[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 177 (Thursday, November 20, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2297]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING SPIKE O'DELL ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM WGN RADIO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 19, 2008

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Spike O'Dell, 
retiring host of the Spike O'Dell program on WGN Radio in Chicago. 
Spike has brought his unique style of humor and knowledge to countless 
Chicagoans every morning for the past two decades. I have appeared on 
his morning show numerous times, and I can honestly say that it has 
been a pleasure working with Spike and his staff, especially his 
producer Jim Wiser. Spike will be sorely missed on the radio by all in 
Chicagoland.
  A native of East Moline, Illinois, Spike graduated from York College 
in Nebraska before obtaining his certificate in broadcasting from a 
local vocational school. His first radio job was at WEMO in his home 
town of East Moline, Illinois, before moving on to KSTT in Davenport, 
Iowa. Next, he moved to WBT in Charlotte, North Carolina, then on to 
KIIK back in Davenport, Iowa. Spike's big break came in 1987 when he 
was offered the afternoon show on WGN Radio in Chicago. He flourished 
in this role at WGN, garnering a loyal following, and in 2000 he 
succeeded the late Bob Collins as the host of morning programming. 
Since his appointment, Spike's show is consistently rated the top 
morning show in Chicago.
  The Spike O'Dell show did not just report the news, it was where the 
news was made. From exclusive interviews with everyone from 
entertainers to politicians, on sight reporting from across the globe 
and insightful editorials from Spike and a wide cast of contributors, 
the Spike O'Dell show was always both informative and entertaining.
  The self proclaimed ``worst kept secret'' in radio, Spike announced 
his retirement nearly 2 years ago, telling listeners that on January 1, 
2009 there would be a new host for the morning show. While a successor 
has yet to be named, it is going to be extremely difficult to find 
someone as hard working and who generates as loyal a fan base as Spike.
  It is my great privilege to honor Spike O'Dell for his commitment to 
radio in Chicago. I wish the best to Spike and his wife Karen. May his 
retirement be as successful and rewarding as his show.

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