Derek Dalton
Just in from Rochester, New York, longtime television station executive Derek Dalton has been named president and general manager of CBS-owned WBBM-Channel 2. He succeeds Marty Wilke, who stepped down after six years at CBS 2.
Dalton, 61, who most recently was vice president and general manager of WHEC, the NBC affiliate in Rochester, previously worked in Chicago as national sales manager for WGN-Channel 9 and director of sales for Tribune Broadcasting. Continue reading
WGN News
Jeff Hoover, a longtime producer and on-air contributor for WGN-Channel 9’s top-rated morning news show, was the first employee to speak out Monday about the impending takeover of the Tribune Media station by Sinclair Broadcast Group.
He also was the last.
In response to a video montage that went viral last weekend showing anchors at Sinclair stations delivering identical messages parroting President Donald Trump’s anti-media talking points, Hoover tweeted: “Re: Sinclair - There is NO WAY any of our on-air anchors and reporters will read their scripted messages on our show. Chicago's Very Own, not owned.” Continue reading
Gabe Ramirez, Nina Hajian and Kevin “DreX” Buchar (Photo: B96)
Robservations on the media beat:
It’s official: Kevin Buchar, the radio veteran known as DreX, started today as morning personality at Entercom Top 40 WBBM FM 96.3. “I’m honored, privileged and humbled for this opportunity to come home to the Chicago audience,” he said in a statement. DreX hosted mornings on iHeartMedia Top 40 WKSC FM 103.5 from 2003 to 2010. Joining him as co-host at B96 is Nina Hajian, who previously worked for stations in New York, Sacramento and Seattle. “The DreX and Nina Show,” airing from 5:30 to 10 a.m. weekdays, also will feature Gabe Ramirez, a holdover from B96’s last morning show, hosted by Jamar “J Niice” McNeil and Michelle “Showbiz Shelly” Menaker. Continue reading
The Loop
Breaking news on the sale of WLUP FM 97.9 to a Christian broadcasting company and the sudden demise of The Loop after four decades as one of Chicago radio’s most powerful brands led the top 10 most-read stories here in March.
To read the full posts, click on the headlines: Continue reading
For a frightening glimpse into what may be in store for “Chicago’s Very Own” WGN-Channel 9 and WGN AM 720, look no further than to a chilling video montage that went viral over the weekend.
Posted by Deadspin, the video shows anchors from local stations owned by Maryland-based Sinclair Broadcast Group reading a message that supports President Donald Trump’s attacks on the news media. (Here is the link.) All Sinclair stations were required to deliver the message exactly as scripted by the company. Continue reading
Leon Rogers, Kendra Gilliams and Kyle Santillian
Robservations on the media beat:
Citing “specific safety and security concerns,” WGCI FM 107.5 abruptly canceled a concert it was to have sponsored Thursday night at the Chicago Theatre. “TakeOver Jam” had been promoted as a third anniversary celebration for the iHeartMedia urban contemporary station’s morning show (hosted by Kyle Santillian, Kendra Gilliams and Leon Rogers). It was to have featured performances by Black Youngster, YFN Lucci, Rich the Kid, Lil Baby, Derex Design, Kash Doll, Valee and Molly Brazy. Hours before the event, Chicago Theatre owner Madison Square Garden Entertainment announced: “We have been advised by Chicago law enforcement to cancel tonight's #TakeOverJam due to specific safety and security concerns for the surrounding area. As a result, we regret that the event has been canceled.” Refunds were offered to ticket holders. WGCI officials declined further comment. Continue reading
WBBM FM 96.3 studio
Robservations on the media beat:
Kevin "DreX" Buchar
Kevin Buchar, the radio personality known as DreX who hosted mornings for eight years on iHeartMedia Top 40 WKSC FM 103.5, is coming back to Chicago. Sources said he’s expected to sign on next week at Entercom Top 40 WBBM FM 96.3, where he will replace “The J Show” (Jamar “J Niice” McNeil and “Showbiz” Shelly Menaker). After DreX left Kiss FM in 2010, he briefly hosted evenings at KGO in San Francisco. Most recently he’s been off the air, living in San Antonio. In the latest Nielsen Audio survey, B96 tied for 18th in mornings with a 2.4 percent audience share. Continue reading
Three versions of new Sun-Times logo (Graphic courtesy of Sun-Times)
Hello, Sweetheart, get me rewrite: Eight months into its new ownership the Chicago Sun-Times will roll out an entirely redesigned newspaper and website Wednesday.
The new look, new logo and new slogan (“The hardest-working paper in America”) are intended to reflect what CEO Edwin Eisendrath calls “our mission as a news company — that we have the backs of working men and women in Chicago.” Continue reading
WGN Radio Walk of Fame
Robservations on the media beat:
Five longtime Chicago broadcasters with ties to Tribune Broadcasting news/talk WGN AM 720 will be added to the WGN Radio Walk of Fame this spring. Announced today as new inductees are sportscasters David Kaplan and Chuck Swirsky, meteorologist Roger Triemstra, traffic reporter Mary VanDeVelde and the late announcer Pierre Andre. With WGN preparing to leave its Tribune Tower studios, plaques for the new honorees will not be embedded in the pavement outside 435 North Michigan Avenue. Instead they’ll be held for installation with the others when WGN selects a new site for the Walk of Fame. This year’s induction ceremony will be May 18 with a live broadcast from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Continue reading
Bob Stroud
Bob Stroud, the legendary musicologist who’s been celebrating the roots of rock and roll on Chicago radio for four decades, will keep right on rocking at The Drive.
Hubbard Radio announced today that Stroud has signed a new long-term deal to continue hosting middays (9 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays) at classic rock WDRV FM 97.1 as well as his signature “Rock ’n Roll Roots” show every Sunday morning. Continue reading