Doug Glanville (May 7, 2019)

Doug Glanville said he welcomes an investigation into an incident involving an apparently racist hand gesture flashed by an unidentified fan during a live report Tuesday on NBC Sports Chicago.

As a baseball analyst and insider for the regional sports network, Glanville was delivering a commentary during a Chicago Cubs home game against the Miami Marlins when a man sitting behind him clearly displayed a gesture believed to be a symbol of white power. Continue reading →

Kate Sullivan

Robservations on the media beat:

Remember Kate Sullivan? The former news anchor at CBS-owned WBBM-Channel 2 now hosts a charming public-television series that combines her love of food and conversation. "To Dine For with Kate Sullivan" profiles creative people in their favorite restaurants as they talk about how they overcame obstacles and achieved success. Guests have included Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, producer Norman Lear, actress Jessica Alba, Nike designer Jason Mayden and author Emily Giffin. In Chicago "To Dine For" airs at 11 a.m. Sundays on Window to the World Communications WTTW-Channel 11. Sullivan, a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, co-anchored CBS 2 newscasts at 5, 6 and 10 p.m. with Rob Johnson from 2010 to 2015. Continue reading →

Kristen Nicole

After three years as a news anchor at Fox-owned WFLD-Channel 32, Kristen Nicole is moving back to Lexington, Kentucky. Her last day on the air here will be May 31.

Nicole told viewers Friday she was expecting her third child in nine weeks and would be heading home with her family. "What a blessing to have had the chance to work in such an amazing city!" she tweeted. Continue reading →

WBBM Newsradio

Robservations on the media beat:

Employees of WBBM 780-AM/WCFS 105.9-FM are getting support from fellow union members in their contract negotiations with parent company Entercom. Writers Guild of America plans to rally at noon today outside the Prudential Building studios of WBBM Newsradio. At issue are raises for the station's eight assistant producers, who now earn minimum hourly wage. "It's a real shame," said Patrick Barrins, one of the assistant producers. "Bottom line, Entercom and WBBM need to pay for the experience and expertise they require to create a quality product. The work done by assistant producers is crucial to the success of the newsroom. It should be compensated as such." Entercom officials said they're continuing to negotiate. WBBM Newsradio is Chicago's top-rated and top-billing station with revenue of $39 million in 2018. Continue reading →

Doug Stylz and Justin Roman

It's over and out for longtime Chicago radio stars Doug Stylz and Justin Roman as morning co-hosts at WUSN 99.5-FM.

Friday was their last day on the air at the Entercom country music station. A search is underway for their replacement, according to Jimmy deCastro, senior vice president and market manager of Entercom Chicago. Continue reading →

"Ghost Rider" (Photo: Marvel Television)

Robservations on the media beat:

Paul Zbyszewski

A former morning show producer for Fox-owned WFLD-Channel 32 is flying high among Hollywood’s superheroes. Chicagoan Paul Zbyszewski, who worked for "Fox Thing in Morning" in the ’90s, has just been signed as an executive producer of “Ghost Rider” and “Helstrom,” two live-action shows based on the Marvel comics characters. They’re slated to be launched on the streaming platform Hulu in 2020. Zbyszewski previously wrote and produced “Marvel’s Most Wanted” and “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” for ABC. “As a lifelong Marvel fan, I feel incredibly fortunate to help bring this darker, thrilling corner of the comic book universe to life, and I’m just grateful to everyone at Marvel Television and Hulu for the opportunity,” he said. “Marvel’s known for all the heart, humor, and action they put into every series, but this time around we’re adding some scares to that mix. I think we’ve found a compelling way to dissect some of our deepest fears through the experiences of our two lead characters.” Continue reading →

Chet Coppock (Photo: Rick Kaempfer)

The shocking news that legendary Chicago sportscaster Chet Coppock died of injuries from a car accident in South Carolina led the top 10 most-read stories here in April.

To read the full posts, click on the headlines: Continue reading →

David Kaplan

Despite widespread rumors that he might be jumping to a new sports network being formed by the Chicago Cubs and Sinclair Broadcast Group, veteran sportscaster and franchise player David Kaplan is sticking with NBC Sports Chicago.

In signing a multiyear renewal with NBC Sports Chicago, Kaplan will continue as the premier personality on the cable and digital television home of the Chicago White Sox, Bulls and Blackhawks. His new deal, via agent Steve Mandell, was announced Wednesday. Terms were not disclosed. Continue reading →

Silver Circle (Photo: Kathleen Virginia)

Even if you can’t attend the $180-a-plate Silver Circle Honors Dinner Friday at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel in Chicago, you can still see highlights of the gala induction ceremonies.

For the sixth time in the 27-year history of the event, the 2019 awards will be taped for broadcast on local TV. Tribune Broadcasting cable news channel CLTV will air a 90-minute recap at 7 p.m. May 11 (with a rebroadcast at noon May 12). Continue reading →

Jordan Cornette

Jordan Cornette, one of the three original co-hosts of “The Jam,” is leaving the weekday morning news, talk and entertainment show on Weigel Broadcasting WCIU-Channel 26 at the end of the May ratings sweep.

Cornette declined to say where he’s going next, but hinted that he'd be making an announcement soon. “I’m excited for what lies ahead,” he told me. Continue reading →