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, show business, and the publishing 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
~Joel Daly
The former Channel 7 anchor's book is now available on Eckhartz Press (my publishing company). There are tons of great stories about Chicago media in the book, not to mention stories about the news events of the past 50 years. Click here to pre-order or just read more about the book. Emily Barr, the former boss of Channel 7 said this about Joel's memoir:
"Joel Daly's warmth, humor, and intelligence shine in this fascinating memoir. He was an eyewitness to over 50 years of news and history, covering it all with compassion, perspective and absolute dedication to his craft. What an honor to have worked with one of broadcasting's true giants."
~Mary Dixon
I'm interviewing the WXRT Morning News Anchor later this morning. She will be the focus of my March column in the Illinois Entertainer. WLS Radio's Greg Brown will be featured in February. I believe it will be posted on Saturday.
~Darren Davis
Just a few years ago Darren Davis was in charge of Chicago's Clear Channel stations. He has moved up the ladder very quickly. This was the news yesterday, reported by the RAMP Newsletter...
Clear Channel Media and Entertainment has created a new unified Networks group, designed "to take full advantage of Clear Channel's power, reach and scale to deliver more compelling content opportunities to its partners, affiliates, advertisers and consumers, as well as providing a unique platform to its content partners and talent." Darren Davis will lead this effort as President, Clear Channel Networks Group. In his newly expanded role, Davis will oversee the company's key Network divisions, including: Premiere Networks, Total Traffic and Weather Network, 24/7 News Network and The iHeartRadio Network.
~Elroy Smith
The former boss of WGCI and V-103 is changing jobs too. Since 2007, he's been programming a station in Philadelpia. He resigned yesterday. No word yet on where he will wind up next.
~Roe & Roeper Sports Hour Dropped
Robert Feder has the details about the move, which seemed inevitable the day after it began.
The Moguls
~Twitter Founder Raises $25 Million For Media Start Up
He's trying to create something between Twitter and Blogger. Recode has the details above.
Broadcast News
~Congressman Threatens To Throw TV Reporter Off Balcony
It's all captured on videotape at the link above if you'd like to watch it. The New York Times has more information.
~Weather Channel Reporter Knees College Kid in the Groin
Jim Cantore was trying to keep the kid out of his live shot. Watch it below...
~Jake Tapper to Interview The President
This will be the first interview after last night's State of the Union. It will air on Friday, two days before Bill O'Reilly's big interview. CNN can use the bump. Their numbers are down 39% since this time last year.
Showbiz
~The Emmy's Moved To A Monday Night
It's aired on Sunday nights forever, but this year it's moving to Monday. The link above goes to TVguide.com if you want more details.
~Oprah Cancels Her Own Birthday Party
The guest list was getting a little too unwieldy, so she just cancelled it. Sounds like a bit of a hissy fit to me.
