February 8 – Morning show host Bob Collins, piloting his private plane just hours after the conclusion of that day’s program, dies following a midair collision. The grieving station staff holds what amounts to an on-air wake to share their thoughts with his many equally stunned fans. Four days later, WGN carries a live broadcast of his memorial service from Holy Name Cathedral.
March 6 – After filling in for several weeks, Spike O’Dell officially becomes WGN’s new morning host. It is a position he accepts with deeply mixed emotions. Each year, Spike along with Orion Samuelson and the rest of the morning crew raise a toast to Bob Collins on February 28, Bob’s birthday. On March 6, Steve Cochran also joins WGN’s full-time staff as early afternoon host.
March 29 & 30 – Pat Hughes and Ron Santo broadcast from Tokyo, Japan, as the Cubs play the Mets to open the season. First pitch for both games is at 4:00am Chicago time.
April 17 – Following several months of renovation, a completely rebuilt Showcase Studio opens on Michigan Avenue. The studio is more popular than ever and is in use on most weekdays almost continuously from 9:00am-9:00pm, and for many shows on weekends.
