Full Breakdown
Richard Roeper Joins NBC 5 Chicago as Entertainment & Culture Contributor
4/7/2026, 1:17:21 PM
Announcement of New Role
NBC 5 Chicago (WMAQ-TV) has officially announced that Richard Roeper, a two-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and veteran film critic, will join its team as the Entertainment & Culture Contributor starting April 10. The announcement was made by Sally Ramirez, Senior Vice President of News at NBC 5 Chicago. In this new position, Roeper will provide extensive coverage of entertainment industry news and trends, alongside his renowned film and television reviews. He will also analyze significant local and national news stories through a cultural lens, focusing on their relevance to Chicago audiences.
Roeper's Background and Career Highlights
Richard Roeper has nearly four decades of experience in journalism, particularly in the fields of news, entertainment, and popular culture. He is best known for his 35-year tenure at the Chicago Sun-Times, where he transitioned from reporter to popular columnist and ultimately became the newspaper's film critic. Following the death of Gene Siskel, Roeper co-hosted the nationally-syndicated TV series "Ebert & Roeper" alongside Roger Ebert for eight seasons, continuing the legacy of film criticism established by Siskel and Ebert.
Roeper's television career includes significant roles at ABC 7 Chicago (WLS-TV), where he provided film and television reviews from 2018 to 2026, and earlier stints at Fox 32 Chicago (WFLD-TV) and CBS 2 Chicago (WBBM-TV). He has also hosted various shows on Starz and Reelz and contributed to numerous radio programs in Chicago.
Official Statements & Responses
Sally Ramirez expressed confidence in Roeper's ability to enhance NBC 5's coverage, stating, “Richard is a respected and notable voice in Chicago media... His unparalleled insight into the entertainment industry... make him an exceptional addition to our team.” Roeper himself shared his excitement about joining NBC 5, noting his long-standing admiration for the station and its team.
Criticism & Opposition
While the announcement has been largely well-received, some critics may question the necessity of another entertainment contributor in a media landscape already saturated with film and television commentary. However, no specific dissenting voices have been reported in the immediate aftermath of the announcement.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Richard is a respected and notable voice in Chicago media,” — Sally Ramirez, Senior Vice President of News, NBC 5 Chicago
What's Next
As Roeper begins his role, viewers can expect regular appearances on NBC 5 News and the lifestyle program "Chicago Today," along with engaging content across the station's digital platforms. His contributions are anticipated to enrich the station's entertainment coverage and provide a deeper cultural perspective on news stories relevant to the Chicago community.
