Chicago Sound Check turns local music scene up to 11

Brian Shamie

A music writer for the Daily Herald has turned his passion for discovering new artists and up-and-coming bands into a vibrant website that explores the Chicago and suburban music scene.

ChicagoSoundCheck.com, which officially launches this week, is the brainchild of Brian Shamie, a multiplatform editor and page designer for the Daily Herald who doubles as the paper’s local music columnist. Continue reading →

CBS 2 drops anchors Rob Johnson, Marissa Bailey

Rob Johnson

Languishing in last place and facing historically low ratings, WBBM-Channel 2 cut evening news anchor Rob Johnson and morning news anchor Marissa Bailey in an overhaul of talent announced today at the CBS-owned station.

“We have made the decision not to renew Marissa Bailey and Rob Johnson’s contracts,” Derek Dalton, president and general manager of CBS 2, said in a statement. “We thank them for their professionalism and contributions to CBS 2 and we wish them well. Continue reading →

Robservations: Colleagues pulling for ‘Chicago treasure’ Art Norman

Art Norman

Robservations on the media beat:

Veteran Chicago newsman Art Norman disclosed this week that he has been diagnosed with bone cancer and will begin chemotherapy Monday. “My wife and I are ready for the difficult road ahead,” he wrote on Facebook. “There will [be] obstacles, but it is not an impossible journey.” The news brought an outpouring of support from colleagues at NBC-owned WMAQ-Channel 5 and the media community. “Art is a Chicago treasure and a beloved member of our NBC 5 family,” said Frank Whittaker, station manager and vice president of news. “Everyone here is pulling for him as he takes on this new challenge.” Norman, 71, retired in 2009 after 27 years as a news anchor and reporter at NBC 5, but returned two years later as a free-lance contributor. He still works part-time reporting “Making A Difference” stories and co-hosting “Tech Trends” on weekend newscasts. Continue reading →

Robservations: WGN family and friends remember a fallen wizard

Marshall Brodien

Robservations on the media beat:

Marshall Brodien as Wizzo the Wizard

The flag in front of WGN-Channel 9 studios was lowered to half-staff Friday to honor Marshall Brodien, the famed Chicago magician who played Wizzo the Wizard on “Bozo’s Circus” and “The Bozo Show” from 1968 to 1994 on the Tribune Broadcasting station. Earlier that day Brodien died of complications from Alzheimer's at 84. The outpouring of tributes that followed, led by longtime friend and WGN entertainment reporter Dean Richards, underscored not only a genuine affection for Brodien, but the deep connection "Chicago's Very Own" has with generations of viewers. Magician Lance Burton recalled: "When I was a kid I bought 'TV Magic Cards.' Later in life I got to become close friends with Marshall Brodien. Marshall was responsible for the Lance Burton Magic Sets. . . . He was one of the kindest people I ever met. I sure will miss him." WGN meteorologist Tom Skilling called Brodien "a joy — kind, talented and without airs. An unpretentious man who who brought joy to so many during an amazing career." Rich "Svengoolie" Koz called him "a good and kind man — and the last of the original 'Bozo' cast." In 2012 Brodien was inducted in the Silver Circle of the Chicago/Midwest chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Continue reading →

Robservations: Justin Kaufmann to revive WGN’s ‘Extension 720’

Justin Kaufmann

Robservations on the media beat:

Justin Kaufmann, who's been a full-time contributor to Steve Cochran's morning show since last June, is returning to evenings on Tribune Broadcasting news/talk WGN 720-AM. Starting March 15, he'll host a new version of "Extension 720" from 7 to 10 p.m. weeknights (except on Mondays when "Andrea Darlas & The Reporters" airs and on nights when play-by-play sports airs). The late Milt Rosenberg, professor emeritus at the University of Chicago, hosted the original “Extension 720” for four decades before he was forced to retire from WGN in 2012. “I’m honored and humbled to be at the helm of one of the best radio shows in Chicago history,” said Kaufmann, who joined WGN in 2015 after more than 20 years as a producer at Chicago Public Media WBEZ 91.5-FM. Today will be Kaufmann's last day on Cochran's show. "Justin and producer Pete Zimmerman will be great," said Cochran. "And I'm sure that the ghost of Milt Rosenberg will fact check the show every night." Continue reading →

Robservations: Expectant Tamron Hall is 'beyond excited'

Tamron Hall (Photo: Tamron Hall/Instagram)

Robservations on the media beat:

Monday was supposed to be the day Tamron Hall announced the title and premiere date for her new syndicated talk show. (It's "Tamron Hall" and it starts Monday, September 9.) But she had more on her mind than that. The former Chicago news anchor also revealed that she and her husband, music executive Steven Greener, are expecting their first child. Showing off her baby bump, Hall, 48, posted on Instagram: "It’s clear a daytime talk show isn’t the only thing I’ve been trying to produce! There have been many tears, but today I embrace the smiles. My husband Steven and I are beyond excited! We're in constant prayer, so if you pray, add us to your list; if you meditate, send calmness our way; and if you believe in luck, we’ll happily take that too." In Chicago "Tamron Hall" will air at 8 p.m. weeknights on Weigel Broadcasting WCIU-Channel 26. Continue reading →

Anchor who defied Sinclair comes home to WGN Radio

Lauren Lapka

Lauren Lapka, who delivered afternoon and evening updates for the short-lived sports/talk station known as 87.7 FM The Game, is coming home to Tribune Broadcasting. Only this time she’ll be working for news/talk WGN 720-AM as weekday traffic reporter.

Starting March 14, the southwest suburban Orland Park native will be heard on middays with John Williams and afternoons with Roe Conn and Anna Davlantes. Lapka replaces Violeta Podrumedic, who left to join Eric Ferguson’s morning show on Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary WTMX 101.9-FM. Continue reading →