Normal, Ill…From humble beginnings at TV-10 in Illinois to a 45-year career covering some of the biggest moments in sports, Dan Roan’s journey in broadcasting is one of dedication, adaptability, and passion. The veteran sportscaster reflects on his career, the evolution of the industry, and the lessons he hopes to pass on to aspiring journalists.
Roan began at Illinois State University (ISU) as an English major before being tempted into the broadcast journalism space by an opportunity at TV-10, the student news network. A chance encounter led him to discover that TV-10 was hiring and offering $3 an hour—significantly more than his then-current job. It didn’t take much convincing for him to make the switch.
“I had so much fun the first week that I did it and met some great people, then I changed my major immediately and went through all of TV-10,” Roan said.
That decision set him on a path that would define the rest of his career. After graduating, his first job outside of school was at Channel 3 in Champaign. Initially hired for a different role, he quickly moved up the ranks. Within a month, an opening for a weekend sportscaster appeared, and Roan took the opportunity.
After seven years at Channel 3, he set his sights higher and interviewed for jobs in Chicago. That’s when he landed at WGN—a station that, at the time, had a national reach thanks to cable television. His timing couldn’t have been better.
“I start there in ‘84,” Roan said. “Michael Jordan gets drafted two months afterward… I get a chance to cover him throughout his entire career with the Bulls.”
It was only the beginning. At WGN, Roan covered some of the most historic moments in sports, from the Bears’ last NFC championship win to legendary Cubs-Cardinals matchups. He was on the call for Mark McGwire’s record-breaking home run and had the opportunity to work everything from Notre Dame football to Blackhawks playoff runs.
“I've just been so fortunate in being able to do so many different things… If you work hard enough… and find the right opportunities… it's out there,” Roan reflected.
Roan’s versatility is what made him stand out. He didn’t just stick to one role—he was a play-by-play announcer, sideline reporter, analyst, and studio host, sometimes all in the same season. “The more you know and the more you know how to do, the better off you're gonna be,” he said.
However, the industry has changed. Roan acknowledges that local stations no longer have the same opportunities to air games as national networks dominate the sports media landscape. Social media and the internet have shifted the way sports are covered, and the COVID-19 pandemic permanently altered the relationship between athletes and the press.
Despite these changes, Roan remains optimistic about the future of sports journalism. His advice to young broadcasters? Develop strong writing skills, embrace versatility, and always be prepared to adapt. He has spent decades mentoring young journalists and helping ISU alumni find their place in the industry.
Illinois State University professor Tom Lamonica, chuckling, summed up Roan’s impact: “Dan needs a room for all of his awards… Don’t strive to be Dan because of what he does; strive to be Dan because of how hard he works and the kind of guy he is.”
Roan’s legacy isn’t just about the games he covered or the awards he’s won—it’s about his work ethic, his passion for storytelling, and the mark he’s left on the next generation of broadcasters.
Strategic Sports Communication, Tom Lamonica, Illinois State University
