Linda Yu is retiring from Chicago ABC-owned station WLS after 37 years in the market.
Yu has co-anchored the station’s 4 p.m. newscast since she started there in 1984. She came to Chicago in 1979 to work at WMAQ. Her last day is Wednesday, Nov. 23.
“Linda Yu is a trailblazer who opened doors for others as the first Asian American to anchor and report news in Chicago,” said Jennifer Graves, vp and news director. “She set the bar high with her skillful anchoring and unflappable breaking news coverage. Linda has a special ability to connect with viewers on screen and off, one of the many reasons she has so many fans in this city.”
Saying she had so much to be grateful for, Yu wrote a note to staffers thanking management, newsroom staff, photographers, studio crews and the make up staff. “You wrote, produced and edited the stories and shows that allowed me to have this long career,” wrote Yu. “At a station and news operation that has been number one for more than 3 decades.”
Judy Hsu, who has worked at WLS since 2001, will replace Yu alongside Rob Elgas the day after Yu leaves. Hsu will also moderate Newsviews on Sunday Mornings.
“Judy Hsu brings 15 years of experience to the afternoon newscast and is a natural on the anchor desk,” said Graves. “She grew up in the Chicago area watching Linda Yu and has a keen sense of how the news impacts people here. I know Judy will greatly contribute to the continued success of our 4 PM newscast.”
WLS also announced Tanja Babich has been promoted to anchor of the newscast airing from 4:30 to 7 a.m. She’ll join Terrell Brown on Sept. 12.