Clark Weber and Ron Riley (1966)

Clark Weber and Ron Riley, two legendary personalities from the golden era of WLS AM 890 in the 1960s, will reunite for one night only to reminisce about the Beatles, the British Invasion and Top 40 radio.

The former rock ’n’ roll disc jockeys will appear together at a benefit June 24 for the Lotus Foundation, the nonprofit founded by Ringo Starr to support charitable social welfare projects. Sponsored by WLS FM 94.7, the event at Chicago's Hard Rock Cafe will be in conjunction with the Ringo Starr Art Show With a Little Help From His Friends. Continue reading →

Here’s a look at Chicago’s most popular afternoon stars, according to radio ratings released Monday for the period from March 27 to April 23.

Following are the top-rated 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. Continue reading →

Here’s a look at Chicago’s most popular midday stars, according to radio ratings released Monday for the period from March 27 to April 23.

Following are the top-rated 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. Continue reading →

Bob Collins

Ten past and present stars of WGN AM 720 will be honored next month when the Tribune Broadcasting news/talk station unveils “The WGN Radio Walk of Fame.”

In conjunction with WGN's 90th anniversary celebration, the Walk of Fame’s inaugural inductees will be Jack Brickhouse, Bob Collins, Roy Leonard, Judy Markey, Spike O’Dell, Kathy O’Malley, Wally Phillips, Milt Rosenberg, Quin Ryan and Orion Samuelson. Each will be recognized with a plaque outside the station’s Tribune Tower studios at 435 N. Michigan Avenue. Continue reading →

There’s a new morning line in Chicago, according to radio ratings released Monday for the period from March 27 to April 23.

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. Continue reading →

Jim Ruddle

Twenty-eight years after Jim Ruddle hoisted anchor and left local television news to sail the seas, he’s as happy as ever about the course he navigated.

Although Chicago lost an anchorman and commentator of exceptional intellect and gravitas, Ruddle found he had little tolerance for the trivialities of the business and little patience for bosses who chafed at the strong opinions he expressed. As always, he was ahead of his time. Continue reading →

Janet Hundley

Janet Hundley resigned Friday after more than 12 years as assistant news director at ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7 to become news director of WTMJ-TV, the NBC affiliate in Milwaukee.

“I am absolutely thrilled for Janet,” Jennifer Graves, vice president and news director of ABC 7, told staffers in a memo. “She’s wanted to run her own newsroom again for some time and she’s found a position that’s a great fit at a company with a long tradition of journalistic integrity and excellence.”

Hundley’s exit closely follows the resignation of Richard Maginn, executive producer of ABC 7’s 10 p.m. weekday newscast and a 19-year veteran of the station. Continue reading →

Patty Martin

Patty Martin, a 34-year veteran of Chicago’s rock radio wars, is stepping down as program director of Hubbard Radio classic hits WDRV FM 97.1.

Martin, who helped launch the Drive in 2001 and guide it to spectacular success, announced her decision to resign Thursday in an email to staff. She cited health matters involving her husband, who soon may undergo a kidney transplant. Continue reading →

Zach Finken

Zach Finken, a 20-year Chicago newspaperman who ran the copy desk and layout desk for the Sun-Times, has been hired as associate editor of Tribune Content Agency, the syndication and licensing arm of Tribune Publishing.

No word yet on Finken’s replacement as assistant managing editor for news at the Sun-Times, where he had worked since 2001.

Confirmation of Finken’s move Thursday followed the announcement that Tribune Publishing had acquired McClatchy Company’s 50 percent ownership stake in McClatchy-Tribune Information Services, which will be added to the products of Tribune Content Agency. With the addition of the wire service, the newly expanded Tribune Content Agency will provide content to 1,200 media clients and digital entities worldwide. Continue reading →

Alan Kalter

Late-night viewers rarely take Alan Kalter seriously in his role as announcer and blowhard comedy foil on “Late Show with David Letterman.” But now Illinois broadcasters are hoping his words will be heeded.

Kalter is latest celebrity voice to record a series of public service announcements promoting disaster preparedness throughout the state.

Sponsored by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Kalter’s 30-second and 60-second messages began airing this week on more than 200 radio stations affiliated with the Illinois Broadcasters Association. Past participants in the campaign include the former team of Larry Lujack and Tommy Edwards (reprising their "Animal Stories" routine), TV and radio personality Steve Harvey, and actress Marion Ross. Continue reading →