Comiskey Park July 12, 1979

Thirty-five years after he rocked Chicago and blew up the music world in what became the most infamous radio promotion of all time, Steve Dahl hopes to clear the air about Disco Demolition with a definitive book on the event.

The Chicago radio legend is teaming with author Dave Hoekstra and photographer Paul Natkin to write Disco Demolition: the Death of Disco. It’s set for release in April 2016 by Curbside Splendor, an independent publisher based in Humboldt Park. Continue reading →

"Green Screen Adventures"

A Chicago-based children’s show that promoted literacy by bringing the ideas of young authors to life has run its course after eight years.

Weigel Broadcasting has ceased production of “Green Screen Adventures,” the nationally acclaimed educational series that aired weekend mornings on the MeTV Network. Continue reading →

If you’ve ever dreamed of being interviewed by Larry King, now your fantasy can be fulfilled.

Just in time for the holidays, Chicago's Museum of Broadcast Communications has begun offering visitors the chance to tape a virtual interview with King in which his questions are edited with their answers into a seamless conversation. Continue reading →

Larry Lujack

When the legendary Larry Lujack died last December, generations of listeners mourned the passing of one of radio’s all-time greatest personalities.

Heartfelt tributes extended far beyond Chicago, where Lujack reigned without equal for decades. From an obituary in the New York Times to a salute on the 2014 Grammy Awards show, they attested to the immense popularity and influence of the Hall of Fame broadcaster, who succumbed to esophageal cancer at 73. Continue reading →

Chris Devine

Twenty-three years after he put “The Blaze” on the air, Chris Devine is back in business on Chicago radio.

With the flip of a switch at 9 p.m. Friday, Devine launched a contemporary jazz outlet on 103.9 FM, a broadcast translator licensed to Windy City Broadcasting. The signal also is carried on Hubbard Radio’s WTMX 101.9 HD2, the secondary digital audio channel linked to the modern adult-contemporary station. Continue reading →

The folks at Crain’s Chicago Business unveiled a beautifully redesigned website this week — and now they want everyone to see it.

So they’re holding an “open house” on the site, dropping their usually strict paywall and inviting non-subscribers to sample everything online for one week (including the just-released “40 under 40” list for 2014). The free peek runs through December 12 at chicagobusiness.com. Continue reading →

Scott Warren

Scott Warren, who was replaced after eight months as executive producer of The Weather Channel’s morning show, is taking charge of Chicago’s lowest-rated evening newscast.

WFLD-Channel 32 announced the hiring Thursday of Warren as executive producer of the Fox-owned station’s 9 p.m. newscast, starting December 17. He replaces Rehan “Ray” Aslam, who exited last week after nine years as a producer there. Continue reading →

Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert (1987)

You’ve read the book. You’ve seen the documentary. Now get ready for the musical version of Roger Ebert’s epic life.

“The Black White Play (Honoring the Memory of Roger Ebert through Music),” a new musical inspired by the life of the late film critic, was announced this week on the 2015 lineup of Chicago’s Black Ensemble Theater. Continue reading →

Tom Marker

Tom Marker, who’s been synonymous with blues music on Chicago radio for three decades, is adding his brand to the weekend lineup at WDCB FM 90.9.

Starting January 3, he’ll host “Blues Time!” from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturdays on the College of DuPage noncommercial public radio station. Continue reading →

Ann Compton

Former White House correspondent Ann Compton, who retired in September after more than 40 years with ABC News, has been chosen for induction in the Illinois Broadcasters Association’s Hall of Fame.

A Chicago native and 1965 graduate of New Trier High School in Winnetka, Compton will be honored by the state broadcasters group at a private ceremony December 15 at the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago. Continue reading →