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Dean Richards is WGN-TV's entertainment reporter and critic. His work has been seen and heard on several Tribune-owned properties; he was cited in a New York Times front-page article as "Tribune Company's Man of Many Hats."
In 1998, Richards appeared as a guest reviewer on WGN-TV and was brought onboard as a regular contributor soon after. His entertainment reports and reviews are seen on "WGN Morning News," "WGN Midday News," "WGN Evening News" and "WGN News at Nine," where he interviews national and local celebrities, reports on showbiz, and reviews the latest movies and theater. Richards also hosts the "WGN Sunday Night Movie" and has hosted and co-produced specials such as the award-winning "Bozo, Gar & Ray: WGN TV Classics," the Oscar preview special "The Envelope Please," and "Stories of Hope: Facing Breast Cancer." He's been involved with the "Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon" for the Muscular Dystrophy Association since 1980 and is WGN-TV's long-time host of the marathon broadcast. Richards has also been a WGN-TV staff announcer since 1991.
On WGN Radio 720, "Dean Richards' Sunday Morning" covers Chicago's entertainment and lifestyle scene including movies, theater, food and dining, Sundays from 9am-12pm. His movie reviews are also heard on "The Steve Cochran Show." Since joining WGN Radio in 1994, Richards has won over 30 local and national awards for programming and production, including the prestigious Peter Lisagor Award for Outstanding Journalism, the Associated Press Best Feature of the Year, Illinois Broadcasters Association, UPI, Chicago A.I.R. Awards, and Promax International Promotion and Marketing awards.
On and off the air, Richards has been a tireless worker related to HIV/AIDS issues, hosting many charitable functions including "Dance for Life Chicago" and "AIDS Run & Walk Chicago." He has lent support to numerous organizations including as Howard Brown Health Center, Horizons Community Center, and Open Hand Chicago, and was awarded a citation by Stop AIDS Chicago for contributions in the fight against AIDS. The AIDS Foundation of Chicago recognized Richards in their annual "Faces of AIDS" publication for bringing HIV/AIDS issues to mainstream media. In 2006, AFC cited him with a special commendation for his work in the field. Richards has also hosted numerous events for hunger, homeless, and domestic violence organizations. In 1997, he was awarded "Y-ME" National Breast Cancer Organization's Outstanding Media Award.
A native of Chicago, Richards worked his way through a string of suburban Chicago radio stations after completing his Broadcast Communications/Marketing degree at Columbia College. A veteran of the Chicago radio scene since 1975, Richards has worked at WFYR, WCFL, WCLR and WNUA. He also hosted a nationally syndicated morning radio program for the ABC Radio Network, heard on 250 stations, while also acting as its Operations Manager.
