Final Newscast Set for Sept. 15
Jim Rose, sports director and anchor for ABC 7’s top-rated 5, 6, and 10 p.m. newscasts, announced his retirement on Monday. This marks the conclusion of an impressive 41-year career with Chicago’s leading news station. Rose will anchor his final sportscast on Friday, Sept. 15, at 10 p.m.
“The excellence Jim has shown as a reporter in the locker room and behind the anchor desk has been invaluable to us as a station. But even more important, Jim has served as a role model for countless young men in our community. Thank you, J.R., for these four remarkable decades,” said John Idler, president and general manager of ABC 7 Chicago.
“Jim has covered some of the biggest thrills in Chicago sports history with expertise and excitement, said Jennifer Graves, vice president of News, ABC 7 Chicago. “Chicago sports fans will never forget when he got drenched in champagne, courtesy of Michael Jordan, as we will never forget Jim’s contributions to ABC 7 Chicago.”
Since joining ABC 7 in 1982, Rose has covered pivotal, historic moments in Chicago sports history. This includes reporting on the Bears’ Super Bowl victory, six Bulls championships, three Blackhawks Stanley Cups, and those unforgettable World Series victories for the White Sox and Cubs.
Rose said, “When I started my career, it was ring announcer Michael Buffer’s famous line, ‘Let’s get ready to rumble.’ As I close out 50-plus years in broadcasting, I will quote ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, ‘It’s time.’ It has been my privilege to serve the citizens of Chicagoland for over 41 years. I’ve had a ball!”
Aside from his role as a foremost authority in sports, Rose has also played a pivotal part in shaping the station’s programming and making significant contributions to charitable endeavors. He has been a co-host of the Bud Billiken Parade, one of the nation’s largest African-American parades, for nearly three decades. His notable involvement extends to ABC 7’s critically acclaimed and Emmy® Award-winning special “Our Chicago,” where he has been a key contributor. Furthermore, Rose has showcased his hosting skills as a prominent figure in ABC 7’s coverage of the Chicago Auto Show. As the president of the Swan Group, Rose has accomplished a remarkable feat in his contribution to the construction and funding of the Swan House – a residence generously donated by him and his group to a single mother. Demonstrating unwavering dedication, Rose remains committed to volunteering his time to support various charitable groups across Chicagoland.
Rose started his career in sports broadcasting while serving in the U.S. Army. He was the sports director for AFN-TV in Berlin, West Germany.
Rose has three grandchildren; he and his wife, Lakesha Rose, live in Chicago.
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