Joel Daly

Joel Daly: The Voice of Chicago

Joel Daly (August 21, 1934 – October 22, 2020), was an American news anchor who became synonymous with the evening news in Chicago. For 38 years, from 1967 to 2005, he anchored WLS-TV’s 4 pm news broadcast, a role that defined his career and left an indelible mark on the city’s media landscape.

From Yale to WJW-TV

Daly was born in Great Falls, Montana, but his journey to becoming one of Chicago’s most recognizable faces began at Yale University. He graduated magna cum laude in 1956 and soon after joined WJW-TV in Cleveland as a co-anchor with Doug Adair.

The Birth of ‘Happy Talk’

In 1967, Daly moved to Chicago’s WBKB-TV where he began his solo newscast called Newsnight. Here, he met Fahey Flynn and together they popularized the presentation style known as ‘happy talk.’ This unique approach involved mixing playful banter into the news, making it more engaging for viewers.

Co-Anchor with Oprah Winfrey

After Flynn’s death in 1983, Daly briefly co-anchored the 10:00 pm news with Mary Ann Childers before joining Oprah Winfrey to co-anchor WLS-TV’s 4:00 pm news broadcast. This partnership was a significant milestone in his career and showcased his versatility as a broadcaster.

Acting and Music

Beyond broadcasting, Daly had other interests that enriched his life. In 1994, he played Atticus Finch in a stage adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird. He also starred as Patsy McCall in William J. Kennedy’s Grand View and even acted as a news reporter in the controversial film Death of a President.

Daly was not just a broadcaster; he was also a musician, particularly known for his country music and yodeling skills. He sang with The Sundowners and occasionally wrote his own songs, adding another layer to his multifaceted career.

A Life Well-Lived

Joel Daly’s life was marked by both professional achievements and personal challenges. He married Suzon ‘Sue’ Weiss in 1955 and together they had three children: Doug, Scott, and Kelly. Sadly, both sons predeceased him, leaving behind a legacy of their own.

Legacy

Daly was inducted into the Silver Circle, a group of elite Chicago broadcasters, in 2003, recognizing his contributions to the media industry. He received several awards for his work, including five Emmys, cementing his status as one of Chicago’s most respected and beloved figures.

Final Years

Daly retired from news broadcasting in 2005 but continued to work in other roles. He passed away on October 22, 2020, at the age of 86, having suffered from vascular Parkinsonism in his final years.

Joel Daly’s life was a testament to the power of dedication and passion. He not only anchored the evening news but also acted, sang, and wrote his own songs. His legacy lives on through the memories of those who watched him every day and the countless lives he touched with his work.

In the end, Joel Daly’s story is a reminder that life is about more than just one role or title; it’s about the sum total of all the experiences we have, the people we meet, and the impact we make. His journey from Yale to WLS-TV and beyond is a beautiful narrative of a man who lived fully and left an indelible mark on Chicago’s media landscape.