For nearly 39 years, Mark Giangreco was the face of Chicago television sports. He was creative, irreverent, wickedly funny and controversial. It caught up with him in January when a remark he made about one of the news anchors resulted in his departure from WLS-TV after a 24 year run.
He spent the first 15 at the NBC affiliate having arrived from Louisville, a fresh face on the verge of turning 30. It didn’t take long for his somewhat whacky and wise cracking style to catch on. He was a central figure in the local TV sports wars entangling several other notable sports anchors in what made for a riveting rivalry. Whether it was an ill fated though widely watched pairing with ex Chicago Bear Steve “Mongo” McMichael or celebrated battles with his competitors, Giangreco thrived.
“Back then (the late 80s and 90s) you could get away with anything” admitted Giangreco. “It was renegade, Wild West TV.” He was also paired with reporter Janet Davies for WLS-TV’s new year’s eve celebrations and it was ratings smash for 22 years! She too, was dismissed from the station.
Giangreco remains a contributor to WMVP’s afternoon sports talk show and appears as if he’s not quite ready to call it a career.Then again he could turn to hot rod cars, a long time passion but don’t bet on it. There’s plenty of gas left in this celebrated sportscaster’s tank.
Hear him on this edition of "Tell Me a Story I Don't Know" and make sure to subscribe/rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.!!
