Film screening to honor Chet Coppock at New Trier West tonight

Chet Coppock

One of Chet Coppock’s last video projects will have a public screening tonight at New Trier West High School in Northfield as a tribute to the late Chicago sportscaster.

Coppock, who grew up in Northfield and graduated from New Trier in 1966, went on to become one of Chicago’s most recognizable sports media figures. He died April 17 of injuries from a car accident near Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Continue reading →

Chuck Schaden still bringing luster to Golden Age of Radio

Chuck Schaden

On a lazy Sunday afternoon when he should be at home relaxing, Chuck Schaden is working the room at the Morton Grove Civic Center with the energy and enthusiasm of a man half his age.

As he recognizes the dozens of well-wishers who’ve turned out for him, Schaden, 84, instantly remembers when and how he met each one, recalling names, dates and places long forgotten by most.

Turning back time has been Schaden’s specialty for 50 years. As Chicago’s preeminent radio historian — and the only fan ever inducted in the Radio Hall of Fame — he’s spent his adult life sharing a passion for the programs of his youth with generations of listeners. Continue reading →

Robservations: Layoffs hit Entercom Chicago stations

Entercom Communications

Robservations on the media beat:

Not even the owner of Chicago's top revenue-producing radio station is immune from financial pressures. Entercom Communications, parent company of all-news WBBM 780-AM/WCFS 105.9-FM, laid off eight employees here Tuesday — five in traffic and continuity and three in sales. Another four positions in finance will be cut in August with numerous additional staff reductions on the way, according to insiders. The slow-motion massacre is tied to Entercom's plummeting stock price since the company's takeover of CBS Radio in 2017. In a note to employees, Jimmy deCastro, senior vice president and market manager of Entercom Chicago, wrote: "These are longtime co-workers and friends — we want to thank them for their years of hard work and wish nothing but the best for their collective futures." In addition to WBBM Newsradio, Entercom Chicago includes sports/talk WSCR 670-AM, Top 40 WBBM 96.3-FM, adult album alternative WXRT 93.1-FM, country WUSN 99.5-FM, and classic hip-hop WBMX 104.3-FM. Continue reading →

Chicago radio ratings: 'Eric in the Morning' still leading the pack

Melissa McGurren, Eric Ferguson and Brian “Whip” Paruch

Once again led by "Eric in the Morning with Melissa & Whip," WTMX 101.9-FM held onto the top spot in Chicago's radio ratings for a second straight month.

The Hubbard Radio hot adult-contemporary station finished first in the overall rankings as well as in mornings (with Eric Ferguson, Melissa McGurren and Brian “Whip” Paruch), middays (with Lisa Allen) and afternoons (with Kevin “Koz” Koske and Jennifer Roberts), according to Nielsen Audio figures released Monday. Continue reading →

'One heck of a ride': Reporter Derrick Blakley retiring from CBS 2

Derrick Blakley (Photo: WTTW/Chicago Tonight)

Derrick Blakley, a Chicago original whose 41-year career in television news included prominent runs as a network correspondent and a local reporter for two stations here, announced his retirement Monday.

Blakley, 65, said his last day as political reporter at WBBM-Channel 2 will be June 27. He's been employed at the CBS-owned station since 2003. Continue reading →

WBEZ’s ‘Wait Wait’ nominated for Radio Hall of Fame

Radio Hall of Fame

“Wait Wait . . . Don't Tell Me!,” the popular NPR comedy-quiz show produced by Chicago Public Media WBEZ 91.5-FM, is among this year’s nominees for the Radio Hall of Fame.

Hosted by Peter Sagal with resident scorekeeper Bill Kurtis, the program is competing with three others — "The Jim Rome Show," NPR's "All Things Considered" and "The Sounds of Sinatra" — in the Longstanding Network/Syndicated category. Continue reading →

Robservations: WBBM Newsradio plans big sendoff for Kris Kridel

Kris Kridel and Sherman Kaplan

Robservations on the media beat:

Look for Sherman Kaplan to return to WBBM 780-AM/105.9-FM today to join in the farewell festivities for his longtime anchor partner, Kris Kridel. Kaplan, who retired from the Entercom all-news station in 2015, launched the "Noon Business Hour” with Kridel in 2001. Kridel's last broadcast will be during today’s noon show, which will feature two segments dedicated to her illustrious 34-year career there. A gathering in the newsroom will follow. “Her departure weighs heavily on us at WBBM,” said managing editor Julie Mann. “She has been an important contributor behind the scenes as well as the recognizable voice of Newsradio. Kris is a mentor and an inspiration to countless reporters, anchors and writers. It's difficult to imagine our newsroom without her and her unwavering commitment to good journalism.” Continue reading →