Full Breakdown
Lou Canellis Joins NBC 5 Chicago as Main Sports Anchor
1/27/2026, 11:57:29 AM
NBC 5 Chicago Welcomes Lou Canellis
NBC 5 Chicago (WMAQ-TV) has appointed Lou Canellis, a six-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, as its main sports anchor, effective January 26. The announcement was made by Sally Ramirez, Senior Vice President of News at NBC 5 Chicago. Canellis will anchor sports segments during the 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m. newscasts from Monday to Thursday, as well as on Sundays at 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. He will also host the weekly program "Sports Sunday" at 10:30 p.m.
Background of Lou Canellis
Canellis, a veteran of over 40 years in sports media, previously served as the primary sports anchor at FOX 32 Chicago (WFLD-TV) for 16 years. His early career included significant roles such as executive producer and host for the Chicago Bulls Radio Network and the Chicago White Sox Radio Network in the early 1990s. He gained widespread recognition in the 1990s while working with SportsChannel Chicago, where he conducted postgame interviews with NBA legend Michael Jordan. Canellis has also contributed to ESPN as a college basketball play-by-play announcer and has anchored Olympic programming for various networks.
Official Statements & Responses
Sally Ramirez expressed enthusiasm about Canellis joining the NBC 5 team, stating, “Lou has established himself as one of the most respected and beloved voices in Chicago sports media history. His knowledge, passion, and enthusiasm are second to none.” Canellis shared his excitement about the opportunity, saying, “Joining the NBC 5 Chicago team is simply a dream come true for me... I can’t wait to bring my loyalty to our local teams and my passion for the work I love to NBC 5 Chicago.”
Upcoming Programming
In addition to his anchoring duties, Canellis will co-anchor "Olympic Zone," a half-hour program leading into NBC's prime-time Olympic coverage, which will begin airing on February 7, 2026. This program will be broadcast Monday through Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
Criticism & Opposition
While the announcement has been largely well-received, some observers noted the recent firing of Mike Berman, the previous sports anchor, as a point of contention. Canellis replaces Leila Rahimi, who left the station in October 2024, raising questions about the stability of NBC 5's sports department.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are discrepancies regarding the timeline of Canellis's hiring, with some reports indicating that his start date was anticipated earlier in the week. Additionally, the specifics of his contract and the terms of his departure from FOX 32 Chicago remain unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Joining the NBC 5 Chicago team is simply a dream come true for me.” — Lou Canellis, Main Sports Anchor, NBC 5 Chicago
- “His knowledge, passion and enthusiasm are second to none and we couldn’t be happier to have him join our team of all-stars.” — Sally Ramirez, Senior Vice President of News, NBC 5 Chicago
Lou Canellis's transition to NBC 5 Chicago marks a significant moment in local sports media, as he brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the Chicago sports community.
