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Friday, 02.28.03
Crossing the street - As reported to our Newsletter Subscribers late yesterday afternoon, WLS-TV ABC-7 top anchor Diann Burns is out after 18 years. She abruptly resigned yesterday morning after being taken off the air by GM Emily Barr. Burns had been in negotiations for several months to renew her [reportedly] $2 million annual salary/contract, but had been unable to come to agreement with the Disney-owned station. Although she didn't get a chance to say "goodbye", Burns (who moved up to the 10p newscast in 1994) is expected to sign on at WBBM-TV CBS-2 under former boss Joe Ahern in July, after her current contract expires June 30th. More to come...
Promotions abound - as a result of Diann Burns' departure above, WLS-TV announced the following promotions effective immediately: Kathy Brock (continuing her role as 6p anchor with Alan Krashesky) has been named co-anchor of the 10p newscast with Ron Magers - Brock joined WLS in 1990 to anchor their morning newscast. Cheryl Burton (previously weekend co-anchor with Rob Johnson) has been named co-anchor of the 5p newscast with Ron Magers - Burton joined WLS in 1992 to anchor their weekend newscass. Additionally, she's been promoted to "principal reporter" of the 10p newscast and will serve as the main back-up for Kathy Brock. Finally, Rob Johnson will continue in his weekend 5p and 10p newscasts, but solo for now as the station begins a nationwide search for Burton's replacement.
Sad to go - after sixteen years, WBBM-TV CBS-2 10p anchor Linda MacLennan signed off Wednesday night for the last time. She resigned Tuesday, citing different priorities than that of new GM Joe Ahern. The departure was amicable on both sides, coinciding with the end of the February sweeps period for TV. For now, Tracy Townsend returns to the 10p co-anchor chair, one she lost 10 months ago upon her return from maternity leave. However, insiders are fairly certain it is only temporary, as MacLennan's exit paves the way for Diann Burns to join top anchor Antonio Mora at the anchor desk very soon.
No strangers to the format - look for former WLS-AM 890 "NewsTalk 890" evening hosts Greg Batton & Yvonne Greer bright and early on Monday. They'll be filling in for morning personality Libby Collins on WAIT-AM 850 "Chicagoland's Voice". Tune in 6-9a (also note the new March sign-on time for the daytimer-AM)...
On the go - just in time for tomorrow's snow, WMVP-AM 1000 "ESPN Radio 1000" hosts Les Grobstein & Tommy Williams are getting out of the studio. They'll broadcast their 10a-1p program tomorrow LIVE from the Oak Lawn Golf Show @ The Oak Lawn Pavilion (in, you guessed it, Oak Lawn).
Thursday, 02.27.03
THE THURSDAY QUESTIONS WITH...Didi Bingham-Foley
Where/when were you born?
I was born in New Brunswick, NJ but moved to Naperville when I was 1. I've been floating around the Chicagoland area since and I am back in Naperville! Ahhh...the circle...
Are you single/married?
Married. I am a newlywed, my husband's name is Sean.
Do you have any pets?
No pets at the moment, unfortunately. We are going through pet deprivation at this point.
Do you have any favorite hobbies?
Besides radio and music, it's motorcycles. I ride an 1100 Honda Shadow and my husband has a Gold Wing. Once the weather dries up/gets a little warmer, we're out on the bikes constantly!
What was your first radio gig?
I was at WXRX in Rockford as a producer/intern with Mark Zander who is now on The Loop. Since then I have workd in the city, in the 'burbs, on the radio side, with bands, at venues, and at labels. I've stuck to the radio studio for awhile now.
What CD's do you have in your car/home CD player right now?
Mmmm, a whole lot of wacky bands! Type O Negative, Apoptygma Berzerk and Skunk Anansie. A lot of things that you don't hear on the radio...
What's something that most people might not know about you?
I have been singing since I was young and have performed with choruses, theatres and as a soloist.
When/where can people hear you?
Monday-Friday 2p-7p on WERV, 95.9 The River
If you weren't in radio, what would you be doing?
After numerous years of school, I'd probably be a psychologist, possibly utilizing music therapy.
Would you rather vote for an honest but stupid politician OR a liar with tremendous savvy?
You'd have to be Stupid to be a liar so technically they are the same thing, right?
Anything else? Rock On!
Wednesday, 02.26.03
Top to bottom - in one of the largest shake-ups of Chicago radio executives in years, Infinity shuffled several of their top positions yesterday. Out in the revamp are station veterans WBBM-FM 96.3 "B-96.3" VP/GM Don Marion, and WJMK-FM 104.3 "Magic 104.3" VP/GM Mike Fowler and GSM Todd Wegner. Replacing them and marking additional duties are as follows:
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Infinity Columbus, OH VP/GM Dave Robbins returns to WBBM-FM as VP/GM (will also serve in same capacity for WJMK-FM). Robbins previously served APD/MD/jock duties at WBBM-FM in the 1980s
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WCKG-FM 105.9 "Chicago's Talk That Rocks" and WXRT-FM 93.1 "XRT" VP/GM Harvey Wells adds similar duties at sister WUSN-FM 99.5 "US-99.5"
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WCKG-FM GSM Terry Hardin adds similar duties for WJMK-FM
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WBBM-AM/WSCR-AM 670 "The Score" OD Drew Hayes adds the title of Station Manager for WSCR-AM
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WXRT-FM 93.1 "XRT" GSM Michael Damsky adds Station Manager duties
A new lineup - WMAQ-TV NBC-5 decides to add more of a good thing to their evening newscasts. Effective yesterday, main anchors Warner Saunders & Allison Rosati will now broadcast the 5p newscast in addition to their 6p and 10p newscasts (the 5p slot was previously anchored by Marion Brooks and Mark Suppelsa, who left the station just over a week ago). Brooks will continue in the 4:30p newscast with midday anchor Nesita Kwan...
How's the weather? - WLIT-FM 93.9 "The Lite" morning hosts Bill Leff and Melissa Forman wrap up three days of live broadcasts from Universal Studios in Orlando, FL this morning (hear them weekdays 5:30-9a). The high temperature in Orlando today? 78 degrees!
Change is inevitable - WKQX-FM 101.1 "Q101" syndicated morning host Mancow Muller has lost another affiliate, though this time not of his own actions. WOSC-FM 95.9 in Salisbury, MD switched formats late last week from classic rock to a more "18-34 targeted" brand of rock music, dropping Muller for the syndicated Elliot in the Morning program originating from Washington, D.C.'s WWDC-FM 101.1 "DC-101". Muller's Free Speech Radio Network now consists of seven stations nationwide...
Coming up Friday - can you repeat that?
Tuesday, 02.25.03
Moving east - former WKIE-FM 92.7 "Energy 92-7 & 5" weekender Pat Clark is moving just a few hours to our east. Beginning March 10th, he'll sign on at South Bend's WNDV-FM 92.9 "U-93" as night personality. Quipped Clark, "This place is eerily like my former home...brand new state of the art studios and building, mixes daily and on the weekend LIVE from clubs, and Sean Caldwell is the VO guy [same station voice as WKIE-FM]! ...It seems like a great place and I can't wait to invade Notre Dame."
New to the game - catching up with rest of the television world, WCIU-TV Ch. 26 has finally entered cyberspace. Run by Weigel Broadcasting and long an underdog of Chicago television, "The U" can now be found at www.wciu.com - take a look around...
A long time coming - another episode of whatever happened to...Cliff Tredway? The former WZFS-FM 106.7 "The Fish" PD/personality has landed at Reno, NV's KNEV-FM 95.5 "Mix 95.5" as morning host. Tredway most recently served as afternoon host for Air 1 Radio Networks in Sacramento, CA...
One more member of the family - congrats are in order to WTMX-FM 101.9 "The Mix" morning host Eric Ferguson and his wife Jen. She gave birth last Thursday morning to a healthy, 9 lb. 14 oz. baby girl named Peyton Diane...
Monday, 02.24.03
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Friday, 02.21.03
A new start - beginning Monday morning, former WBVS-FM 100.7 "The Bus" morning host Maggie Peterson signs on at WXLC-FM 102.3 "XLC". She'll run weekday mornings 5:30-10a alongside current host Paul Gant - Peterson fills the void left by former host Shary Elman, who left the station just over a month ago. Said PD/afternoon host Trent Erikson, "Maggie has extensive morning show experience and is a huge asset to the 'XLC morning show!"
Moving up in the world - effective immediately, WZZN-FM 94.7 "The Zone" has promoted weekender Matt Wright to the full-time position of evening host (weekdays 6-10p). Wright is no stranger to the market, having run afternoons at the former WUBT-FM 103.5 "The Beat" (as Freddie Kendricks) and also overnights/fill-in at WKSC-FM 103.5 "Kiss FM" (as Craig Carson). As a result of his promotion, Wright has resigned from his morning host duties at WJTW-FM 93.5 "Star 93-5" (as Craig Freeman). His last day there [on-air] will be next Friday, February 28th.
Time of reflection - Nan Wyatt, morning co-host at KMOX-AM 1120 "The Voice of St. Louis" in St. Louis, MO (and former host at WBBM-AM 780 "NewsRadio 780") was found murdered Wednesday night in her home. Her husband, from whom she had recently filed for divorce, has been charged with her death and is currently being held without bond. Wyatt served as afternoon-drive anchor for WBBM-AM from 1994-96 (ironically, came to WBBM-AM from KMOX-AM in 1994 before returning in 1996) and was well liked among both colleagues and competitors. Said KMOX GM/VP Tom Langmyer, "KMOX and St. Louis lost a great broadcaster and dear friend. Nan was a consummate professional and we will miss her very much."
An addition on the way - congrats are in order to WGN-AM 720 overnight producer Denise Rybicki and her husband Michael McCready. The newlyweds are expecting their first child in April...
Next week - new to the game...
Thursday, 02.20.03
THE THURSDAY QUESTIONS WITH...Ronie Alexander
Where/when were you born?
I was born in beautiful (can you hear the sarcasm) Joliet, Illinois on May 28, 1971.
Are you single/married?
Very married.
Do you have any pets?
Aside from my husband...2 dogs and a cat.
Do you have any favorite hobbies?
Other than going to the movies and eating so much popcorn that I feel like I am gonna yack...I absolutely love to sleep...isn't that sick? I never seem to get enough. Oh, and I have a guilty pleasure of watching the People's Court on television (hey, I'm home during the day, whaddaya want?).
What was your first radio gig?
Paying? I worked part time at WJTW 93.5 in Joliet a loooong time ago. Loved those staff meetings at Maurie's Table!
What CD's do you have in your car/home CD player right now?
You'll probably laugh, but, here goes: AC/DC - If You Want Blood, Jennifer Lopez - Remix CD (yeah, go ahead...laugh), Sheryl Crow - The Globe Sessions, Stevie Wonder - Innervisions, and a dance CD that I made from downloading mp3s...
What's something that most people might not know about you?
That I am a group fitness instructor at a local health club. I have to do it, otherwise I would never drag my sorry butt to the gym, and this way, I get paid to work out!
Who's the one famous person you'd like to meet?
Steve Martin.
When/where can people hear you?
7p-12midnight on WTMX 101.9 (The Mix).
What's your dream job in radio?
Anything where I am being paid...
If you weren't in radio, what would you be doing?
I would be the female version of the John Cusack character in High Fidelity...I have always wanted to own my own little record store in Chicago.
Would you rather ALWAYS have to wear wet socks OR wet underwear?
Eeeeeew...do I have to? I guess I would have to pick the socks...at least my feet would be clean.
Wednesday, 02.19.03
Over and out - in an abrupt move unexpected by many, veteran WMAQ-TV NBC-5 anchor/reporter Mark Suppelsa resigned late Monday. A station staple for the past several years, Suppelsa had long been considered the favorite to replace top anchor Warner Saunders for the weekday 10p newscast. However, with Saunders re-signing a 3-year deal just over eight months ago, the wait appeared neverending. As an indirect result of Suppelsa's resignation, he also exits Chicago radio as well (until last Friday, he'd voiced hourly weekday afternoon newscasts for WDRV-FM 97.1 "The Drive" and WLUP-FM 97.9 "The Loop" from WMAQ-TV).
The next Rush, Bill, or Sean? - syndicated talker Michael Savage (heard locally on WAIT-AM 850 "Chicagoland's Voice", WKRS-AM 1220 "The Voice of Lake County" and WJOL-AM 1340 "The Voice of Joliet") is moving up in the world. Beginning in a few weeks, he'll host The Savage Nation, a one-hour issue-oriented program Saturday afternoons on MSNBC. The show's format will be based on his radio program (heard nationally on over 300 stations). Quipped Savage, "I look forward to continuing on television what has made me so successful on radio...[also] reaching new viewers while giving my existing audience more of what they have come to love and expect, including a look into my very private studio."
Back in the saddle - former WBVS-FM 100.7 "The Bus" midday personality Pete Michaels is back on the air. He's filling in weekdays 9a-2p for WERV-FM 95.9 "The River" midday host Alison Girard, who has now taken maternity leave. No word yet on the NEWEST "River" fan...
Some fans will do anything... - most radio fans might listen to and talk about their favorite host's show each day, maybe even call the station once in awhile. Not this gentleman - take a look at what one fan (an official "Kev-Head") of WCKG-FM 105.9 "Chicago's Talk That Rocks" midday personality Kevin Matthews had permanently affixed above his bicep:
Tuesday, 02.18.03
Tragedy unites the radio community - our deepest condolences to the friends and families of Monday morning's disaster at the Epitome Nightclub on S. Michigan. WGCI-FM 107.5, WVAZ-FM 102.7 "V103" and WPWX-FM 92.3 "Power 92" all devoted large parts of their broadcast day to "open-phone-line" discussions of the events that led to 21 young deaths. Additionally, WKSC-FM 103.5 "Kiss FM" morning man Drex spent his entire show talking about the events and fielding calls from witnesses and other concerned listeners. At WGCI, Howard McGee and his crew were on the air from just before 5a through 12noon, while WVAZ's midday personality Troi Tyler & news director Wanda Wells took phone calls through most of the late morning as well (as also did WPWX-FM). Musically speaking, WGCI adjusted their playlist for the day to reflect the somber, sad mood of most of its listening audience in the wake of the tragedy...
Not meant to be - after only fourteen weeks on the air, the David Letterman radio simulcast on WCKG-FM 105.9 "Chicago's Talk That Rocks" is no more. Pulled late last week from WCKG and the other 14 stations carrying the show nationwide, Infinity ended another short, but noble trial in radio history. Perhaps Letterman foreshadowed his own future by proclaiming his second night on the air, "I sure hope someone gets fired for this!" during his radio-related TOP TEN list. Who knew it was going to be him?
Time to Rejoice - effective early yesterday, Crawford Broadcasting flipped WYBA-FM 102.3 "The Groove" to gospel music. The Crete-based signal will now broadcast as "Rejoice 102"...
Close to home - did you know that Jeff [Kowalczyk] from the WB's High School Reunion once worked at WTMX-FM 101.9 "The Mix" as a promotions intern?
Friday, 02.14.03
Business and pleasure - WAIT-AM 850 "Chicagoland's Voice" syndicated afternoon personality Rusty Humphries (based from Reno, NV) is in town this weekend. He broadcast his national show Wednesday and Thursday from the WAIT-AM studios in Crystal Lake (heard locally 4-6p), but has the day off today...he's attending a good friend's wedding downtown.
A gala to remember - on that note above, best wishes to WKQX-FM 101.1 "Q101" morning personality Mancow Muller on his nuptials to Sandy Ferrando this evening at the Chicago Hilton & Towers. In case you weren't on the guest list like Mr. Humphries above, you can catch all the highlights this Sunday night on WLS-TV ABC-7. Janet Davies and 190 North have all the hoopla coverage at 10:35p...
Hear ye, hear ye - scanning the radio dial:
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HS: "How's Simon in bed?" RQ: "Judge him!" - WCKG-FM's Howard Stern & Robin Quivers, addressing American Idol judge Simon Cowell's girlfriend in studio
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"With Valentine's Day coming up, guys...I wish the girls who needed a little more foreplay came in twos. That way, they could help each other out." - WIIL-FM's Don Wilson
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"You're listening to live coverage of your lifetime. Radio 7-20, W-G-N." - WGN-AM station promo
Double Vision - your eyes are not deceiving you. That WAS Bill Zwecker on WBBM-TV CBS-2 the same day as he broadcast on WFLD-TV FOX-32. In a deal reached just after his FOX morning report, the Sun-Times entertainment columnist has jumped ship to CBS (and new CBS boss Joe Ahern wanted him on the air the same day). In a new multi-year deal, he'll report on the latest Hollywood "gossip" for WBBM-TV at least twice each weekday. Aside from his newspaper column and Friday 6:50a reports for Eric Ferguson and Kathy Hart at WTMX-FM 101.9 "The Mix", Zwecker had been FOX's #1 celebrity watcher for the last few years. Considered another major win for Ahern, don't expect this coup to be the last...
Next week - some fans will do anything...
Thursday, 02.13.03
THE THURSDAY QUESTIONS WITH...Don Wilson
Where/when were you born?
Waukegan, IL. 1/20/72
Are you single/married?
Married.
Do you have any pets?
2 Cats, 1 Dog.
Do you have any favorite hobbies?
Traveling around the United States (I just got back from Atlanta).
What was your first radio gig?
Sunday mornings on "Hot 102.3" in Waukegan, IL.
What CD's do you have in your car/home CD player right now?
John Mellencamp "Mr. Happy Go Lucky".
What's something that most people might not know about you?
I am a nice guy. I've done stand-up comedy in Dallas, Atlanta, Milwaukee, and Chicago. I even opened up for Bernie Mac.
Who's the one famous person you'd like to meet?
Bill Clinton. If you think about it, there is a guy who can do anything he wants right now. No pressure to do anything. He has already been written into the history books and he got a lot of tail doing it.
When/where can people hear you?
7pm-Midnight Monday through Saturday on 95 WIIL ROCK until I get suspended or fired again. Damnit!
What's your dream job in radio?
I used to think it was mornings, now I think it is nights on a rock station. I am all about 'on the edge' humor that is filled with honesty.
If you weren't in radio, what would you be doing?
I own one of the country's largest DJ companies (www.FunTimesDJ.com) with offices in Gurnee and Rockford. I would schedule myself more often for that.
Would you rather steal from a blind man OR from a Girl Scout?
Blind men don't cry, their eyes don't work.
Anything else?
John Perry is the world's best and possibly most underrated P.D.'s. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be having the ratings success I currently enjoy. 95 WIIL ROCK BABY!
Wednesday, 02.12.03
May the Schwartz be with ye - the return of OM/PD Jeff Schwartz at talker WCKG-FM 105.9 has been anything but mundane. Gone are the testosterone-laden imaging liners, replaced with a soothing women's voice trying to sound deep and "sexy" touting the station. Gone are all current/active rock tracks from rotation, replaced with deeper classic rockers (as well as some alternative tracks including Dave Matthews Band, Coldplay, and Peter Gabriel - more reminiscient of sister WXRT-FM 93.1 "XRT"). Also added - a Schwartz trademark...the word CHICAGO into the station's slogan - now Chicago's Talk That Rocks. Finally, the revealing of "Where Chicago LAUGHS" as a new imager brings his former station slogan (Chicago's Fun House) to mind as well...
A new version of a seasoned favorite - the syndicated BackTrax USA program has long been a staple of stations' repetoires into 80s music (heard locally Sunday evenings on WTMX-FM 101.9 "The Mix"). However, a newly released version of the program, focused on the 1990s, has made its debut here in Chicagoland. WXLC-FM 102.3 "XLC" recently added the BackTrax USA - 90s Style program to its Sunday evening lineup, still hosted by program veteran Kid Kelly. A recent sampling of the playlist:
Movers and shakers - Metro/Shadow staffer Sondra Solarte exits to join crosstown Traffic Pulse Networks for similar duties. For the time being, hear her afternoons on WNND-FM 100.3 with Brian Peck. Also at WNND-FM, Chicago vet Dave Robbins (formerly of WWBZ-FM 103.5 "The Blaze" and WRCX-FM 103.5 "Rock 103-5") recently signed on for weekend morning duties...
Tuesday, 02.11.03
From the mike to the small screen - Valentine's Day is fast approaching and one station's management decide to have fun with the seasoned "face for radio" theme. Begging help from local friends, WNND-FM 100.3 "WNND" hosts Brian Peck and John Symons and Promotions Coordinator Mandy Irwin recently headed out for complete head-to-toe makeovers at the Shops at North Bridge. You can see the final results Friday morning, courtesy of WGN-TV Ch. 9's BIG SHOW. Tune in after 8a...
Change in the ranks - WGN-AM 720 VP/GM Steve Carver steps aside to take similar duties at Atlanta's WATL-TV Ch. 36 [WB affiliate]. Director of Sales Mark Krieschen is appointed new VP/GM, effective immediately. Although Carver spent 5 years at WGN-AM and is one of the most respected in the industry, speculation abounds that Carver's move was indirectly related to the recent ratings drop of the powerhouse talker (out of first place and below a 5.0 12+ share for the first time ever)...
Second time around - after only five months on the job, WKSC-FM 103.5 "Kiss FM" station manager Paul Agase exits, effective late last week. He's taken a Senior VP/Dir. of Sales position with Infinity Chicago (home of WBBM-AM, WBBM-FM, WUSN-FM, WSCR-AM, WJMK-FM, WXRT-FM and WCKG-FM), very similar to the role he filled for many years before joining Clear Channel...
New to town - WTMX-FM 101.9 "The Mix" welcomed their newest employee just over a week ago. Signing on last Monday, Lisa Berigan takes over the weekday middays slot (10a-2p), left vacant by Brian Peck's segue to afternoons at sister WNND-FM 100.3 "Hits of the 80s and 90s".
Tomorrow - A new version of a seasoned favorite...
Monday, 02.10.03
Back in the saddle - signing on at 5:30a this morning, former WKIE-FM 92.7 "Energy 92-7 & 5" afternoon personality Joe Vlazny is back on the air. He will now anchor the Vlaz in the Morning program at WLLI-FM 96.7 "96.7 Will Rock" alongside co-host Stacey K. - PD Lonny Tyler segues to afternoons (left vacant since Matt Dubiel's departure) today as well. Tune in weekday mornings 5:30-9a...
Bring the hype - one more note on the above. The southwest suburban rocker's parent company, NextMedia Group pulled some cunning stunting as well (quipped Joe Vlazny, "...courtesy of Lonny 'Master of Puppets' Tyler"). Perhaps poking fun at the loyal hopefuls, the website Energy967.com appeared late last week (with faux logo and imaging in tow) along with some subtle drops from WLLI-FM's on-air hosts as to the possibility of a new format this morning. No new format there, but excellent radio fun overall...
No more halfing it - beginning this evening, WGN-AM 720 overnight staples Steve King & Johnnie Putman are back at it full steam! Having been given the OK from Steve's doctor, the duo returns to a 6-hour a night schedule (M-R nights 11p-5a and Sunday nights/Monday mornings 2-5a) - they'd been doing a reduced 3-hour show schedule since early January. Best wishes to both...
New jobs abound - another former WKIE-FM 92.7 "Energy 92-7 & 5" staffer is back on the air. Weekender Kyle Kelly (who also held overnights there for some time) has landed the night slot at Rockford's WZOK-FM 97.5 "ZOK" - he signed on early last week for weeknights 7p-12m.
Tomorrow - From the mike to the small screen...
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