Who is Amy Jacobson? Amy Jacobson is a name that resonates with many in Chicago's media landscape. Born in Mt. Prospect, Illinois, she has a rich history in journalism, marked by both significant achievements and notable controversies. Graduating Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Iowa, she embarked on a career that took her from local TV stations to a prominent role at WMAQ-TV. However, her career took a dramatic turn in 2007 when a controversial incident involving Craig Stebic led to her departure from WMAQ-TV. Despite this setback, Jacobson transitioned to radio, where she continues to make waves. Her story is a compelling mix of professional success, ethical debates, and personal resilience.
Early Life and Education
Amy Jacobson's journey began in Illinois, where she laid the foundation for her future career in broadcasting.
- Amy Jacobson was born in Mt. Prospect, Illinois, and graduated from John Hersey High School in 1987.
- She earned a bachelor's degree in broadcasting and film from the University of Iowa in 1991, graduating Phi Beta Kappa.
Early Reporting Career
Before making her mark in Chicago, Amy honed her skills at various television stations across the country.
- Before joining WMAQ-TV in Chicago, Jacobson worked at various television stations including WJBK-TV in Detroit, KVIA-TV in El Paso, Texas, KOLD-TV in Tucson, Arizona, and KSAX-TV in Alexandria, Minnesota.
- She started her career with an internship at KGAN-TV in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Career at WMAQ-TV
Amy's tenure at WMAQ-TV was significant, but it also led to one of the most controversial moments in her career.
- Jacobson became a general assignment reporter at NBC-owned WMAQ-TV in Chicago in 1996.
- She occasionally contributed correspondent content for NBC News, appearing on programs like Today four times.
The Stebic Case
The Stebic case was a turning point in Amy's career, leading to intense scrutiny and debate.
- In 2007, Jacobson accepted a last-minute invitation to a backyard gathering at the Plainfield home of Craig Stebic, whose wife, Lisa, had vanished.
- The event was videotaped by a CBS-Ch. 2 crew, showing Jacobson in a bikini top near Stebic’s backyard pool.
- This incident led to her losing her job at WMAQ-TV and sparked intense debate about journalism ethics, sexism, and parenting.
Legal Action
In response to the fallout from the Stebic case, Amy took legal steps to defend her reputation.
- In July 2008, Jacobson filed a multi-million-dollar libel lawsuit in Cook County against WBBM's parent company CBS Corporation, multiple WBBM-TV staff, and a Northwestern University professor.
- The lawsuit was part of her efforts to clear her name and address the negative publicity she received.
Later Career in Radio
After leaving television, Amy found a new path in radio, where she continued to make her voice heard.
- After leaving television, Jacobson transitioned to radio, becoming a talk radio host with WIND in Chicago.
- She made frequent guest appearances on "Livin' Large with Geoff Pinkus" on WIND (AM) and worked as a traffic and news reporter for WLS (AM) from 2008 to 2010.
- She co-hosted the Roe Conn Show and later moved to the Mancow and Cassidy show before becoming co-host with Big John Howell on WIND.
Current Role
Amy continues to be a prominent voice on the airwaves, co-hosting a popular morning show.
- As of 2024, Jacobson co-hosts WIND’s morning show with Dan Proft, a Florida resident.
- The pair has been known for their strong right-wing commentary and has faced criticism for mocking a child with a disability during their show.
Controversy Over Mocking a Child with a Disability
A recent incident involving Amy and her co-host has sparked outrage and calls for her dismissal from a coaching position.
- In August 2024, Jacobson and her co-host Dan Proft mocked Gus Walz, the 17-year-old son of vice presidential candidate Tim Walz, during their show.
- Gus Walz has a nonverbal learning disorder that affects his physical coordination and ability to read social cues.
- The incident led to parents calling for her immediate dismissal as the head coach of Amundsen High School’s boys and girls varsity volleyball teams.
Personal Life and Community Involvement
Despite the controversies, Amy remains active in her community and personal life.
- Amy Jacobson married Jaime Anglada in 2002, and they have two sons together. Her husband filed for divorce in September 2008, following the lawsuit she filed against WBBM-TV.
Amy Jacobson: A Complex Legacy
Amy Jacobson's career is a mix of high achievements and significant controversies. Starting from her early days in Mt. Prospect, Illinois, to her rise as a prominent Chicago broadcaster, she's seen it all. The infamous Stebic case, where she was caught in a bikini at a suspect's home, led to her firing from WMAQ-TV and sparked debates on journalism ethics. Transitioning to radio, she continued to make waves, co-hosting shows with strong right-wing commentary. Her recent actions, mocking a child with a disability, have again put her in the spotlight, drawing community backlash. Despite these challenges, Jacobson remains active in media and community work. Her story underscores the complexities of modern journalism and the fine line reporters walk between professional duties and personal integrity. Amy Jacobson's legacy is a reminder of the ongoing debates about ethics in journalism.
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