Robert Murphy
It's showtime again for Chicago radio veteran Robert Murphy.
The man who defined hip adult-contemporary radio in the 1980s at the former Q101 is about to sign on as afternoon personality at WLS FM 94.7, the Cumulus Media classic hits station. Continue reading
Even as the Sun-Times is touting "double digit gains" in digital circulation, the newspaper's bosses are gearing up for another round of layoffs early next year, according to insiders.
No specific goals have been set, but sources said staff reductions will target departments throughout Sun-Times Media, including editorial. Continue reading
A full-time digital television network featuring content exclusively about Native Americans and indigenous people around the world debuts Friday in Chicago.
Coinciding with the start of Native American Heritage Month, the FNX Channel — which stands for First Nations Experience — premieres at 7 a.m. on WYCC-Channel 20.2, the digital tier of the City College of Chicago's public television station. Continue reading
Studs Terkel
Chicago's world renowned documentary filmmakers Steve James and Gordon Quinn have been named recipients of 2014 Studs Terkel Community Media Awards.
Since its founding in 1966, their Kartemquin Films has been a collaborative mecca for emerging talent and a leading voice for independent media. Their documentaries examining and critiquing society through stories of real people have included such acclaimed films as "The Interrupters," "Hoop Dreams" and "The New Americans." James recently completed a film based on Roger Ebert's memoir, Life Itself.
Also receiving the prestigious awards from the nonprofit Community Media Workshop will be Steve Bogira, reporter for the Chicago Reader, and Alejandro Escalona, Web editor and former political editor for Telemundo Chicago. Continue reading
Ted Brunson
Ted Brunson, who stepped down last May after more than three years as creator, host and producer of "Chicago's Best," is back on the beat.
Starting Thursday, Brunson will present an online video feature spotlighting notable neighborhood restaurants and bars for DNAinfo.com/Chicago, the hyperlocal news website launched last November. "Good in the Hood with Ted Brunson" will appear several times a month. Continue reading
Dan McNeil
Never far from drama, Dan McNeil is at it again.
The veteran Chicago radio personality has been off the air since Monday when he called in shortly before the start of his midday show on sports/talk WSCR AM 670 to say he wasn't coming to work.
No explanation has been given to listeners, but colleagues said McNeil, 52, is dealing with personal problems and family issues. It's not clear when he will return to the Score.
Filling in for McNeil alongside co-host Matt Spiegel on the show from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays has been Laurence Holmes.
Robin Robinson
The men who run WFLD-Channel 32 want you to believe that Robin Robinson is happy to be walking away at the end of November from the top news anchor position she has held for the past 26 years.
They also hope you believe she will be thrilled to be fronting "Chicago at the Tipping Point" reports on the 9 o'clock newscast she has anchored since its inception.
How does she really feel about it? Continue reading
Jay Levine
WBBM-Channel 2 wasn't the only station to lead its 10 o'clock newscast Monday with the "breaking news" that Jesse Jackson Jr. had reported to prison earlier that day. Others jumped the gun based on inaccurate information, too.
But the CBS-owned station's version included especially vivid detail of the former congressman's ordeal that veered toward the sensational. Continue reading
Steve Cochran
Steve Cochran found encouraging news in the first full ratings report since he took over as morning personality on a revamped WGN AM 720.
Nielsen Audio figures released Monday showed the Tribune Broadcasting news/talk station tied for seventh place with a 4.0 percent share among all listeners, and tied for 24th with a 1.8 share among those between 25 and 54 — virtually unchanged from the previous month's survey. Continue reading
Anna Davlantes
Anna Davlantes, the morning news anchor who brought a strong Chicago connection to WFLD-Channel 32, is leaving the Fox-owned station after four years.
“I’m grateful to management for the opportunities I’ve had at the station and will have an announcement about my new position very soon," Davlantes said in a statement released by her bosses. Her last day as co-anchor of "Good Day Chicago" will be Nov. 8. Continue reading