Mystery solved: Brad Edwards leaving CBS 2 and journalism

CBS 2 former anchor Brad Edwards has reemerged with a new career, months after quietly disappearing from the Chicago television station.

The big picture: Edwards, who most recently was anchoring digital newscasts, went missing from the CBS 2 broadcast since June without explanation.

Driving the news: After months of radio silence and rumors swirling about his sudden departure, the award-winning anchor and reporter tells Axios that he was let go from CBS and is now leaving journalism for a new venture.

• He is starting BE Media Inc., a communications firm with longtime politico Pat Brady and adviser Lisa Berron .
• Brady is also the former head of the Illinois GOP.

What they're saying: "Brad Edwards is no longer with CBS Chicago," a CBS spokesperson told Axios after months of requests for comment.

• "We wish him success in his future endeavors."

Zoom out: CBS' parent company Paramount has laid off thousands of workers in 2024.

• Locally, in addition to Edwards, sports anchor Marshall Harris was let go, while morning anchor Ryan Baker was shuffled back to the 10pm news to cover sports.

Flashback: Edwards, the first openly gay anchor in Chicago, started at CBS 2 in 2012 as a general assignment reporter and worked his way up to the anchor desk.

• He was replaced as the main 10pm news anchor by Joe Donlon in 2022 so he could anchor the station's digital efforts.

What's next: Edwards says he's ready for the new challenge and is excited about the freedom to pursue new ideas. He won't rule out a return to broadcast news, a field he recognizes is shrinking.

• "The business changed," says Edwards. "But once a journalist, always a journalist. We are the only protected profession in the Constitution."
• "I loved working for Chicagoans — bettering lives," says Edwards.

The bottom line: The mystery of where Edwards may be solved, but Chicago television news will be different without the enigmatic anchor and reporter.