John Callaway, Legendary Chicago Journalist, Dies At 72

John Callaway, the iconic Chicago newsman who was a fixture on WTTW's "Chicago Tonight" since its inception, died of a heart attack Tuesday in Racine, Wis., the Chicago Tribune reports.

Callaway felt faint in a store and died around 6:30 p.m., his wife, Sandra Callaway, told the paper. He was 72.

From New Martinsville, W.Va., Callaway, a college dropout, began his career with the late, legendary City News Bureau. He moved to CBS in 1957, where he distinguished himself as a radio and TV reporter and helped pioneer the all-news radio format as a CBS executive, according to a 1999 Tribune interview.

Callaway joined WTTW in 1974 and was the debut host of its first nightly news program, "Chicago Tonight."

Watch the first episode of "Chicago Tonight," from 1984, with Callaway interviewing Harold Washington:

Read the entire Tribune obituary here. Read Callaway's 1999 interview with the Tribune's Steve Johnson here. Read a Current article on Callaway and the 10th anniversary of "Chicago Tonight" here. Read the Sun-Times obituary here. Listen to Callaway talk about his career on Chicago Public Radio's 848 in 2001 here.

Watch Callaway's recent interview with Cubs legend Billy Williams:

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Watch a who's who of local and national politicians talking (mostly) to Callaway:

Watch more clips here.

Comments

[ohpuhleezee]

Watching the interview with Harold Washington made me a little sad. There is no doubt in my mind that Chicago would be in a much better place if Mayor Washington hadn't died.

[Eloqui]

I produced "John Callaway Interviews" and "Chicago Feedback" back in the late 1970's. Working for John shaped my career and character. There was no finer mentor. He supported, encouraged, and pushed me to be better. He had the strongest intellect I've ever encountered and used his smarts to make his guests better, not showcase himself. Even though he was a celebrity in the Chicago area, John never let it go to his head. His dry sense of humor was mostly self deprecating. He believed in hard work, self reliance and teamwork. In addition to being an outstanding interviewer and host, he was a compelling writer. I will miss him terribly.

[ChiGuy]

I couldn't even begin to estimate the number of hours I have spent watching him over the years.

The absolute class of the journalistic community for several decades, his presence will be sorely missed.

Rest in peace, Mr. Callaway.

[themodernleader]

Journalist Calloway knew that getting the facts before the people was the purpose of journalism. He behaved as if the truth was above everything else.
The modern journalist working for corrupt corporate masters recognizes that getting the facts of corporate advantage to the people is the purpose of journalism. The truth benefiting powerful interests is above everything else.

[westreal]

I should have said how long did it run with John Callaway?

[Michelle Minkoff]

westreal: I'm a web intern for Chicago Tonight, so maybe I can help here. John Callaway was Chicago Tonight's host from the program's inception in 1984 until his retirement in 1999. His last show was on June 23, 1999, exactly a decade before his death yesterday. In the last decade, he hosted WTTW's Chicago Stories, which won seven Emmy awards in its first three seasons. He also served as host of the monthly public affairs series Front and Center with John Callaway, and continued to do Friday night interviews in the past few years. Thanks for your interest.
You can read more about John's career at WTTW's memorial page - http://www.wttw.com/main.taf?p=42,8,70.

[ChiGuy]

Thank you very much, Michelle.
Good luck with your internship.

P.S. - Take a few lessons from the formidable Carol Marin while you have the chance.

[westreal]

Thanks for the info. That's cool of you. I watched him all the time and then Phill Ponce took over and I just didn't remember exactly when that transition was made. Chicago Tonight rocks! It's real journalism.

[westreal]

How long did Chicago Tonight run? I watched that show for years. Sorry to hear he's gone.

[Lakeview Greg]

I used to see him every once in a while after he got home from taping "Chicago Tonight." You could tell what kind of show he did by the way he had his hat and coat on. If he thought the show would get people a little pissed off, he would pull his hat down and turn his coat collar up and walk very very quickly. If it was just a show, no hat or collar stuff. Great guy. He will be missed. RIP John.

[Michelle Minkoff]

I'm a web intern at Chicago Tonight and having just started this week, I never got the chance to work with John. But as an aspiring journalist, to me he was the epitome of what an interviewer should be.
I'd like to let people know that Chicago Tonight's 7-8 pm hour both tonight (Wed. June 24) and Friday (June 26) will be devoted to John, his life and his work. We also will have additional archival footage on our website, and are featuring a special message board where you can share your thoughts. The me

[VOTER]

Thanks.

[DestinationsUnknown]

Thank you

RIP John - I loved your interviews

One of the best- a real journalist

[Einstein44]

Mr. John Callaway was a class act.His style of interviewing his guests, would be comparable to the likes of Charlie Rose,Tim Russert and Phil Donahue.He was great to watch and learn from his craft.He was truly a giant in Chicago's media outlet.He will be missed....­.Condolenc­es to his family and friends.

[Marcozi]

He was a real journalist and a good person. He will be missed.

[Cogs]

I lost a lot respect for Mr. Callaway when he seemed to back off of his criticism of Steve Dahl. Following the death of Bob Collins, Dahl called his passing a great day in Chicago radio history. Calloway took Dahl to task for his tasteless comment but the very next day he was on Dahl's radio show and apologized.

[Whitehouse]

I worked with him as an intern. Words were important and questions were always direct. He was/is a class act.

[johnnygoodwud]

he was one of the good guys. RIP

[factotem]

I always found it startling that two people as different as Callaway and Carl Rove loooked so much alike.

[VOTER]

John Calloway's professional career is an example of integrity, intelligence,
and diligence for today's "mindless" pundits and television main stream media.
The man was good! Prepared. Fair. Humored. Direct.

RIP Mr. Calloway and thanks for giving us the chance to grow up with
the breakthrough of televised education so many years ago. WTTW was the FIRST!

I remember when WTTW's studio was in the Museum of Science and Industry.
We were always thrilled when one of the shows was on and we could
watch the entire production. Their set was a live exhibit.

Condolences to his family and friends.

[VOTER]

Apology and correction regarding the spelling of Mr. Callaway's name.
Ugh!
I need my morning coffee asap.

[Mannock]

With a tribute like this you could misspell my name on my obituary and it would still be an honour.

And my real name is John Smith!

[jumperpin]

ditto