Remembering the legendary political reporter & radio host Dick Kay

Today is the second anniversary of the passing of Dick Kay.  Dick’s radio show “Back on the Beat” preceded mine on Saturday mornings on WCPT-820AM and I have tried to live up to his high standards. He was a legendary Chicago journalist, something I admire but have never pretended to be. His interviews, particularly his political coverage over the years, were informative, tough, and fun to watch. He was ferocious, but he also had a terrific sense of humor and a deep humility.

I did not know about that gentler part when he was the first journalist to interview me on television when I was elected alderman a hundred years ago.  And he was the last person to interview me when I ran for governor against a corrupt incumbent not quite so long ago. He was a thorough and serious journalist who put up with no BS from the many politicians he questioned. 

And as important as that was during his long and storied career, how much more do we miss him now?

In a world where Donald Trump stands before reporters and lies about everything, it is good to remember that we have had journalists- we still do- who are up to the nearly impossible job of a bringing the light of accountability into the darkest back rooms of power.

It’s too early in the day for a beer, but I will raise my coffee mug now in memory of good man.

The late Dick Kay with his good friend & fellow WCPT- 820AM colleague, Joan Esposito.

You can read more about Dick Kay here.