Thursday, March 12, 2015

Justin Kaufmann

WGN made an "out-of-the-box" hire yesterday, naming WBEZ producer Justin Kaufmann as their new evening show host (7-11pm). I'm a big fan. I interviewed Justin a few years ago for Chicago Radio Spotlight. He's more than just a producer*, and I give WGN lots of credit for trying something new like this. I hope Justin takes the opportunity and runs with it.

*When I say "just a producer" remember that's coming from someone who also used to be thought of the same way. I mean no offense to other producers at all. I'm the guy who wrote The Radio Producer's Handbook, remember? Head producer cheerleader, here. There's a whole chapter about people like Justin who have used the position as a springboard for bigger and better things.