Two years ago I never thought the phrase “Good Morning Illini” would be what it has become. I have been at the University of Illinois as an instructor for nearly 7 years. Each year has been nothing less than a fantastic adventure. Watching my students talents and skills grow as each semester passes. Followed by the greatest accomplishment with the announcement of their first job after college.

Advisor, Director and Executive Producer          Good Morning Illini

My career began in Champaign at WCIA 3. I learned basic skills of news photography and editing. I left news for a couple years and spent some time in commercial production and live sporting events.  Within those two years I found myself back in newsrooms. Finishing my news careers at CNN-Chicago Bureau, CLTV, WFLD-Chicago.

Though a good portion of my career was focused on news, there was a time where mornings became my main responsibility. To me, morning shows always felt lighter and less newsy. Interviews with celebrities, bands live on set and fun silly segments to put viewers in a good mood before they began their day.

When my time at Fox was done I headed over to WCIU Channel 26. There I helped kickstart a morning show called “You & Me This morning”. We were not a news show, it was always called a morning show. Focusing on the people and their stories more than what all the other stations in the city were covering. I cherished the time and stories The U offered me in my time there.

Kenneth Erdey covering the eagles at Starved Rock for WCIU Channel 26.

Teaching news here at U of I has been amazing learning experience for me. Though this is my primary job, I jumped at the chance at offering students at U of I to experience the fun and excitement of a morning show. As each semester passes, I am watching this show become something special. GMI is one of my greatest joys. We use the word family a lot in our meetings. Which over a short period of time has led my students to endearingly refer to me as TV Dad. And I am all too happy to accept.