Ravi Baichwal Exits ABC 7 Chicago After 20 Years as Evening News Anchor

PULSE RADIO 96.1 | CHICAGO NEWS | NOVEMBER 5, 2026

Veteran television journalist Ravi Baichwal has departed ABC 7 Chicago after two decades with the station, bringing an end to one of the city’s most recognizable broadcasting tenures.

The station confirmed Baichwal’s departure on Wednesday, November 4, following the expiration of his contract.

“After 20 years with ABC 7, Ravi Baichwal has moved on following the conclusion of his contract,” a station spokesperson said. “We wish him well in his next chapter.”

Baichwal joined WLS-TV in November 2006 as a reporter and weekend evening anchor. In March 2023, he was promoted to the station’s weekday evening lineup, co-anchoring the 5 p.m. newscast alongside Cheryl Burton and the 6 p.m. broadcast with Judy Hsu.

Before moving to Chicago, the Toronto native established his broadcasting career in Canada, working with CBC and CTV News. His experience included hosting national morning programming and reporting on major international events.

During his years at ABC 7, Baichwal earned multiple journalism honors, including a Chicago/Midwest Emmy Award for his anchoring work.

One of his most memorable moments occurred in December 2007, when a vehicle crashed through the window of ABC 7’s State Street studio during a live newscast. Baichwal maintained his composure as the incident unfolded.

Baichwal had reportedly been absent from broadcasts in recent weeks before his departure was confirmed.

ABC 7 has not announced a permanent replacement. Mark Rivera is expected to fill in temporarily alongside Burton and Hsu.

The station has not publicly provided further details about the circumstances surrounding Baichwal’s exit, and Baichwal has not issued a public statement addressing his departure.

His departure marks another significant change to Chicago’s local television news landscape after 20 years of reporting and anchoring at ABC 7.