WLS-TV, a prominent station located in Chicago, has recently published its Annual EEO Public File Report for the period from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025, showcasing its unwavering commitment to equal employment opportunities.
The station adheres to a strict policy against discrimination, ensuring that no individual is denied employment due to race, color, religion, national origin, or sex.
In the past year, WLS-TV has publicized job vacancies through various channels, highlighting its efforts to foster transparency in its hiring processes.
Initiatives include periodic on-air announcements inviting qualified organizations to join the station’s mailing list, as well as posting all open positions on the official Disney careers website and the station’s own website, https://abc7chicago.com/jobs/.
Moreover, job openings listed on Disneycareers.com are further disseminated through the DirectEmployers Association Network, expanding outreach across numerous job listing platforms.
During the reporting period, WLS-TV experienced a total of 11 full-time vacancies, seizing the opportunity to fill these positions with a diverse range of talent.
As part of its community engagement strategy, WLS-TV participated in multiple job fairs aimed at enhancing recruitment from underrepresented groups within the broadcast sector.
One notable event was the National Association of Black Journalists Convention, held from July 31 to August 4, 2024, a critical moment that brought together 15 station personnel, including senior leadership and key news team members, to connect with aspiring journalists and professionals from across the nation.
The Asian American Journalists Association also hosted its annual convention from August 7 to 11, 2024, in Austin, Texas, where WLS-TV was represented by a reporter and a streaming content producer at the associated job fair.
In addition to job fairs, WLS-TV has invested in several outreach initiatives to bolster career readiness and awareness among students and potential candidates from diverse backgrounds.
A WLS-TV reporter attended the JCAMP program from August 3 to 9, 2024, in Austin, Texas, focusing on training high school students in journalism and media, providing them with critical skills and mentorship opportunities.
Moreover, a Digital Content Manager from the station participated in the Online News Association’s annual conference on September 18-21, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia, engaging with attendees interested in the future of journalism and digital media.
On March 18, 2025, a WLS-TV Anchor/Reporter took part in a career education program at Hyde Park Academy High School in Chicago, aimed at exposing students to various career paths in broadcasting and beyond.
Furthermore, two station representatives joined the High School J-Days Workshop at DePaul University, sharing insights on journalism skills, interviewing techniques, and pathways to careers in media.
WLS-TV also emphasizes the importance of practical experience. The station runs a paid internship program tailored for college students, offering them an opportunity to acquire relevant skills in the broadcast industry.
During the reporting period, WLS-TV hired five interns, who typically worked around 18 hours per week while focusing on specific areas such as Programming, Investigative Reporting, Newsroom, Investigative Team, or Consumer Affairs.
Additionally, the station provides various training programs designed to elevate the skill sets of its employees, enabling them to qualify for higher-level positions within the organization.
A leadership essentials training program saw participation from several WLS employees, including executive producers and managers from various departments, enhancing their leadership capabilities.
Moreover, news show director training offered participants the chance to master essential directing skills for news segments, while a workshop on
image source from：abc7chicago
