Tom Skilling, chief meteorologist for Chicago CW affiliate WGN, celebrated 35 years with the station this week.
The station marked the occasion yesterday after his 9:00 p.m. forecast with a low-key mention from anchor Micah Materre, “35 years on the air here,” said Materre. “35 years, isn’t that something?” replied Skilling. “Congratulations!” said Materre. They then showed footage of Skilling in the early years doing his forecast wearing the yellow team blazer with the nine on the breast pocket. “That was burlap,” Skilling said of his blazer.
Last year, Skilling signed a new 10 year multimillion dollar contract. Shortly after signing he told Chicago media writer Robert Feder, “I have marveled at the support I’ve received from my viewers all these years — at their loyalty and kindness. We are nothing in our line of work without those who offer us the gift of taking time out of their busy days to grace us with the honor of checking out what we do and what we have to say. I’m beyond words over the whole thing.”
As part of the celebration of his 35 year tenure, Skilling, along with the some of the WGN weather team, sang “Take Me Out to The Ballgame” during the 7th inning stretch at yesterday’s Cubs game against the Cincinnati Reds. As a side note, listen to the Cubs announcer put the wrong em-PHA-sis on the wrong sy-LLAB-le when pronouncing meteorologist. For the record, the Reds blanked the Cubbies 5 to zip.
You can watch video of Materre wishing Skilling happy anniversary and Skilling singing at the Cubs game after the jump.
Here’s video of Tuesday’s 9:00 p.m. news where they mention Skilling’s anniversary.
Here’s the video of Skilling and the weather team singing during the Cubs 7th inning stretch.