About Paul Lisnek
Dr. Paul Lisnek is a multi-Emmy, Beacon, Cablefax, Telly and Communicator award-winning television anchor and host.
Paul served as the political and legal analyst for WGN-TV in Chicago for 18 years, appearing on all of its # 1 rated news programs. He anchored WGN-TV’s flagship political programs for 16 years including “Politics Tonight” and “WGN-TV Political Report.” He also hosted “Paul Lisnek Behind the Curtain, “a popular podcast seen on WGN+ streaming network and also on WGNRadio.com and all podcast platforms. He served as a fill in host for 720AM-WGN Radio. Previously he hosted the popular “Paul Lisnek Show” on WVON-am radio for 4 years.
Holding both a law degree and doctorate in Communication from the University of Illinois, Paul is a frequent keynote speaker sponsored by numerous corporations, government entities, bar associations, law firms, and colleges and universities.
Paul is also a nationally recognized jury and trial consultant whose office worked in the O.J. Simpson, Phil Spector, Whitewater, Enron, Casey Anthony (Tot Mom) and numerous other famous cases.
On the Comcast Network, Paul hosted “Broadway in Chicago Backstage” an interview program taped in front of a live studio audience featuring the casts and creative from the leading shows in Chicago. Airing from 2010-2020, featured shows included Hamilton, Wicked, Dear Evan Hansen, Book of Mormon, First Wives Club, The Last Ship, Paradise Alley and many more. He also anchored “Newsmakers” for the Comcast Network on which he interviewed leading political, entertainment and social figures.
Theater and Entertainment
Paul has also worked in the entertainment industry interviewing countless entertainers in music and Hollywood for the Comcast Network on his WGN- TV shows, and his WGN Radio Podcast “Behind the Curtain.”
Paul’s true passion rests in live theater where he has interviewed the casts and creators of the biggest and greatest Broadway shows since 2010, some of which can be found on the website pages which follow.
On his “Broadway in Chicago Backstage” show (taped in front of a live studio audience), Paul’s shows have included the casts and creative of Hamilton, Wicked, Book of Mormon, Billy Elliott, Dear Evan Hansen, Paradise Square, Sponge Bob Musical, First Wives Club, Big Fish, Shrek the Musical, Kinky Boots, On Your Feet, Tootsie, Pretty Woman, Cher Show, Phantom of the Opera, just to name a few. These shows have brought theater legends to the program including Stephen Schwartz, Harvey Fierstein, Lin Manuel Miranda, Cindy Lauper, Sting, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Brian Adams, Nathan Lane, and Billy Porter.
In addition to his current roles, Paul has hosted specials and served as an entertainment correspondent for Prime Time Chicago, interviewing some of the world’s greatest stars and legends including: Betty White, Norman Lear, Fran Drescher, Sir Elton John, Adam Lambert, Steve Carell, Ed Asner, Tommy Tune, Jeff Daniels, Hal Sparks, Stephanie Powers, Georgia Engel, Marlee Matlon, Robert Klein, Fred Willard, Chance the Rapper, Derek Hough, Kathy Garver, Anthony Michael Hall, Lucie Arnaz, Holland Taylor, David Steinberg, Howie Mandel, Bruce Vilanche, Andy Cohen, Matt Damon, George Clooney, John Mahoney, Rue McClanahan, Smokey Robinson, Berry Gordy, among countless others.
Paul the Author and Producer
Paul is the author of fourteen books (so far), the latest being a work of political/legal fiction called “Assume Treason,” which was awarded the Indie Book Award for Finalist, Best Mystery of 2021. It’s the second book in a series, preceded by “Assume Guilt,” published in 2020. Both are the stories of protagonist Matt Barlow, a noted jury consultant, brought in some tough cases to find a resolution.. often with a surprise ending. Available at Amazon.com and wherever books are sold.
Paul’s other books include the inspirational “Quality Mind, Quality Life” and negotiation classic “Winning the Mind Game: Negotiating in Business and Life,” as well as many books on the practice of law for lawyers and law students including “The Art of Lawyering,” “Courtroom Power,” and “The Hidden Jury.” Most of these books can be ordered from Amazon.
Paul also served as executive producer for CDs recorded by jazz great Spider Saloff and singer/actress Alexandra Billings (seen on numerous TV shows including the groundbreakingTransparent, and also seen as Madame Morrible in “Wicked” on Broadway).
He has also produced several plays that premiered in Chicago.
Museum of Broadcast Communication
In May of 2015, The Museum of Broadcast Communication located in Chicago opened the Paul M Lisnek Gallery, a permanent exhibit which honors and details the personal life and professional career of Paul in the world of TV and radio.
It also features a rotating set of items from Paul’s extensive Hollywood and Broadway Memorabilia collection, which was also featured on the series premiere of ME-TV’s “Collector’s Call,” hosted by (Facts of Life’s) Lisa Whelchel.