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
~Sirott & Murciano
I'm heading in to the WGN studios today to interview Bob & Marianne for my next Illinois Entertainer column.
~Chicago Radio Ratings for January
From Tom Taylor's NOW column today...
Alternative rock thrives on a bigger signal. Moving the format over from the Channel 6 TV audio at 87.7 makes a huge difference at former variety hits 101.1, which reassumes the WKQX calls. The frequency doubles its share in one month, 1.6-1.4-2.8. That’s 101.1's best topline since PPM invaded the Windy City. While 87.7, known to Nielsen for record-keeping purposes as “XKQX-FM,” slips 1.7-1.7-0.6, during the month it was simulcasting with 101.1. How about all-Christmas? A year ago, AC WLIT dropped from a Holiday-book 10.0 share to a 3.2. This time, the drop is 11.6-4.1. At the top is CBS Radio’s all-news WBBM (780 plus its FM shadow at 105.9), going 5.9-5.8-6.2 – no doubt helped by inclement weather. That’s the first time 'BBM has held the laurels by itself since April 2012. In cume, WBBM now ranks #5. The #2 station by share is Clear Channel’s urban AC “V103” WVAZ, 6.7-6.4-6.0, and then the numbers drop into the 4’s. There’s Hubbard’s hot AC “Mix” WTMX, 4.3-4.0-4.9 (no doubt happy that WLIT has put away the Holly Jolly Christmas). Fourth is CC’s urban WGCI, 4.3-4.3-4.5. In the talk arena, there's Tribune’s talk WGN (3.9-3.6-4.0), Cumulus’ talk WLS (2.0-1.7-2.1) and Chicago Public Media’s non-com news/talk WBEZ, 1.6-1.5-1.8. Chicago’s cume leader is Clear Channel CHR “Kiss 103.5” WKSC at 2.1 million. Kiss ranks #5 in share. WLIT’s cume swan-dived from a holiday-book 3,272,400 to 1.7 million.
The Moguls
~Bill Maher Roundtable About Comcast Merger
I finally watched Friday's episode last night and it contained an excellent roundtable discussion about the media merger between Comcast and Time Warner Cable. One of the panelists was Eric Klinenberg, who wrote this must read book about media consolidation, "Fighting for Air". I reviewed that book for the Beachwood Reporter shortly before my own novel on the subject "$everance" came out. We have a very similar view of the landscape. He's a professor though, so he manages to state his case much more elegantly than I ever could. I've been unable to find a link to the video of this particular segment, but HBO reruns Bill Maher all the time. Don't miss it if you have any interest in this subject.
~As the Rupert Turns
Rupert's former right-hand-woman in Britain, Rebekkah Brooks, finally gets her chance to start her defense today. This should be fascinating. Reuters previews the next three months of the trial (you read that correctly--its not expected to end until May).
~Donald Trump Fires Advisor Because Trump Gave a Terrible Interview
Even the New York Post is taking shots at the Donald for this one. He did an interview with Buzzfeed and he came out looking like an idiot. So, naturally, he fired the guy who advised him to do the interview.
Broadcast News
~CNN Is Getting Backlash for Interviewing George Zimmerman
I generally agree with Howard Kurtz's take on this subject in his foxnews.com column. And now I'm analyzing one media organization analyzing another media organization. Anyone care to analyze my analysis? (Just as an aside, if you want to get depressed, just read the comments section. Howie stepped on a racist landmine by pointing out an unarmed black man was killed. Not allowed to do that at Fox News. Know your audience, Kurtz.)
Showbiz
~Jimmy Fallon's first Tonight Show
Next time try to get some guest stars, sheesh. The link above features a calvalcade of cameos, a veritable cameopalooza. The best one is the last one.
~U2 performs "Invisible" on the roof of Rockefeller Center
Have to hand it to Jimmy...pretty memorable first show. (Although this video below makes me nervous. I've got issues with heights.)
~True Detective's Inspiration
My favorite new show has been making references to literary work I've never encountered before. The article at the link explains why "The King in Yellow" by Robert W. Chambers (written in 1895!) is crucial to the really creepy plot of True Detective.
~Ralph from Green Acres has passed away
Ralph was the female handyman who never left the Douglas household after repairs began. Bummer. Her real name was Mary Grace Canfield
