Dolly McCarthy

Background

About Dolly McCarthy

Award winning journalist and veteran broadcaster, Dolly McCarthy, is the creator, producer & host of The Dolly McCarthy Show in Chicago. Dolly is also a fill-in talk show host on WGN radio in Chicago. When she's not on air, Dolly is Publisher/Editor of four popular publications -STROLL Park Ridge, Be Local NW Chicagoland, Be Local NW Chicagoland Suburbs and Be Local NW Chicagoland Far Suburbs. Dolly started her career in broadcast news quickly moving from producer/reporter to news anchor at WCIU TV in her hometown of Chicago. She worked as a News Anchor on WGN's sister station, CLTV News and as a Traffic Reporter for WGN, WBEZ, WCPT, WCKG and NBC 5 News. Dolly's style is Chicago (after all, she grew up on Chicago's northwest side)- relaxed, friendly, warm, welcoming and quick to laugh. Dolly makes everyone around her feel comfortable and important; but mostly heard. Her credits also include Anchor/Reporter for WTVO Channel 17 as well as WQRF Fox 39 in Rockford. Dolly also worked for 6 years as the solo anchor for NCTV17‘s popular and award-winning news program, Naperville News 17. It was there where Dolly became an instant favorite and trusted journalist with area viewers before heading back to Chicago TV News. Dolly's experience in reporting, anchoring and hosting combined with her strong roots in Chicago, Naperville and Park Ridge have made her one of the area’s most well-liked media personalities. Naperville even proclaimed a day in her honor: March 21 - Dolly McCarthy Day. Dolly is actively involved in many charitable organizations including LifeSpan, WINGS, CASA Kane County, Tri City Family Services, Operation Support Our Troops America, local Veteran groups including most recently American Legion Post 247, the Park Ridge Community Fund, and Selah Freedom. McCarthy is also a frequent speaker and emcee at schools and not-for-profits around Chicagoland. Dolly has been honored with numerous awards including the following: 2022 JCCIA Impressa Award 2020 Community Star award, Park Ridge, IL 2013 Woman of the Year, honored by AAUW 2014 Distinguished Alum award, Guerin Prep High School 2014 Pro Deo et Patria Award, Mount Assisi Academy 1990 John Fischetti Award, Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans Dolly graduated from Northern Illinois University with a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism; and an A.A. with Honors from Wilbur Wright College in Chicago. She resides in Park Ridge, IL and is a proud mom to five children: Jimmy, Shelley, Rachel, Caitlin & Molly.