WBBM Newsradio reporter Bernie Tafoya will retire later this year after five decades in Chicago radio newsrooms. Tafoya will conclude a 40-year run at the Audacy all-news station in November.
What We Know: Tafoya announced his retirement plans ahead of his 40th anniversary at WBBM Newsradio on September 16. He’ll also mark 50 years working in major Chicago radio newsrooms in October. Tafoya originally joined WBBM as an editor and writer before moving into a reporting role. In the late 1990s, the station elevated him to morning drive reporter, a position he held for more than 25 years. However, Tafoya moved to a part-time role in 2023. He also anchored weekend coverage for the Audacy Chicago all-news brand for more than a decade. His final day at WBBM Newsradio will be Friday, November 6, 2026.
What They Said: “On September 16th, I’ll be celebrating my 40th anniversary at WBBM Newsradio, one of the premier all-news radio stations in the country. In October, I will celebrate my 50th anniversary working in major radio station newsrooms in Chicago. Not many people are as privileged and blessed as I have been to reach those milestones. I know how lucky I’ve been. That said, on Friday, November 6, 2026, I plan to fully retire.” -Bernie Tafoya
What Remains Unclear: Tafoya hasn’t indicated what, if anything, he plans to pursue after leaving WBBM Newsradio. His announcement also doesn’t address whether the station will immediately name a permanent replacement.
What It Means: Tafoya’s retirement closes a remarkable chapter in Chicago radio news. His career has spanned major changes in local radio, while his long tenure at WBBM Newsradio made him a familiar voice for generations of listeners. Additionally, his departure will leave the station without one of its most experienced newsroom veterans. After 40 years at WBBM, Tafoya will leave behind a significant legacy at one of the country’s best-known all-news radio stations.
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Garrett Searight is Barrett Media’s News Editor, which includes writing daily news stories, features, and opinion columns. He joined Barrett Media in 2022 after a decade leading several radio brands in several formats, as well as a 5-year stint working in local television. In addition to his work with Barrett Media, he is a radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster. Reach out to him at Garrett@BarrettMedia.com.