ABC 7 Chicago is saying goodbye to longtime journalist Ravi Baichwal. The veteran anchor has officially left the network. His departure ends a 20-year association with the station. ABC 7 has also yet to announce his permanent replacement.
Ravi Baichwal doesn’t renew ABC 7 News contract
Ravi Baichwal’s departure was confirmed on November 4, 2026. ABC 7 Chicago decided not to renew his contract. The journalist left following the conclusion of his agreement. His recent absence had already raised questions among viewers (via Chicago Sun Times).
An ABC 7/WLS-TV spokesperson confirmed the development. The representative also shared a brief statement. “After 20 years with ABC 7, Ravi Baichwal has moved on following the conclusion of his contract. We wish him well in his next chapter.”
Baichwal had been anchoring the 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts. He took over those positions in 2023. During his time at ABC 7, he also won multiple Emmy Awards. He became one of Chicago’s recognizable television journalists.
Before joining ABC 7, Baichwal worked in Canada. He began his journalism career at CBC in 1996. He later hosted CTV’s national morning show. He also reported for CTV National News. Baichwal joined ABC 7 in 2006.
He initially worked as a reporter and weekend anchor. His career included several memorable moments. One particularly shocking incident occurred in December 2007, when a minivan crashed during his 10 p.m. newscast.
The vehicle smashed through the station’s State Street studio window. Cameras captured Baichwal’s immediate reaction live. Despite the shocking moment, he maintained relative composure.
Baichwal had been missing from recent broadcasts. This drew attention after a social media post surfaced which mentioned an alleged altercation involving Baichwal in a restaurant in Chicago last month (via Chicago Tribune).
However, neither Baichwal nor the studio addressed the post. ABC 7 has yet to name his permanent replacement. Mark Rivera will fill in temporarily, while Cheryl Burton and Judy Hsu continue anchoring their respective newscasts.
