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* UPDATED x1 * Legendary broadcast journalist to retire

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* Jak is the Walter Cronkite of Illinois Statehouse news. There is nobody better.

Speaker Madigan, for instance, doesn’t sit down with many TV reporters, but he knows Jak is fair and asks insightful questions, so despite the fact that Jak has put him on the hot seat numerous times with tough questions, Madigan regularly submits to Tichenor’s interview requests. Jak isn’t a “gotcha” guy looking for cheap ratings boosts. He’s a real, honest to goodness journalist.

I’ve been privileged to appear on Jak’s “Illinois Lawmakers” show for years. Our friendship developed partly because of a mutual acquaintance, Jak’s wife Monica, who I’ve known since my early days in Springfield. But it grew strong because of our mutual respect. I cannot possibly say enough good things about the man. He’s decent, he’s honest, he’s trustworthy.

Here we are in 2014…

A congratulatory caption contest perhaps?

*** UPDATE *** Jak just called and said he hoped to continue with the Illinois Lawmakers program. That’s a relief.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 1:32 pm

Comments

Congratulations, Jak.

Comment by Tournaround Agenda Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 1:35 pm
Jak is not just a good journalist but he is good people. ¡Felicidades, Jak!

Caption? How about “Rich and Famous!”

Comment by Ray del Camino Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 1:41 pm
Scotch, make mine a double.

Comment by The Colossus of Roads Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 1:42 pm
Real Before and After photos from Modern Manscapers.

Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 1:43 pm
Jak is probably the best in the biz and has been for decades. SIU and WSIU are very lucky to have had him in the shop for so long

Comment by Anonin' Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 1:46 pm
Congrats Jak. I’ve always learned more from the questions he’d ask.

All the best.

OW

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 1:48 pm
Jak gave me a tour of the SIU school of Radio Television when I was considering SIUC. I did graduate from there, but it was with a degree in Advertising/Marketing. Jak is a staple in the Southern Illinois / Carbondale scene. Seeing him and chatting him up about politics at the Sunset Concerts or in the mid town Schnucks is a regular occurrence. Growing up I remember him presiding over the WSIU pledge drives on channel 8. He is a great teacher, listener, reporter, radio voice, interviewer, writer, citizen, and friend. God Speed Jak, your a connection to the glory days of SIU. You will be missed.

Comment by John A Logan Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 1:53 pm
The Statehouse is losing a gentleman AND a scholar. Jak is one of the few really good ones!

Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 1:59 pm
Just watched Jak and Rich this morning from the Friday night Illinois Lawmakers. Was looking forward to his weekly updates throughout this session, which could have been one of his most interesting.

Thanks for all your great work Jak and enjoy your retirement!

Comment by Finally Out (and now very glad to be) Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:02 pm
Caption: Jak tries to hide his disappointment when learning his retirement surprise isn’t a gold watch.
Seriously, Jak is one of the greats and he will be missed.

Comment by birds Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:07 pm
The News Brothers

Comment by Mittuns Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:19 pm
Best wishes in your retirement, you will be missed on WSIU.

One of my proudest moments was when I prompted Rich to open a thread on the passing of both Senator Dixon and Rep. Gray, and you added a comment. Thank you.

Comment by illini Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:21 pm
Congrats Jack! And the best beard goes too…

Comment by Boone's is Back Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:30 pm
The Illinois Corsican Brothers

Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:32 pm
“Its Click and Clack, from NPR’s Bar Talk!”

Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:35 pm
Rich Miller has already lined up support of the capos to takeover as Don

Comment by Precinct Captain Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:35 pm
They roared when they must
And tried to be just
A purpose to be done
True stories hard won

True from the start
True to the end
Started as colleagues
Leaving as friends

Their stories contained facts
Very little filler
I’m sorry we’re losing our Jak
I’m glad we still have our Miller

Comment by Tommydanger Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:43 pm
To the update,

Thank goodness. OW

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 2:52 pm
=== Jak just called and said he hoped to continue with the Illinois Lawmakers program. That’s a relief. ===

The session has to end before the program can end. Jak is just acknowledging the reality of the times.

Comment by Norseman Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 3:09 pm
Good for you, Jak. I hope your brother, Lawrence O’Donnell makes it to the party.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 3:32 pm
“I don’t always drink beer, but when I used to, I looked like Miller.”

You’ll be missed.

Comment by Anon. Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 4:01 pm
“It ain’t all about Jak.”

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 4:19 pm
Jak is just a great guy, and I learned a lot just by watching him when I was at SIU. Good on ya, Jak!

Comment by Concerned Observer Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 5:03 pm
“… after their Cough Drop empire was squandered… “

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 5:05 pm
“… authorities say the two men then hijacked a Vespa, doing donuts in Lot B at the Capitol…”

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 5:07 pm
“… then after leaving the balcony, they gave the session two really big thumbs up…”

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 5:09 pm
“… and another thing; any youse Mushrooms see dees two; Don’t. Say. Nuthin.”

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 5:12 pm
“… and that’s why you never leave your Bill Analysis up in the balcony, unattended.”

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 5:14 pm
Stay thirsty for knowledge of your government my friends

Comment by Union gal Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 6:11 pm
“Although an interesting concept, a ‘buddy-cop’ sitcom around mysteries of the legislature wasn’t pick up by the networks…”

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 6:13 pm
“These two? You want these two to sit in on ‘Vegas’ meetings?”

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 6:38 pm
“… and their 2-part seminar; Nothing Good Happens in Springfield After Midnight…”

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 6:42 pm
“… if you can get past these two with your Raunerite talking points intact, Bruce will fund your campaign… “

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 6:44 pm
“… and their celebrated routing ‘What Bill’s On First Reading?’, a show-stopper…”

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 6:50 pm
“… and their 9-part series, ‘Mapping Out The Dance Floor starring their Mushroom “Jerry Mandering”…’…”

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 6:57 pm
“Jay and Silent Bob Talk to the Other Mushrooms”

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 6:59 pm
“… and their 6-part lecture; Saying Less Is More Except to Us…”

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 7:02 pm
“What happens in Vegas will probably be reported by these two”

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 7:10 pm
“… Sponsored by… Burma Shave… “

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 7:16 pm
“… We’ll report no whine, before its on the record… “

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 7:21 pm
“… Next… on ‘True Detective’…”

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 7:29 pm
OW, that’s all?

Inspired.

Comment by Lt. Guv. Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 7:57 pm
“… watch out for that Mike Madigan, he loves to photobomb… “

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 8:06 pm
“The Chit-Chat Caucus”

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 8:30 pm
Aw OW ya had me at jerry mandering let’s draw some districts

Comment by Union gal Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 8:35 pm
A nicely drawn map, brings a tear to my eye

“Caption?”

“… and their weekend seminar “Have All Voted Who Wish; Understanding Illinois Voter Turnout…”

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 8:45 pm
When someone tells you “you’ll be fine,” believe it. Especially when it’s the all the crew at Capitolfax.com!

p.s., OW, do you ever sleep or eat? Because, DAMN!

Comment by Jak Tichenor Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 8:45 pm
Sleep is for the weak … or tired, I forgrt how that quote goes…

You’re a good sport, Jak, I’m a big fan.

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 8:47 pm
“… and from their Platinum Edition Lecture Series; Flacks Taking Flack; Responding Like a Pro…”

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 8:55 pm
Think this is it…

“… and their Sack Lunch Series; M.O. Wha? The History and Understanding MOUs…”

Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 9:00 pm
Jak Tichenor, that’s the best response I’ve ever seen to Oswego Willy comment(s).

Enjoy your semi-retirement. Lawmakers is the session show to watch.

Comment by Norseman Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 9:15 pm
Good Lord, I need my inhaler I’ve been laughing so hard! Catch you all in the morning…

Comment by Jak Tichenor Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 9:22 pm
…and one more thing, thanks to everyone for the kind words today. I am forever in your debt. I’ve learned so much from everyone here over the years from all ends of the political spectrum. This is the one forum where it all comes together.

Special thanks to my friend Rich Miller and the entire Capitolfax family of political practitioners, pundits, and everyday people who care enough about our state enough to head into the arena everyday in this space and fight the good fight. Can’t wait to read what you have to say tomorrow!

Comment by Jak Tichenor Tuesday, May 19, 15 @ 10:21 pm