WGN Radio teams with DNAinfo on neighborhood news

WGNRadioIn the latest expansion at WGN AM 720, the Tribune Media news/talk station is partnering with the hyperlocal news operation DNAinfo.com Chicago to add neighborhood news reports to its daily programming.

Starting Monday and airing during WGN’s 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. newscasts each weekday, the reports will be delivered by Jon Hansen, radio news director of DNAinfo Chicago.

DNAinfo"We're always looking for ways to spread the unique neighborhood news produced by DNAinfo.com's team,” said Shamus Toomey, managing editor of DNAinfo.com Chicago. “Jon Hansen is a natural, and we're excited for his reports."

Todd Manley, vice president of content and programming at WGN, said the partnership is part of an ongoing effort to enhance the station’s news resources. “I’m a huge fan of what they’re doing [at DNAinfo], and I’m thrilled about our agreement,” he said. WGN also is in negotiations with ABC Radio Network on a wide-ranging and exclusive affiliation agreement that could start just after the first of the year, according to Manley.

Billionaire Joe Ricketts, founder and CEO of DNAinfo.com, launched the Chicago franchise in November 2012 — three years after its debut in New York. With offices at 233 North Michigan Avenue, the local operation currently boasts a staff of 40 reporters and editors.