Mike Flannery: Honoring a legend
On Friday we said good luck and congratulations to Mike Flannery on his retirement! FOX 32 will never be the same.
“I’ve come to the conclusion that Mike Flannery should not recuse himself, the reasons: the files that he has stored here,” said legendary TV announcer Bill Kurtis as he pointed to his boss. “His legacy is five decades of excellence.”
A history buff, passionate voice and fiery perspective now drops the mic.
“When I first came to Chicago, to be a reporter, I was like a kid in a candy store,” Flannery said in an earlier interview.
“Mike, congratulations on a great career. I’ve always admired your brilliance and institutional memory,” said CBS2 anchor Jim Williams.
Born in the nation’s capital to a World War II veteran, a young Flannery arrived in Chicago in the 1970s. He was first hired by the Chicago Sun-Times covering City Hall. CBS2 News in Chicago was his next employer, and like many new reporters, there were some rough spots along the way. But once Flannery found her voice, a political beast was born.
Career highlights include extensive coverage of Mayor Richard J. Daley, the Great Snow of 1979, the great victory of Mayor Jane Burns, Chicago’s first African-American mayor, Harold Washington, the wars of the City Council and also Richard M. Daley.
Flannery spent 30 years at Channel 2 covering major local and national political headlines.
“The editors tell me he drove them crazy putting together stories at the last minute, but Mike was one of the best. It was wonderful to compete with him, and Mike, the best of all,” said the former political reporter for ABC7 Andy Shaw. .
“After 50 years of Mike Flannery beating me mercilessly on TV, I finally have the last word. Thanks Mike, you’re a great journalist and friend,” said Senator Dick Durbin.
“As I’ve often said about you, you remember things from 50 years ago that I remember from 50 minutes ago,” said ABC7 reporter Craig Wall.
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Signing on at FOX 32 in 2010, Flannery’s first day on the job included covering the corruption trial of former governor Rod Blagojevich.
“He’s super curious. He asks everybody questions all the time. He values everybody’s opinion. He knows what he doesn’t know. He’s one of the best reporters I’ve ever worked with,” said former FOX 32 anchor Robin Robinson.
Whether we were traveling to cover Pope Francis in Rome or with then-Senator Barack Obama on the campaign trail, especially on election night, Flannery kept us all tuned in.
“We’ve learned so much from you. I appreciate your leadership and all you’ve done for FOX 32 and Chicago. Congratulations and all the best,” said Matt Piacente, WFLD FOX 32 Vice President of News.
“If there’s a Mt. Rushmore of political reporters, Flannery belongs front and center. He’s an amazing guy. His work ethic is second to none,” FOX 32 anchor Corey McPherrin said.
Mike Flannery on his last day working in news, at FOX 32 Chicago on June 30, 2023.
FOX 32 anchor Dawn Hasbrouck said she will miss the mic checks.
“He always says, ‘blah blah blah Blagojevich, talk, talk, talk’. That’s what he says every time, but Mike I’m going to miss you. You’re great.”
“I love Flannery Fired Up and I was hoping that before I left, I would host it one day,” said Tia Ewing, anchor and reporter for FOX 32.
Flannery Fired Up launched in 2017. The weekly show attracted all the big names in government for an in-depth conversation. Flannery was the author, producer and host.
“You’ve had an amazing career and I hope you reconsider and come back. We need you, we always need you, now more than ever,” said Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart.
Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said: “Thank you Mike. We didn’t always agree, but you were always a professional.”
Seventeen miles south of downtown Chicago is the historic Beverly neighborhood. Whether enjoying his favorite Sicilian red wine at Frankonello’s with his wife Marcia or participating in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Flannery raised his three children here and met his neighbors and friends of 34 years, John and Mary Merren
“Practically every Sunday night the kids were around our dining room table, especially on holidays. He shared his whole family with us. Cousins, sisters, brothers, mother,” Merren said.
At 72 and with countless awards under his belt, Flannery has interviewed 10 Chicago mayors, eight Illinois governors and half a dozen US presidents. With plans to travel more and enjoy his grandchildren, Flannery’s youngest son says he has the whole legacy.
“Hey dad, I love you so much. I’m so proud of you and everything you’ve given us and everything you’ve given us and everything you’ve given to this wonderful city. Thank you for teaching us to love this city and the people around us,” said Patrick Flannery.
