After getting along for two years without the global news services of the Associated Press, the Chicago Tribune and six other Tribune Publishing newspapers are back in the fold of the 169-year-old newsgathering organization.
Terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but Matthew Hutchison, senior vice president for corporate communications of Tribune Publishing, confirmed a report Friday by Jim Romenesko that Tribune Newspapers began using the AP again as of New Year’s Day. Continue reading
Jonathon Brandmeier
Twenty-five years ago, the undisputed golden boy of Chicago media was Jonathon Brandmeier, known to legions of adoring fans — and everyone else in town — as Johnny B.
From skyrocketing ratings for his WLUP FM 97.9 morning show to box-office records set by his Johnny and the Leisure Suits band, it all seemed to click for the multi-talented hyperkinetic kid from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Continue reading
Irv Kupcinet
Ten things to look for on the media beat in the coming year: Continue reading
Dan Proft and Bruce Wolf
When Bruce Wolf returns from vacation to WLS AM 890 Friday, it’ll be without morning show co-host Dan Proft. After that, whatever happens is up in the air.
Proft, 42, a Republican political commentator, consultant and onetime gubernatorial candidate, announced Tuesday that his time was up at the Cumulus Media news/talk station. He’s been off the air since early December, first on a Hawaiian cruise with listeners and then on what became an extended vacation. Continue reading
Weigel Broadcasting, Chicago-based parent company of The U, Me-TV and other iconic television channels, is about to extend its brand into local radio for the first time.
Sources said the company has reached an agreement with Venture Technologies Group to lease WGWG LP 87.7, now home of Tribune Media’s ill-fated sports/talk format known as The Game 87.7 FM. Contracts have not yet been signed, but insiders said it’s a done deal. Continue reading
Nik Wallenda (November 2, 2014)
Top Chicago media stories of 2014: Continue reading
Susan Carlson
Susan Carlson is taking time off as reporter and weekend news anchor at NBC-owned WMAQ-Channel 5 to start a new year in a new role as a single mother.
Carlson announced Sunday she was traveling to India this week to finalize the adoption of a 4-year-old daughter. She said she plans to take an eight-week family leave from NBC 5. Continue reading
Roy Leonard
Gone but not forgotten: A look back at Chicago media luminaries who left us in 2014. Continue reading
Big John Howell
Chicago radio veteran Big John Howell is calling it quits after eight years as morning personality at WIND AM 560. But he probably won’t be off the air for long.
Sources said Howell turned down a renewal offer from the Salem Communications news/talk station, where his contract expires December 31. His last show of the year aired Tuesday, although he may return for a week or two after January 5 while his bosses decide on a replacement. Continue reading
Ramsey Lewis
Ramsey Lewis is in and Rick O’Dell’s “Sunday Jazz Brunch” is out as WDCB FM 90.9 revamps its Sunday jazz lineup for the new year.
Starting January 4, the College of DuPage public radio station will present “Legends of Jazz with Ramsey Lewis,” rebroadcasts of the series spotlighting the music of the world’s greatest jazz instrumentalists and vocalists. It will air from noon to 2 p.m. Sundays. Continue reading