Orion Samuelson, the voice of agriculture on Chicago’s WGN Radio for more than six decades, has died at the age of 91. He is remembered for how the distinction that farming touches every life became somewhat of his own personal mission in his reporting.
Samuelson joined WGN when John F. Kennedy was President and remained a fixture on the station through nine administrations, a global pandemic, and a reporting career that took him to all 50 states and countries ranging from the former Soviet Union to Cuba to Indonesia.
His honors included the Lincoln Medal, an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Illinois, induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame, and a place in the inaugural class of the WGN Radio Walk of Fame. In 1997, Illinois Governor Jim Edgar renamed the Junior Livestock Building at the Illinois State Fair in his honor.
WGN Radio VP and General Manager Mary Boyle said, “While he was the farmer’s champion to be sure, his uniquely informative, friendly style developed broad rapport with everyday listeners as well. A sixty-year relationship with the WGN Radio audience, educating us on many things, among them, if you eat, you’re involved in agriculture. A consummate gentleman with an inspirational work ethic, equally at ease with kids in a 4-H competition or presidents. Meeting and working with Orion is a privilege I will forever hold dear.”
