R.I.P.: Former WGN Personality Bill Berg

Bill Berg was a popular afternoon-drive talk show host on WGN-AM radio in the 1970s who also filled in on Cubs and Bears broadcasts.

Bill Berg

He was 77, according to The Chicago Tribune and died of complications from Parkinson's disease May 20.

Berg's first radio job was with a station in a small town in Illinois, she said. He then worked at stations in Springfield, Lafayette, Ind., Detroit and Milwaukee before moving to Chicago in May 1966 to host an overnight program called "Nightwatch" on WIND.

In 1969, Mr. Berg began, hosting and producing a nightly sports talk radio show at WIND and working as its sports director. He also moderated a talk show featuring then-Cubs manager Leo Durocher.

In August 1971, Mr. Berg joined WGN as its afternoon drive-time music and talk show host.

"Bill was one of those guys that loved coming to work," said retired WGN on-air host Roy Leonard, who shared an office with Mr. Berg at WGN. "He always came to work with a smile and was eager to look forward to the day."

Mr. Berg generated strong ratings at WGN during the 1970s.

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