Brandon Pope joins Fox 32 Chicago as political reporter

Fox 32 Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, has hired veteran journalist Brandon Pope as its new political reporter as the station prepares for coverage of the 2026 midterm elections and Chicago’s 2027 mayoral race, according to Axios.

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Pope succeeds Paris Schutz, who left Fox 32 earlier this year to join NBC 5 Chicago WMAQ.

Pope previously co-hosted WCIU’s “On the Block” until the program was canceled in 2025. His journalism career has also included work for the Chicago Sun-Times, Block Club Chicago, Ebony Magazine and The Root, covering politics and other local and national issues.

From 2022 to 2024, he hosted WBEZ-FM’s “Making” podcast, which explored the lives and careers of prominent Black figures.

“Chicago politics has plenty of power players. I want to focus on the people impacted by them,” Pope said. “I’m excited to join Fox 32 Chicago and bring curiosity, accountability and a people-first approach to one of the most fascinating political cities in America.”

Sean O’Heir, WFLD’s vice president of news content and programming, said Pope brings experience connecting political and policy developments with their effects on Chicago residents.

The Emmy Award-winning journalist also serves as president of the Chicago chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists.

Pope joins Fox 32 amid a broader reshaping of the station’s on-air lineup following the departures of Schutz and longtime personalities Dawn Hasbrouck, Scott Schneider, Roseanne Tellez and Sylvia Perez.

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The station has also been expanding its digital and streaming efforts. Fox 32 recently moved its “Chicago Live” streaming program to broadcast television, where it airs from 1 to 4 p.m. weekdays.

Pope said the station’s multiplatform strategy, including its emphasis on streaming and podcasting, was among the factors that attracted him to the role.