Move to new studios delayed until fall

In another setback for WBBM-Ch. 2’s long-awaited move from 630 N. McClurg Ct. to new headquarters in the Loop, station management is pushing back its Chicago Broadcast Center grand opening from July 21 to a yet-to-be-determined date in September.

“We assessed where we are technically and operationally and we’re not done yet,” said Joe Ahern, station president and general manager. “We decided to postpone the date to assure a smooth transition.”

Delaying the move to the gleaming studios at Washington and Dearborn Streets, on the parcel known as Block 37, also means the station will delay its switch to high-definition digital transmission for newscasts and other local programming. Ahern, his sales staff and a handful of executives were among the first to move to the new site on June 9, Ahern’s birthday. Moves for the rest of the staff are on hold.