Began His 50 Year Broadcasting Career in 1976

“Chuck Collins is a shining example of what it means to be a local broadcaster,” wrote the person nominating WEEK-TV’s Chief Meteorologist for this year’s 2025 downstate award. “Chuck has been there during the biggest moments for the listeners/viewers in our community. He has served with honor, passion, and humility. A true broadcasting pioneer in Illinois.”

Throughout his 50-year career in Illinois, Collins has done it all – news, sports, weather, sales and more– in both local radio and television. Chuck’s professional career started in the summer of 1976 as an announcer at WFWA-FM (Sullivan, IL) before moving to WDAN/WDNL Radio (Danville, IL) covering on-air shifts, news anchoring & play-by-play.

He made the move closer to home in 1977, becoming the News and Sports director, play-by-play, and salesperson at WCLL-FM (Chillicothe, IL). Later that year, he worked at WSIV-AM/FM (Pekin, IL). and in 1979 expanded his responsibilities when at WTAZ (Morton, IL) where he was Operations Manager, News and Sports Director, announcer, play-by-play, production, continuity, and sales. Three years later, he became the News Director/Anchor at country powerhouse WXCL-WKQA (Peoria, IL). In was in 1986, when Chuck joined WMBD-AM/TV (Peoria, IL) providing his first opportunity to work in both radio and television.

Collins wore many hats during his 23 years at WMBD, including Radio News Supervisor, radio/TV news anchor, staff meteorologist, then Chief Meteorologist. In 2009, Chuck made the move to to WEEK-TV (Peoria, IL) where he currently serves as Chief Meteorologist.

Collins is set to accept his award, named after the late W. Russell Withers Jr, founding father of the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation, at IBA’s annual conference (IBA2025) luncheon, October 27^th, in Springfield, Illinois. Tickets for the event can be purchased here.