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
~Don Bouloukos Reitres
The former WLS executive has been in New York. From today's Tom Taylor column:
Don started in Chicago as an account executive at WLS in 1974. Five years later, he was the VP/GM of both WLS (890) and its sister at 94.7 and he soon moved to New York as VP/Operations for the proud ABC radio station group. He became President of CapCities/ABC Radio stations in 1986 and held that job for a decade – until he joined Steve Dodge and folks like John Gehron and David Pearlman at American Radio Systems. That was sold to CBS in 1998 (a lot of ARS folks had a nice payday), and Bouloukos stayed on with CBS until 2002. He left for a year, came back in Philly, and has been running New York for Dan Mason since 2007. Now we get to the retirement news – Don says “after 41 years, it’s time.”
The Moguls
~As the Rupert Turns
Today's installment features former Rupert editor (and British PM spokesperson) Andy Coulson testifying to save his own skin. The headline reads: Andy Coulson 'Shocked News Of The World Reporter Listened To David Blunkett Voicemails Over Affair'. (Shocked!) He published the story anyway, but he was dutifully shocked before he published it.
~The Washington Post Backs the Comcast/Time Warner Merger
Thanks so much, Washington Post. Yes, they have a few suggested conditions, but when the establishment starts giving a wink and a nod that they won't attack if it's approved, it's not a good sign.
Broadcast News
~Scott Pelley Seeking Big Raise
You can understand why. He makes a piddly $5 million a year. And by the way, his numbers are going down.
~Vice Reporter Smokes Joint While Interviewing Uruguay President
There's a reason for it. Uruguay has legalized pot. But still...
Showbiz
Colbert to Appear on Letterman
The date has been set. April 22nd. Now my DVR needs to be set.
