We recently announced the seven Chicago television greats who have been chosen for our 2007 Silver Circle.

They will be honored on May 4, 2007 at the Drake Hotel. The Silver Circle, established by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences recognizes outstanding individuals who have devoted a quarter of a century or more to the television industry both on-camera and behind the scenes.

The 2007 Silver Circle seven inductees who have made a significant contribution to Chicago broadcasting are:

• Len Aronson — WTTW Television’s talented executive producer who is responsible for the long-running series, Chicago Matters, as well as countless other award-winning specials.
• Muriel Clair — Reporter for WGN-TV who has provided decades of solid news reporting and is well respected for her sensitive handling of news stories.
• Jack Hakman — Art director and scenic designer whose excellence graced NBC5 for more than two decades, as well CBS2 and local theatre and opera productions.
• Robert Jordan — Reporter and weekend news anchor for WGN-TV whose credits include several documentaries and news specials.
• Mary Laney — Award-winning writer, producer, reporter, anchor and editorial director her career has included tenure at CBS Radio, CBS2, CNN and NBC5.
• Phil Ruskin — Longtime director of the 10 pm news at CBS2 who expertly navigated news specials from concept to execution.
• Hedy Zussman — Israeli television pioneer who became one of Chicago’s first women news photographers for NBC 5 where she’s also been a top-notch editor and digital librarian

Presenters are: Len Aronson will be presented by Tom Weinberg, an independent producer; Muriel Clair will be presented by Micah Materre - WGN-TV anchor and reporter; Jack Hakman will be presented by Jorie Lueloff - NBC5/ABC7 former anchor and commentator and past Silver Circle inductee; Robert Jordan will be presented by Jackie Bange - WGN-TV anchor and reporter; Mary Laney will be presented by Deloris MeBain, NBC5 former community affairs director; Phil Ruskin will be presented by Walter Jacobson – CBS2/FOX32 former anchor and commentator and past Silver Circle inductee; Hedy Zussman will be presented by Warner Saunders – NBC5 anchor and Michelle De Long - Mimi Productions.

Host for the evening is Rich Koz, WCIU-TV Host and a past Silver Circle Honoree.

Cost is $125 for TV Academy Members, $150 For Non-Members. $1750 for a Golden Circle Table includes a special table signage and program acknowledgment.

Information on all aspects of the Chicago/Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) including a list of past Silver Circle recipients is found at http://www.chicagoemmyonline.org/past-silver-circle-honorees.php.

To get your name on the invitation list for this year’s Silver Circle Honors Dinner, please email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or call 312-435-1825.

Or download the invitation here:
2007 Silver Circle Invitation

2007 Silver Circle reply card

2007 Silver Circle Program Book Ad purchase

The files are PDFs. Download Adobe Acrobat Reader.

To purchase tickets, please print out the reply card and mail it to:

NATAS - Chicago/Midwest Chapter

c/o Ephraim and Associates

108 W. Grand

Chicago, IL 60610

or fax it to the TV Academy office at 312-435-1828.