Jeff Hoover (2006)

Local Emmy Awards have always been an exercise in self-congratulations, to be sure, but somewhere along the way they lost their luster — and their relevance.

Today they’re little more than a moneymaking enterprise for the Chicago/Midwest chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, which rakes in thousands in membership fees, entry fees, dinner ticket fees, program book fees and additional statuette fees under the dubious claim of recognizing “excellence in our industry.” Continue reading →

Theresa Gutierrez

Hispanic women were all but invisible on television news when Theresa Gutierrez got her start as a production assistant at NBC-owned WMAQ-Channel 5 in 1971 and shifted to ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7 the following year.

Now, 43 years later, she’s stepping down from ABC 7 after an inspiring career as a general-assignment reporter, public-affairs host, program producer and, perhaps most importantly, role model. Gutierrez announced on the air Tuesday that October 31 will be her last day as an Eyewitness News reporter and host of "The Ñ Beat,” the Hispanic public-affairs series. Continue reading →

Peter Liguori

The top man in Tribune Tower made nearly $8.8 million last year, according to a filing posted Monday on the Securities and Exchange Commission website.

Peter Liguori, who led the historic transformation of Tribune Co. and emerged as chief executive officer of the newly named Tribune Media, made close to $1.5 million in salary and close to $7.3 million in bonuses and other compensation for a total of $8,757,914. Continue reading →

Rich King

For a guy who professes that he absolutely hates writing or talking about himself, it may seem odd that Rich King has just written a second book — about himself.

But that’s not the only contradiction readers will encounter in the latest literary offering by the veteran WGN-Channel 9 sports anchor and lifelong Chicagoan. Continue reading →

Richard Steele

Richard Steele, who’s been a warm, wise and engaging presence on Chicago radio since the early ’70s, is retiring after 27 years with public radio WBEZ FM 91.5.

Chicago Public Media announced Friday that Steele, 72, would step down October 10 from his full-time position as program host and correspondent. Continue reading →

Irv and Essee Kupcinet — "Kup's Show" (1977)

A version of this post first appeared on May 17, 2012.

So you think you know Chicago television? Match these phrases with the Chicago television personalities who made them famous. (Answers appear at the bottom):

Continue reading →

Robert Jordan (Photo: Bart Shore)

Robert Jordan, the veteran news anchor and reporter at WGN-Channel 9, has been named the first journalist-in-residence at the University of Chicago’s Careers in Journalism, Arts, and Media program.

While continuing his full-time anchoring and reporting duties for the Tribune Media station, Jordan will spend much of the fall quarter on campus, where he’ll conduct a series of workshops, lead panels with other Chicago producers, editors and news directors, and meet with students who hope to pursue journalism and media careers. He also plans to work with staffers on the Chicago Maroon, the university’s student newspaper. Continue reading →

Anabel Monge

With the hiring of Anabel Monge from the Univision station in San Antonio, Telemundo Station Group’s WSNS-Channel 44 returns to a dual-anchor news format at 5 and 10 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Alfonso Gutierrez, who’s been anchoring “Noticiero Telemundo Chicago” solo since Edna Schmidt left in October 2013, will be joined next month by Monge, whose hiring was announced Thursday. Continue reading →

Holly Gilson

Holly Gilson, former director of corporate communications for the parent company of Chicago’s public television station and classical music radio station, has joined Lyric Opera of Chicago as deputy director of communications.

Gilson began this week at what she called “a place full of wonderfully smart, creative and supportive people,” adding: “I look forward to making contributions here.”

At the world renowned opera company, she reports to director of marketing Lisa Middleton, and succeeds Alexandra Day, who left to become director of communications and marketing strategy at The Juilliard School in Manhattan. Continue reading →

Carly Rousso

Once again, being first didn’t mean being right.

All eyes were on a Waukegan courtroom Wednesday as Chicago media covered the sentencing of Carly Rousso, the woman convicted of homicide after she huffed computer cleaner then struck and killed 5-year-old Jaclyn Santos-Sacramento on Labor Day 2012. Continue reading →