Francie Swidler

Francie Swidler joined NBC 5 Chicago in November of 2021 as a morning digital news and social producer. In addition to managing digital content, social media and breaking news for Chicago in the mornings, Francie writes and reports on everything from Chicago’s best bars and burgers, to COVID rules and restrictions, to hyperlocal and suburban Chicago stories.

From 2018-2021, Francie was an Audience Editor at Colorado Public Radio, where she initially served as the news organization’s Social Media Editor. In her tenure at CPR, she led and moderated workshops on journalist social media use and best practices, audience development and trust and reader conversion through newsletters and more.

Francie also produced several large scale pieces, including curating easy-to-read and easy-to-find information about Colorado elections, COVID vaccinations in the Denver area, timelines of major breaking news events like wildfires and more.

Prior to joining CPR, Francie was a digital and social producer for The Denver Post. Starting as an Editorial Assistant in 2012, Francie was on the team that won a Pulitzer Prize for breaking news coverage of the Aurora Theater shooting. She produced dozens of Facebook Live videos, countless Twitter threads and wrote travel, culture and lifestyle stories.

Francie took a step away from journalism briefly in 2017 to work in public relations at Angi Home Services (formerly HomeAdivsor and Angie’s List), but couldn’t stay away long. She returned to the industry after less than a year.

The Latest

Food & Drink 22 hours ago

McDonald's reveals what was behind its cryptic social media message — and it has to do with holiday cups

A mysterious message posted earlier this week by McDonald’s has officially been revealed, just in time for the cold weather to roll in.

Logan Square Oct 22

Possible armed kidnapping sparks police chase from suburbs to city, ends with Logan Square crash

The incident began in the southbound lanes of the Edens Expressway in Northbrook near the Dundee exit, when a vehicle believed to be part of an armed kidnapping failed to pull over.

Retail Oct 16

H&M opening in a new location on Chicago's Michigan Avenue

The opening comes more than a year after reports said H&M was planning to downsize from its previous 60,000 square-foot store on Michigan Avenue.

Skokie Oct 16

Huge part of Westfield Old Orchard Mall to be demolished, making way for apartments and more

One of Westfield Old Orchard Mall’s most recognizable areas will soon be demolished to make way for new buildings set to contain hundreds of apartments, a new common area and event space, new retail and restaurant options, a parking garage and potentially even a hotel, according to a press release from mall developer Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield.

Eisenhower Expressway Oct 14

Lanes of I-290 Eisenhower reopen after pedestrian struck, killed

Inbound and outbound lanes on the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) were closed early Monday morning and heavy delays were expected after a pedestrian on the Expressway was struck and killed overnight, the Illinois State Police said.

McDonald's Oct 10

We tried McDonald's new Chicken Big Mac — and it may not taste like you'd expect

Chicago’s iconic Big Mac has been around since 1968. More than 50 years later, the chain announced a big twist on the traditional menu item. But what exactly does it taste like?

Money Sep 30

Illinois unclaimed property checks totaling $13.2M in the mail for thousands of residents, State Treasurer says

The Illinois State Treasurer’s office is holding over $5 billion in unclaimed funds for Illinois residents, leaving significant money on the table for thousands of Illinoisans who likely are unaware that they are owed money.