Tom Weinberg
Robservations on the media beat:
Tom Weinberg, the veteran Chicago producer who created “Image Union” and founded the Media Burn Independent Video Archive, has a new book out about his life’s greatest adventure. Chasing the Lost City: Chronicles of Discovery in Honduras is a first-person account of the expedition in search of the Lost City of the Monkey God hidden deep in the dense Central American jungle. It’s a miracle that he and his companions endured and overcame the incredible challenges they faced. And it’s a pleasure that he shares their story with such honesty and insight. Weinberg will celebrate the publication with friends October 17 at Billy Goat Tavern, 430 North Michigan Avenue. Published by Chicago-based Eckhartz Press and featuring more than 180 stunning photos, the book is available at chasingthelostcity.com.
Jim Kirk
What’s next for Jim Kirk? Since August the former publisher and editor-in-chief of the Sun-Times has been serving as interim executive editor of the Los Angeles Times following a top-level shakeup at the newspaper by Chicago-based parent company tronc. On Monday tronc named Lewis D’Vorkin, former chief product officer at Forbes Media, as editor-in-chief of the L.A. Times. Publisher Ross Levinsohn said in a memo that Kirk will continue through the transition and “possibly beyond.” Kirk initially was hired as senior vice president of strategic initiatives for troncX, the digital content and commerce division of tronc.
Tamron Hall
The firing of Hollywood studio chief Harvey Weinstein in the wake of sexual harassment reports hasn’t derailed plans for a daytime talk show to be hosted by Tamron Hall. In July the former “Today” host and MSNBC anchor announced she'll develop programming with The Weinstein Company, including a talk show focusing on current events, human-interest stories and interviews with celebrities and newsmakers. Hall, former morning news anchor at WFLD-Channel 32, spent 10 years at the Fox-owned station before joining NBC News.
Wendell Hutson
Wendell Hutson has resigned as a reporter for DNAinfo Chicago to become media relations manager for Chicago State Foundation. “I’m excited to be joining CSU at a time when the university is making changes to improve its overall role as a higher education institution,” he said. A Chicago native and graduate of Columbia College, Hutson previously worked for the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Defender, Chicago Crusader and Pensions & Investments.
Rachel Hinton
Keep an eye on Rachel Hinton. The 2017 graduate of DePaul University and former managing editor of The DePaulia has joined the Sun-Times as an urban affairs reporter. Hinton, who previously was an intern at the Sun-Times and the Chicago Reader, grew up in the far southwest suburbs and attended Plainfield South High School. In 2016 she was named one of Chicago’s Future Leaders by the Chicago Network.
Monday’s best comment: Nick Bacoulis · Oak Forest, Illinois: Well this answers my question as to why rock stations in Chicago suck. People only listen to Classic rock. Too many rock stations with similar formats. Thank God there are alternative ways to listen to music.