Tom Conradi named Chicago magazine publisher

Tom Conradi

Tom Conradi

Tom Conradi, a veteran sales and marketing executive at Chicago magazine, has been promoted to publisher/general manager of the city’s premier monthly.

Conradi, 47, who’s been advertising director of Chicago magazine since 2008 and director of national sales and development since 2010, was given the additional title of interim publisher last August.

In announcing Conradi’s permanent appointment as publisher/general manager Tuesday, Joseph Schiltz, senior vice president of marketing and targeted media for Chicago Tribune Media Group, said in a statement: “Tom’s leadership of Chicago magazine and accomplishments leading the sales team — combined with his career expertise in digital and print media — will suit him well in this position.” Continue reading →

New country station debuts at 95.5 FM

PrintWith 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 →

News flash: Tribune restores AP

Tribune TowerAfter 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 →

On the loose again: Where’s Johnny B. going?

Jonathon Brandmeier

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 →

Dan Proft leaves Bruce Wolf alone on WLS

Dan Proft and Bruce Wolf

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 to become radio active on 87.7 FM

Weigel BroadcastingWeigel 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 →