Here are my picks for the 10 most notable Chicago media stories of the month.

Click on the arrows to advance the photos. To read the original posts, click on the headlines under each photo: Continue reading →

James VanOsdol

Robservations on the media beat:

Veteran Chicago broadcaster James VanOsdol has been named to the new position of newsroom program manager at Rivet News Radio, the personalizable Internet radio news app. He most recently has been reporting and producing stories for Rivet while doubling as a weekend and fill-in host at Tribune Media news/talk WGN AM 720. VanOsdol will be responsible for “helping Rivet sound even better and further growing our audience,” news strategy boss Charlie Meyerson told staffers in a memo. “His background as a broadcaster (WGN, WKQX, WZZN, WXRT) and media trainer (Emmis Interactive) and his digital presence (as a podcaster, writer and social media icon) give him a tremendous set of skills on which to draw as he assumes the additional roles of coach and programming maestro.” Continue reading →

There’s a new afternoon scorecard in Chicago, according to radio ratings released Monday for the period from August 14 to September 10.

Here’s a look at Chicago’s top 10 afternoon shows as measured by Nielsen Audio among all listeners age 6 and older from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, followed by average share of audience (with previous month’s share in parentheses). Continue reading →

Earl Jones

There’s a new top man at iHeartMedia’s seven radio stations in Chicago.

Earl Jones, who’s been market president for the iHeartMedia Chicago cluster since 2005, was shifted Monday to senior vice president of urban operations for the company. He’ll continue to be based in Chicago. Continue reading →

There’s a new midday pecking order in Chicago, according to radio ratings released Monday for the period from August 14 to September 10.

Here’s a look at Chicago’s top 10 midday shows as measured by Nielsen Audio among all listeners age 6 and older from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, followed by average share of audience (with previous month’s share in parentheses). Continue reading →

There’s a new morning line in Chicago, according to radio ratings released Monday for the period from August 14 to September 10.

Here’s a look at Chicago’s top 10 morning shows as measured by Nielsen Audio among all listeners age 6 and older from 6 to 10 a.m. Monday through Friday, followed by average share of audience (with previous month’s share in parentheses). Continue reading →

Steve Cochran

After posting Steve Dahl’s rant about WGN AM 720 Sunday, I received the following response from Steve Cochran, morning personality on the Tribune Media news/talk station:

Dear Steve, Continue reading →

Steve Dahl

If Steve Dahl ever considers making a comeback on terrestrial radio, you can be sure it won’t be on WGN AM 720.

In a 10-minute rant on his daily podcast Friday, the Chicago radio legend excoriated the Tribune Media news/talk station and directed particular vitriol at his former boss, Jimmy deCastro, now president and general manager of WGN. Continue reading →

Anna Davlantes

Just because Anna Davlantes is joining WGN AM 720 as a contributor to Steve Cochran’s morning show doesn’t mean we’ve seen the last of her on television.

As happy as she is to land the gig behind the mic at the Tribune Media news/talk station, the veteran Chicago news anchor says she’s actively pursuing other opportunities in front of the camera as well. Adds Davlantes: “Stay tuned — for sure.” Continue reading →

Jon Yates

Now your problems will have to be someone else’s problem, as far as Jon Yates is concerned.

After nine years as the Chicago Tribune’s resident consumer advocate and problem solver, Yates is giving up what he called his “dream job” and leaving the paper voluntarily. He's been a Tribune reporter since 2000. Continue reading →