Jeff_Joniak_and_Tom_Thayer_visit_Glen_Ellyn_4th_of_July_Parade_2019_%2848226407107%29.jpg)
Jeff Joniak (center) and Tom Thayer (left), the play-by-play and color commentator for Bears radio games on WBBM, respectively
Currently, WBBM NewsRadio 780 airs the Chicago Bears football games with Jeff Joniak doing the play-by-play, along with color commentator Tom Thayer and sideline reporter Mark Grote. Over the years, many Bears play-by-play broadcasters have included Jack Brickhouse and Wayne Larrivee. Their current preseason TV announcers on Fox Chicago are Adam Amin or Kyle Brandt (play-by-play), Jim Miller (color commentary) and Lou Canellis (sideline reporter).
Radio announcers
Years | Flagship station | Play-by-play | Color commentator |
---|---|---|---|
1933–1936 | WGN | Bob Elson | |
1937–1938 | WJJD | Jimmy Evans | |
1939–1941 | WJJD/WIND | Jack Drees | |
1942–1948 | WJJD/WIND | Bert Wilson | |
1949–52 | WIND | Red Grange | |
1953–1976 | WGN | Jack Brickhouse | Irv Kupcinet |
1977–1984 | WBBM | Joe McConnell | Brad Palmer |
1985–1987 | WGN | Wayne Larrivee | Dick Butkus & Jim Hart |
1988–1989 | WGN | Wayne Larrivee | Hub Arkush & Jim Hart |
1990–1991 | WGN | Wayne Larrivee | Hub Arkush & Gary Fencik |
1992–1993 | WGN | Wayne Larrivee | Hub Arkush, Dick Butkus, & Gary Fencik |
1994 | WGN | Wayne Larrivee | Hub Arkush & Dick Butkus |
1995–1996 | WGN | Wayne Larrivee | Hub Arkush & Dan Hampton |
1997–1998 | WMAQ | Wayne Larrivee | Hub Arkush & Tom Thayer |
1999 | WMAQ | Gary Bender | Hub Arkush & Tom Thayer |
2000 | WBBM | Gary Bender | Hub Arkush & Tom Thayer |
2001–2004 | WBBM | Jeff Joniak | Hub Arkush & Tom Thayer |
2005–2010 | WBBM | Jeff Joniak | Tom Thayer |
2011–present | WBBM/WCFS-FM | Jeff Joniak | Tom Thayer |
Bears Radio Network
The Bears Radio Network stretches 16 stations over three states as of the 2021 season.[1]
State | Market | Frequency | Call Sign |
---|---|---|---|
Illinois | Chicago | 780 AM | WBBM (co-flagship) |
105.9 FM | WCFS (co-flagship) | ||
Aurora | 1280 AM | WBIG | |
Christopher | 103.5 FM | WXLT | |
Decatur | 1050 AM | WDZ | |
Galesburg | 92.7 FM | WLSR | |
Jacksonville | 1180 AM | WLDS | |
Kankakee | 92.7 FM | WVLI | |
Peoria | 1470 AM | WMBD | |
Rochelle | 1060 AM | WRHL | |
Rockford | 1330 AM | WNTA | |
Springfield | 1450 AM | WFMB | |
Taylorville | 94.3 FM | WMKR | |
Indiana | Kentland | 101.7 FM | WIVR |
Plymouth | 94.3 FM | WZOC | |
Rensselaer | 97.7 FM | WLQI | |
Vincennes | 96.7 FM | WFML | |
Iowa | Burlington | 1150 AM | KCPS |
References
- ^ Chicago Bears 2021 Media Guide (information on page 455). Retrieved November 25, 2021