Friday, November 05, 2021

Behind the Glass by Randy Merkin


Our latest book is currently being announced on AM 1000, ESPN Radio. That's because the executive producer of the station is our latest author. Click here to pre-order today.

Here are a few reviews...

  • “As a new talk show, finding the right executive producer is vital to a show’s long-term success. I can say that the Waddle & Silvy Show has been successful over parts of three decades due, in part, to Randy Merkin. After his sweaty first interview with Waddle, our PD, and me in 2007, Randy quickly established relationships with A-list guests, a trust with Chicago teams, and a quick wit on the air.

    Merk is much more than an executive producer & is one of the best storytellers I know. I’ve enjoyed watching him creatively navigate booking the best guests in the business. And, if he’s booked them once, they continue to join us thanks to Merk establishing a trust that few other producers earn. Merk is a pro’s pro, a lifelong friend & radio brother.”

    Marc Silverman, Co-Host of the Waddle & Silvy Show, ESPN Radio AM 1000
  • “Randy is an incredible radio talent. His vast knowledge of the business and bottomless pool of contacts are unmatched. I’ve learned a lot about the business from Randy. His talent is only exceeded by his loyalty and integrity. Randy is the best!!!”

    Tom Waddle, Co-Host of the Waddle & Silvy Show, ESPN Radio AM 1000
  • ”In our years together I saw Randy go from green to whatever the opposite is when it comes to experience. I also saw him go from black to grey (now I’m talking hair), maybe from having to deal with us! But when it came to guest booking, I’ve never been with anyone better. My partner, Bob Berger, and I would marvel at his naivete when it came to his guest pursuits, and what he said he could deliver, until he actually DELIVERED! What a great joy it was for us to have those conversations, thanks to Randy’s passion and ‘never take no for an answer approach.’ He was the best!”

    Bruce Murray, former host, One-On-One Sports/Sporting News Radio & current host, SiriusXM’s NFL Radio
  • “After more than 40 years in radio, I can tell you that Randy’s the best. There’s nobody better at booking guests! If there was a Hall of Fame for producers, Randy would get in on the first ballot. The list of those he somehow convinced to come on radio shows is a who’s who’s of the sports world and beyond. I was lucky enough to be in front of the microphone for many of those interviews.”

    Bob Berger, former host, One-On-One Sports/Sporting News Radio
  • “While we cherish champions in the world of sports, we cheer louder for champions in the game of life. Character, integrity and honesty matter. That sums up Randy Merkin.”

    James "JB" Brown, Host of NFL Today on CBS and Inside the NFL on Showtime

 

Free Kicks

Thursday, November 04, 2021

Jim Baumann on Minitua Men Celebrity Interview

Jim Baumann with Steve Cochran

Women in Radio

 Behind the Tribune paywall so I can't read it, but having seen the business first hand, I probably don't need to...

Wednesday, November 03, 2021

Eckhartz Press Author Bob Boone

VIRTUAL Author Event with Bob Boone

 
 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Glencoe Public Library

 

Hammond Room

 

Event Details

Journalist Donald Liebenson will interview Glencoe’s own Bob Boone about City U, his most recent book of short stories. Mr. Boone will also read selections from City U and answer questions about his other books of school stories, which, according to Eric Lutz of New City, “sparkle with the feeling of lived experience.”

REGISTER HERE for this Zoom-based virtual event.

About Bob Boone: Mr. Boone and his wife have lived in Glencoe since 1969. In addition to his short story collections, he has written a memoir, a sports biography, a literature anthology, and three creative writing books. Bob has taught English in New York City, Germany, and Highland Park. He has also taught in Chicago, where he founded Young Chicago Authors. For his work with city youth, he was presented with an award at the White House by Michelle Obama.

Jim Baumann

 Thanks to Robert Feder for posting this in his column today...

Jim Baumann, managing editor of the Daily Herald, kicks off the media tour for his new book, Grammar Moses: A humorous look at grammar and usage, with two interviews Wednesday. Published by Chicago-based Eckhartz Press, the book is a collection of Baumann’s Sunday columns from the Daily Herald. (Here is the link.) He’ll join Steve Cochran on his “Live From My Office” podcast and Eckhartz Press publishers Rick Kaempfer and Dave Stern on their “Minutia Men Celebrity Interview” podcast. Baumann’s first book signing will be Saturday from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin. A 36-year veteran of the Daily Herald, Baumann was promoted Tuesday to executive editor, effective with the retirement of top editor John Lampinen in December.

Tuesday, November 02, 2021

Harry Teinowitz

Monday, November 01, 2021

Chicago Radio Ratings

 From Robert Feder's column...


1. WBBM 780-AM/WCFS 105.9-FM all news, 6.7 (6.6)
2. WVAZ 102.7-FM R&B, 5.8 (6.3)
3. WBEZ 91.5-FM public radio news talk, 4.9 (4.3)
4. WLIT 93.9-FM adult contemporary, 4.6 (4.8)
5. WOJO 105.1-FM Mexican regional, 4.5 (4.2)
6. WDRV 97.1-FM classic rock, 4.3 (4.1)
7. WXRT 93.1-FM adult album alternative, 4.0 (3.6)
8. WLS 94.7-FM classic hits, 3.8 (3.8)
9. (tie) WGN 720-AM news talk, 3.5 (3.6); WTMX 101.9-FM hot adult contemporary, 3.5 (4.1)
11. WPPN 106.7-FM Spanish adult contemporary, 2.9 (2.8)
12. WKSC 103.5-FM Top 40, 2.8 (2.7)
13. WRME 87.7-FM soft rock oldies, 2.7 (3.3)
14. (tie) WSCR 670-AM sports talk, 2.5 (2.5); WBMX 104.3-FM classic hip-hop, 2.5 (2.7); WGCI 107.5-FM hip-hop, 2.5 (2.4)
17. (tie) WUSN 99.5-FM country, 2.4 (2.3); WLEY 107.9-FM Mexican regional, 2.4 (2.6)
19. (tie) WBBM 96.3-FM Top 40, 2.3 (2.5); WFMT 98.7-FM classical, 2.3 (2.1)
21. (tie) WKQX 101.1-FM alternative rock, 2.0 (1.9); WMVP 1000-AM sports talk, 2.0 (1.9)
23. WSHE 100.3-FM adult contemporary, 1.8 (2.2)
24. WCHI 95.5-FM rock, 1.7 (1.7)
25. WPWX 92.3-FM hip-hop, 1.3 (1.2)
26. (tie) WLS 890-AM news talk, 1.1 (1.7); WVIV 93.5-FM Spanish contemporary, 1.1 (1.2); WZSR 105.5-FM hot adult contemporary, 1.1 (0.7)
29. WCKL 97.9-FM contemporary Christian music, 1.0 (1.2)

Eckhartz Press

 


Founded on this day in 2011 (11/1/11). 

Hard to believe it has been 10 years. What a fun ride. Thanks to all the great authors (80+) who have graced our little label, and the many thousands of you who have purchased and read those books. Dave and I are incredibly grateful. I don’t think either of us thought it would go this well. More book announcements to come, including one this week. Stay tuned!

Snapper and French