The 2023 NFL season will mark the debut season for ESPN 1000 as the flagship radio home of the Chicago Bears, and the station announced the personnel that will helm the new radio network.
As previously reported, Jeff Joniak and Tom Thayer will remain the franchise’s radio crew. Jason McKie will serve as the sideline reporter. Joniak is embarking on his 23rd season as the radio voice of the Bears.
ESPN 1000 afternoon host Mark Silverman, better known as Silvy, will helm the network’s pregame show. He’ll be joined by Dionne Miller and former Bears linebacker Lance Briggs. Silvy will also host the network’s halftime show by himself, which the station says “will provide a fresh, fan-focused take on what fans expect from a typical halftime show”.
Carmen & Jurko host John Jurkovic will anchor the network’s postgame show. He’ll be joined by Peggy Kusinski of the station’s weekend program Peggy & Dionne.
“The hometown radio call continues to be an integral part of Bears football,” added Chicago Bears Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications Scott Hagel. “It provides the unique soundtrack of each season. Bears fans expect informed commentary and a shared passion for their favorite team as pillars to their experience. Good Karma has assembled a talented cast to deliver on both while providing a fresh take on Bears football not only for ESPN 1000 listeners but for fans across the entire national Chicago Bears Radio Network.”
Additionally, the station will launch The Chicago Bears Podcast. The daily offering will be hosted by local YouTube personality Pat the Designer. Each weekday, he will be joined by a different ESPN 1000 or Bears Radio Network member to discuss topics related to the team. That podcast will debut on Monday, April 24th.
“I am ecstatic for ESPN Chicago to enter a new era for exclusive Bears content 365 days a year while bringing together a diverse, energetic, and passionate group of talent with a deep knowledge of Chicago sports,” said ESPN 1000 Director of Content Danny Zederman. “Our talent has a real understanding of the importance of the Chicago Bears and what the team means to the fans because our team is made up of fans. We are counting down the days until kickoff!”
