WTTW partners with Two by Four and Chicago musician/actor Common 

WTTW, an integral part of Chicago news since 1955 has partnered with two other Chicago natives – musician, actor, artist, producer and activist Common and Ad Agency Two by Four.

Together, they created a campaign that showcases the unique stories that have shaped Chicago and the people who live them. 

“WTTW News is an essential source for trusted, local, independent news that connects the people and communities in Chicago,” said WTTW President & CEO Sandra Cordova Micek. “This campaign is an expression of our commitment to serve and reflect the people and communities across our region and to help share their stories and perspectives in an impactful way.”

For the campaign, Two by Four focused on what WTTW does best – represent, reflect and highlight the stories of real Chicagoans and their neighborhoods.


Elements of the campaign include a broadcast spot narrated by Common and featuring neighborhoods where the best Chicago stories began, including his own in Avalon Park where he grew up.

“Chicago has been a city that has given me so much,” shared Common. “It’s a city that has been the foundation of many of the stories I have told throughout my career. Through my work with Art in Motion and the Common Ground Foundation, I’ve realized there are so many stories just like mine that deserve to be told with reverence. I am proud to partner with an institution like WTTW that has built a reputation on keeping Chicagoans informed in the most authentic way.”              

“Chicago and its unique neighborhoods have been a huge source of creative inspiration for Two by Four since we started 25 years ago,” stated Adam Von Ohlen, Chief Creative Officer Two by Four. “We’re honored to have played a role in creating a campaign that is so distinctly Chicago from start to finish.”

Creative Credits

Agency: Two by Four

Location: Chicago

Chief Creative Officer: Adam Von Ohlen

Creative Director: Brad DeMarea

Copywriter: Nicole Mullins

Art Direction: Betsy Agosta

Producers: Annie Tsikretsis and Amanda Dunal

Account Leads: Amy Partipilo and Allegra Sunday

Photographer: Brett Nadal

Editorial Company: Dear Jon

Editor: Lucy Best Radtke

Producer: Jonathan Singer

Audio Record: Chicago Recording Company

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