Ryan Denham
Content DirectorRyan is an award-winning journalist and digital strategist. He joined WGLT full-time in 2017 as Digital Content Director and became interim Content Director in 2025.
Under Ryan's leadership, WGLT.org has become the go-to destination for local news in Bloomington-Normal. WGLT has expanded its digital offerings to include multiple daily podcasts, short-form video storytelling, and award-winning photography.
Ryan has earned a National Murrow Award, a national Public Media Journalists Association award, several Regional Murrow Awards, and multiple Crystal Mic Awards from the Illinois News Broadcasters Association, among other station and team-based honors.
Ryan also serves as WGLT's internship coordinator, working closely with Illinois State University students.
Ryan started his career as a copy editor and later business and city government reporter at The Pantagraph in 2006. He later worked for WJBC radio in Bloomington and for Illinois State's University Marketing and Communications [UMC] and Web and Interactive Communications [WEB] offices.
He lives in Normal with his wife, Therese, and two children. You can contact Ryan at rmdenha@ilstu.edu or (309) 438-5426.
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The electric automaker Rivian confirmed Thursday it plans to add a second shift for R2 production at its Normal manufacturing plant within the next two months. -
The Meet the Newsroom series continues with WGLT correspondent Michele Steinbacher, whose life in journalism started in print and has now expanded to broadcast journalism. "I feel like journalism is a way I can give back to my community and do my part in helping society function," she said. -
The electric automaker Rivian has sued the Trump administration to get its refund on tariffs it paid that the courts later ruled were illegal. -
Bloomington-Normal’s shortage of affordable childcare options is about to get even worse. Milestones Early Learning Center and Preschool in Bloomington will permanently close July 31 – less than two weeks from now. -
How do you get a fleet of 300 drones to fly perfectly in sync and create stunning LED animations in the sky? WGLT visited with the Firefly Drone Shows crew ahead of Thursday night's Bloomington show.
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Police are investigating a shooting late Thursday that seriously injured a man in Normal. One suspect is in custody. -
WGLT interviewed a dozen Central Illinois residents about how gas prices are impacting their lives — including teen drivers, young professionals, longtime food-delivery drivers and commuters. -
A Bloomington-Normal native who’s become one of its leading bankers is optimistic about the local economy, but also sees opportunity for collaboration across the community — including on “transformational projects” on some prime pieces of real estate. -
McLean County is facing an enhanced risk of severe weather (Level 3/4 of 5) for a storm expected to hit between 5 p.m. to midnight Thursday. -
Just four days after a local benefactor pulled the plug after years of bearing the costs himself, the Balloons Over 66 Weekend Committee said late Friday that they’ve figured out how to keep the balloons flying another year.
