-
Wed 8:00AM ET, Wed 8:00PM ET
October 28
On October 28, “Through the Decades” remembers the day in 1886 that the Statue of Liberty was dedicated as a beacon of hope and freedom in America. We also take a look back on when millions of fans tuned in to watch Rhoda marry Joe on the beloved television series “Rhoda” in 1974. And on the day of her birth, we profile actress Julia Roberts. -
Thu 8:00AM ET, Thu 8:00PM ET
October 29
On October 29, “Through the Decades” remembers the day in 1994 that Francisco Martin Duran took shots at the White House—testing the limits of American security. We also take a look back on when hippie rock musical “Hair” began its Off-Broadway run in 1969. And on the day of her birth, we profile actress and 1980s “it girl” Winona Ryder. -
Fri 8:00AM ET, Fri 8:00PM ET
October 30
On October 30, “Through the Decades” remembers the day in 1938 that H.G. Wells’ novel “War of the Worlds” was broadcast on prime time radio—terrifying millions of listeners who mistook the alien invasion story for the news. We also take a look back on when Michael Jordan returned to the basketball court in 2001. And on the day of his birth, we profile “Happy Days” actor Henry Winkler. -
Sat 8:00AM ET
A Family Affair
Through the Decades recalls the stories that became a family affair, including the flight beginnings of the Wright brothers, the international custody battle of Elian Gonzalez, and the Chicago rule of a close-knit political family. -
Mon 8:00AM ET, Mon 8:00PM ET
November 2
On November 2, Through the Decades goes back in time to remember “The day Dewey defeats Truman”, a headline that turned out to be no more than a presumption. We also take you back to the hiring of Lee Iacocca as the president of Chrysler, making him the force behind two of America’s auto giants and the day the Spruce Goose made its first and last flight, landing a place in history. -
Tue 8:00AM ET, Tue 8:00PM ET
November 3
On November 3, Through the Decades turns back the lens of time to when Godzilla first beamed across marquees in Japan. We’re also taking you back to when a dog named Laika made history in space exploration and on the day of his birth we profile the life and career of comedian Dennis Miller. -
Wed 8:00AM ET, Wed 8:00PM ET
November 4
On November 4, “Through the Decades” remembers the day in 1979 that Iranian students took hostages at the U.S. embassy in Tehran, escalating tensions between the two nations. We also take a look back on when comedian Lenny Bruce was convicted of obscenity in 1964 following a fiery debate over free speech. And on the day of his birth, we profile Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey.
Through The
Bios
Bill Kurtis
Bill Kurtis is an author, producer, and award-winning journalist. Bill got his start in television working for WIBW in Topeka, KS. His work with CBS News ranged from covering the fall of Saigon to anchoring "The CBS Morning News." His documentary work includes the Peabody Award-winning PBS series The New Explorers, as well Investigative Reports and Cold Case Files for A&E Network and American Greed on CNBC.
Using his journalistic skills and his background as a law school graduate, Bill authored The Death Penalty on Trial: Crisis in American Justice, which explores issues surrounding capital punishment in America. He also provided the satirical narration for the feature film comedy Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. He also is the judge and scorekeeper for NPR’s weekly game show Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me.
Kerry Sayers
Kerry Sayers has spent more than twenty years in the media industry, working in radio and television. For much of that time, Sayers has been at the epicenter of Chicago sports. She has hosted shows for Comcast and covered football for Fox. Sayers began her career at WILX in Lansing, MI and has since worked across the country from Buffalo to the Pacific Northwest.
Kerry graduated from the University of Michigan and lives in Chicago with her husband, their daughter and just welcomed their second child, a son, in September.
Ellee Pai Hong
Ellee Pai Hong is a veteran journalist, having spent a career covering news and teaching journalism at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Ellee started her career in broadcast news as a general assignment reporter at the CBS affiliate in Rockford, IL. She made the jump to Decatur, IL then Hartford, CT before landing as anchor for NBC in Chicago.
Ellee moved to the United States from Korea as a child and holds a bachelor’s degree from Ewha Womans University in Seoul and a master’s degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. She lives in Chicago with her husband John and their two children.