My media focus this year will be on some of my favorite subjects...the moguls, the pundits, the broadcast news biz, show business, radio, 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
~Chet Coppock Vents
My Illinois Entertainer column was posted yesterday. I spoke with Chet Coppock and asked him why there are three sports stations in town and he's not on any of them. Thirty minutes (and zero questions) later, I had a column.
~Pay It Forward Promotion
The RAMP Newsletter has the details on WILV's (100.3 FM) latest promotion. It involves cash to charity, which is an admirable thing to do:
Hubbard Radio's WILV (Chicago's 100.3)/Chicago is putting a really cool charitable spin on what could have been just another standard cash giveaway -- all winners in the station's new May Money Match will net $500 cash for themselves -- and another $500 for their favorite non-profit charity. Here's how it works: Listeners register their name and the name of their charity on the May Money Match contest page at chicagos1003.com. Then, every weekday in May, names will be called out between 10am and 2pm. You have 15 minutes to call in and claim your cash. Please note that the charity of your choice must be a recognized charitable organization that is formally organized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization within the United States and not, say, your Uncle Dave from Schaumburg.
~New AM Station Coming To Chicago
The FCC approved this move yesterday. A radio station in Terre Haute is moving to south suburban Peotone. Details at Radio Insight.
~Paul Goldsmith leaves WIND
Another feel good radio story. The details come courtesy of Radio Online:
Paul Goldsmith will exit Salem/Chicago as Director of Promotions and Marketing for WIND-AM (AM 560 The Answer) and WYLL-AM on Friday, May 2. He's heading to CURE International as VP/Marketing beginning May 7...In his new post, Goldsmith will have the opportunity to introduce CURE to people and radio stations who want to help cure sick children.
~The Most Powerful Women in Chicago Journalism
Robert Feder has compiled this admittedly subjective list. It's a pretty good list. I've only dealt with seven of them, but I know them all by reputation.
Broadcast News
~CNN fires 50
Sounds like they are re-organizing to focus more on the digital/video integration. It seems to officially be the wave of the future now. Take note, kids.
~Meet the Press producer defects to ABC
This report comes from Page 6 of tne New York Post, so take it with a grain of salt. It is true that he left. The snarky reasons for his departure quoted in this article come from anonymous sources.
The Publishing Biz
~News Corp Buys Harlequin
Rupert's kingdom just increased. He now also owns the top publisher of romance novels. He's only making one small change. From now on, all of the novels will be set in Benghazi.
