Sean Crawford
Managing Editor, NPR Illinois/ CAB Ex-OfficioSean has led the NPR Illinois news operations since the fall of 2009. He replaced the only other person to do so in the station's history, Rich Bradley.
Prior to taking over the News Department, Sean worked as Statehouse Bureau Chief for NPR Illinois and other Illinois Public Radio stations. He spent more than a dozen years in the statehouse press room, winning numerous awards for his reporting, including a national Capitolbeat honor for coverage of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment and removal from office.
Overall, Sean has logged 40 years in journalism. He began his broadcasting career at his hometown station WJPF in Herrin, Illinois while still in high school. It was there he learned to cover local government, courts and anything else that made the news.
He spent time in the Joliet area as News Director and Operations Manager for radio station WKBM and worked for a chain of weekly newspapers for two years. Along with news coverage, he reported heavily on sports and did on-air play by play.
Sean hosts weekly shows Statewide and State Week, which air across Illinois Public Radio stations. He holds a Master's Degree in Public Affairs Reporting from the University of Illinois Springfield.
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Illinois lawmakers have one week of session left this year. We discuss what might get done. -
A 1938 radio drama became one of the most famous productions ever, thanks to Orson Welles and his company. -
First Listen for Thursday Oct. 23, 2025 -
Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan reported to a federal facility in Morgantown, West Virginia this week. -
Many people report having difficulty sleeping. A sleep expert gives us some tips. -
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Bea Bonner does her exit interview on Community Voices with Sean Crawford and Randy Eccles after eight years at NPR Illinois. -
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ICE protests continue in Chicago while the city and state fight against National Guard deployment in court.
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The investigation continues.
