Robservations: Justin Kaufmann to revive WGN’s ‘Extension 720’

Justin Kaufmann

Robservations on the media beat:

Justin Kaufmann, who's been a full-time contributor to Steve Cochran's morning show since last June, is returning to evenings on Tribune Broadcasting news/talk WGN 720-AM. Starting March 15, he'll host a new version of "Extension 720" from 7 to 10 p.m. weeknights (except on Mondays when "Andrea Darlas & The Reporters" airs and on nights when play-by-play sports airs). The late Milt Rosenberg, professor emeritus at the University of Chicago, hosted the original “Extension 720” for four decades before he was forced to retire from WGN in 2012. “I’m honored and humbled to be at the helm of one of the best radio shows in Chicago history,” said Kaufmann, who joined WGN in 2015 after more than 20 years as a producer at Chicago Public Media WBEZ 91.5-FM. Today will be Kaufmann's last day on Cochran's show. "Justin and producer Pete Zimmerman will be great," said Cochran. "And I'm sure that the ghost of Milt Rosenberg will fact check the show every night." Continue reading

Robservations: Expectant Tamron Hall is 'beyond excited'

Tamron Hall (Photo: Tamron Hall/Instagram)

Robservations on the media beat:

Monday was supposed to be the day Tamron Hall announced the title and premiere date for her new syndicated talk show. (It's "Tamron Hall" and it starts Monday, September 9.) But she had more on her mind than that. The former Chicago news anchor also revealed that she and her husband, music executive Steven Greener, are expecting their first child. Showing off her baby bump, Hall, 48, posted on Instagram: "It’s clear a daytime talk show isn’t the only thing I’ve been trying to produce! There have been many tears, but today I embrace the smiles. My husband Steven and I are beyond excited! We're in constant prayer, so if you pray, add us to your list; if you meditate, send calmness our way; and if you believe in luck, we’ll happily take that too." In Chicago "Tamron Hall" will air at 8 p.m. weeknights on Weigel Broadcasting WCIU-Channel 26. Continue reading

Anchor who defied Sinclair comes home to WGN Radio

Lauren Lapka

Lauren Lapka, who delivered afternoon and evening updates for the short-lived sports/talk station known as 87.7 FM The Game, is coming home to Tribune Broadcasting. Only this time she’ll be working for news/talk WGN 720-AM as weekday traffic reporter.

Starting March 14, the southwest suburban Orland Park native will be heard on middays with John Williams and afternoons with Roe Conn and Anna Davlantes. Lapka replaces Violeta Podrumedic, who left to join Eric Ferguson’s morning show on Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary WTMX 101.9-FM. Continue reading

Robservations: Will The Score House turn out ‘epic radio’?

The Score House

Robservations on the media beat:

670 The Score

Can the stars of The Score survive for a week in the desert under one roof? That’s the reality-show premise of an inspired stunt playing out on Entercom sports/talk WSCR 670-AM. Midday hosts Dan Bernstein and Connor McKnight and afternoon hosts Dan McNeil and Danny Parkins aren’t just broadcasting their shows from Cubs spring training at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. They’re all occupying a rented house together in Scottsdale along with operations director Mitch Rosen, their show producers and a video producer from Entercom Chicago. On Thursday, they’ll be joined for dinner at The Score House by morning hosts Mike Mulligan and David Haugh. (Those two will be staying at a hotel nearby.) Video highlights of the adventure will be posted each day at 670thescore.com. “At the end of the week this could be epic radio,” said Rosen, who added: “Pray for me.” Continue reading

Robservations: 'WGN Morning News' rises and shines in February

"WGN Morning News" stars Pat Tomasulo, Larry Potash, Robin Baumgarten, Paul Konrad

Robservations on the media beat:

The just-ended February sweep was one for the books at WGN-Channel 9. The Tribune Broadcasting station's "WGN Morning News" finished first in total households and among viewers between 25 and 54, with year-to-year increases every hour from 4 to 10 a.m. It's a testament to the popularity of "Chicago's Very Own" and an exceptional ensemble cast led by news anchors Larry Potash and Robin Baumgarten. "WGN Midday News" also led the market in households and 25-54 adults. February's other big winner was ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7, with No. 1 ratings at 4, 5, 6 and 10 p.m. in households and 25-54 adults. Tuesday's municipal election night coverage ended with a split decision as ABC 7 claimed victory at 10 p.m. in households, while WGN captured the key adult demo for its marathon reporting, which ran from 7 p.m. on. Continue reading