ABC 7 Chicago Announces New Morning Co-Hosts

CHICAGO, Feb. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- ABC 7 Chicago, the city's top-rated television station, has named ABC 7 Sports/Anchor reporter Ryan Chiaverini and WGN-TV morning co-anchor and traffic reporter Valerie Warner to co-host its new, local morning show, it was announced today by Emily Barr, President and General Manager, ABC 7 Chicago.  The hour-long talk and entertainment program is scheduled to debut on ABC 7 in late May, 2011, after the Oprah Show wraps its final season.

In addition to the new co-hosts, several on-air contributors are being considered.

"We looked at hundreds of tapes and scores of auditions and found we had two enormously talented people right here in our own backyard.  We are thrilled to have Valerie and Ryan as the face of our new show," Barr said.

Executive Producer Marlaine Selip said, "As we went through the audition process, it became obvious that Ryan and Val had the right stuff for our local show.  Ryan's warmth and likeability as a host was apparent right from the get-go.  And anyone who has seen Val's work knows she is smart, relatable and just plain fun to watch."

Ryan Chiaverini has been an integral part of ABC 7 News sports coverage, where he served as the station's weekend sports anchor and weekday reporter.  He's called Chicago his home for the past 5 years, after joining ABC 7 in 2006.  As host of The Chicago Huddle, Ryan showed a natural talent for interviewing and cajoling reluctant Bears players to let their guard down and have fun.  

Sports are part of Ryan's DNA: his dad played hockey, his uncle fought Sugar Ray Leonard and his younger twin brother, by eight minutes, was a football player in the NFL.  

Besides covering Chicago's favorite sports teams, Ryan is passionate about hockey, where he plays in a Chicago men's league, and music.  He enjoys singing and playing his guitar.  Prior to joining ABC 7, Chiaverini worked at KUSA-TV in Denver.  

Valerie Warner is an experienced broadcaster who serves as a co-anchor and traffic reporter on WGN-TV Morning News.  She joined the station in July 2005 as a weekday anchor from 5:00-5:30 am. During her tenure there, Valerie demonstrated her versatility, covering everything from local politics and money-saving segments to a breaking news story of a runaway dog on the Eisenhower that gained national attention.  She has co-hosted a number of health specials covering topics such as diabetes and breast cancer.  Before joining WGN-TV, Valerie was the primary evening anchor and reporter for WEYI-TV in Flint, Michigan.

Valerie's roots are in Chicago with her extended family living here as well.  She spends much of her free time hanging out with her two kids, mom, sister and grandmother in the South suburbs.  Away from work, she manages to squeeze in time for a movie and her newest interest, running.

Valerie is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and has been nominated for several Chicago Emmy Awards.

SOURCE ABC 7 Chicago