Drew Horowitz

Drew Horowitz, the highly respected and admired Chicago radio executive who rose to become one of the industry’s premier leaders nationwide, is going out on top after 43 years in the business.

Horowitz, 67, announced today he’s retiring at the end of the year as president and chief operating officer of Hubbard Radio, parent company of three stations in Chicago and more than 25 others across the country. Continue reading →

Bob Sirott, Marianne Murciano and James Lovell (Photo: WTTW)

Robservations on the media beat:

Capping a week of special programming tied to the 50th anniversary of the Moon Landing, WTTW-Channel 11 will air a half-hour interview of former astronaut James Lovell, hosted by Bob Sirott and Marianne Murciano. "Sirott & Murciano with Astronaut Jim Lovell" debuts at 10 p.m. July 11 on the Window to the World Communications station. In a wide-ranging and engaging conversation, Lovell, 91, recalls the historic missions of Apollo 8 and Apollo 13, and shares insights about his early years at NASA, his 67-year marriage to Marilyn Lovell and his thoughts about Heaven. The special, taped at Booth One in the Gold Coast and produced by Steve Fanizza, marks a return of sorts for Sirott, who hosted WTTW's "Chicago Tonight" from 2002 to 2005. Continue reading →

The Crain's Forum (Image: Daniel Hertzberg)

Robservations on the media beat:

Crain's Chicago Business has launched an ambitious yearlong project online and in print to address what it calls the "seemingly intractable problems" facing Chicago and Illinois. Starting today, The Crain's Forum will explore a specific topic in depth each month with a dedicated website (outside the publication's pay wall) and a six-page special section in print. First up is the state's unfunded pension system and the path to solvency. (Here is the link.) Future topics will include affordable housing, gun violence and education funding. Hugh Dellios, a former editor at the Chicago Tribune, Associated Press and NPR, is editing the collection of stories, columns and editorials. "The goal is to respectfully and objectively raise the conversation about these issues," said Jim Kirk, publisher and executive editor of Crain's Chicago Business. "Most important, we want to make readers aware of the power that information can bring to creating meaningful change in regard to the challenges ahead for our city and state." Continue reading →

Ryan Chiaverini

"Windy City Live" co-host Ryan Chiaverini has written and recorded a country music song he's about to share with the world as a tribute to his late mother.

The music video for "This Is Country," which Chiaverini co-produced and co-edited, will debut on his show today. Continue reading →

Karen Hawkins (Photo: GlitterGuts Photography)

Following the adage that two heads are better than one, the Chicago Reader finalized its editorial reorganization this week with the appointment of two editors-in-chief.

Tracy Baim, publisher of the independent alternative weekly, has announced the promotion of Karen Hawkins, managing editor/digital, and Sujay Kumar, managing editor/print, to share the top job. Continue reading →

Mary Field (Photo: WTTW)

Robservations on the media beat:

The exodus of executives continues at WTTW-Channel 11: Mary Field, executive producer of "Chicago Tonight" since 1996, has announced her retirement from the Window to the World Communications station, effective July 12. “It has been a great honor to work with the best journalists in the city over the course of my career at WTTW,” she said in a statement Tuesday. “'Chicago Tonight' and WTTW News stand for excellence, and it has been a privilege to collaborate with and contribute to a news operation that is stronger today than ever.” Field joined the public television station's flagship news program after working as a producer for Tribune Broadcasting WGN-Channel 9, assistant news director at WIND 560-AM, and a reporter for City News Bureau of Chicago. "Her astute news sense and integrity have left an indelible impression on the many journalists who have been fortunate to benefit from her experience and guidance," said Sandra Cordova Micek, president and CEO of WTTW. No word yet on a successor. Continue reading →

Marcella Raymond

After more than 20 years as a reporter for WGN-Channel 9, Marcella Raymond says she’s suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder because of her job.

“Sharing my story is scary but I’m hoping we can address the stigma of PTSD, show the warning signs, and get real,” Raymond wrote in an introduction to her new Facebook blog, which she titled: “I’m a Chicago Journalist with PTSD.” Continue reading →

WGN Radio

Robservations on the media beat:

Patti Vasquez

The last straw for Patti Vasquez turned out to be an accidental F-bomb that dropped during her show on WGN 720-AM earlier this month. Vasquez was fired Monday after five years as late-night host at the Tribune Broadcasting news/talk station, although neither she nor the company would say why. Here's the scoop: A live newscast was airing on her show when another microphone was inadvertently switched on and picked up some unidentified voices. One of the voices is heard clearly saying: “F— you.” News anchor Roger Badesch then says: “Guys, your microphones are on in there, I do believe. Can we turn those microphones off?” After multiple suspensions for previous infractions, Vasquez’s failure to report the incident to her bosses apparently proved to be her final offense. Now Vasquez says she's planning to run for the Illinois State Senate. Continue reading →

Patti Vasquez

Patti Vasquez, the Chicago stand-up comic who segued from stage to talk radio, has been forced out after a five-year run as late-night host at Tribune Broadcasting news/talk WGN 720-AM. Now she says she's running for the Illinois State Senate.

Todd Manley, station manager and vice president of content at WGN, announced Vasquez’s abrupt exit in a memo to staff Monday. No word yet on her replacement from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Friday. Continue reading →

Crain Communications

Every year since 1989 I used to look forward to reading “40 Under 40,” an enlightening feature profiling a diverse array of up-and-coming business and civic leaders in the Chicago area, chosen by the editors of  Crain’s Chicago Business.

For the fortunate 40 singled out each year, the designation by Crain’s was as much a prediction of their future success as it was an endorsement of what they’d already accomplished in their 20s and 30s. Continue reading →