With the flip of a switch at noon Monday, iHeartMedia Chicago launched a new country music station on WNUA FM 95.5, replacing its regional Mexican El Patrón format.
Billed as “Big 95.5” and featuring such artists as Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church and Miranda Lambert, the new station will compete head-on against WUSN FM 99.5, the CBS Radio country powerhouse with a 33-year history in the format. Continue reading
Jarrett Payton
The Game may be over, but “The Beat” goes on at news/talk WGN AM 720.
Jarrett Payton, Connor McKnight and Adam Hoge, three personalities from the recently canceled sports/talk station known as The Game at WGWG LP 87.7, have been tapped to host a new weekend sports show on WGN. Both stations are operated by Tribune Media. Continue reading
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