NEWSROOM
Future of Media College & Career Fair
The Museum of Broadcast Communication is excited to share highlights from the Future of Media event held on Saturday, April 11th 2026, where more than 260 students gathered for an energizing and inspiring day dedicated to the future of storytelling, media, and broadcasting.
This dynamic event brought together high school and college students for hands-on exploration, meaningful connections, and direct access to leaders shaping today’s media landscape. High school students engaged with media programs from 15 colleges and universities, opening doors to a wide range of academic pathways in communications and media.
At the same time, college students connected directly with recruiters and hiring professionals from leading television and radio organizations including ABC, CBS, NBC, Nexstar Media Group (WGN), Fox Corporation, Audacy Inc., Cumulus Media, Hubbard Broadcasting, and more, gaining real-world insight into careers across the industry.
A major highlight of the day was a series of high impact panel discussions presented in partnership with the Chicago Midwest Chapter of the Television Academy, hosted on the NBC 5 Chicago | Shure Stage 6A. Industry professionals including on air talent, producers, directors, engineers, and creatives shared powerful firsthand stories and advice, offering students an inside look at the many pathways in media.
We are deeply grateful to our partners, participating institutions, and broadcasting organizations, as well as to Wintrust Bank and Chick-fil-A for their generous support.
We are thrilled to announce that The Future of Media event will now become an annual program, continuing to grow in reach and impact. This effort powerfully reflects the Museum’s mission to inspire, connect, and prepare the storytellers of tomorrow, while positioning us at the forefront of engaging and empowering the next generation of media storytellers.
April 2026
Future of Media College & Career Fair
Watch Museum CEO David Plier on WGN-TV’s Spotlight Chicago talking about Saturday’s (4/11) ‘Future of Media sponsored by Wintrust’ event — pairing high school students with university media programs and connecting college students with TV and radio station groups for internships, career opportunities, and more!
April 2026
David Plier sits down with Craig Ferguson
Late-night TV legend Craig Ferguson sits down with David Plier, Chair, President & CEO of the Museum of Broadcast Communications and WGN Radio Chicago personality, for a wide-ranging conversation on comedy, his career journey, and his lasting impact on television. From his breakout role on The Drew Carey Show to redefining late night with The Late Late Show, and now hosting Scrabble on The CW, Ferguson reflects on the evolution of his incomparable comedic voice and the legacy he built in late-night television.
March 2026
Oscar Sunday with Nick Digilio
A wonderful Sunday afternoon celebrating the release of “40 Years, 40 Films” with author and longtime Chicago radio personality Nick Digilio, graciously hosted by the Chicago Tribune and WGN Radio’s Rick Kogan- After Hours with Rick Kogan.
March 2026
MBC President and CEO sits down with Jay Leno
WGN Radio’s Dave Plier sits down with late-night TV legend Jay Leno for a wide-ranging conversation about his remarkable career and personal journey. Jay reflects on the early days of his stand-up comedy career, his memorable debut on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and why performing on Late Night with David Letterman remains one of his favorite periods in show business. He also shares stories from the two decades he hosted The Tonight Show, discusses his celebrated car collection, and opens up about being a caregiver for his wife. Plus, Jay shares memorable stories about comedy icons Rodney Dangerfield, Bob Newhart, and more.
February 2026
A Message from Stephen Colbert
CBS Late Show host and Chicago’s very own Stephen Colbert has a message for you… Get off the couch and come see us at the Museum of Broadcast Communications! Check out all-new exhibits including The Evolution of Late Night Television and Johnny Carson: The Centennial.
January 2026
Late Night at MBC: An Evening with Bill Kurtis
WGN Morning News’ Larry Potash and Paul Konrad sit down with the legendary Bill Kurtis to talk about this Saturday’s Q&A, Book Signing, and Meet & Greet at the Museum of Broadcast Communications
December 2025
WGN Radio, Larry Potash and Paul Konrad check in with Bill Kurtis, and discuss the upcoming book signing at the Museum of Broadcast Communications. December 4, 2025
Late Night at MBC: Mark Malkoff
Our first Late Night at MBC, Q&A with Mark Malkoff, author of 'Love Johnny.'
The kickoff event features author and podcaster Mark Malkoff, discussing his new book Love, Johnny Carson, a lively look at the late-night legend’s life, career, and legacy. An evening with author and Carson aficionado Mark Malkoff, host of The Carson Podcast, for an engaging Q&A and book signing celebrating his new book, Love Johnny Carson.
November 2025
Museum of Broadcast Communication’s Grand Opening
On October 23, 2025—Johnny Carson’s 100th birthday—the Museum reopened in spectacular fashion with a sold-out grand opening attended by nearly 400 media and ticketed guests. The evening marked a triumphant return, earning enthusiastic critical response, glowing visitor reviews, and the foundation of a strong and growing audience.
MBC Featured on NBC5 Chicago
Our Museum was proudly featured on NBC 5 Chicago’s Only in Chicago series hosted by Lexi Sutter. Take a look and discover why the Museum of Broadcast Communications is one of the city’s most unique and inspiring destinations. From iconic television moments to the voices that shaped radio history, there is something here for every generation.
February 2026
CBS Chicago: A look inside MBC’s new location
October 2025
Dean Richard’s first look at the Museum of Broadcast Communications
October 2025
FOX32: Johnny Carson’s legacy celebrated at MBC
October 2025
Block Club Chicago covers the reopening of the Museum of Broadcast Communications this Fall!
WBEZ’s coverage of the MBC reopening this October, focusing on the evolution of late night television.
NBC Chicago’s coverage of our two new exhibits opening this October
WGN feature: Museum of Broadcast Communications to open new pop-up featuring exhibits celebrating Johnny Carson, late-night TV
Some big changes are in store for the Museum of Broadcast Communications. The museum moved out of its River North home at State Kinzie Street in April of 2023, but a brand new location featuring some big new exhibits will soon be welcoming visitors.
Museum of Broadcast Communications to Reopen with The Johnny Carson Centennial and Late-Night Television Exhibits
CHICAGO, August 21, 2025 — The Museum of Broadcast Communications (MBC) will reopen its doors this fall featuring two major exhibitions: The Johnny Carson Centennial and The Evolution of Late Night Television. These new exhibits will be located at the Museum’s new pop-up location at 440 W. Randolph Street in Chicago and will open to the public on Friday, October 24, 2025 and remain open until January of 2027.
2025 Radio Hall of Fame Inductees Announced
Presenting the selection of ten new inductees into the Radio Hall of Fame. The 2025 Radio Hall of Fame Inductees will be honored at the in-person 2025 Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the Swissotel Hotel in Chicago.
Induction Ceremony tickets are on sale now.
WGN-TV Chicago: Spotlight Chicago | Top 20 Super Bowl Commercials Online Exhibit
From 1967 to 2024 people have been tuning into the Super Bowl not just for the game but for the iconic commercials. The Museum of Broadcast Communications’ has put together its picks for the 20 top Super Bowl commercials of all-time in a new exhibit. Dave Plier joins us with more.
WGN Radio’s The Lisa Dent Show | Top 20 Super Bowl Commercials Online Exhibit
Lisa Dent is joined by WGN’s ‘On The Map’ host and President & CEO of The Museum of Broadcast Communications Dave Plier to talk about their top Super Bowl commercials exhibit.
Fox32’s Good Day Chicago | Top 20 Super Bowl Commercials Online Exhibit
Breaking down the best Super Bowl ads: What is number one?
WGN Radio’s The Dave Plier Show | Big Game Special | Top 20 Super Bowl Commercials Online Exhibit
Dave Plier, Jeff Rogers and the late night crew celebrate five decades of Super Bowl commercials including the classic Coca Cola Mean Joe Green spot, the Budweiser Clydesdales, Masterlock, Noxema with Joe Namath and Farrah Fawcett, Apple 1984, McDonalds with Michael Jordan and Larry Bird and Snickers with Betty White.
Museum of Broadcast Communications Unveils ‘Top 20 Super Bowl Commercials of All-Time’ in New Online Exhibit
Radio Hall of Fame Begins Accepting suggestion for Class of 2025 Nominations
2024 Radio Hall of Fame Press Release
MBC Expands Education Initiative for Online GreatDebates.Org
Stephen Colbert, Henry Winkler, Drew Barrymore, National and Local TV & Radio Stations Come Together for the ‘Forty for 40’ Online Auction Benefitting The Museum of Broadcast Communications
The Museum of Broadcast Communications Celebrates 100 Years of Radio with New Exhibit
Thank you to our ongoing partnership & sponsors:
