Leila Rahimi
Robservations on the media beat:
In the wake of Dan McNeil's sudden firing Tuesday for posting what his bosses called a "degrading and humiliating" tweet about a female ESPN reporter, Danny Parkins is expected to host afternoons solo for now on WSCR 670-AM. But the Entercom sports/talk station would be wise to seize this opportunity — though long overdue — to promote a woman to full-time weekday host. At the top of many fans' lists would be Leila Rahimi, who's been filling in on various shifts at The Score since she was laid off last month after an outstanding five-year run at NBC Sports Chicago. Just one day before McNeil's ouster, Rahimi was tapped to co-host middays once a week — from 9 a.m. to noon every Wednesday — with Dan Bernstein, starting today. Rahimi tweeted Tuesday night she was "very happy for this opportunity that’s for sure."
Joe Pitt
Joe Pitt has been named program director of the Moody Radio Network digital stations “Praise and Worship Channel” and “Majesty Radio: Hymns and Inspirational Favorites.” Pitt, who most recently was midday host and music director of WRTB in Rockford, previously worked as morning show producer and weekend host at Alpha Media hot adult-contemporary WZSR 105.5-FM. He replaces Danielle Salsgiver, who was promoted to manager of Moody’s network operations center in Chicago. “With digital being much like the wild west, we are thrilled to have Joe on our team to help pave the way,” said Rick Hall, manager of digital radio for Moody Radio.
Erin Hegarty
Erin Hegarty, a former reporter for the Daily Herald and the Naperville Sun, has been hired as Chicago City Hall reporter for The Daily Line, the subscription newsletter on state and local politics. Also new to The Daily Line is Joel Ebert, a former freelance reporter for the Daily Herald who most recently worked for The Tennessean in Nashville, Tennessee. He’s now covering state politics in Springfield. “We are very excited for the team that is coming together here at The Daily Line as we push towards tough budget discussions and the election in November,” said publisher Don Vincent.
Paul Konrad
Paul Konrad, the wry and witty weatherman on WGN-Channel 9’s top-rated morning newscast, will emcee a live fundraiser for Holiday Heroes, a nonprofit charity helping seriously ill children and their families. Starting at 7 p.m. Thursday, “The Midway Mask-erade” will be streamed on multiple platforms including YouTube Live and holidayheroestv.com. Billed as a night of family fun and entertainment, the event will feature variety acts and music performances presented in the style of the old Jerry Lewis telethons.
Tuesday's comment of the day: Chad Rubel: US99 is owned by the gigantic company Entercom. The station just lost its main competition in its format. They are only live from Chicago in two of the four primary dayparts (do they even have an overnight jock?). Does management need two summer homes?