NBC’s Chicago station WMAQ has added a prominent figure to its news team. Longtime investigative journalist Chuck Goudie, following his departure from rival station WLS in late 2024, will join WMAQ’s NBC 5 Investigates team starting February 10, 2025. His arrival marks a significant addition to the station's investigative reporting capabilities.
“Investigative reporting is more important than ever,” said Sally Ramirez, senior vice president of news for WMAQ and Telemundo sister station WSNS. “Adding Chuck, one of the best journalists in the nation, to our award-winning NBC 5 Investigates team ensures an even greater commitment to our Chicagoland viewing audience.”
Goudie himself expressed excitement about the new role, stating, “I walk into WMAQ on the shoulders of giants. Many of them I have been lucky enough to know, stand beside, work with and learn from. Paul Hogan, Phil Walters, Floyd Kalber, Peter Karl, Renee Ferguson, Rich Samuels, Linda Yu, Rob Elgas, Mike Adamle, Phil Rogers, Dick Johnson, Rob Stafford, Mark Giangreco, Tim Weigel, Art Norman, Lisa Parker, Dick Kay, Ron Magers, Carol Marin, Don Moseley and other friends who are still in the Chicago trenches at NBC 5 that I am excited to join. I’m grateful to become part of an organization with such a powerful pedigree and a legacy of investigative excellence. A place with a motto more relevant today than ever, baked into its call letters: We Must Ask Questions.”
Goudie's nearly 45-year tenure at ABC 7 Chicago concludes with this move. His departure from WLS, where he was part of the I-Team, followed several weeks of absence from the air, with his last day officially being December 31, 2024. The reason for his exit remains unstated. He joins existing investigative reporter Bennett Haeberle and will work with longtime producers Katy Smyser and Lisa Capitanini.