Ryan Baker, Lead sports anchor, CBS-2, Chicago

“I was very fortunate to be awarded an internship grant from the Illinois Broadcasters Association for the summer of 1990, as part of their Minority Internship Program.  I am eternally grateful to Gene Dybvig for convincing me to spend three months working in the sports department at WGN Radio in Chicago, instead of at a television station.  Without question, this opportunity cemented my passion and propelled me into a career in broadcast journalism.  I gained invaluable experience as a writer, producer, and reporter under the direction of industry greats such as Chuck Swirsky, Wayne Larivee, and Randy Minkoff.  The lessons I learned working in the studio and covering the Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, and Bears still resonate with me 23 years later.  It is a joy to know that the MIP has evolved into the Multicultural Internship Program.  I truly hope that other aspiring journalists are being inspired and more importantly, prepared through this tremendous initiative by the IBA.”