Larry Lujack

When the legendary Larry Lujack died last December, generations of listeners mourned the passing of one of radio’s all-time greatest personalities.

Heartfelt tributes extended far beyond Chicago, where Lujack reigned without equal for decades. From an obituary in the New York Times to a salute on the 2014 Grammy Awards show, they attested to the immense popularity and influence of the Hall of Fame broadcaster, who succumbed to esophageal cancer at 73. Continue reading →

Chris Devine

Twenty-three years after he put “The Blaze” on the air, Chris Devine is back in business on Chicago radio.

With the flip of a switch at 9 p.m. Friday, Devine launched a contemporary jazz outlet on 103.9 FM, a broadcast translator licensed to Windy City Broadcasting. The signal also is carried on Hubbard Radio’s WTMX 101.9 HD2, the secondary digital audio channel linked to the modern adult-contemporary station. Continue reading →

The folks at Crain’s Chicago Business unveiled a beautifully redesigned website this week — and now they want everyone to see it.

So they’re holding an “open house” on the site, dropping their usually strict paywall and inviting non-subscribers to sample everything online for one week (including the just-released “40 under 40” list for 2014). The free peek runs through December 12 at chicagobusiness.com. Continue reading →

Scott Warren

Scott Warren, who was replaced after eight months as executive producer of The Weather Channel’s morning show, is taking charge of Chicago’s lowest-rated evening newscast.

WFLD-Channel 32 announced the hiring Thursday of Warren as executive producer of the Fox-owned station’s 9 p.m. newscast, starting December 17. He replaces Rehan “Ray” Aslam, who exited last week after nine years as a producer there. Continue reading →

Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert (1987)

You’ve read the book. You’ve seen the documentary. Now get ready for the musical version of Roger Ebert’s epic life.

“The Black White Play (Honoring the Memory of Roger Ebert through Music),” a new musical inspired by the life of the late film critic, was announced this week on the 2015 lineup of Chicago’s Black Ensemble Theater. Continue reading →

Tom Marker

Tom Marker, who’s been synonymous with blues music on Chicago radio for three decades, is adding his brand to the weekend lineup at WDCB FM 90.9.

Starting January 3, he’ll host “Blues Time!” from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturdays on the College of DuPage noncommercial public radio station. Continue reading →

Ann Compton

Former White House correspondent Ann Compton, who retired in September after more than 40 years with ABC News, has been chosen for induction in the Illinois Broadcasters Association’s Hall of Fame.

A Chicago native and 1965 graduate of New Trier High School in Winnetka, Compton will be honored by the state broadcasters group at a private ceremony December 15 at the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago. Continue reading →

Amy Jacobson (2007)

An Illinois appeals court has ruled against Amy Jacobson, who sued CBS-owned WBBM-Channel 2 for airing video of her at a backyard swimming pool that ended her career as a Chicago television news reporter seven years ago.

As a reporter for NBC-owned WMAQ-Channel 5 in July 2007, Jacobson was covering the disappearance of Lisa Stebic, a suburban wife and mother. A camera from CBS 2 captured Jacobson wearing a bikini in the presence of the missing woman’s husband, Craig Stebic, who was identified as a person of interest in the case. Jacobson was there on her day off with her two children. Continue reading →

Peter van de Graaff

Peter van de Graaff, chief announcer at WFMT FM 98.7, is filling in as morning personality at the classical music station for the foreseeable future while Carl Grapentine recuperates from quadriceps tendon surgery on both legs.

Van de Graaff, who doubles as host of the Beethoven Satellite Network overnight music service, is now being heard nine hours a day — on his “Through the Night” program from midnight to 6 a.m. and filling in for Grapentine from 6 to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday. Continue reading →

Tony Sculfield, Nina Chantele and Leon Rogers

Morning personalities Tony Sculfield and Nina Chantele were forced out Monday in a programming shakeup at urban contemporary WGCI FM 107.5.

Sole survivor of the morning team is Leon Rogers, who will stay on with soon-to-be-named new hosts. Until then, Rogers will co-host mornings with weekend personality Rob Nice. Continue reading →