Chicago Public Media WBEZ

While conservative blowtorch WLS 890-AM and NPR affiliate WBEZ 91.5-FM may find themselves on opposite sides of the political spectrum, they’re both battling it out for Chicago’s news/talk radio listeners.

So it’s been surprising to hear commercials for WBEZ airing on a couple of other stations owned by the parent company of WLS. Continue reading →

Steve Harvey

Robservations on the media beat:

So long, Steve. It's official: Steve Harvey's syndicated daytime talk show has been canceled after seven years. "Steve" taped its final episode Thursday, according to Variety. For its first five years, the show was produced at NBC Tower here before relocating to Los Angeles. (Remember Harvey's infamous farewell to Chicago?) As long rumored, his show will be replaced on NBC-owned stations, including WMAQ-Channel 5, by “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” starting this fall. Harvey continues as host of the game show "Family Feud" and as syndicated morning personality on iHeartMedia urban adult-contemporary WVAZ 102.7-FM. Continue reading →

Goli Sheikholeslami

The most powerful woman in Chicago journalism isn’t a journalist.

But as chief executive officer of Chicago Public Media, Goli Sheikholeslami, 50, is well on her way to transforming the nonprofit parent company of WBEZ 91.5-FM into the premier broadcast and digital news organization in town.

At a time when other legacy media brands are struggling to survive, WBEZ is thriving under her leadership. Continue reading →

Diane Hannes

Over her remarkable three decades in Chicago television, Diane Hannes has risen from promotion writer at one station to head of marketing at another — with a stop at "The Oprah Winfrey Show" along the way.

On Thursday Hannes was named president and general manager of WVIT, the NBC-owned station in Hartford, Connecticut; and WRDM, the Telemundo station in Hartford. She will oversee all station operations, including news, digital, sales, marketing/promotions, community affairs and operations/technology. Continue reading →

Leslie Keros

Leslie Keros, the weekday morning jazz host on College of DuPage’s WDCB 90.9-FM, will soon be going national.

Starting July 5 Keros will join the talent roster of the Chicago-based Jazz Network, a programming service of WFMT Radio Network, the syndication division of Window to the World Communications classical WFMT 98.7-FM. She is replacing Neil Tesser, whose contract with the network ended. Continue reading →

Mai Martinez

Mai Martinez, a reporter and weekend news anchor at CBS-owned WBBM-Channel 2, announced Wednesday that she's on medical leave for an undisclosed ailment.

"Thank you Chicago for embracing this Southern transplant 13yrs ago," Martinez tweeted. "I’m so grateful for my time at @cbschicago & all of you. Some of you are asking why I’m not on TV or social media. Please do not worry. I am STILL w/CBS 2, but currently on medical leave & hope to return soon." Continue reading →

Doug Glanville (May 7, 2019)

Doug Glanville said he welcomes an investigation into an incident involving an apparently racist hand gesture flashed by an unidentified fan during a live report Tuesday on NBC Sports Chicago.

As a baseball analyst and insider for the regional sports network, Glanville was delivering a commentary during a Chicago Cubs home game against the Miami Marlins when a man sitting behind him clearly displayed a gesture believed to be a symbol of white power. Continue reading →

Kate Sullivan

Robservations on the media beat:

Remember Kate Sullivan? The former news anchor at CBS-owned WBBM-Channel 2 now hosts a charming public-television series that combines her love of food and conversation. "To Dine For with Kate Sullivan" profiles creative people in their favorite restaurants as they talk about how they overcame obstacles and achieved success. Guests have included Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, producer Norman Lear, actress Jessica Alba, Nike designer Jason Mayden and author Emily Giffin. In Chicago "To Dine For" airs at 11 a.m. Sundays on Window to the World Communications WTTW-Channel 11. Sullivan, a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, co-anchored CBS 2 newscasts at 5, 6 and 10 p.m. with Rob Johnson from 2010 to 2015. Continue reading →

Kristen Nicole

After three years as a news anchor at Fox-owned WFLD-Channel 32, Kristen Nicole is moving back to Lexington, Kentucky. Her last day on the air here will be May 31.

Nicole told viewers Friday she was expecting her third child in nine weeks and would be heading home with her family. "What a blessing to have had the chance to work in such an amazing city!" she tweeted. Continue reading →

WBBM Newsradio

Robservations on the media beat:

Employees of WBBM 780-AM/WCFS 105.9-FM are getting support from fellow union members in their contract negotiations with parent company Entercom. Writers Guild of America plans to rally at noon today outside the Prudential Building studios of WBBM Newsradio. At issue are raises for the station's eight assistant producers, who now earn minimum hourly wage. "It's a real shame," said Patrick Barrins, one of the assistant producers. "Bottom line, Entercom and WBBM need to pay for the experience and expertise they require to create a quality product. The work done by assistant producers is crucial to the success of the newsroom. It should be compensated as such." Entercom officials said they're continuing to negotiate. WBBM Newsradio is Chicago's top-rated and top-billing station with revenue of $39 million in 2018. Continue reading →