Thursday, September 12, 2024

Media Notebook--9-12-24















MEDIA NOTEBOOK

A curation of news items about the media from this past week, with a particular emphasis on Chicago.


(A day early because I'm leaving town)


RADIO/PODCASTS

 

*Barstool vs. Bernstein

=There appears to be a professional feud going on between WSCR’s Dan Bernstein and Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy. I know Bernstein is a little prickly and condescending, but this response by Portnoy seems like he’s bringing a howitzer to a knife fight.

=Jeff Agrest of the Sun Times is on Barstool’s side.


 

*CMA Award Nominations

=The Country Music Award nominations were announced this week. Once again, Scotty Kay from US-99 was nominated in the major market category. The Bobby Bones show, which airs locally on Free Country in the suburbs, was also nominated in the national show category.

=One big name was missing: Beyonce. Her hugely successful country album Cowboy Carter didn’t get nominated as album of the year, none of the 27 songs were nominated as single of the year, and she wasn’t nominated as artist of the year.

 


*Podcast Corner

=Mark Zuckerberg appeared on the Acquired podcast. The show was recorded in front of 6000 people.

=Candace Owens was suspended by YouTube for hate speech.

=According to this piece, podcasters report that the best social media to promote a podcast is still Facebook.

 =The NSA has a podcast now too, and they're talking about their role in the killing of Bin Laden.



*Don Stuck

=The longtime radio pro was a relative newcomer to Chicago (doing weekends at iHeart’s WCHI) when he made news this week. He tendered his resignation to iHeart after 34 years because he is pursuing an acting career, and a new radio syndication deal in Indiana (Kokomo, Greencastle, Vincennes).



*Rest in Peace

=Sergio Mendes

Singer/musician was very popular in the 1960s. Died of long-form Covid. He was 83.


 

MEDIA BIRTHDAYS/MILESTONES

 

 

*September 9—Jackie Bange birthday

=The WGN-TV news anchor began working at the station more than 30 years ago.

 

*September 9—Frank E. Lee birthday

=Supposedly retired, but still on the air regularly on WXRT. One of the best.

 

*Sept 10--Marc Silverman birthday

=I last interviewed ESPN’s afternoon man in 2020.

 

*Sept 10--Chris Jones birthday

=Jones is the Chicago Tribune’s theater critic.

 

*Sept 10--Irma Romano birthday

=She was known as Irma Blanco when she was on Mancow’s show.

 

*September 11, 1964

=The top hits on WLS this week in 1964…


 

*September 11—Bruce Wolf birthday

=Former sportscaster at WXRT and WLUP in radio, WFLD and WMAQ in television. I interviewed Bruce for Illinois Entertainer back in 2014.

 

*September 11--Maura Myles birthday

=I chatted with Maura back in 2009 for Chicago Radio Spotlight.

 

*September 11—Phil Rogers birthday

=The Channel 5 investigative reporter retired last year.

 

*September 12, 1993

=Steve & Garry broke up after nearly 15 years as a top-rated radio duo. That story, of course, is featured in my book The Loop Files.


*September 12—Janda Lane birthday

=The Drive’s Janda Lane was my featured interview in June 2022 issue of Illinois Entertainer.

 

*September 13—Rick Kogan birthday

=It’s always a pleasure speaking to Mr. Chicago. I last interviewed him for Illinois Entertainer in 2019.

 

September 14—Dick Biondi birthday

=He passed away in July ‘23. Still can’t believe he’s gone. I worked with Dick for ten years at WJMK.



 *September 14—Brian “Whip” Paruch birthday

=I interviewed the WTMX morning show team member during the pandemic in 2020. None of the news about Eric had broken yet.

 

*September 14—John Dempsey birthday

=I got a chance to speak with the former WLS Newsman for Illinois Entertainer in 2015.

 

 

TV/STREAMING


*Courtney Spinelli

=WGN-TV reporter Courney Spinelli posted a thread of tweets this week regarding the man who assaulted her. She’s understandably upset that our justice system let him off so easily…


 *NBC Sports Chicago Shutting Down

=The official announcement came this week. The network will be no more at the end of September.


*Jewell Hillery to Anchor WGN Weekend Morning News

=She announced the news this week and starts this coming weekend.


 

*Will there be another debate?

=67 Million viewers tuned in to the presidential debate on ABC. Harris immediately challenged Trump to another one, but Trump will only agree to another debate if Fox News hosts it. And…only if the most strident Trump supporters (Sean Hannity, Jesse Waters, or Laura Ingraham) moderate it. The only actual journalists at Fox News, Brett Baier and Martha MacCallum, are not sufficient.


*The Palace Coup at the Magic Kingdom

=I’ve always been fascinated by the machinations of the media CEOs. In fact, I wrote a whole book about it ($everance). This piece in the Sunday Times isn’t a book, but it’s close. A long and engaging look at the egos at the top of the ladder at Disney.


*Tonight Show Cutting Back to 4-days a Week

=Yes, it’s being done because Jimmy Fallon is increasingly busy, but let’s face it, NBC-Universal isn’t opposed to saving a few dollars, either.

 

*Trump Tried to get DOJ to go after SNL for Mocking Him

=That’s what a report in Rolling Stone claims. He also wanted DOJ to go after Colbert, Fallon, and Kimmel.


 

*Kendrick Lamar to play Super Bowl Halftime concert

=The New York Times broke the news over the weekend.


 

*Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame Class of 2024

=The names are here. Among them, former Chicagoan Bryant Gumbel, and former Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany. The ceremony is December 17th in New York.



*Joe Buck Accidentally Broke His Wife’s Ankle

=Sounds like a freak accident on the golf course…


 *NFL Goes Where Their Fans Are

=Roger Goodell appeared on CNBC and talked about the game in Brazil, and the movement of NFL games to streaming services. In both cases, he says the NFL is going where their fans are.


*45 Years of ESPN

=The launch was this week in 1979. Barrett media talked to Bill Rassmussen about the history of that legendary brand.


STAGE/SCREEN

 

*The Sun-Times Reviews Royko Stage Show

=The one-man show about Mike Royko has been the talk of the town. The Sun Times posted their review earlier this week.


*Big Box Office for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

=Second biggest opening weekend ever in September. $110 million.


*Rest in Peace

=James Earl Jones

The voice of Darth Vader, The Lion King, and CNN. He was 93. For me, this is how I will always remember him…

=Edward Johnson

The CIA agent portrayed in the film Argo. He was 81.

=Will Jennings

 

DIGITAL/PRINT

 

*What is Sanewashing?

=Never heard the term until a few weeks ago. Now I’m hearing it everywhere. Margaret Sullivan explains what it is and why it is popping up so often.


*Rest in Peace

=Tom Squitieri

Award-winning journalist. Reported from war zones and the White House. He was 71. 

=Bob Dubill

Legendary USA Today editor. He was 88.


SOCIAL MEDIA

 

*Biggest Social Media Moment of the Week

=Taylor Swift to her 283 million followers…



 

 

*Selena Gomez on Instagram

=She now has 424 million followers. She gets $4.9 million for every Instagram post. This, in addition to her beauty line, and her acting and singing, has made Selena a billionaire.

 

 

 

*Reddit Gaining Popularity with the Help of AITA

=One of the most popular sub-reddits is called “Am I the Asshole?” Vox reports on how this subreddit, and a change of the algorithm has helped propel Reddit’s popularity.


 

*U.S. Faces Google in Court Again

=This time it’s about Google’s on-line ad dominance.


 As always, if you have any media story you’d like to share or think that I might be interested in sharing, drop me a line at rick@eckhartzpress.com or amishrick@yahoo.com. If you're in Chicago media and wondering why I didn't mention your birthday, it's probably because I don't know it. Drop me a line and let me know and I'll put you on my calendar.


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Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Studio Walls--9-11-24

 







A weekly update/preview of my latest podcasts, and a look back at some of my previous audio work from this week in history over the past 40+ years.

Here are a few from the archives...


September 8, 1960--The movie Psycho premiered.

=Have you ever heard Psycho on Ice?  

September 8, 1921—Miss America pageant founded.

=We interviewed her married counterpart, Mrs. America.  

September 8, 1908—Lane Tech opens first year. 

=We've talked to graduate Carl Giammarese, and Liverpool's very own Roger Bennett, about the thing that people can't believe once happened at Lane Tech High School. Forced naked swimming. 

September 8, 1888—First game played at Anfield in Liverpool. 

=Another reminder that Free Kicks is back for another season.



 

September 9—Antony Penrose birthday

=We talked to the internationally famous photographer about several things including Pablo Picasso, who he personally knew.  

September 9, 2022

="Beatles in India" movie released. We talked to its writer/director Paul Saltzman.




September 10—World Suicide Prevention day

=We somehow had a fun interview with author Meg Kissinger about this all-too serious topic. One of our greatest accomplishments.  

September 10, 2011—“Hick” released

=We talked to one of the film's stars, Dave Vescio.  

September 10, 1905—Crystal Palace founded

=Another perfect time to remind you that Free Kicks is back for a new season.


 

September 11, 2001

=Everyone has an answer to "where were you when the twin towers were hit?" But I have one that involves Eddie Munster, Butch Patrick. You read that right. Hear the story in this episode.  

September 11, 1999

=National Wrestling Hall of Fame opened. We talked to Vision Quest's Frank Jasper about his movie/wrestling career.  

September 11--Tom Dreesen birthday  

=We talked to the comedian a few years ago. You can listen to it here. 

 


September 12, 1969—Plastic Ono band performs first time 

=Their drummer was future Yes drummer Alan White. He told us all about it.  )

September 12, 1981—Smurf cartoon debuts in America. 

=Want to hear an interview with an obsessed Smurf-collector? It's in this episode. 

 


September 13—Tom Latourette debuts “I’m not betting against my Cubs”

=Here it is, a Just One Bad Century staple. 

September 13, 2022—Eddie Money dies.

=Kurt Elling has the single greatest Eddie Money story ever told.  

 


September 14, 2014—First episode of Brave Wilderness

=We interviewed the host of the show, Coyote Peterson 

September 14—Roger Bennett birthday

=One of our best interviews ever. 

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Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Publishing Portal--September 10, 2024








The latest news from Eckhartz Press, and a chance to peek into some of the great previous offerings from our humble little publishing company.


Happy birthday!

=Eckhartz Press co-publisher and author (The Balding Handbook) David Stern is celebrating a birthday this week (September 12). Here he is making that announcement to the press...

=He shares a birthday with another Eckhartz Press author. Happy birthday to Margaret Larkin, author of Wicker Park Wishes. Her birthday is also September 12.



To Nudge the World

=Book launch party alert! Save the date.


Coming Soon to Eckhartz Press

=Dan McNeil announced the news last week...


Surviving Sue

=Vicki Atkinson spent the afternoon on Sunday at the Printers Row Lit Fest. She posted this review of the event, complete with photographs.


Last Comiskey

=Ken Smoller has been all over the Chicago area this past week (including at Printer's Row Lit Fest on Saturday). One more chance to see him this week...Wednesday, Sept. 11, 7 pm - Lake Villa District Library, 140 N Munn Rd., Lindenhurst, IL.


I Like Big Books

=Ten years ago this week (2014), Asst. Professor Lori Oster (Oakton College) released her textbook I Like Big Books and I Cannot Lie, a guide to help readers transform their ways of thinking about text. What started as basic handouts for Oster’s students has evolved into a time-tested approach to helping high school and college students develop the reading skills they need to be successful both in the classroom, and out.


Records Truly Is My Middle Name

=This week in 2017 (September 8), the state of Indiana declared John Records Landecker Day in honor of Eckhartz Press author John Landecker. The event was held in Michigan City Indiana, and Eckhartz Press publisher (and co-author of John's book) Rick Kaempfer was asked to speak there. It was a great day for Landecker, the governor of Indiana bestowed upon John the Sagamore of the Wabash award, the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a citizen of the state.


=This week in 1993, Landecker & Kaempfer met for the first time (September 9) when John interviewed Rick to become his executive producer. The two worked together on that morning show on WJMK for the next ten years.



=Two other tidbits about John, from the book. On September 11, 2001 the show was on the air when the planes hit the Twin Towers. That story is excerpted here.

=It's also the anniversary of Eddie Money's birth (September 13). The singer appeared on Landecker's show, and then later, in photograph form--in John's book.



Rick Kogan

=The Chicago Tribune scribe and WGN Radio host has been a big supporter of Eckhartz Press since we debuted in 2011. In fact, the company was largely formed on Rick's advice. We can never thank him enough for the many times he has had our authors on his show, and for a few of the incredible reviews he has given our books. For instance...

  • Rollicking and real on so many levels, ‘The Living Wills’ is a captivating collaboration by two immensely talented writers. I hope this team keeps at it for keeps.

    Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune

  • “A fascinating book…a fascinating read. Mob Adjacent will open your eyes. The stories are true and genuine and heartfelt, and there’s a real honesty in this book.”

    Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune

    • “I guarantee that the most excitement you’ll find — short of a World Series win on either side of town — is in the 400-some pages of “Chili Dog MVP: Dick Allen, the ‘72 White Sox and a Transforming Chicago” from publisher Eckhartz Press.”

      Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune

“You may think you know Roger Badesch if you have listened over the years to his exact and artful news reports on radio, but between the covers of this book you will find so much more–a man of great depth, many passions and skills. His is a wonderful life that you can now share.”

Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune

=That's Rick and Roger Badesch at the Printer's Row Litfest, this week in 2021...



Always a Pleasure

=Two of the people featured in Chuck Swirsky's book Always a Pleasure are celebrating a birthday this week. Happy birthday to former White Sox announcer Jason Benetti (Sept 9) and former Chicago Bull Jimmy Butler (September 14)



A Man, A Mission, A Miracle

=On September 10, 1992, Ray Hickok, founder of the Young President's Organization passed away. His successor Scott Mordell was a big fan of Andrew Langert's book A Man, A Mission, A Miracle. Here's what he wrote about it....

  • The book resonated with me very much. I attended a Lasallian Christian Brothers high school in Detroit. While I had a general understanding of the education mission, I found the deeper information here added color to my own experience.

    Brother James is certainly a fascinating leader and role model. Even your listing of his personal interests was insightful. I have never experienced someone that would list prayer, meditation and reflection as a personal interest (more often someone states it as “their practice”). It is also telling about someone that states building a friend and relationship network as a personal interest too. How human, and essential for a quality life.

    In all, it is clear in the text this was a labor of love for you. I admire the manner in which you integrated the Lewis University information and story with the biographical aspects of Brother James.

    Very readable all the way though.

    –

    Scott Mordell, Chief Executive Officer of Young Presidents’ Organization.



The Loop Files

=One of the most dramatic moments in our biggest selling book ever, The Loop Files, happened this week in 1993 (September 14). That was the day the famous radio duo Steve & Garry broke up. The drama around that memorable event is chronicled in the Loop Files.

 
=For many years Bruce Wolf provided the sportscasts on Steve & Garry's show. He later also teamed up with Steve after the breakup. Bruce is celebrating a birthday this week (September 11)
=Worlds colliding. Mitch Michaels and Brendan Sullivan are both Eckhartz Press authors (Doin the Cruise, The Living Wills) and contributors to the Loop Files. Both worked at the Loop. And yet, until last week they had never met. Here's a photo of that moment, taken at the York Tap in Hinsdale.


We Have Company

=This week in 2016 (September 8), Bobby Skafish appeared on WGN Radio to talk about his book We Have Company. It was a great conversation with his old pals and colleagues Bill Leff and Wendy Snyder.

 


=This week is also Moby's birthday (September 11). He rates a chapter and a photo in Bobby's book. 



Doin the Cruise

=This week in 2017, Mitch Michaels hosted a radio promotion called The River Prom in Naperville. Yes, it was a prom for grown ups. Mitch also got a chance to pitch his book there, Doin' the Cruise, which definitely appealed to the River Prom crowd.

 




Lost in the Ivy & Cubsessions

=What do the books Lost in the Ivy and Cubsessions have in common? Well, both of them have something to do with the Chicago Cubs. Both are either written (Lost in the Ivy) or co-written (Cubsessions) by Randy Richardson. And both feature contributions from Tom Dreesen, who is celebrating a birthday this week (September 11). He was interviewed and rates his own chapter in Cubsessions, and for Lost in the Ivy he contributed this review of the book...

  • This book is not just for Cub fans but for all who love a great story. It’s a wonderful read. Enjoy! I know I did.

    --Tom Dreesen, author (Tim and Tom: An American Comedy in Black amd White), comedian, and Cub fan


Leaving Glory for Greatness

=Because it's Tom Dreesen's birthday this week (September 11), we should also mention Tom's devotion to another Eckhartz Press book. This one was written by Lou Macaluso about one of Tom's high school classmates, the great football player/civil rights activist LaMarr Thomas. Here's what Dreesen said about that...

  • “Lou Macaluso has captured the very soul and spirit of a man that I thought I knew and loved. Now I know so much more and wish I could have my friend back for one more conversation.

    Some men get to the mountaintop and shout out all the great deeds they have done and shout their name as well. LaMarr Thomas never mentioned his great deeds and would only whisper his name. Thank you, Lou, for taking LaMarr to the mountaintop and shouting out his name. This book is a must read for all who want to know about a great man who only wanted us all to love one another.”
  • Tom Dreesen, comedian, actor, author, motivational speaker



EveryCubEver

=This week in 2019 (September 10), just a few months after the release of EveryCubEver, the Chicago Writer's Association featured an interview with the book's author, Rick Kaempfer. That interview covered his books, his podcasts, his media career and more. You can read it here. 

=Also, these photos were taken this week in 1999 (Sept 8). Rick with his wife Bridget, and two boys Tommy & Johnny (a third one, Sean, arrived three years later), and Rick walking with his two boys in Wrigleyville.  The photos appear in the pages of EveryCubEver.

 


The Daly News

=This week in 2017, Joel Daly made his last public appearance for Eckhartz Press discussing his book The Daly News. He came out to Des Plaines and spoke to a crowd at the Frisbie Senior Center. The crowd loved hearing Joel's stories. Sadly, he passed away not too long after that, but Joel's memory lives on at Eckhartz Press.



Turn it Up!

=He would be in his 90s now if he was still with us, but the legendary radio disc jockey Dick Biondi passed away in 2022. (His birthday was September 13.) Biondi is featured in the Eckhartz Press book Turn it Up, by Bob Shannon.



GelStrong

=Eckhartz Press author Mark Gelinas' brave battle with pancreatic cancer is chronicled in the book GelStrong. Through the sheer force of his good will and personality, Mark managed to bring a wide array of people into his inner circle, helping him to fight this insidious disease. Among the people who supported Mark, the famous rapper Ludacris. He is celebrating a birthday this week (September 11)



Your Dime My Dance Floor

=This week in 2018, Chet Coppock appeared on the Channel 7 show Windy City Live. Here are a few photos from that day...





Ike & Me

=One of Rich King and Richard "Ike" Isaac's longtime colleagues at WGN-TV was Jackie Bange, who is celebrating a birthday this week (September 9). This photo appears in the book about Ike & Rich...






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