WGN Radio “Chicago Theatre of the Air” (1941)
Robservations on the media beat:
WGN Radio
Call me a spoilsport, but Nexstar Media might want to rethink plans to celebrate the 100th anniversary of WGN 720-AM this spring. Details are still under wraps, but in addition to on-air promos, insiders at the news/talk station say they’re expecting a party for advertisers and maybe a primetime special on WGN-Channel 9 in May — 100 years after Mid West Radio Central launched WDAP from the Wrigley Building. To kick off the hoopla, Nexstar has already been using a faux-retro logo for WGN, “celebrating 100 years of radio.” Just one problem: WGN has always considered its official birthday June 1, 1924. That's when the Chicago Tribune purchased WDAP and renamed it WGN for “World’s Greatest Newspaper” (the paper's slogan from 1911 to 1976). Colonel Robert McCormick, owner and publisher of the Tribune, called his novelty “the little box that picks sounds from the air.” By 1927, WGN was assigned its present, clear-channel frequency at 720 kilocycles. No matter what Nexstar says, WGN doesn't really turn 100 until 2024.
ABC 7 Chicago
For viewers old enough to remember when avuncular Irishmen Fahey Flynn and Frank Mathie were front and center, it may be surprising to see who's hosting the St. Patrick's Day Parade this week for ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7. Billed as "ABC 7’s honorary Irish hosts," news anchor Judy Hsu and program host Ryan Chiaverini will lead Saturday's live two-hour broadcast, starting at noon. They're back after a two-year pandemic hiatus. The parade kicks off at Balbo and Columbus Drive and proceeds north to Monroe.
Adam Hoge
Add Adam Hoge to the roster of familiar sports media figures joining CHGO Sports, the new digital media outlet from All City Network. After two years as Chicago Bears insider for NBC Sports Chicago, Hoge made his CHGO Sports debut Monday. Kevin Kaduk, head of content, said more than 12,000 followers have signed on since the site launched Friday. Hoge, born and raised in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, previously covered the Bears for WGN Radio and was a host and producer at Audacy sports/talk WSCR 670-AM. In addition to his work on the new platform, he said he'll continue his Bears podcast with The Athletic's Adam Jahns.
Ed Lover
Ed Lover, morning personality on Audacy classic hip-hop WBMX 104.3-FM, has been tapped to host evenings on Audacy's WXBK in New York. “I’m extremely happy and grateful to be back on the air in NYC, my home,” Lover said in a statement. “No matter where I’ve traveled, New York is always with me. God bless this city. I’m back and energized." He'll continue to host mornings on 104.3 Jams, where he's been since 2018. Lover, whose given name is James Roberts, launched his career in hip hop as one of the original hosts of “Yo! MTV Raps!” on MTV.
Madeline Kenney
Madeline Kenney has resigned as a reporter for the Sun-Times to join Bay Area News Group in San Francisco, where she'll cover sports. "It’s bittersweet leaving the place that gave me my first opportunity out of college and departing from the city that I’ve called home for the last nine years," Kenney tweeted. "But I’m beyond excited for what’s to come." In an email to staff, Sun-Times interim editor-in-chief Steve Warmbir wrote: "Maddie started at the Sun-Times an an intern on the audience team, and it’s been a wonder to see her grow so quickly into a fantastic reporter for us, whether it’s been covering sports or hustling on breaking news, Maddie has always delivered for the Sun-Times’ readers, in addition to being a fabulous colleague. Of course, we will miss her but are thrilled for her and her next adventure."
Newton Minow
Newton Minow, the Chicago attorney and former chair of the Federal Communications Commission, will receive the first Distinguished Mentor Award from DePaul University's Center for Journalism Integrity and Excellence. Minow will be honored at a luncheon ceremony April 28 along with Bill Whitaker of "60 Minutes" (Distinguished Journalist Award) and Minneapolis reporter Heidi Wigdahl (Distinguished Alumna Award). Co-founders and directors of the center are Carol Marin and Don Moseley.
Monday’s comment of the day: Dana Legg: I still think Kathy [Hart] is the key. If she would say something, nobody could refute it.