Every weekday in 2014, I'll be keeping an eye on what's happening in the media. My focus will be on some of my favorite subjects...the moguls, the pundits, the broadcast news biz, and show business. (Read "$everance" if you want a crystallization of my positions on those subjects.) And, of course, I'll also keep tabs on Chicago's media.
Chicago media
~Tom Marker demoted by WXRT
Robert Feder has the news about WXRT's Tom Marker. It's a pretty surprising story. Over the holidays when this subject came up, everyone I talked to was shocked at this news. After all, WXRT changes their lineup every other decade or so.
~Alex Quigley promoted at WGN Radio
The RAMP Newsletter reports the news this morning thusly: A laurel... and hearty handshake to our pal Alex Quigley to celebrate his promotion from APD to the lofty-sounding post of Operations Manager for Tribune Talk WGN/Chicago. In a stirring memo to the troops, WGN VP of Programming & Content Todd Manley explained the reasoning behind Quigley's sweet upgrade as "recognition of Alex's role in our expanding future." Describing Quigley's expanded role, Manley said, "He'll be mentoring producers and searching for new talent that builds our farm system, coordinating special programming, scheduling, digging deep on ratings analysis, and dreaming big dreams."
~Jimmy de Castro attempts to buy an FM station for WGN
Crains reports on the two big hurdles he faces. #1: He can't buy until the Chicago Tribune is sold (or the F.C.C. changes it rules--see below). #2: Nobody is interested in selling an FM station in Chicago right now.
The F.C.C.
~Three former F.C.C. chairmen to testify before Congress on Wednesday
They are there to testify about the potential rewriting of media ownership rules. Two of the three tried to change those rules (especially Michael Powell), and the third one actually did (Reed Hundt). I'd like to hear what he thinks of the wreckage he has caused. He must know it was a terrible, terrible idea. Right?
The Moguls
~Jeff Zucker Fires Back at Roger Ailes
Last week Roger Ailes implied that CNN had thrown in towel when it comes to covering news. Of course, coming from Ailes that was a pretty funny statement, even if it was essentially true. Can't say I completely disagree with Zucker when he fired back by saying this about the upcoming Roger Ailes book: “it confirms what we’ve known all along, which is the Republican Party is being run out of News Corp. headquarters, masquerading as a cable channel.” Again, just because the quote comes from someone who shouldn't be throwing stones, doesn't mean it's inaccurate.
~John Hogan is leaving Clear Channel
Inside Radio reports: After running radio’s largest company for more than a decade, John Hogan has left his position as chairman and CEO of Clear Channel Media and Entertainment. The company’s radio division will now report directly to Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman, who has signed a new five year deal with the company, and to CFO Rich Bressler.
The Pundits
~Meghan McCain gets a talk show
The outspoken daughter of Sen. John McCain is getting her own show. It will be on Pivot, a network I have never heard of.
~I guess he really ISNT Woody's son
The New York Post (I know, I know) reports that Ronan Farrow tweeted this during the Golden Globes last night: "Missed the Woody Allen tribute - did they put the part where a woman publicly confirmed he molested her at age 7 before or after Annie Hall?"
Showbiz
~The Golden Globes
I didn't watch it last night, but the LA Times has all the details about who won what. (Above link). The New York Times reviews the performances of the hosts and presenters.
~The White House Defends Jimmy Kimmel
In response to a petition signed by 100,000+ upset viewers (about a bad joke about Chinese people), the White House has responded. According to AP: The White House noted that ABC and Kimmel have apologized, and that the network has removed the segment from future broadcasts and its online platforms. The White House also noted that the Constitution protects free speech, even when it's offensive.
