TV's Hot News
Michigan Avenue magazine's semi-controversial photoshoot of some of Chicago's hottest TV news personalities in last month's issue is finally online. You can get a closer look at Packer Schopf Gallery starting this Friday.
Merge
Category
Radio/TV
...and Speaking of Prisons in Illinois
The Discovery Channel will air a three-part reality series about the Cook County Jail starting this Thursday. Scariest line in show's description from Discovery's website: "Every day is a battle for control." Uff da.
Bill and Walter...Together Again
If you lived in Chicago in the late '70s and early '80s, the news that Bill Kurtis and Walter Jacobson are reuniting tonight to host the Ch. 2 news at 10 will surely get your attention. If you weren't here during that time, it's sorta like Loggins and Messina getting back together. What?...You don't get that reference either?
Lupe Fiasco on Eight Forty Eight
Check out this podcast of Chicago superstar Lupe Fiasco's interview on Chicago Public Radio about the The People Speak, a new documentary spinoff of sorts from The People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn. An excerpt preview of the film will show at 8 tonight along with live readings by Fiasco and others at Northwestern University's Leverone Auditorium.
A-Ha!™
Apparently, Mutual of Omaha and Oprah are no longer sparring over the use of the phrase "a-ha."
Recycling is a Dirty Job
The West Chicago branch of Sims Recycling Solutions is featured on tonight's episode of "Dirty Jobs" on Discovery Channel. UPDATE: Chicagoist points out that Ghost Lab visits The Metro tonight, right after "Dirty Jobs."
Daley on the Radio
Eight Forty-Eight's Alison Cuddy interviewed Mayor Daley on jobs, TIFs, schools and more. His responses ranged from optimistic to delusional -- listen for yourself.
Sagal's Halloween Spirit
Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me host Peter Sagal is sure to spook the neighbors (or give them a good laugh) with his "traditional" Halloween display.
Fill Your Headphones with the Best
The Third Coast International Audio Festival announced its 2009 award winners over the weekend -- great stuff to track down and listen to.
Liar's Club is Spoooky
Last night's "Ghost Lab" on the Discovery Channel featured the (alcoholic?) ghosts of Liar's Club.
Feder Joins Vocalo
Robert Feder, former Sun-Times media columnist, is joining Vocalo.org as a featured blogger.
A Baby Named Ike
ABC7 anchor Judy Hsu delivered her fourth baby in the front seat of a car on I-55 I-290 early this morning. And yes, she's naming it Ike. (Yeesh, you'd think we'd know which route the Ike was.)
Wait Wait ... Don't Steal That Bike!
Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me!'s Peter Sagal is among the most recent victims of bike theft in Chicago.
TV Tiff on the Internet
WGN-TV has asked The Museum of Classic Chicago Television to pull all its WGN content -- videos of "Bozo's Circus," "Garfield Goose and Friends" and others -- due to an exclusivity agreement the station signed with the Museum of Broadcast Communications. MBC's videos are all behind a (free) passworded firewall, while MCCT's are freely viewable... could that have been an issue, too?
Teaching Day
Free this afternoon? Learn something new or teach other folks something you know at the How-To-A-Thon at Vocalo.org's Navy Pier studios from 3pm to 8pm.
Listen to the Tapes
WGN-TV takes a page from AutoTune the News and gives Rod Blagojevich an opportunity to defend himself in song.
Cowell Approved
Chicagoan Ethan Boroian is hoping to make it big on Britain's version of American Idol, The X Factor. Based on the reactions of the judges, he may have a pretty good shot. (Thanks, Matt!)
Ira Glass is a New Yorker Now
Ira Glass confirmed that "This American Life" won't be returning to Chicago, despite Showtime canceling the TV show. Then again, considering how baffled he was by the reaction when he left, I guess it's not a surprise.
That American Life
The television version of This American Life has been taken off the air by Showtime, according to Ira Glass. Whether that means the radio version will return to Chicago is not yet known.
Obama on Letterman Monday
Ready for a full hour of Chicago's president on late night TV? Obama will be David Letterman's sole guest on Monday, Sept. 21. (He's also be on the weekend political talk shows while you're at brunch.)
From Radio Reporter to Radio Dispatched
Former Chicago Public Radio reporter Jay Field hasn't been able to find work in the industry, so he's now driving a cab. Read about his experiences at Recession Taxi.
Kanye's Rant at VMAs a Stunt?
In case Twitter didn't tell you already, hometown boy Kanye West made headlines again at the VMAs last night -- this time for stealing the limelight from Taylor Swift as she accepted the "Best Female Video" award. Of course, conspiracy theories abound in the harsh light of day and apologies from the West camp came and went.
Back at the Movies
Our own Steve Prokopy, aka Capone on Ain't it Cool News, interviewed Tribune film critic Michael Phillips and the New York Times' A.O. Scott about taking over "At the Movies," Siskel and Ebert's seminal film review show, after a year of poorly chosen replacements.
Chicago Sells Bud To Ireland
The Trib reports on a new ad for Budweiser made with shots from Chicago L trains, set to the Beatles song "All Together Now". The ad is airing only in Ireland, but of course it's on YouTube as well. (Of course, GB and Sun-Times readers knew about this a week ago.)
You Stole My Bike!
A risky plan ends happily as Evanston graphic designer Gabriel Silverman discovers his stolen bike listed on Craigslist and shows up at the seller's house.
All Your Michigan Avenue Are Belong to Oprah
Speaking of shopping, if you're thinking about spending time on Michigan Avenue from Wacker Drive to Ohio Street anytime between Monday and Wednesday morning, the street will be closed to vehicular traffic in order to tape Oprah's new season kickoff. If you want to get in on the O action, the show will begin at 5 p.m. Tuesday and will be free and open to all. You can scope out the best seats ahead of time by reviewing this map [pdf] of the event.
NYC Pigeons Beware!
Yet another Chicago comedian has been plucked to write for Saturday Night Live in only a few weeks. This time, it's standup comedian Hannibal Buress. If you're wondering about the title of this post, it refers to this. (Language may not be SFW.)
What's Your Chicago Look Like?
CBS2Chicago's Capture My Chicago is an effort to, well, capture "your" Chicago in pictures. The project starts online, but will be turned into a book.
Active Teens
What were you doing as a teenager during the summer? I bet you weren't making hard-hitting documentaries on serious topics like the teens at Community TV Network are for their CAN TV 19 show "Hard Cover." They have several movies as well several shorter videos on YouTube dealing with topics like rape culture, Hip Hop, media literacy, as well as the trailer for Trauma, their upcoming feature-length film about gun violence in Chicago. Who says journalism is dying?
6 Ring Circus TV
Apparently the US Olympic Committee was contemplating creating an Olympics TV channel. And it may have been hurting Chicago's 2016 bid. But fear not, they've scrapped the network.
The New Face of Justice?
A TV judge based in Chicago is hearing a case involving a man who displays disfigured animals and a woman who didn't sell him her five legged Chihuahua-terrier mix. So this is what I'm missing on daytime television...
Phillips is "At the Movies"
If you read our own Steve at the Movies today, you'd know Tribune film critic Michael Phillips and the New York Times' AO Scott are replacing the two Bens on the post-Ebert "At the Movies" show.
City Colleges Producing More than Students
The Chi-Town Daily News reports that the City Colleges' television station, WYCC, produced "free videos of powerful politicians and friends of the chancellor" and allegedly fired the station manager when she complained.
GB on the Radio
Catch our political editor Ramsin Canon on Chicago Public Radio's "Eight Fort-Eight" this morning, discussing July's news on the Month in Review segment.
Wal-Mart Gets Applause
"We believe strongly that everyone should have access to affordable health insurance. Everyone." That line from a Wal-Mart executive at the National Council of La Raza convention here last weekend got big applause. And WBEZ is getting calls from Wal-Mart trying to stop the clapping.
Chicago Ed Gets the Rose
Chicagoan Ed Swiderski won "The Bachelorette" last night. (Thanks, Dee!)
Rotisserie TV
A new sit-com on FX will be set in suburban Chicago -- and revolve around a fantasy football league? [via]
Surprise Caller, Line 1
Ex-Smashing Pumpkins bassist D'Arcy called into Q101 on a whim last week to chat about Davy Jones, her current life on a horse farm in Michigan, how much she misses Chicago and a few other gems that you really have to hear to believe.
Mechanics on the Radio (No, not "Car Talk")
Ramsin Canon, editor of Gapers Block's Mechanics section, joins Josh Kalven of Progress Illinois every Wednesday morning at 8am on journalist and comedian Ray Hanania's Radio Chicagoland talk show on WJJG-AM. Tune in!
TV Imitates Art
Bravo TV is casting for a new reality show a la "Project Runway," and you're invited to try out -- assuming you're a contemporary artist with the skills to produce great art in a limited time. The as-yet unnamed show auditions in Chicago on July 16, so get your portfolio ready.
"My Dutch Grandpa"
Local actor Lesley Bevan tells NPR's "The Story" about the Dutch man who adopted her as his "American granddaughter" while she was studying abroad 20 years ago, who managed to find her again just recently.
Get Her Out of Here
In case you missed it, our favorite effin' ex-governor's wife was finally voted out of the jungle last night, after lasting a surprising 23 days and making a few new friends along the way.
John Callaway Dead
Journalist and WTTW personality John Callaway died Tuesday night in Racine.
Bozo Could Be Back
Robert Smigel and Dino Stamatopoulos showed their Bozo parody at the Lake Shore Theater this week in conjunction with Just for Laughs. The pilot, which has been leaked to the internets, spoofs Bob Bell's version of the character he did on WGN and features the original TV Funhouse cartoons. Fox rejected it years ago, but last night, Smigel said Comedy Central is interested in doing the show.
Idol Fantasy
An anonymous blogger is writing about her quest to get on "American Idol," starting with the auditions here in Chicago this weekend. [via]
Bouncing Webio
It's interesting times at ChicagoSportsWebio: founding on air personality Mike North was fired after questioning bounced checks, and the FBI is investigating a possible embezzlement case.
The Future of News
Speaking of journalism and how to pay for it, if you're interested in that sort of thing you should come to the Chicago Media Future Conference this Saturday afternoon, featuring panelists from Chicago Tribune, EbonyJet, EveryBlock, Gapers Block and more.
Digital Kills the Analog Star
If you'll be wondering why your TV doesn't work after the clock hits noon today, here's why.
The House That Urkel Built
Was "Family Matters" your favorite sit-com located in Chicago? Then you may be interested in this video made during a visit to the Winslow house. [via]
Free to Wait Wait
Chicago Public Radio's "Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me" will be taping live in the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park this Thursday at 6:30pm, and you're invited. Come watch Peter Sagal, Carl Kastle, Mo Rocca, Paula Poundstone and Charlie Pierce yuck it up, then see if you can pick yourself out of the audience noise when it airs Saturday morning.
Ah-One, Ah-Two, Ah-Three...
Harry Caray's famous "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" singing didn't start at Wrigley Field, even if North Siders have made it their own. FuzzyMemories.TV digs up video of Harry leading the 7th Inning Stretch at a Sox game in 1980
Get Hitched by a DJ
Vocalo wants to marry you, on the radio, on Navy Pier.
Primetime Housewives
The Sun-Times is looking forward to a Chicago edition of "The Real Housewives" television franchise. They've even got some ideas for potential cast members. [via]
Fake Waterboarding is Still Torture, Right?
Did you hear how Mancow had himself waterboarded and declared it was torture? Turns out it might not have been so torturous for him after all.
"Housewives" Take On Chicago
If you think you could be one of "The Real Hot Messes Housewives of Chicago", the casting folks at Towers Productions would love to hear from you.
Analog City
Apparently Chicagoans are a little slow on the uptake. The FCC has fielded more calls about the upcoming digital transition from our area than anywhere in the country.
The Girlfriends Say Good-Bye
Another big radio shakeup today: WGN is bidding adios to their resident girlfriends Kathy & Judy. Their last show is airing live now.
I'll Miss the Station ID
WNUA, Chicago's pioneering "smooth jazz" station, goes off the air Friday morning at 9am, followed by a retrospective of the stations that have occupied 95.5 FM over the years. After that, the new Mega 95.5, a "Spanish hot adult contemporary" format, takes over. WNUA fans can still get their fix at yoursmoothjazz.com.
Meanwhile, at Vocalo.org...
...you could be selling something on their on-air flea market.
What Does $20 Buy for WBEZ?
A lot, apparently.
Scavenging on the Radio
WBEZ's The Annoying Music Show got mixed up with the U of C's annual Scavenger Hunt this weekend when teams submitted songs for broadcast. Though Team Ragnarok won the challenge, Mendicant Cingulata came in first in the hunt.
Media's Future
The Chicago Media Future Conference picks up the thread dropped by this winter's Chicago Journalism Town Hall, discussing where the media is headed and how it'll be paid for. Mark your calendar for June 13.
The Power of AM Radio
Ever wonder how much any given commercial radio station in Chicago earns in a year? If so, here's the rundown for the top 50.
Colbert vs. Glass
Tonight on the Colbert Report, This American Life's Ira Glass will be a guest. Rumor has it he'll be talking about public radio fund drives and tomorrow's TAL live-by-satellite performances in movie theaters. (Thanks, Jesse!)
He's Not a Celebrity, Don't Let Him Out of Here
That trip to Costa Rica for a reality show that Blagojevich wanted to take? The judge said it's not going to happen.
An "Amazing" Opportunity
Like to travel? Long for the opportunity to argue with your best friend/spouse/parent in a foreign land? Maybe promote the image of the loud, pushy "ugly American" while competing for big bucks. Then you might be "Amazing Race" material. The reality show is holding auditions this Friday in Joliet.
Pothole Election
Vote for the worst pothole in Chicago Public Radio's Adopt-a-Side-Street project. The winning pothole will be the subject of a news story.
Queen of All Social Media
Oprah Winfrey is now on Twitter. She shall tweet for the first time live on her show tomorrow. What about Oprah's BFF Gayle King? Already on it.
Blago is Searching for a New Low
As mentioned in Mechanics, our esteemed former governor is considering filming a Survivor-style reality TV show in Costa Rica. Even better was he was approached by someone to do it.
WGN America Closes Its Eyes
The superstation version of "Chicago's Own" WGN has gotten a new logo, replacing the godawful wall-eyed Nagel version unveiled last year.
Lisagor Finalists Announced
The Chicago Headline Club announced finalists for its Lisagor Awards; ceremony's April 24, if you're interested.
What is This, the PGA?
Bravo has announced that its new show, "Top Chef Masters," which debuts June 10, will feature three Chicago chefs -- Rick Bayless, Graham Elliot Bowles and Art Smith.
Roland Rolls On
Say the words "Roland" and "Chicago" and a certain overly eager Illinois senator may come to mind. But the Roland in question here is Roland Martin, former editor for the Chicago Defender, former morning host on WVON-AM and now temporary host on CNN's "No Bias, No Bull." The Washinton Post profiles the political commentator and his running feud with a certain Sun-Times columnist.
This Foreclosed-upon Life
If you missed it this weekend, it's worth listening to the most recent episode of This American Life, which offers "scenes from a recession" and includes a look at the limbo some Rogers Park condo owners are in, with half their building in foreclosure and the developer nowhere to be found.
Closing County General Hospital
As ER says "goodbye" to Chicago on Thursday, all sorts of interesting background stories are emerging.
Sven Wins A Rondo
Congratulations to Chicago's very own Svengoolie, who picked up a Rondo Hatton award for Favorite Horror Host. The Rondos will be given out in May at Wonderfest.
Movies on the Radio
WGN's Nick Digilio Show is hosting a double feature at the Brew & View tonight. Watch Hot Fuzz at 8pm and Die Hard at 10pm, with Snuggie and Lou Malnati's giveaways in between. $5 to get in.
Blago Radio
Wednesday from 7am to 9am, former governor Rod Blagojevich will host a two-hour talk show on WLS-AM, as a fill-in for the "Don Wade & Roma Morning Show," which is on break this week. The station says it's a one-time deal, but you never know.
BSC
Decider Chicago wonders if our own Mayor Daley is the inspiration for Battlestar Galactica's Admiral Adama.
Bloodshot's 15th
WBEZ's Eight Forty-Eight program featured Bloodshot Records owners Nan and Rob this morning as they prepare to celebrate the label's quinceanera in Austin at SXSW.
Beyond the Burnham Plan
In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Burnham Plan, Chicago Public Radio launched a new section, Chicago Matters: Beyond Burnham. Among other features, don't miss the regional population growth timeline and fact list.
Our President is Cooler Than Your President
"The President released his 2009 NCAA College Basketball Tournament bracket today." He posted it on his blog. And if that's not cool enough for you, he will be a guest on "The Tonight Show" tomorrow.
No Sigh of Relief Yet
It looks like plans for the Jerry Springer Show's departure aren't going as smoothly as hoped. The move is being challenged by Stamford residents.
Could The Fridge Fit in the Lincoln Bedroom?
Obama's love of Chicago sports reared its head again recently, as The Daily Show's John Stewart pointed out on last night's show (it comes at about the 2:00 mark). Let's just say the Bulls get a little spanking from Stewart and even the '85 Bears come under scrutiny.
Achatz on Oprah
Chef Grant Achatz appeared on Oprah this morning, talking about his cancer diagnosis and recovery. Chicago Celebrity Examiner has a couple quotes from the show; catch it again on ABC-7 tonight at 11:05.
U2's Day in Chicago
U2 will be all over the city tomorrow -- particularly on WXRT, who will feature a day of U2 programming leading up to members of the band guest DJing the station from 8 to 9pm from an "undisclosed location."
Colbert Spotted in the Wild
Stephen Colbert and Paul Dinello showed up on a 1990 episode of "Wild Chicago" for about 10 seconds. Watch it on YouTube! (Tip from No Fact Zone.)
Obit: Richard Pegue
Richard "Doctor Dusty" Pegue, the Chicago DJ who most recently worked at WKKC (but who had also been heard on WVON AND WCGI), died yesterday. Those not familiar with Pegue's legacy can read Ben Joravsky's profile from 1998 to find out about the man.
RIP Paul Harvey
In what's been a tough week in terms of local legends passing on, radioman Paul Harvey passed away last night at age 90. He's known for his popular segment "The Rest of the Story," but he also coined or popularized the terms "Reaganomics" and "guesstimate."
Throwing Chairs in Stamford
Speaking of blowing up Chicago, Jerry Springer's television program of destruction may soon move to Connecticut, along with some other NBC programs.
The TV Generation
How many of these Chicagoland TV ads do you remember? [via]
Republishing Without Attribution
NBCChicago.com wrote a nice piece pointing to Chicago Public Radio's great "Hard Working" series about jobs and joblessness. Then, MSNBC republished NBCChicago's story -- but stripped out all links to the original series, effectively killing any utility the article had. CPR is crying foul.
The Odds on Oscar
U of C grad Nate Silver and his website FiveThirtyEight has all your Oscar picks here.
Digital Killed the Analog Star
While the deadline for the analog-to-digital conversion was moved to June 12 several weeks ago, many television stations are sticking to today's initial deadline. Chicago's TV remains unchanged, but several stations all over the state have joined the early switch.
Days Of Our Knives
Want to be on the next season of Top Chef? Helen Rosner of MenuPages has got the scoop for aspiring cheftestants in Chicago.
Radio, Live Transmission
This American Life will be recording all new live shows for audiences in Chicago and New York this April. Tickets, which have a tendency to disappear quickly for TAL events, go on sale tomorrow at 10am.
Back On Track
The Chicago Defender reports on one of Chicago's original dance shows, Soul Train, getting a long-overdue salute from one of the city's newest dance shows, Chic-A-Go-Go.
Back in the Kitchen
Anxious to get a taste of what "Top Chef" alum Dale Levitski may be cooking up at his new restaurant? Well, Relax and eat up every Thursday (if you can get a reservation). [via]
WLUW, Live from the Gold Coast
Avant/Chicago reports that WLUW will be moving its studio to Loyola's downtown student center later this spring. The move means upgraded equipment and a digital archive. The tower is staying in Rogers Park at the same wattage, though, so don't expect to hear the station any better in the Loop.
Bourdain's Chicago Photo Journal
The Chicago episode of Anthony Bourdain's television show No Reservations aired on Monday, and ever since I've been in withdrawl. But never fear! The Chicago photo journal is up on the show's site. [Vegetarians note: After the jump, there are serious photos of sausages.] Update: And note the episode's Google map of dining locations along with video of missing scenes/locations (Ramova Grill, a tour of the Tom Tom Tamales Factory) here.
RIP Eddie Schwartz
Eddie Schwartz, a longtime DJ on WGN's overnight shift, has passed away.
"Eastbound & Down" Screening and Contest
As if one contest wasn't enough, we also have 10 VIP tickets to give away to a screening of HBO's new series "Eastbound & Down" tomorrow night. Details in Tailgate.
Contest with No Reservations
As mentioned yesterday, we're running a contest in Drive-Thru -- if you caught last night's episode of "No Reservations," answer our trivia question for a chance to win!
Talkin' to Tito
Tito Jackson will be in the Vocalo studios at noon tomorrow (Friday) -- talking about the Jackson Five and answering listener questions. Call 888-635-1112 or hit the website with questions.
It's The F*&!@#$ Blago Show!...
...with Rod and Patti. WGN Radio has reportedly offered the media-crazy governor and his wife a radio show. The station's program director claims they're serious. Don Wade and Roma, you've been put on notice.
Hands Off The Coif
Mystery solved - Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich did his own hair for his appearance yesterday on "The View". [via]
Bottles at the Ready
You're going to need a lot of booze if you play along with Chicagoist's Blagojevich drinking game during his appearance on "Larry King Live" tonight.
Documenting the City's Front Yard
In A/C, Carl Giometti talks with documentarian Geoffrey Baer about his latest work, "Chicago's Lakefront," which you can watch on WTTW's website.
Not Massachusetts General Hospital
The Sun-Times gives us the backstory on why "ER" is set in Chicago.
Eating with Obama
Steve Johnson gets more of the backstory about the "lost" Obama episode of "Check, Please!", which airs tomorrow night.
Q101: Eye Witness News
The police stopped a Metra train in Lisle, searching car to car for a reported guy with a gun -- who turned out to be a Secret Service agent on his way to work. Q101's Sherman and Tingle talked live with a station colleague who happened to be on the train.
Wonkette on the Radio
UC alum Ana Marie Cox (aka Wonkette) has joined Air America radio as a national correspondent.
Another Saturday Night Burn
Saturday Night Live, which has already given us their frank opinion on the Rod Blagojevich scandal, went for both Roland Burris and Blago, hair and all, in their opening sketch last night.
What Anchors Do During Commercials
Apparently Robert Jordan and Jackie Bange have a little dance that they do.
588-2300
Empire Today has collected videos of its classic carpet commercials at EmpireCarpet.tv. Sing along!
More Radio Layoffs
Steve Dahl's not the only one off the radio today: Chicago Public Radio laid off several staffers from WBEZ and Vocalo, WSCR let Fred Huebner go, and WBBM eliminated half of Debra Dale's job.
Dahl Signs Off
Chicago radio legend (yeah, it's pretty safe to call him that) Steve Dahl signed off on his WJMK morning show. Dahl has been a fixture on the fickle Chicago radio scene for more than 30 years.
She's Got The Power
Oprah Winfrey is number 1 on The Hollywood Reporter's Power 100 list for 2008. No doubt her recent appearance on "30 Rock" helped her nab the spot. This ranking is an improvement over her 2007 standing, when she came in at sixth place.
Ms. Winfrey Goes to Washington
Oprah Winfrey will be taking her eponymous talk show to Washington, D.C., broadasting from the Opera House at the Kennedy Center during the week of the inauguration. The show reservation line is closed for the month of January, making this as difficult a get as tickets for the inauguration itself.
The Future Sound of...
What is the future of the music? Record stores and labels are folding, bands are connecting directly with fans... what will the industry look like in the coming years? Join Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis, music critics and hosts of "Sound Opinions," tonight at Columbia College's Conaway Center for a discussion of that topic and more, from 6pm to 7:30pm. It's free, but space is limited so get there early.
Theater of the Mind(less)
A Joliet native who stars on a "Doctor Who" spinoff show does something weird on the radio.
Terkel and Dybek and You
WBEZ's Studs Terkel archive keeps growing, this time with an hour-long discussion with Terkel and Dybek from the 2006 StoryWeek Festival of Writers.
Piven Had to Be Behind This
If you TIVOd the newest (season finale) episode of "Entourage" this past Sunday, pay attention to scene change footage between minutes eleven and twelve...what is supposed to be a quick shot of gritty New York is actually a pre-construction view of the CTA station at Belmont and Wilton. Good work, film editor.
Set Your TiVo for the Lake
On Dec. 1 at 7:30pm, WTTW debuts a new documentary on Chicago's lakefront.
Give Thanks for Radio
On Thanksgiving -- and throughout next weekend -- Chicago Public Radio will be airing a lot of "best of" programs, including the winners from this year's Third Coast International Audio Festival.
Lake Forest Lovely Wins 'Model'
McKey Sullivan of Lake Forest is the winner of "America's Next Top Model". Check out her Top Model portfolio here.
Fresh Ayers
NPR's "Fresh Air" today will feature an interview with former Weatherman, current professor William Ayers about the election and his relationship with Obama. Tune in on WBEZ at 11am or 10pm, or catch the podcast later.
Tune In at 89.5FM
Since Vocalo launched, it's been available online, but its broadcast listening area has been pretty limited. Today is the one week anniversary of the launch of its 593 foot broadcast tower, Valmont #60, and its broadcasting throughout the Chicago area and beyond.
Oprah, Again
Don't forget to watch "30 Rock" tonight; Oprah will be making a guest appearance. And if you're awake for the 11pm rebroadcast of the "Oprah" show, former Chicagoan Tina Fey will be making an appearance.
Say Goodbye to Allison Payne
Popular Ch. 9 anchor Allison Payne suffered a series of mini-strokes earlier this year, and has decided to take an indefinite leave of absence. Send your regards here.
The Singing Weathermen
Don't ever say Tom Freakin' Skilling and the city's other meteorologists don't have a sense of humor.
The Truth Is Out There...In Tinley Park
The History Channel devotes a whole hour Wednesday to UFO sightings in Illinois, including some weird glowing orbs in the Tinley Park skies.
William Murray: One Bitter Cubs Fan
Courting the National League vote on SNL's Thursday Night special.
Another Frightening Show About The Economy
With Halloween fast-approaching, This American Life has attempted once again to tackle the most terrifying of all subjects these days: the economy. How bad is it and how much worse can it get? Prepare to be scared!
Another Chicago Chef Could Be "Top"
Competing in the next season of Bravo's "Top Chef" is Chicagoan Radhika Desai, executive chef of Between Boutique Café & Lounge. Let's hope she can bring home the title, just like Stephanie Izard did last spring.
Explaining Wall Street
Considering the ongoing financial industry crisis, now seems like a good time to point to This American Life's episode, "The Giant Pool of Money." And here's a perspective on whether the bail-out will affect the city's foreclosure rate.
The Breast Cancer Gene
There is a genetic mutation that puts its carriers at much higher risk of getting breast or ovarian cancer. Chicago filmmaker Joanna Rudnick tested positive for it at age 27. Her new documentary, "In the Family," debuts on PBS this week; WTTW will air it at 9pm on Wednesday, Oct. 1. Tune in.
Political Parties
Wondering where to watch the vice-presidential debates on Thursday? Time Out has a list of viewing parties for you.
And the Winners Are...
The Third Coast International Audio Festival has just announced the winners of its 8th Annual TCF/ Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Competition. Click here to listen to excerpts from the winning audio documentaries.
Further Frank Lloyd Wright
...this time courtesy of Jason Fried: The Mike Wallace Interview.
World Famous Architect
Edward Lifson digs up a video of Frank Lloyd Wright on the game show "What's My Line?" in 1956. [via]
Won't You Be My Neighb-arrr!?
Mister Roger's Neighborhood may be going off the air, but his cousin Jolly Roger is back for today.
TAL Takes Home Emmys
Congratulations to everybody at This American Life: the TV version of the radio show won two Emmys at this weekend's Creative Arts Emmy Awards. The ceremony will be broadcast on Saturday, September 20 on E!
R. Kelly Speaks
BET airs "R. Kelly Speaks," his first televised interview since the ending of his trial for, well, you know. Tuesday, September 16 at 10pm ET/9pm CT. [via]
The School's the Thing
Noble School Charter Prep gets a spotlight from NPR this weekend for its successes and 100% graduation rate (which is more than New Trier's, ahem).
Goodbye, Abby
Abby Ryan, one of the few traffic reporters ever to have a cult following, leaves the air today, a result of Shadow Traffic eliminating live traffic reports. Read her own brief goodbye on her MySpace page. You can still catch her final reports this evening on WBEZ.
Chicago's Female Founding 'Fathers'
It wasn't just the Marshall Fields and the Potter Palmers who rebuilt Chicago after the Great Fire. WBEZ-FM reports on the women who helped raise the city from the ashes.
Steve Dahl on Twitter?
I enjoy Steve Dahl on the radio (or for those with lots of time, on a podcast), but I find his tweets are delightful too if you're short on time and want a few chuckles.
Tag Team Baking
If you're setting your Tivo for the weekend, don't neglect to catch the Chicago chef Michelle Garcia of Bleeding Heart Bakery compete in the Food Network Challenge: Tag Team Cakes on Sunday at 8pm. The chefs didn't know who they'd be paired with for the competition, but if this snapshot of the final product is any indicator, I say it was a productive (and likely, delicious) pairing.
Michelle O. to cook with Paula D.
Michelle Obama will be a guest at "Paula's Party" on the Food Network. Besides sharing details about life on the campaign trail, Michelle will learn how to make host Paula Deen's Fried Shrimp and Creole French Fries. Put on your eating pants and tune in on Saturday, September 20 at 7:00 pm ET/CT.
Oprah in Talks with Peacock
Well, "Peacock Network," anyway. E!'s Kristin Dos Santos reports that Oprah is thisclose to appearing as herself on NBC's 30 Rock this fall.
Perpendicular Lines
Those "America's Next Top Model" auditions are at the Congress Hotel -- which has been under a strike for the last five years. UNITE HERE! let us know it's planning an extra special protest against the crossing of the picket line. Head on down at 10am to watch the fun. UPDATE: The auditions have been moved to the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place.
Wanna Be On Top (Model)?
The newest cycle of America's Next Top Model is just getting started and they're already scoping out the locals for the next season. ANTM is holding an open call for Chicago beauties this Saturday. To see what sort of stunning creatures the scouts will be looking for, check out this season's contestants.
Lettuce Entertain You ...Differently
Restaurant empire Lettuce Entertain You is branching out beyond food with a two-hour internet radio show featuring Mike North, who left WSCR in June. The show debuts Monday, Sept. 8, from 9 to 11am on WildfireRestaurant.com, and will be available as a podcast on iTunes and North's website later in the day.
150 Olympians, Oprah and You
We've all missed out on getting seat tickets for Oprah's 10am Wednesday taping in Millennium Park, but show up at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion that morning and get a shot at lawn seats.
Coming Soon to a Pledge Drive Near You
The winners of the recent design-a-T-shirt contest for This American Life have been chosen.
This Guy's Insaaaaaaannnnnneeee!!!
Today, Wikipedia is featuring former Elgin native Earl "Madman" Muntz -- engineer, entrepreneur, grandfather of the 8-track tape player (among other inventions), and the original television saleslunatic.
Think Back to '68
You may not have any memories of the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, but your parents might. Tell them that Chicago Public Radio wants to hear their stories. (In the meantime, Vocalo.org really wants to hear from you.)
There Goes the Neighborhood?
In June, PBS determined that, starting in September, they would cease daily broadcasts of Mister Roger's Neighborhood and provide member stations with single episodes, to be shown only on weekends. Naturally, many fans are up in arms, including local cartoonist Chris Ware, who wrote a very thoughtful letter of protest to PBS.
Watering the City
Chicago Public Radio's Chicago Matters series takes a look at our water system, and how it gets from Lake Michigan to our faucet.
WCR To Rock Fox
Chicago's favorite women on wheels, the Windy City Rollers, will be giving you a wake-up call when they appear on Fox News Good Day Chicago (Ch. 32) tomorrow at 8:10 and 8:30 a.m. They'll be skating around the newsroom promoting their upcoming match as well as "some other exciting news" according to their release. If you miss it, you can check it out on the Fox-32 website.
Gigglesnort, Bozo & More
Do you remember Chicago's Kids TV?
Saving an Aisle Seat No Longer Necessary
"The balcony is closed." Roger Ebert comments further on the end of "At the Movies."
Trash to Fashion
GB's own Lauri Apple is interviewed in a piece about found and recycled clothing for Chicago Public Radio's "Chicago Matters: Growing Forward" series.
Ebert's Out Too
Roger Ebert announced his departure from the Disney-owned "At the Movies" film review show, following Richard Roeper's announcement yesterday. Ebert and Gene Siskel's estate own the "two thumbs up" trademark, and Ebert vows "the thumbs will return." Stay tuned.
TAL Up For Emmys
Congratulations to This American Life: the TV version of the award-winning radio program garnered 5 Emmy nominations yesterday. Tune in this September to see how many the program wins...
TAL T-Shirt Contest Details
The official rules for the This American Life T-shirt contest are up. Start designing, because your deadline is July 28.
Listening to the City
What does your neighborhood sound like? Share it with Chicago Public Radio's Soundmarks project.
10 Reasons Chicago Is Not On a Roll
Brad Flora of WindyCitizen posts a counterpoint to his own recent boosterism on "Chicago Tonight."
This American T-Shirt
Got an idea for a shirt befitting "This American Life?" You could win $1000 and see it up for sale in TAL's webstore.
Get a Piece of the Pie
Got the Genus Edition of Trivial Pursuit memorized? Test yourself this weekend by trying out to be on "Trivial Pursuit: America," a new TV game show. (Thanks, Mitchell!)
Flash Interview
Whether you're headed to the show tonight or not, tune into Vocalo.org at noon today to catch a live interview with hip hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash.
Adjust that Dial
Step back in time on the charmingly old-school Chicago Television History website.
Watching What The Watcher Wants You To
This must have been in one of those auto messages that I ignore, but the venerable ad-skipping recording device, Tivo announced late last month that it will partner with the Chicago Tribune to bring subscribers the recommendations of Trib TV Columnist Maureen "The Watcher" Ryan.
Talking to Stephanie
Chicago's own Chef Stephanie Izard is a finalist on "Top Chef," and she's going to be answering reader questions on the Tribune's website starting at 1pm tomorrow. Here's an interview with her to get your interrogation juices flowing.
That's Hedley!
Funnyman Harvey Korman, originally a Chicago boy, Carol Burnett Show performer, Mel Brooks troupe member, and voice of the Great Gazoo has passed away at the age of 81.
WGN America
Our local superstation rebrands, now symbolized by a walleyed Nagel girl.
A Different Kind of Kids Show
The Center on Halsted will host a screening for "Dottie's Magic Pockets," billed as the first children's program for kids in gay and lesbian families. The show features puppets as well as real-life families. Bert and Ernie approve.
Commercial Wedding Reality TV Voting Fun Zone
A Chicago couple is competing in the Today show's Race to the Altar contest. Check out their website and decide if you want to vote for them.
Embed A Radio In Your Blog
I'm not sure what this would be useful for, but if you'd like to have a list of the most recent Chicago Public Radio stories on your blog, they now have a widget you can add to your blogroll, one for news and one for arts stories.
Cruise to Receive Harsh Welcome Outside Harpo
Tom Cruise will be visiting Harpo Studios May 5, and a group of anti-Scientologists will be waiting for him.
Fireworks, Horses and an Iraqi
Teaser for Season 2 of This American Life, which premieres May 4 on Showtime.
Ellen is Coming, Too.
Ellen DeGeneres is bringing her show to Chicago May 3, and the suggestions of what she should do while she's here are, so far, pretty suburban. Cheesecake Factory!? Give her some better ideas, somebody. (Thanks, Veronica!)
Major Media Mix-Up
Just under 10% of WBBM's staff has been cut, including anchor Diann Burns, other prominent on-air personalities and support staff members.
Radio on TV in Theaters
This American Life fans rejoice: May 1st is the date when you will be able to see the live stage show in NYC beamed to movie theaters across the country. Chicago fans will get to choose between two different theaters carrying the satellite feed of the show: City North 14; and River East 21. Tickets for the event will go on sale April 4.
Taped in Front of a Live Studio Audience
WTTW is developing a new show, called "IL-informed," starring sketch comedy troupe Schadenfreude, and its pilot is being shot tomorrow. If you've got the day off, you should head over and be a part of the audience! They're taping from noon to 4pm at the WTTW studios, 5400 N. St. Louis Ave. Contact producer (and ex-GB staffer) Paris Shutz to reserve your spot: pschutz@wttw.com or 773-509-5443.
The Trials and Tribulations of a TV Host
Padma Lakshmi, host of everyone's favorite reality television chef competition, apparently has a dangerous job. Also, "out of principle," she won't say "pack your knives and go" to people on the street. So, um, don't ask her to say that when you see her walking around town.
Sonic Booming in Aurora
Those ubiquitous Sonic hamburger commericals may finally have some relevance to the Chicago area when the company opens their first regional outlet in Aurora. All of which mean the two guys in the commercials, Chicago improv giants TJ Jagodowski and Peter Grosz, may finally be able to purchase some of the food they've been shilling.
Top Chef Seen Through Drive-Thru Eyes
If you missed tonight's premiere of the Chicago edition of Top Chef, we have your recap ready in Drive-Thru.
Deep Dish in the Lime Light
Featured on Top Chef tonight: Chicago's "great food tradition!!" And...molecular gastronomy.
Peter Sagal, Blogger
Peter Sagal now has a blog in case you don't get enough when listening to his radio show. It's on his own site. (And Peter, the sound-on-rollovers is just tacky. I'm not sure what your marketing people told you, but they lied.)
Chicagoan Gladiators
The male winner of the "American Gladiators" final battle is from Chicago.
Mr. Bike, Meet Mr. Radio
Chicagoan Dave Glowacz is best known as Mr. Bike, but he's breaking new ground as Mr. Radio. Of particular note are his health care section and interviews with the Reader's Ben Joravsky, in which he asks for "The Rest of the Story" about "The Works."
Date Your Way Onto TV
Male, single and shameless? Bravo wants you for its latest reality show, "The Dating Project." Show up at Chaise Lounge Feb. 16 for your chance to date an unspecified celebrity.
ShOprah
The Oprah Store officially opened over the weekend. No word yet if her bra is available there.
John Smith, I Presume?
If your name is John Smith, This American Life would like you to email them at johnsmith@thislife.org with a few words about yourself. They may include you in an upcoming show about people with your name.
Late Night Sounds
Sound Opinions hosts Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis are scheduled to be on Monday night's "Late Night With Conan O'Brien," no doubt talking about Sunday night's Grammy winners.
Ira Glass Live Via Satellite
As This American Life prepares to release the DVD of its Showtime series this week (and as Ira Glass prepares to show up at Borders on Tuesday night), there comes word that the show is considering putting on a live stage show, which would be beamed across the country to movie theaters. Interested in seeing such a show? Then please consider taking a short survey about the event.
Randy Salerno, RIP
Channel 2 morning anchor (and former reporter and anchor at WGN) Randy Salerno died last night in a snowmobile accident in Wisconsin.
What Can They Do With Hot Dogs?
It's official: The next incarnation of "Top Chef", which was based in Chicago this time, will debut on Bravo on March 12. Three of the contestants have Chicago ties (as it should be).
From "Chicago Tonight" to WLUP Tomorrow
Gapers Block contributor and FoundClothing head findatrix Lauri Apple will appear tomorrow, Jan. 24, on Jonathon Brandmeier's 97.9 FM morning show between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. Apple will discuss her website, which was recently featured on WTTW's nightly news magazine.
What Would You Do to Date Drew?
Proving that he has possibly the biggest pair around, Drew Peterson (along with his lawyer) has proposed holding a "Win A Date With Drew" contest with longtime Chicago radio personality Steve Dahl. Guess Peterson's not waiting until the ... ahem... divorce to missing wife Stacy becomes final to start dating again.
In the General's North Chamber, the Future is Revealed...and it's Boring
If you've seen that odd, Blair Witch Project-ish TV commercial for SeeItNext.com that is running on the local television stations, you may have visited the website and found a lone prompt to leave your email address for a February 4th reveal of the mystery behind the commercial. What's really going on here? The most popular theory suggests that the commercial is a viral advertisement for General Motors' presentation at the upcoming February 7-18 Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place. And If the future is a GM car, I'm sure it won't be a much-needed reprise of the EV1.
Found Television
GB staffer Lauri will be on "Chicago Tonight" er, tonight to discuss her website, Found Clothing. UPDATE: Oops, looks like it's been rescheduled for Monday, Jan. 21.
Been Nice Knowin' Ya, "Whad'Ya Know?"
WBEZ has given quiz show "Whad'Ya Know?" its walking papers. The Madison, Wis.-based show aired on Chicago Public Radio for 22 years.
Ivy League Meets MTV
Local hip-hop artists The Ivy League will be rockin' your television during a commercial break on MTV's new year's extravaganza ... if you have Comcast. Check out other NYE music news in Transmission.
The Year in Review
Our own David Schalliol joined Steve Rhodes from the Beachwood Reporter and Margaret Lyons from Chicagoist on Outside the Loop Radio's 2007 "year in review" episode. Have a listen!
Santa vs. El Diablo!
A venerable holiday tradition returns: the Sound Opinions holiday music mix. Over at the Sound Opinions Website they've posted both the complete mix by contributor Andy Cirzan (aka DJ lo-fi) and this weekend's program where hosts Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis discuss the mix.
Calling All Hot Moms & Daughters
Yikes. WGN is looking for hot mom-daughter combos to publicize the new CW reality nightmare "Crowned." So if you and your totally hot mom want to with $1,000, tell them in 50 words or less why you deserve to win.
You Say Tomato...
So is it Channukah or Hanukkah or...? You'd better figure it out fast because it starts tonight. WBEZ has a brief interview with a local rabbi who tries to bring you up to speed. His description of how to pronounce the word is also worth a listen.
Thanks for the Memories
FuzzyMemories.tv is a treasure trove of vintage Chicago television clips. Until Dec. 25, they're featuring a holiday-themed clip every day -- lots of Christmas parades from the '80s so far!
"Everyone Gets a __________!"
It comes around every year, and even though it might annoy you, you know you're going to watch it: the "Favorite Things" episode of Oprah airs tomorrow, and this year's recipient of the coveted gifts is a group of people from Macon, Georgia, as that city reportedly has the nation's highest percentage of viewers tuned in to her show.
Q101.1?
While Q101 has always been 101.1 FM, the station recently added the ".1" to their logo.
Undead Undead Undead
Berwyn, rubber chickens and B-movies. Chicago's very own Svengoolie (aka Rich Koz) has a blog. I know somewhere down there Jerry G Bishop is smiling.
Tis the (Pre)Season...
Eager to cram The Little Drummer Boy down our throats as early as possible, WLIT-FM has lit the Yule log and started their all-Christmas music format NOW, instead of their previously planned Nov. 9 kickoff. They beat WCKG-FM, which is set to switch to an all-Christmas music format later today, to the (Holiday) punch by a few hours. Among the first songs played on WLIT: Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow … indeed.
GB on TV
Tune in to WTTW's "Chicago Tonight" er, tonight at 7pm to catch representatives from Gapers Block, Chicagoist and the CTA Tattler discuss blogs and current events.
Kickin' It Old School
Fans of Chicago House music should be excited to see this trove of mix sets from WBMX in the '80s.
NPR as Vice
In celebration of Tuesday's release of Peter Sagal's The Book of Vice, Chicago Magazine has a profile of the author and public radio persona that includes an inside look at the production of "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me."
TV Around the Clock
24/7 Chicago is a new TV show telling us about the "secrets of the city." No network yet, but sign up for their mailing list to hear it first.
Live-blogging "Top Chef"
Hey, if you're watching the finale of Bravo's "Top Chef" tonight, tune in to Drive-Thru too, where Shylo will be live-blogging with plenty of snarky commentary.
A Drunk Billionaire in a Starbucks in Siberia
Did you catch Homer and Mr. Burns in Chicago? (Thanks, Dubi!)
Obit: Kenneth Weisner, Victory Auto Wreckers
The Tribune notes the passing of Kenneth Weisner, who owned Victory Auto Wreckers and came up with the much-remembered TV commercial where the car door falls off.
Dybek and Welch on the Radio
Chicago Public Radio's "Hello Beautiful" interviews lawyer, author and MacArthur Grant recipient Stuart Dybek on this weekend's show; last week they talked with Patrick Welch, founder of the "micromentalist" art movement (whom we profiled earlier this year).
Hello Again, Everybody
Sad that Harry Carey wasn't around to watch another Cubs race to the playoffs, but you can still bring a little of him into your home. (Sad also that Stoney's not in the booth for this, but wait 'til next year, maybe.)
A Chicago Kid in Project Runway4!
The fourth season of the Bravo TV show Project Runway, which premieres November 14, will have a Chicagoan among its competitors. Click here for Steven's biography. He works for the Museum of Science and Industry and is fearlessly wearing a lavender knit polo shirt in his bio picture. Make it work!
Bet the Emmys
Chicago-based Inkling Markets, the creator of prediction market software, has started a partnership with Viacom to launch Bet The Emmys-- your chance to trade contracts on who will win each category. The Office is the current pick in Outstanding Comedy Series.
Wanna Be the Next Nitro or Lace?
That's right: "American Gladiators" is returning to TV after an 11-year hiatus. And they're looking for both gladiators and contestants here in Chicago. Show up at the Windy City Fieldhouse Sept. 16 for your chance.
DO'Hare
The upcoming season premiere of The Simpsons centers around Homer, trying to land a job that lets him travel in luxury jets. Along with guest stars Stephen Colbert (Homer's "life coach") and Lionel Richie, one of the cities they'll be visiting is Chicago (or, as Mr. Burns calls it, "The Miami of Canada").
Sunrise Tonight
With a whopping $2.3M budget, WTTW11's most expensive production to date showcases musician David Broza, performing atop an Israeli fortress at dawn. The show (which also features Jackson Browne and Shawn Colvin) airs tonight at 7:55PM in Chicago only (everyone else sees it in December).
This American Wiener's Circle
An interesting look behind the scenes at The Wiener's Circle, courtesy of This American Life. Audio is most definitely NSFW, so throw on those headphones!
A Revolt Against "Quirk"?
This American Life and the "avatar of contemporary quirk," Ira Glass, take center stage in Atlantic Monthly's recent critique of the quirky side of pop culture. [via]
Audition Mania!
This Saturday afternoon, open auditions for two reality shows that actually still hold my attention for more than three minutes will be held in the city. If you and a family member, coworker or friend are looking to lose weight, The Biggest Loser will be holding auditions at the NBC building (although if you can't make it, you can send in a tape by 9/4). If you are attractive and prone to rage, tears, or both, America's Next Top Model will be at the Crowne Plaza looking for their next contestants. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire will also be looking for fresh meat at Medieval Times this Friday.
Word Jazz Online
Movie trailer watchers and late night WBEZ listeners familiar with Ken Nordine may want to check out his website Word Jazz, which includes a blog with unusual poems starting with "Maybe the moment" and a podcast of his late night stylings.
Vocalo Launches
Vocalo.org, the new radio station from Chicago Public Radio, just launched on the web and the dial at 89.5 FM. Vocalo is "a gathering place, on-air, on the web, and in the community. It’s also a new broadcast format that celebrates the cultures and communities of the Chicago region." Here's an inside-baseball look at what WBEZ is looking to do.
Welcome to Oceanville, Illinois
Chicago the Lion invites you to visit the Muppet Wiki page for Illinois. That's right: the Muppet Wiki.
Fitzgerald Quizzed on NPR Show
Last night's free taping of "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me" included a rare public appearance by U.S. Attorney extraordinaire Patrick Fitzgerald. He was pretty circumspect about his involvement in high-profile cases such as the Libby trial, but Fitzgerald did confirm rumors that he accidentally left a lasagna in the oven for several months.
TAL TV Gets 3 Emmy Nominations
Congratulations to Chicago Public Radio and This American Life; the television version of everybody's favorite radio program has received three Emmy nominations! Since they got nominated for Creative Arts Emmys, not Primetime Emmys, their big night will be Saturday, September 8. Mark your calendars...
Looking for Laughs
This weekend, the Music Box is being invaded by that other form of moving pictures: TV. The first-ever Chicago TV Pilot Competition showcases comedy television pilots based on ideas from Chicagoans. It even comes with its own commercial, by FoGB Steve Delahoyde.
Fists of Fury
Human Weapon is a new History Channel series, featuring MMA fighter and Chicago native Jason Chambers. Along with cohost Bill Duff (a former pro football player/wrestler) the two travel the world to train and fight with masters from a myriad of disciplines like Muay Thai, Stick-fighting, and Savate street-fighting. Lots of videos and images on the site. Series premieres this Friday, July 20 at 10PM.
More Chicago Reality, Rock Style
Seems that it's against the laws of television to have a reality TV show without a Chicago entrant, but VH1's Rock of Love is taking it to the max, where lots of natives are vying for the attention of Bret Michaels from 80s hair band, Poison. Meet Tiffany and Kelly of Chicago, Jes of Naperville, and Jessica of Elk Grove. Bonus: Erin, former Miss Hooters of Illinois.
Illinoisans Make Great NPR Hosts
After receiving over 1,000 submissions, the Public Radio Talent Quest, a nationwide search for a new voice in NPR programming, has been whittled down to ten lucky semi-finalists, three of whom are from Illinois! You have until Monday, July 2 to vote for who of this bunch will advance to the next stage of the five-part contest, so visit the website and listen to their promising submissions.
Queue Up or...Pledge.
Technofiles rejoice, here's your chance to both contribute to something good and avoid waiting in line overnight. Chicago Public Radio is giving away a free 4GB iPhone every hour between 6am and 7pm tomorrow, Friday the 29th. Pledge any amount and you're automatically entered into the drawing all day.
Reporting in a City of Neighborhoods
Why does Chicago Public Radio need a satellite bureau a few miles from their home base? It's vital in part because Humboldt Park and Navy Pier can often seem like different planets. Last January reporter Chip Mitchell was set up in a mini office/studio at Division and Campbell, and the stories on his CPR bio page showcase the station's push toward community based reporting.
Goodbye, Beautiful
Fans of Chicago Public Radio's program Hello Beautiful! will no doubt be saddened by the news that host Edward Lifson has left the station. At least it's for a good reason: according to his blog, he was accepted as a Loeb Fellow at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. And you thought he was just a radio host!
Radio On!
Radio Free Chicago alerts us to the fact that Hyde Park radio station WHPK has recently started Webcasting. Tune in to their audio stream for your daily dose of classical music, rock, folk, international, and public affairs programming.
Intersecting Cultures
Theatre, meet Radio: Chicago Public Radio's Sylvia Ewing has joined Steppenwolf as producer of "cultural intersections." The new position will oversee such projects as the CPR-Steppenwolf "Traffic" series of live performances recorded for radio, for which Ewing was one of the producers.
Whitey Strikes Back
On Wednesday, Q101 became the first radio station to play the new White Stripes album. Two hours later, a very displeased Jack White called the station.
Listen to Something New
Chicago Public Radio's new station, Vocalo.org, is semi-live. DJs are streaming periodically on the site, and you can sign up to submit your audio clips.
Pimp Bike Commuting Tomorrow!
The Mayor's Office of Special Events is looking for a few enthusiastic bike commuters to be rah-rah on camera during the NBC morning show. Show up at 6 a.m. tomorrow morning at NBC Plaza at Michigan and the River. Stick around for a couple hours or segments. Dress bikey and bring your bike, of course. RSVP to Anne Davis.
Jaslene Supreme on "Top Model"
A big, diva-esque mea culpa for not reporting on the news that Jaslene Gonzalez from Chicago is "America's Next Top Model." Jaslene beat out a mail-order Russian bride from Texas who repeatedly made out with her husband via telephone. For the ultimate in catty commentary on this Chi-town gal's big win, you've gotta check out Television Without Pity's recaplet.
The Influence of Chicago Dollars
Chicago Public Radio documents a town with more than 50% of its residents in the United States, many of whom are in Chicago. With the help of a Hometown Club (founded by a Chicago immigrant), for every migrant dollar donated, local, state and federal governments donate a dollar each. In this way, dollars from the United States fund town projects and are hoped to curb out-migration.
Ira Glass Not Moving Back Anytime Soon
On the This American Life Website they report the good news that Showtime has picked up the TV version of the radio program for a second season. Production on Season 2 starts at the end of summer, and episodes will show up late next year.
Dollar Store on the Radio
The Third Coast Audio Festival has teamed up with the Dollar Store for this year's Shortdocs series: create a two- to three-minute audio story about one of three items found at a dollar store and send it in by Aug. 30. (I'm working on one for that sweet mug.)
C-O-Y-O-T-E!
Last Thursday, the Max Weinberg's band on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" performed an "improvised" song about the coyote who wandered into the Loop Quizno's. [via]
Congrats, Ira!
Speaking of public radio (which we were, see below), we've got to give a shout out to Ira Glass and the crew at This American Life for their Peabody Award win. The lauded episode, "Habeas Schmabeas" explored life for prisoners at Guantanamo Bay and what it meant for prisoners there to be denied the right of habeas corpus. You can download the episode on TAL's site or snag it off TiVo Podcasts.
A-Hem
Would you like to be snarked at by Nina Garcia and Michael Kors? Cool. Then you should totally try out for Bravo's Project Runway. Auditions will be held at the Westin Hotel next Tuesday.
Vote for the Worst
Who knew that Vote For the Worst, the subversive element in the American Idol universe, has a Chicago connection?
I Can Fly Twice As High
Reading Rainbow is still at it, LeVar Burton is still the host, and they're having a contest...with prizes! WTTW is calling for storybook submissions for the Reading Rainbow Young Writers & Illustrators Contest. Kindergarteners through third graders have all the fun.
For Once, It's Not About The TV Show
This American Life debuts a site redesign.
"This American Life" Viewing Party
The first episode of everyone's fave public radio-based storytelling hour airs tomorrow night on Showtime. But if you don't have SHO, what are you gonna do? Write in and tell us if you know of any public viewing parties, 'kay?
Jimmy Corrigan makes a TV show
Can you feel the excitement? The TV version of This American Life debuts Thursday night on Showtime. Can't wait? Check out some Chris Ware animation (Flash video player link) from the show.
So Green Architecture isn't a Passing Fad
Someone smart at the Tribune asked its arts and architecture critics what prompted them to reevaluate artists in their disciplines. Some second looks include the Trap Door Theatre, William McDonough and Walker Evans.
Apprentice Alert
As if the Trump Tower wasn't bad enough by itself, now Chicagoans may soon have to deal with the possibility of seeing its namesake hanging out around town. The Sun-Times is reporting that The Donald and crew will probably be shooting the next season of The Apprentice here. This latest report has The Wind gearing up for its impending showdown with The Hair.
Andy Sidaris, Pioneer of the Honey Shot, is Dead
If you ever watched a televised sporting event and saw the camera linger over an attractive female attendee in the crowd, you have Chicago native Andy Sidaris to thank. He died at 76 in Los Angeles. Later in life he specialized in making action films with Playboy Playmates under the "Bullets, Bombs, and Babes" label. Take a look at his nsfw website, YouTube profile, and MySpace.
WBEZ2.0
Chicago Public Radio debuted a clean new website design this evening.
Spot Ira
If you're taking the Kennedy north from Downtown, make sure you look to your left near the Diversey exit. You'll see the one and only billboard in America for This American Life: The TV Show. This long-time public radio staple makes its debut for cable on March 22.
New Ol' Lonely
Repeat after me: "I'm the loneliest man in town." Sad, huh? Well, it could be your ticket to Tony-the-Tiger-esque fame as the newest incarnation of the Maytag Man. You may have missed your chance here in Chicago, but it's not too late to hop a plane to New York and give it a shot. You, yes you, could be the next Gordon Jump!
Preview of Act One
This American Life, the TV Show, debuts in a month (March 22, specifically) on Showtime. Check out the trailer here. (Still tickets available for the live performance at the Chicago Theatre March 1, btw.)
Penn & Sagal
Friend of GB Greg writes, "Peter Sagal of Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me was a lively guest on the Penn Jillette radio show yesterday, talking about the foie gras ban, Jack & Jeri Ryan, his own show, and other things of Chicago interest. For those who missed it, it's now up on the podcast."
Red Eye Rage
The Tribune is suing Fox News over the network's use of the name "Red Eye" for its late-night talk show — which is currently called "Gary Gutfield's Show" on Fox News' website, although the URL hasn't changed.
Chicago 2106
Remember the "City of the Future" competition? The entry from local architecture and design firm UrbanLab won! One summary video is posted, and another is to be posted shortly.
Did DDB Rip Off The Whitest Kids?
Remember the Bud Light Super Bowl ad in which the fist bump is replaced by the face slap as "the new thing?" NYC sketch comedy troupe The Whitest Kids U'Know cried foul, claiming a remarkable similarity between the commercial and a sketch of theirs titled, um, "The New Thing" that had been submitted to Bud.TV. Commenters at NYC comedy blog the Apiary figured out that Bud's ad agency, DDB Chicago, also runs Bud.TV; yesterday the Apiary's Chicago sister site the Bastion posted a purported statement from DDB denying any connection. View the videos side by side at Gawker and draw your own conclusion.
ABC Brings World News to Chicago
Further evidence that Todd Stroger's hirings/firings are making national news, ABC will broadcast World News Tonight with Charlie Gibson from Chicago next Monday and Tuesday. Actually, as Rosenthal writes in the Tribune, Evanston native Gibson is in town for other reasons. Oh yeah, and there's that Senator Whatsisname announcing his presidential bid this weekend.
TV Version of Radio, Live On Stage
This American Life embarks on a short cross-country live show tour in a few weeks, and they've included a stop at the Chicago Theatre in their schedule. The show will be their first Chicago show in 4 years, and will include a screening of behind-the-scenes footage from their upcoming TV show. Tickets go on sale tomorrow; full details on the event are in Slowdown.
TAL TV Coming in the Spring
The producers of the upcoming TV version of Chicago Public Radio's "This American Life" were at the Sundance Film Festival this past weekend, showing some clips of the program and talking about the TV adaptation of the radio series. (The Sundance Channel posted an interview with the producers on YouTube which includes some short clips.) A brief note posted at the TAL Website gives us a date for the debut of the series: Thursday, March 22. Mark your calendars!
Disappointed Fans and Blocked Media
The Mount Prospect Costco turned away disappointed fans and at least one camera crew after it stipulated that William "Refrigerator" Perry could only sign Costco-bought items. (Video has additional details.)
Radio Rollover
Who says the days of frenzied media consolidation are on the wane? Clear Channel was recently sold to a consortium that has also been poised to purchase TribCo. While the deals and the numbers have yet to be finalized, it appears that 2006 was a record year for radio ownership shifts in Chicago.
All About the Allstate Ad
If you haven't yet seen the Leo Burnett-created Allstate ad with the car that plunges into the Chicago River from the Marina City parking deck, the companies have posted both the 30-second and 60-second versions and a behind-the-scenes video at YouTube. YouTube blocked at work? The videos and a "how'd they do that?" FAQ get their own mini-site at Allstate.com, too.
Double Your Chair-Throwing Fun!
Feder reports that Jerry Springer "bodyguard" Steve Wilkos, a former Chicago cop, will be getting his own show on NBC later this year. It will be filmed in the NBC Tower studios, like Springer, and will feature Wilkos "offering advice and doling out his version of justice," i.e., headlocks.
"Rome"-an Wine Hits Town
If you come across a bottle of this stuff in the next few days, be a sport and add a photo to the GB flickr pool. [via]
Chicago of the Future
The History Channel recently asked designers to submit concepts of their cities 100 years in the future. Teams from Chicago, New York and Los Angeles are now facing off for the grand prize. Check out and possibly vote for Chicago's entry from UrbanLab today.
Still Champion, But Not a Record
Well, so much for that. Jason Pisarik made it 33 hours and 5 minutes in the ESPN Zone Couch Potato Contest, long enough to solidly beat the competition, but far short of the world record of 69 hours and 48 minutes.
Couch Potatoes Go for the Record
Over at the ESPN Zone, four guys -- including defending champ Jason Pisarik of Lombard -- settled into black leather recliners and got ready for some serious vegging. Their mission is to sit and stare at a television for as long as they can, getting up only for 15 minute breaks every eight hours. If one can last until 8am Thursday, he'll set a new world record.
Home-town Representin' -- and Not
Trib TV critic Maureen Ryan names Shawn Ryan (no relation) "Chicagoan of the year in television" for his role on "The Shield." In the meantime, Keep Going's Geary Yonker would like Jim Belushi to quit playing The Face of Chicago on TV.
Chuck's Tree
Evanston-based Pop Matters has a great story about the making of "A Charlie Brown Christmas."
WBEZ's 2007 Schedule
After much controversy, WBEZ released its 2007 schedule last month. It's important to note that music, the focus of most of the debate, was not eliminated. The Tribune provides an opinionated but informative summary.
Obama Makes with the Funny
If you were watching that killer Bears v. Rams game last night on ESPN's Monday Night Football. Your heart might have jumped a bit when Senator Barack Obama came on to address viewers. It was just a tease of course, which ended with the donning of a Bears cap and a big smile. Catch it [YouTube].
Eating on Someone Else's Dime
Chicagoist did some investigating into the Channel 5's LeeAnn Trotter departure from the station "Good Eats" segments and ethical concerns regarding her restaurant "reviews." [Correction/Update: Trotter's not leaving the station, and Chicagoist has a follow-up story up now.]
NEA to NPR: Don't Dump Music
Just in time for the impending format overhaul at WBEZ, the National Endowment of the Arts has issued a harsh rebuke of National Public Radio. With their growing tendency to sideline music programming, a report by the agency charges, NPR stations are effectively shrugging off their cultural mission.
Oprah's Pizza Club?
Oprah may do for pizza what she's done for so many novels, with a little help from Chicago Magazine food writers Penny Pollack and Jeff Ruby: on yesterday's show, her friend Gayle King began a quest for the best pies in the country, based on Pollack and Ruby's book, Everybody Loves Pizza. (Read our review and interview with the authors here.)
Talk of the City
Starting in January, local listeners will finally get to hear the Talk of the Nation as Chicago Public Radio adds the NPR call-in show to its daily line-up. Evenings will be spent encoring programs possibly missed during the day -- Eight Forty-Eight and Fresh Air, for example -- while late nights will be dedicated to news from around the globe: national radio from Australia, Poland, China and elsewhere, alongside the venerable World Service. See the new schedule here, and consider supporting the fall membership campaign while you're at it.
Travel Outside the Loop
Local radio guys Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann (you may know them as "Broham" and "The Count" from The Nick Digilio Show on WGN) have teamed up to bring us Outside the Loop: Chicago's Almost Above-Ground Audio Magazine, a weekly podcast every Thursday highlighting local newsmakers, artists, musicians, and other folks doing great stuff in Chicago. And it's free -- wee!
You can put it on the ratings board, yes!
Or as Crain's puts it, Holy cow! For the first time in recent memory, the Sox beat the Cubs in overall TV ratings on WGN, WCIU and Comcast Sports Net. The Cubs still sold more tickets than the Sox; of course that was mostly at the beginning of the season...
Free TAL downloads
After some previous conflicts with people setting up their own podcasts of This American Life, the radio program has decided to start making shows freely downloadable for one week after they air. Visit the TAL site to subscribe to the program's official podcast; the free downloads start next Monday.
MTV on Chicago's Block
MTV's "My Block," a show that takes viewers through the neighborhoods where artists came from, not just their nouveau-riche cribs, takes a tour through Chicago today. Here's a video preview of the episode.
Podcast addicts, rejoice!
insideChicago can provide you with another fix. It currently produces two programs: STOP! Police, a weekly news of the weird podcast, and insideChicago, an offbeat arts and entertainment video podcast that is published twice a week.
Worst Music Video Ever, part 2
My hero for the day is the person who posted this video excerpt of one of the strangest shows on CAN TV, "Beauty of Fashion with Malia".
Not Exactly Flying Wallenda
Right now (at 9am) Mario Wallenda is attempting to cross the Chicago River on a high wire near the Merchandise Mart. A member of the famous Flying Wallendas circus troupe, Mario was paralyzed from the waist down in an accident in 1972, so he's crossing in a specially made motorized wheelchair. It's all a stunt for The Loop's Brandemeier show. UPDATE: Felix Jung has lots of photos and commentary from the behind the scenes.
What's Wrong is Nothing New
Its post-Mancow marketing campaign suggested that Q101 was going to fix "what's wrong in Chicago." Never mind endless corruption, a Red Line that barely moves or other social ills; by their estimation, the biggest challenge we face as a city is that morning radio stinks. Like Katie Couric's recent CBS debut, today was to be the day that everything changed. Well, maybe. Color Metblogs unconvinced.
The Underwhelming Answer
Spotted the taxi ads asking What's Wrong With Chicago? Turns out it's Q101 doing the asking, and their answer is there's no good morning radio show. That the radio station would present their replacement for Mancow as the answer to all the city's ills is mildly disheartening, especially when the audio clips provided, ostensibly as previews, are the same tired song parodies and flaming-Lance-Bass jokes found on every morning show in America. The show premieres Monday the 18th.
Chicago: Present at the Creation
NPR's Present at the Creation provides unique insight to some Chicago-related icons. Our fair city pops up in some obvious place like Animal House, A Raisin in the Sun , and Nighthawks, but it's also there for Cracker Jacks!
Goings-On At Pledge Central
It's Pledge Drive time again at Chicago Public Radio, and while no one likes having their Morning Edition interrupted, you've got to admire the good humor and energy of the staff. Ever wonder what that call center (and the donated, oft-referenced breakfast pastry) looks like? Check out the Pledge Blog.
Writing Out Loud
Starting today, our Slowdown partner Eight Forty-Eight will begin airing "Writers' Block Party," a monthly "multimedia variety show." Hosted by author Amy Krouse Rosenthal, the radio- and web-based program will feature words, music, audio, video, art from various contributors. If the show were an animal, we understand it'd be a baby penguin, and who doesn't love a baby penguin? (Speaking of Chicago Public Radio, Wendy Turner is blogging the pledge drive. The station's fiscal year ends this week; help 'em out, yeah?)
More Wolfman, less Lawnmower Man
I admit it: I'm a Svengoolie fan. But I haven't kept up with his show as his movies have strayed away from classic horror/sci-fi and gone more towards, say, Witchouse 2: Blood Coven. That's why I was pleased to see today's announcement, posted in the Video section of WCIU's revamped Website, that Sven will start showing some classic horror films this fall. Get ready to see the classic versions of Dracula, The Mummy, The Wolfman and The Bride of Frankenstein starting in October.
Shh, It's a Secret
What's Chicago Public Radio's secret radio project? Can't tell you, but there's a nice big hint in this week's issue of Time Out.
Public Radio As Chosen by the Public
As it plans to replace music with more news and documentary shows, WBEZ has been the subject of some controversy. Which may be why it's soliciting opinions of a very specific sort: if you could act as Chicago Public Radio programming director, what would you put on the weekday schedule? And when? Throw in your $.02 with the Build Your Own Program Guide.
Toots Got Talent
Last fall, Shylo profiled "the ass that goes POW," otherwise known as local burlesque performer Michelle "Toots" L'Amour. After starting out with a cast of, well, lots, she's now a semi-finalist on NBC's America's Got Talent, vying to win some prize or the other. Check out last night's performance (although maybe not at work?), and vote to send her on to the finals here.
Show WLUW some LUV
Remember when you donated items to independent community radio station WLUW in June? Well, those items are now for sale to raise money for the station. Some particularly interesting finds are an autographed Mekons guitar, a drawing by Archer Prewitt, and a Fugazi/Shellac/The Ex ticket printing plate.
Become the Media
Do you dream about sitting side-by-side with Edward Lifson or "identifying and researching mid-level and major donor prospects"? If so, become a Chicago Public Radio intern! WBEZ extended its fall deadline, but you don't have much time: applications are due on the 28th.
Ponce, Marin, Mancow?
Two weeks after Mancow was unceremoniously dropped by Q101, he's resurfaced in a couple places. He's temporarily taping his syndicated radio show at WLS-AM studios, and in a somewhat bizarre twist, he's going to be appearing on WTTW's "Chicago Tonight," doing occasional commentaries alongside such high minds as John Callahan and Carol Marin.
The Love that Dare not Broadcast its Name
One last Gay Games controversy before they go: hometown girl Jody Watley was here to perform at the event's opening ceremonies last week, and she stopped by R&B station V103. Before her on-air interview, Watley was told she couldn't mention the reason she was in Chicago, only that she was appearing at a Virgin Megastore to do a signing. Talk about the down-low. [via]
Dead Mancow Walking
Did you listen to Mancow yesterday morning on Q101? Me neither. But what we missed was the shock jock's last broadcast on the station. "Best of" shows started running today, and James VanOsdol fills in with "on shuffle" alt rock starting Monday. "I wish my old station luck, but no looking back. I have huge plans and huge ideas," Mancow said -- the first of which is finding a new studio to broadcast from.
Thinking Allowed in Chicago
In 2002, BBC Radio 4's Thinking Allowed visited Chicago to do a five-part series about the city in the spirit of early Chicago School sociologists. With interviews from prominent Chicago academics, musicians, and public thinkers, the programs are surprisingly fresh four years later.
Ooh la la, L'amour
Missed local burlesque legend Michelle "Toots" L'amour's appearence on "America's Got Talent" last week? YouTube's got you covered. Warning: excessive and gratuitous leering by David Hasselhoff.
This Life Now in MP3
It appears that This American Life has switched to a slightly more open format to publish their older episodes, streaming mp3. This allowed some people to link to the site and create an unofficial podcast of the show. WBEZ didn't dig this. While they won points for being polite and nicely asking for the offending bits to be taken down, more than one TAL fan (one, two) was asked to stop linking to the feeds. We're happy with the new format, but still want it on our iPods. Shouldn't subscribers be able to do that without paying $4 an episode?
Radiohead on the Radio
Another place to catch Radiohead is on Sound Opinions on Chicago Public Radio this weekend. They scored an interview with Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood this week, complete with some songs played on the studio piano. Catch it at 7pm Saturday or online later.
WLUW seeks donations
You like independent music. You like independent radio. But maybe you're a little broke and wish you had money to support something like WLUW but you don't. But you do have a great t-shirt signed by The Pogues that you don't want anymore. Or maybe you make bags suitable for carrying your records home from the record store in. If you've got something of value that you're willing to donate to WLUW so they can auction it off on eBay to raise money during the first week of July, send a description of the item as well as the expected value to Nicole Burnham.
Download This
According to the New York Times, Chicago Public Radio's Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me podcast is "among the Top 20 most popular downloads ranked by iTunes."
Sounds of the City
Chicago Public Radio's website now features "Chicago Amplified," a service that provides audio material from a variety of partner organizations, like the Illinois Humanities Council, the Field Museum and the Community Media Council. Stream or download usual suspects like Studs Terkel and Ira Glass, as well as more esoteric fare like authors on Auschwitz or the Underground Railroad. (Also new on the site, GB's Slowdown keeps Eight Forty-Eight listeners busy.)
Revisiting StoryCorps
Last August, StoryCorps visited Chicago, and Dave and I stopped by to chat with a few of the first local participants. Today, a year after the project sent Airstream trailers on the road, founder Dave Isay appeared on NPR's Talk of the Nation, discussing the program and noting its roots in Chicago-based radio documentary "Ghetto Life 101."
Flaunt Your Knife Skills
Think you've got what it takes to be a superstar chef? Prove it on Monday, May 22, when Bravo's "Top Chef" reality TV show brings its casting call to the Rock Bottom Brewery at State and Grand. Show up with your resume and be prepared to whip up something tasty.
99 (or More) Documentaries Wanted
The Third Coast International Audio Festival has announced its 2006 ShortDocs Radio Experiment: "99 Ways to Tell a Radio Story." Short (two and a half minutes is the limit) audio documentaries are due by September 8, and the gimmick is that all submissions must start with the same sentence, incorporate a rhythmic noise, and include an exclamation. The idea for this comes from France. Hmmm. Aspiring radio documentarians can find out more here.
John Malkovich, Bus Driver
NPR's All Things Considered yesterday included an interview with John Malkovich, in which he discussed simultaneously acting in and producing Art School Confidential, being perceived as a movie villain and more. But most interesting was his description of jobs he had before he became a famous actor, including bus driver for a North Shore day school and "head cabbage cutter" at a fast food restaurant in Northbrook Court. (Speaking of Art School Confidential, our own Steve at the Movies, aka Capone, interviewed director Terry Zwigoff for Ain't It Cool News.)
Conan's Chicago Connections
In advance of this week's tapings at the Chicago Theater Tuesday-Friday, there's lots of coverage of Conan O'Brien's local connections. The Sun-Times runs down "Late Night's" Chicago chops for us, while the Trib reminisces about the short-lived comedy review Conan starred in at Victory Gardens back in 1988 (here's their review from back then.) And Maureen Ryan has a lengthy interview.
South African AIDS Diarist in Person
"It's only something that is inside my blood. Outside, I'll be the boss." Thembi Ngubane is a 19-year old South African with AIDS. You may have heard her moving AIDS Diary on NPR's All Things Considered last month. As part of her 5-city US tour, you can see her tonight at HotHouse. Details in Slowdown.
Fox News Shakeup
Wow, Fox News Chicago is going through some changes. Channel 32 didn't renew the contracts of veteran anchor Walter Jacobson or weatherwoman Michelle Leigh. Walter doesn't mind the break (mp3), but Michelle is less happy. And fans have set up a petition to hopefully save her job. (Thanks, Stephe!)
And To You, A Golden Rat
If you missed tonight's special broadcast of the first episode of Chic-A-Go-Go, catch (or TiVo) it tomorrow at 3:30pm. The show is looking back as it looks forward; this is the start of its 10th season, during which it will present a Chic-A-Go-Go Heritage Award each week "to an artist or group that has made our city such a cultural goldmine." Check out the first few winners online, illustrated by Derek Erdman.
Obama: O'Brien, O'Brien: Obama
If you're lucky enough to get tickets to the Chicago taping of the Late Night with Conan O'Brien show on May 12, you'll hopefully be in for a political treat. Barack Obama has just been added to the show's guest list (still subject to change). The week's other guests include local rap star Common, local band Wilco and Chicago movie star John C. Reilly. Join the thousands already vying for tickets at the show's Chicago info. page.
Can You Talk a Beautiful Game?
Public radio program Worldview is recruiting a commentator for its 2006 World Cup coverage. Is it in you? Read the application details at the show's website, and let the footy begin.
Chicago's Most Wanted
A Chicago police officer is a finalist in an "all star first responder" contest on "America's Most Wanted." Alphonsus O'Connor saved a railroad police officer's life after a man pulled a gun and started shooting. Help him win the award (and $10,000 prize) by voting before May 8.
The Life has Landed
New York Magazine on This American Life's arrival in the Big Apple. Gapers Block on its departure from the Windy City.
The People v. Public Radio
In the wake of the Tribune's article over the weekend and other expressions of exasperation, Daniel Ash, a vice president at Chicago Public Radio, reached out to explain his organization's plans for the future. Read him interviewed at Chicagoist. [One listener who's not disappointed: Trib blogger Steve Johnson.]
This American Stream
Just got the weekly email update from This American Life, which includes the very interesting fact that they've gotten rid of the site's RealAudio archive streams in favor of streaming MP3 format. So if you've been having problems with playing RealAudio, check out the new streaming MP3 goodness!
A Little More Talk and a Lot Less Tunage
Chicago Public Radio recently announced plans to move all of its frequencies toward "conversation;" as the Tribune reports, that's got jazz fans singing the blues. Have your say in CPR's listener forum.
Local Webbies
The Webby Awards nominations are out, and there are a couple local contenders: Congratulations to AccuRadio (Radio), Freakonomics (Best Copy/Writing), CareerBuilder (Employmment), NowWhat.com (Insurance, by Tribal DDB Chicago) and 4178° - Chicago Architecture (Student). They're all up against stiff competition, so register and vote for the home team.
Local News, Backdropped by Tourists
A year after construction began, ABC 7 opened its State Street studio yesterday. Metblogs has a photo of the gawkers, along with an observation that made me laugh out loud: "by the way, in case you forgot, the local news is the worst thing of all time" (!). (Disagree? Today's Fuel is the place to say so.)
Studs vs. Stewart
Tonight on the Daily Show: Studs Terkel. And since Studs is nearly deaf, it should be quite a show. Tune in!
You Can't Trump Those Humps
Seems that some folks headed to audition for The Apprentice, season 5 downtown this morning made a big impression, but not on who they wanted. The fact that the auditions took place next to a television studio wasn't enough of a clue to those wrapping a line around the building, and some of them got a little too comfortable. Filmed through the windows of NBC5 studios, early morning news viewers got an eyefull of Apprentice hopefulls doing everything from changing clothes to scratching at their rears...often -- all behind the smiling head of NBC5 News Today's LeeAnn Trotter.
Conan Tickets
Want to get tickets for the "Late Show with Conan O'Brien" tapings here May 9-12? Here's how.
The Kiss Off
Chicago's 103.5 (KISS FM) has named an interim Programs Director, following the departure of PD Rod Phillips. KISS FM is accepting applicants for a permanent PD, so R. Kelly and Kelly Clarkson fans, please apply.
CC the Talking Cat
I hope you This American Life fans were listening to this morning's pledge drive over at Chicago Public Radio, because they were offering a really sweet limited-edition premium: a coffee mug celebrating the first 100 years of TAL (sure, it's early by 90 years, but how many programs ever get to celebrate their 100th anniversary?). A picture of the artwork has been posted over at the Chicago Public Radio pledge blog, where you can see that the host for TAL's 100th year will be WarTron 3000. (If they haven't run out yet, you might be able to pick up the 100-year anniversary mug, along with the 10-year anniversary mug, during This American Life tonight at 7:00 PM.)
Make It Work!
Project Runway is in town at the W Hotel Lakeshore tomorrow for its Season 3 casting call. Tim Gunn, Nick Verreos and Lilah Shechner will be judging who's in and who's out from 8am to 5pm, so fill out the app[PDF], load up your garment bags and sketchbooks and get there early. And don't say we didn't warn you!
So You Think You Can . . .
Fox's other hit competition show, "So You Think You Can Dance," is holding open auditions in a number of US cities for season number two. Producers will be on hand at The Chicago Theater this Friday, March 24 to check out the talent.
In the Year Two-Thousand ...Six
"Late Night with Conan O'Brien" will be coming to Chicago to tape four episodes in May, reports Maureen Ryan. Tune in March 28 to find out how to get tickets.
Another Day, Another Podcast
Two, actually. The Third Coast International Audio Festival offers "Re:sound" and "Featurecast"; both are available here.
CPR@SXSW
In another instance of local folks reppin' the 312 in Austin, we hear that some of our friends at Chicago Public Radio are down that way, and, you guessed it, they're keeping a blog.
Home in Chicago, Home in Durango
Weekend Edition aired an extended story this weekend that followed 19-year-old Lizandra Nevarez from her home in Chicago to her family's home of origin in Durango, Mexico, and chronicled the struggles Nevarez faced as she juggled competing identities of insider and outsider. The story was produced in conjunction with the OchoTEEN project, which is catching up on the lives of a local class of Mexican-American fourth graders as they enter adulthood.
Gitmo Life 101
Chicago Public Radio's stellar program This American Life does a special show this weekend: the entire program will be devoted to interviews with two former Guantanamo Bay detainees about their experiences there. Tune in tomorrow night at 7:00 PM, or Saturday at 1:00 PM, for what's sure to be an hour-long driveway moment.
Make it Work, Chicago
Tonight may have been the end of Project Runway's second season, but the program is already gearing up for round 3. If you're interested in being the next Chloe or Daniel V. (or you just want to meet Tim Gunn), mark your calendars for March 23, when the show hosts an open casting for next year's designers -- details are here.
Live-Blogging the Oscars
Watching the Academy Awards tonight? Follow along on as Edward Champion and a vast and varied cast of characters live-blog the pseudo-event on the Oscar 2006 Blog.
Oscar-Nominated Radio
Tune in to Sound Opinions this Saturday at 7pm, when Greg Kot and Jim DiRogatis talk with Roger Ebert about the best and worst music movies ever made.
Is that legit?
In the aftermath of his recent hee-larious appearance on Comedy Central's The Daily Show, Gov. Blagojevich said in an interview published today that he didn't realize The Daily Show was a comedy program. Note to the Gov: hire a staffer with cable TV. Perhaps tonight's guest from Chicago, Roger Ebert, will fare better. (tip from Metroblogging)
Radio Conspiracy Redux
Our post about WBEZ potentially using WLUW for its northern repeater frequency drew swift response from WBEZ and WLUW's program director, Shawn Campbell (whom we interviewed awhile back), as well as a reader. The short answer? "No way." Much, much more after the jump...
Low-End Of The Dial Conspiracy
This entry on the blog WLUW Watch gives voice to what many of us have been thinking. WBEZ has been discussing swtiching to a split music and talk format, and the missing piece for this is a radio station with a coverage area that extends North. Which is just what WLUW happens to be. And since WLUW is in the red... (Thanks, Craig)
Feist-y Opinions
If you hadn't heard "Mushaboom" before, now that the Postal Service remix has shown up among Waxy.org's links, it'll likely be unavoidable on the interweb for the next few days. Hear more as Feist appears on Sound Opinions this weekend (7pm, Saturday, on Chicago Public Radio).
Governor Smith vs. the Drug Teases
Brian mentioned it on this week's "Party Line," and here it is: the governor on The Daily Show.
What was that about Torino?
The XXth Olympics start tomorrow night (opposite the last four episodes of Arrested Development, harumph). You can set up your TiVos for the next 16 days by consulting the vast broadcast schedule of all the events on the "networks of NBC". Watch video of local Olympic athletes on NBC5's Olympics site.
More Oprah Available SOon
XM Satellite Radio has signed a 3-year deal with Oprah to launch the channel "Oprah & Friends" in September. Oprah's signature channel will feature a weekly show with Oprah and her BFF Gayle King and be broadcast from a new XM studio at Harpo Studios.
All Things Chicago
Two items about Chicago crackdowns on this afternoon's All Things Considered: the crime camera controversy and the silence of the buskers.
Commercial Memories
Apropos of the current Fuel question, here are some classic commercials from local TV: EagleMan, Victory Auto Wreckers and Bud Man (first two via Coudal). Let us know if you find any more.
TAL NYC redux
This week's Chicago Reader includes a story about the move to New York by the This American Life team, and includes a couple paragraphs on the discussion about the show that was on GB last week. One detail in the Reader story that was omitted from the original Robert Feder column: the NY move is apparently may only be a temporary one while the staff works on the upcoming TV version of the show. TAL could be back in Chicago next winter, moving to new studio space in WBEZ's building.
I Love the Quizzes!
Are you a master of pop culture trivia? Do you have two friends who complement your areas of expertise? Then here's your early warning: VH1 is coming to Chicago March 11 and 12 to audition three-person teams for the World Series of Pop Culture. (Thanks, Mitchell!)
Bo Diddley and Ed Sullivan, Elvis and Steve Allen
If you missed the TV-A-Go-Go panel discussion a couple of weeks ago, you can now hear an interview with author Jake Austen on radio station WFMU, talking about his new book that traces the history of rock'n'roll on TV.
Hello Teatro!
Would you look at that: Edward Lifson, host of WBEZ's Hello Beautiful!, has begun a blog.
Tru and Moto on TV
Coming next month (or possibly the month after) to the Food Network: separate appearances by chefs from Tru and Moto on Iron Chef America. The competitors have kept quiet about how they fared, but today's Sun-Times offers a little preview of what to look for. Namely secret ingredients like fennel and beets.
A Million Little Tonguelashings
Oprah Winfrey reunited with "memoirist" James Frey on today's Oprah show. Gawker has a live-blogged recap of the show; tune in to Channel 7 tonight at 11pm for the rebroadcast. (Our pop critic Dee Stiffler has some thoughts, too.)
This American NYC Life
That sucks: Because of the new TV show, This American Life the radio show is moving to New York.
Clark Kent, meet Veronica Mars
In what's sure to be a supremely weird reshuffling of the television landscape, The WB and UPN are merging to become the "CW Television Network." What's this have to do with Chicago? The Tribune Company was a minority owner in the WB, and it'll be a major player in the new net as well. "Tribune Broadcasting is expected to be the primary station group for the new network," says the Hollywood Reporter, with 16 Tribune stations becoming CW affiliates, including WGN, natch. Here's the Tribune's spin.
TV American Life
It's official: This American Life is coming to television. The one-hour show will be on Showtime, hosted by Ira Glass, and following the same format of the radio program (i.e., each week a theme, with stories based on that theme). The radio show continues unchanged.
Ex-Idol to be a Dreamgirl
Chicago's favorite Idol finalist, Jennifer Hudson, will star as Effie in the movie version of fabulous Tony Award-winning '80s musical Dreamgirls. A teaser trailer debuted on the official movie website today, but don't get too geeked out just yet about our hometown girl on the big screen-- the movie won't be released until December 2006.
Chicagoan Idol
"American Idol" focused on Chicago auditions last night. Missed it? See what they thought at TWOP, and TV Fodder. The Red Eye's Phillip Thompson had some things to say, too. UPDATE: Lots of discussion of the show (and whether it's cool to watch it) on Chicagoist.
Like Bridget Jones, but Prettier
When in doubt, send Rebecca Romijn to Chi-town. That, at least, seems to be the WB's philosophy, as it tries to jump-start its ratings with a show that features the former model as a local news reporter who will do anything for a story. In other words, expect "hijinks."
What, Nobody Tried the Mead?
If anyone's looking for me at 8pm on Friday, I'll be on the couch, nachos in hand, checking out what may well prove to be the best Check, Please! of all time. All three guests are children (around 10 years old, from the looks of 'em), and two of the three restaurants they went to were---wait for it---Ed Debevic's and Medieval Times. The mind boggles.
Maxwell Street Tonight
MondayWednesday night at 7pm, Channel 11's "Chicago Tonight" is running a story about Maxwell Street as a destination for photographers over the years. In addition to lots of photos, of course, the segment will include interviews with noted photographers Art Shay, Marc PoKempner and others.
On Thursday, JC Gabel, editor of Stop Smiling, will be on the show to talk about the magazine's 10th anniversary issue, which is devoted to our fair city. (Studs Turkel fans may be interested in these excerpts from an interview in the upcoming issue.)
Chocolate on the Airwaves
Public radio's Marketplace aired a story last night about the EPA ruling against Blommer's Chocolate we told you about last year. Apparently, even the regulators like the smell, but their hands are tied.
Squirrels on TV
Fire up the TiVo: Coudal informs us that Jay Ryan, silkscreen artist extraordinaire, will be on Channel 11's Chicago Tonight this evening at 7pm to discuss his book, 100 Posters, 134 Squirrels.
He Shot the Sheriff
Tonight at 10pm on Channel 11, catch the premier of Sheriff, an independent documentary of a small-town North Carolina sheriff by Chicago filmmaker Daniel Kraus. Here's a profile from the Associated Press.
Dillinger on Discovery Channel
You would think that whether gangster John Dillinger was killed in front of the Biograph was a settled matter, but an upcoming Discovery Channel special is putting it back up for debate. I guess we could keep our eye out for his ghost and ask him.
iLog
WGN, home of Chicagoland's video yule log, has posted on its site an MP4 of the log, suitable for carrying around on your video iPod. (tip from Boing Boing)
Talk of This Life
If you know Chicago Public Radio's This American Life, you know the show recently celebrated its 10 year anniversary. Today, host Ira Glass marked the occasion by returning to his old NPR stomping grounds, Talk of the Nation, for a lengthy conversation about (what else?) telling stories on the radio.
Close your mouth (it's Christmas)
On this week's Sound Opinions, Chicago music critics Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis welcome Andy Cirzan (aka dj lo-fi), who will be bringing in a mix of odd and obscure Christmas tunes for the holidays. Fortunately for you, Andy's mix has already been posted at the Sound Opinions Website, where you can get the complete mix in all its vinyl-scratching glory. Download it and then listen to the accompanying show Saturday night at 7:00 on Chicago Public Radio.
The Artist Formerly Known as Barack
As you know, Senator Obama has been nominated for a Grammy. He and fellow nominee Al Franken sat down for a confab about that and some other stuff on Franken's Air America show yesterday, recorded with a live studio audience at the Steppenwolf. Hear the proceedings -- hilarious and otherwise -- here.
Listen Now, or Be Stuck with an Excerpt
If you’ve been meaning to listen to the Third Coast Festival’s prizewinning audio documentaries online, you've got a month to hear them in their entirety. After January 8, some will only be available as excerpts.
Everybody Loves Nathan
What a difference a year makes. Last fall, Oprah-backed designer Nate Berkus had just lost his partner in South Asia's devastating tsunami. As USA Today learns, these days, with a new book and a line of products for Linens 'N' Things, life's going a bit better.
Bake Sale Gone Luxe
According to the latest WBEZ newsletter, the opportunity to host Charlie Trotter in your own kitchen to prepare a full tasting menu along with 11-13 of your closest friends is still available, in exchange for a generous donation to our local NPR station. The privilege will set you back, oh, $25,000. If anyone can spot me a few bucks, I can guarantee an evening of Chef!-like hilarity as Trotter sorts through my drawer of novelty shot glasses looking for cheesecloth. Call WBEZ's Jeff Dunlap at 312-948-4686 to seal the deal.
Downloadable sound, opinions
This Saturday night is the date for fans of the rock talk show Sound Opinions to tune into Chicago Public Radio, to hear the program's debut in its new gigs. If you can't wait till then, check out the Sound Opinions site, where hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot have recorded a handful of podcasts in preparation for the new show.
The River Revisited
Ten years after the initial airing of Chicago by Boat on WTTW, Architecture Foundation docent Geoffrey Baer revisits the Chicago River on a new boat tour that explores how the waterway helped shape the city's development. The documentary will be encored several times over the next weeks, but set the recorder to catch it on the first broadcast: tomorrow night at 7:30pm. Details here.
Stuff Yourself With Unique Cable TV Programming
Beginning tomorrow, this next week is bursting with engaging literary programming on Chicago Access Network Television (CAN TV). Supplement your growing Laguna Beach and Being Bobby Brown obsession with Poetry Center events like MacArthur "genius grant" winner Aleksandar Hemon and cowboy poet Baxter Black. Other CAN TV don't misses include Illinois Creates: Art Education in Public Schools and Los Ninos del Vallenato. CAN TV's Community Partners Project "provides Chicagoans with access to information they may not otherwise have through commercial television."
Talk to an Artist
Here's a reason to get up early on Sunday: WBEZ's Hello Beautiful!, which starts at 10am, will feature Laurie Anderson, artist and musician. She's in town to perform "The End of the Moon," a new work created for NASA, at the Art Institute, and she'll be answering caller's questions live on the air.
Wal-Mart Watch Radio Ad
Activist group Wal-Mart Watch has released a new radio ad and a delightful holiday parody. You can get the mp3 here. I happened to hear it on WBBM, which has a pretty decent selection of podcasts if you want to download some Chicago radio.
This Chicago program
The Tribune carries a story today on the 10-year anniversary of Chicago Public Radio's "This American Life", outlining the possible future venues for TAL stories (there's the TV show, of course, but TAL host Ira Glass is also working on a movie script). The Trib article also points out the influence TAL has on other radio shows and reporters, and includes this warning to Ira's imitators from NPR host Terry Gross: "The real message isn't to copy his voice or his style of writing; the real lesson is that there's room to create something new."
Tony Danza In Chicago
Today through Wednesday, former Taxi and Who's The Boss star turned talk show host, Tony Danza, will be taping his show from the NBC tower. Guests and segments include Roger Ebert and Richard Roeper, an interview with Chicago actor Gary Sinise, a tour of the city (get ready Pizzeria Uno and Rock & Roll McDonalds) and cooking with various local chefs such as Rick Bayless, Mindy Segal and Chris Rook. Pinch me.
Your Daily dose of Obama news
Tonight on Comedy Central's The Daily Show: Senator Barack Obama! Set the VCR...
Education Matters
Throughout November and starting tomorrow night, Chicago Public Radio will be hosting community meetings to solicit input for next year's Chicago Matters series. Producers are curious what local citizens believe constitutes a quality public education. Renaissance 2010 has recently unveiled some ideas; what are yours? For the meeting schedule and other information on how you can be involved, there are all manner of details on the web.
Rawk!
Sound Opinions, the rock-n-roll talk show hosted by rock critics Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis that's been running on XRT, will be moving next month to Chicago Public Radio, a station known more for its jazz programming than its rock blocks. The Sound Opinions home page lists some reasons why the show is moving: a larger budget for the program, the use of Chicago Public Radio's performance spaces, and the chance to take the show to a national audience with podcasting and syndication.
Americathon
Chicago Public Radio is in the throes of another pledge drive, but there's good news for fans of their acclaimed program This American Life: host Ira Glass will be on the radio tomorrow from noon to 3:00 PM, presenting a three-hour marathon of stories from the long-running radio program, and undoubtedly giving TAL fans a number of tasty pledge premiums to choose from. Tune in tomorrow for the marathon. (And while you're thinking of it, check out the newly-redesigned Chicago Public Radio Website, which was unveiled at the beginning of this current pledge drive a couple days ago.)
I'll Take "Chicago Weather" for a Million
The Sun-Times presents "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Tom Skilling (But Wouldn't Think To Ask)." And, yes, that includes the names of his cats.
New Format, Johnny B. Is Back
When Infinity Radio announced today that they had figured out who was going to replace Howard Stern (Adam Carolla and David Lee Roth, depending upon where you live), local Howard-outlet WCKG decided to switch to a new format called "FreeFM", a talk-radio format that blends entertainment and politics. No word on their site on who the Stern replacement would be, though I'm gunning for Carolla. (Oh, and Johnny B., for those who remember him, is coming back to the Loop.)
Ana, Mi' Amorcita
Every morning, bleary eyed, half asleep, I stumble to the TV and flip on WGN-TV's Morning News. A few sips of coffee and a shower later, there she is; my numero uno new news babe, Ana Belaval. She is new to WGN as of June but they didn't put a bio page up until recently. Ana formerly worked for Univision in Chicago and New York and was nominated for an Emmy. She has a pretty infectious style of reporting and is muy active in the Hispanic women's community. Welcome to Chicago, Ana.
Stay Tuned to the Third Coast Festival
The Third Coast Festival annual conference has kicked off, and, like any good media event, it's being blogged. Transom.org has dispatched a team of four to cover the goings on, and they'll be posting here over the next few days. For conference happenings, visit the website, or check out a couple of related events in Slowdown: One Ring Zero on Friday night and the ever-lovin' Ira G. on Sunday.
The Writers and Readers Ball
Perhaps on the heels of last spring's hot Printers Ball, WLUW 88.7 announces The Writers and Readers Ball: Celebrating Literature on WLUW. Meet the hosts of Wordslingers, The Drinking and Writing Brewery, and Open Books. Poets Steve Schroeder, Alex Shakar and Dan Beachy-Quick will read, the Neo-Futurists will provide comedic entertainment, and Bumpus will play funk. Slowdown has the details you need to get there.
The Great Bra Experiment of 2005
I love checking Oprah's last minute reservations page. Love it. If only because it so breathlessly asks the big questions like "Are you Ricky Martin's biggest fan?" (but with more capital letters, natch). Now, spirits are great, but sometimes a woman has to remember her bosom, and that's where the current casting call comes in. Looking for women interested in joining the, um, "Bra Revolution," the show wants local ladies "who are NOT modest." So, if you're up to the challenge, then go for yours and apply. If, however, you're one of those Sun-Times guys, maybe best to avert your gaze.
Aspiring Radio Journalists, Take Note
If you’ve long imagined yourself on the air, now is a good time to pursue that dream. Chicago Public Radio is taking applications for its 2006 Ear to the Ground training program, as part of an effort to open up the Chicago Matters series to new voices. Five Chicago-area residents will be selected. Also, Chicago Public Radio is hiring.
Boystown on $40 a Day?
Are you a fan of Rachael Ray? Yeah, neither are we really, but we suppose somebody must be or she wouldn't have four shows on the Food Network, a new magazine, and a development deal with Oprah. If you're one of those fans, you should know that Ms. Ray will allegedly be taping $40 a Day in Boystown Friday. We met her advance team last night, who told us that plans include breakfast at Nookie's Tree and late night drinks at the Closet. No, really.
Thanks, Donald
Chicagoans should write Donald Trump a thank you letter this morning. In addition to not building this tulip-shaped hotel on the Chicago River, he also kept U of C Alum Rebecca in the running to be the Apprentice 4. In other apprentice news NBC5 Chicago is holding auditions for a morning news traffic apprentice.
Chicagoans Get Real
CBS' Amazing Race 8 features two families from Chicago: The Bransens and The Godlewskis. The 2nd city is no stranger to reality-tv stars. Other local celebs include Jennifer Hudson (American Idol), Bill Rancic (The Apprentice), Marty Casey (INXS: Rock Star), and Hearty Boys Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh (The Next Food Network Star). Want in on the action? Spike TV will hold auditions for a new reality show: "King of Vegas" on October 23. DIY's new show "From Junky to Funky" is looking for Chicagoans who want their digs madeover. Interested? E-mail j2f@theaflaum.com or call 312-733-3700, ext 210.
The End of an Odyssey
Today at noon, WBEZ's "Odyssey" begins its last show. The show is about the 10 films you must see before you die -- call 888-859-1800 to chime in. Senior Producer Joshua Andrews comments on his blog.
Listen Up!
The Third Coast Audio Festival has just announced the results of its 2005 audio documentary competition. The awards ceremony will be held at the Third Coast Festival’s 2005 conference. Check Slowdown for details. Click here to listen to excerpts from the winning entries.
The Bell Tolls for the Zone
Chicago radio has been without oldies since the demise of Magic 104.3, but no longer. Metroblogging's Tankboy documents 94.7's rather abrupt midday switcheroo.
Tweedy 'Tweens on TV
There's a new Quaker Oats commercial out that features a pre-teen rock band called the Blisters. Which wouldn't be a big deal, except the band is real, and two of its members are the sons of Wilco's Jeff Tweedy. Here's more about the taping. And a little bit more. (And here's a post from Eric Zorn back in May, talking about a name controversy surrounding the Blisters.) (Thanks, Heather)
Feed Your Ears
Yesterday's Chicago Public Radio program Eight Forty-Eight featured interviews with two Gapers Block favorites, back-to-back (scroll down to the end of the day's programming). First, a chat with Adam Langer about his follow-up to (past GB Book Club choice) Crossing California, The Washington Story, made me want to dash out to the bookstore, pronto. Next, current Detour feature Michelle "Toots" L'amour and her partner Franky Vivid discussed more saucy details of the local burlesque scene. Nice to put some voices with some great stories.
Really?
When MTV's The Reality Show came to Chicago for casting, they met two 20-something chicks with this show idea: follow them around Chicago as they dig for gold from rich men. MTV didn't bite their trixie shtick , but Chicago-centric reality fans need not dismay. This week, VH1 premiered My Fair Brady, starring Joliet's very own Adrianne Curry as she explores her "relationship" with Christopher "Peter Brady" Knight. The America's Next Top Model winner and the middle Brady met while filming The Surreal Life 4. Think you have what it takes to be a reality star? Check out what shows are casting in Chicago at AOL's city guide.
Vote Bus!
Schadenfreude's radio show may be gone, but the sketch comedy group hasn't. Their satirical coverage of 53rd Alderman Ed Bus' 2006 reëlection bid will run during the second half of today's 848 show on WBEZ. Tune in to 91.5 FM or listen to it here (RAM).
Second City Radio Is On The Air. Earlier.
Second City Radio, which airs on 105.9 WCKG, has moved into the 5pm to 7pm time slot on Saturdays. The show is hosted by Second City alum Jim Zulevic. Each week, Jim is joined by other Second City alum and together they skewer the week's headlines. Those Second City folks are pretty good at that comedy stuff and the new time slot is much better than the old 10pm to midnight slot, so maybe you should check it out, huh?
Chicagoland on TV
It's been in plenty of movies, including Blues Brothers and Natural Born Killers. For its next act, the Joliet Correctional Center will be the setting for a new series on FOX; Trib columnist Maureen Ryan spent a day on the set of Prison Break and talks about it on her blog. And speaking of locals on TV, foodies should mark their calendars: Angel Food Bakery, 1636 W. Montrose Ave., will appear on Food Network's "Recipe For Success" Next Tuesday, Aug. 30, at 8:30pm.
Maybe Brandmeier, Definitely not Mancow
Phil Rosenthal reports that The Loop is trying to re-hire Jonathan Brandmeier as its morning DJ, nearly 10 years after the station fired him. Unfortunately, Infiniti Broadcasting isn't letting him out of the last year of his contract. Meanwhile, Q101's Mancow has been confirmed not to be Howard Stern's replacement on WCKG next year, to the likely relief of thousands.
Catching up with Ira
Following up on the NYT interview a few weeks back and another big interview in the LA Times over the weekend, CJR Daily chats at length with Ira Glass about the state of public radio, the future of his show, and how the wedding is "off the record."
Help Support Indie Radio
WLUW starts its annual fundraiser today; isn't it time you helped support one of the only independent radio stations in the city? (Related: our profile of the station and program director Shawn Campbell.)
Wait Wait: The True Hollywood Story
The Trib gives us a look backstage at NPR's hit quiz show "Wait, Wait ... Don't Tell Me!" now being recorded in front of a live studio audience at the Bank One Auditorium on Thursday nights. "This is the NPR version of `Saturday Night Live' when they were doing lines of coke," says Mo Rocca of the cast's caffeine consumption.
Talk about the Spire
It's clear GB readers have an opinion or two about the proposed Fordham Spire. Here's another chance to be heard: This Sunday at 10am, WBEZ's Hello Beautiful! show will be taking calls live to discuss Santiago Calatrava's design. The number to call (then, not now) is 312-832-3124.
Transitioning TAL to TV (or not)
We learned in May that, after ten years, This American Life was set to go ahead as a television program. Or, at least, a pilot. Now, according to the Times, that much has happened: there's an episode in the can. Showtime has a few months to decide whether to commission a full season; likewise, Ira Glass has the option of walking away. Stay tuned.
The Long Haul down to Arkansas
Chicago-based radio team Long Haul Productions recently worked with indie buzz boy Sufjan Stevens to produce a segment for NPR's All Things Considered, and they've just posted it on their website. Beyond the Stevens collaboration, though, the husband and wife team makes ten years of archives available, including many stories about Chicago like this recent one on Our Lady of the Underpass. (And, while we're on the topic, we may as well mention that Stevens will be performing songs from Illinois tomorrow on KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic, accessible here.)
INXS of Reality
We know you'll be watching tonight anyway, but now you have another reason to tune in to "Rock Star: INXS" -- Lovehammers singer Marty Casey will be one of the contestants trying to become INXS's new lead singer.
Foreshortened Odyssey, Schadenfreude
In today's Reader, Hot Type reveals that WBEZ's board has canceled Odyssey and Schadenfreude and put Stories On Stage on a year's hiatus. "I feel like we knew this day would come even before we started the project, but for Gretchen [Helfrich, host of Odyssey] it's a bit more shocking," said Justin Kaufmann, producer of Schadenfreude, who has more to say on his blog. The shows will go off the air this fall. If you're interested in trying to sway the board's decision, these email addresses and phone numbers might be of use, or hit the listener comment board.
Beyond Illinois
WBEZ is going to open a bureau in Chesterton, expanding its coverage of Northwest Indiana. And continuing the Sufjan Stevens onslaught, 848 aired an interview with him today.
Fixie (and me) on the radio
A while ago, I was interviewed for a radio piece about fixed gear bikes for Studio 360, a WNYC/Public Radio show that gets aired everywhere across the nation in cities except Chicago. Funny since it was produced here. Fortunately, there's online radio and while thousands across the nation will hear me wax poetic about bikes, we in Chicago can listen online (lower right, Design for the Real World).
SCKG
Newcity alerts us to the fact that the Second City is starting a new radio program this weekend on WCKG. Called "Second City Radio", the program will run Saturday nights at 10pm for the next 6 weeks, with the eventual hope of syndicating the program. The show's host will be Second City alumnus Jim Zulevic, and will feature a number of former Second City actors and celebrity guests, with (of course) many more surprises in store.
I want my HBTV
Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh, owners of Hearty Boys Catering and Boystown's HB cafe, were voted the winners by viewers of The Next Food Network Star last night. (That the show's finale fell on Pride must have been a good omen.) The Boys now get their own Food Network show, to premiere September 18.
Huff on 848
If you're interested, you can listen to me babble on Chicago Public Radio's Eight Forty-Eight news magazine this morning. I'll be part of the panel discussing the month in review, which runs between 9:35am and 10am. Listen online (RAM) or at 91.5 FM.
Better get to know Jack
As we noted yesterday, WJMK ditched its oldies format over the weekend. Opinions on the change appear somewhat polarized, with various folks at the Trib, for example, sounding off to entirely different ends. Turns out that Infinity Broadcasting made a simultaneous move in New York, and today's Billboard Radio Monitor has a story about the immediate aftermath in both cities. (See also: this morning's discussion about media consolidation on Eight Forty-Eight.)
Bye-Bye, Miss American Pie
WJMK, aka Magic 104.3, suddenly switched formats from oldies to the one called "Jack," featuring a huge playlist similar in feel to NineFM, which debuted last year with its "we play anything" edict. Seems like the Nine has a lot of stations on the run -- witness Q101's "shuffle," XRT's recent touting of its deep library, and even The Mix claiming to play "today's hits and whatever we want." Fans of the oldies can still listen to the old 104.3 online... for now.
Can you CAN TV?
Have you always wanted to be a television producer but just never had the chance to learn the skills? Well now is your chance: CAN TV is holding video production orientation sessions over the next few months. All you need is a photo ID and proof that you're working with a nonprofit organization. Once you make it through their orientation class you can then begin taking their classes, which cost between $25 and $200 -- so much more affordable than moving to Hollywood.
Money Matters
Chicago Public Radio's "Money Matters" series is finished for this year, but it's worth perusing the archives for some interesting looks at how Chicagoans interact with money. A couple of highlights (all in .RAM format) include interviews with street hustlers of various types, the goings on at a pawn shop and a sort of local radio version of the Where's George? website.
BER-wyn?!
Good news for Svengoolie fans! (I know you're out there, somewhere...) Not only has Chicago's long-lived late night TV horror movie show host produced a new T-shirt design for fans of the program, but he'll also be appearing at the Golf Mill Shopping Center in Niles at 2 PM this Saturday. (He won't be permitted to sell the new shirts there, but there will be some giveaways, so you might want to warm up your swag-grabbing arm.) And then tune into Channel 26 Saturday night at 11 for Svengoolie's take on the rap/voodoo flick Ragdoll.
Happy birthday, Studs
Today is the 93rd birthday of Chicago author, historian, and all-around living legend Studs Terkel. Studs is still doing regular work, in part for Chicago Public Radio's program Eight Forty-Eight; in 2002, on the occasion of his 90th birthday, they assembled a huge list of interviews that Studs has done for the station, from poet Langston Hughes to actor John Mahoney.
Don't wait
Fans of the locally-produced NPR program Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me probably already know that, starting tonight, the show will be recorded here in Chicago at the Bank One Auditorium. What you might not know is that tickets are still available for tonight's premiere show! Go to the Chicago Public Radio Website for a link to purchase tickets. Many upcoming dates have the show's panelists listed, so you can pick a night when, for example, hometown celeb Richard Roeper will be on the show.
News to go
Even as local radio personalities have their podcasts shut down, local news channels are embracing them. NBC5 claims to be "the first major market TV station in the country" to be getting in the game, and they're offering three flavors: news, as well as health and entertainment segments.
This American TV Life
Showtime Networks has picked up a pilot for a TV version of Chicago Public Radio's popular "This American Life." The show will be hosted by Ira Glass, who says the radio show will continue even if the TV show moves beyond pilot. (Apparently a TV show has been in the works for quite some time, if this 2001 article is any indication or you can read his Salon Diaries from 1999 chronicling his trip out west for just that.)
Steve Dahl's Foray in Podcasting
In other radio news, it appears that WCKG afternoon host Steve Dahl tried to launch a podcasting service only to have it shut down due to intellectual property issues. I, for one, would love to be able to have professional-quality radio in my iPod, and I'll pay for it too. (Note to the Steve Dahl show: Add RSS to your blog. And if you don't know how - inbox at gapersblock dot com)
Return of Air America
Air America, the "progressive talk radio" network that briefly broadcast here before payment disputes took it down, returns to Chicago tomorrow on WCPT, 850 on your AM dial. Eric Zorn wonders if this is a good thing. (Thanks, Robin!)
Steven Levitt on The Daily Show
If you missed it last week, tonight's your chance to see it again. At 10:30pm, University of Chicago professor Steven Levitt sits down on The Daily Show couch to discuss his book Freakonomics with Jon Stewart. Sigh...someday that will be me.
Blue Ribbon Radio
WPBR is on the air! Well, online at least. Wicker Park's pirate radio station (which uses call letters that technically belong to an AM station in Palm Beach) is available to stream at lumpen.com:8000/listen.pls from 4pm until "late at night." Anyone know if they've got an actual radio signal as well? Email inbox[at]gapersblock.com.
TV-Turnoff Week
Today kicks off National TV-Turnoff Week and while I won't be participating because, hey, I loves me some TV, Oak Park resident Jean Lotus probably will. An antitelevisionist and founder of White Dot, Lotus was recently profiled in the April issue of Chicago Magazine (p. 30). She also has an anti-TV guidebook called Get a Life! Hey, man...I do have a life. Gilmore Girls just happens to be a part of it. (Thanks, Heather!)
But will there be background music during the ceremony?
Sorry, ladies, he's taken; Ira Glass, host of the long-running "This American Life" from Chicago Public Radio, is getting married this summer to Chicago writer Anaheed Alani, according to this interview in the Boston Globe. Just in time for TAL's 10-year anniversary! (According to the show's site, the show premiered on WBEZ on November 17, 1995.)
Road Trip Nation, U of C
Three University of Chicago students joined PBS for their new documentary show Road Trip Nation, slated to begin airing this summer. The U of C Maroon reports on miles traveled, interviews conducted and lessons learned on the students' trip. Among the lessons learned: that contrary to the U of C mindset, apparently, you don't have to have it all planned out yet. Wish someone had told me that when I was in undergrad.
Wait Wait In Person
Hey, for $20 bucks a person, you can go view a live taping of National Public Radio's fabulous quiz show Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me. If you can't catch the local taping, maybe you can make it to the tapings in glamorous places like San Diego and Ypsilanti, Michigan.
Cheesy beading technique
For all of you with a Tivo or a day off tomorrow, you might want to tune in to Home and Garden Television's Crafters Coast to Coast at either 11 am or 4 pm CST. GB staffer Cinnamon Cooper (me) will be showing off her cheesy sense of humor (it's more akin to spray cheese than a fine smoked gouda) while she demonstrates how to make this purse. She's also continuing to donate 25% of all her profits to Naz's Brainfund cause even though he's feeling better, the bills just keep on coming. You can also see her purses in person at this weekend's WLUW Record Fair. Note: There are several other Chicago crafters who will be popping up over the next few months. Keep an eye on the schedule to see them keeping it real! Or at least keeping it real cheesy.
Talk Radio Shake-Up
It seems that Q101 isn't the only station that shook things up recently. Kevin Matthews left 105.9 WCKG recently over an argument about money apparently (according to Steve Dahl's new blog). Good riddance - despite his many fans, I was tired of Kev's Clinton jokes in 2005. Pete McMurray (though not on at the same time) is much better.
Chicago Goes to Pilot
Starting Over may have started over in LA, but Chicago has a shot at another reality series. A Showtime pilot about couples therapy is currently in the works. It's produced by the creators of HBO's Taxicab Confessions and sex therapist/Sun-Times columnist Laura Berman. In other pilot-season news, Freddie Prinze Jr. has sunk to the self-titled sitcom; in the pilot for Freddie he plays a Chicago chef. When asked if the show might actually shoot here, producers said, "Of course not! Don't be ridiculous!"
2055 on 848
Tune your radio to WBEZ (91.5 FM) tomorrow morning around 9:50-ish am and catch GB contributor Craig Berman on Eight Forty-Eight discussing his CTA Map for 2055, which appeared in Detour last week.
Re:sound Returns
The Third Coast Audio Festival's weekly radio documentary show, "Re:sound," returns to the air this Sunday after an extended hiatus. Catch the new episode at 5pm Sunday on WBEZ.
Air America: The Return?
Give them 90 days, and Air America Radio may just be back on the airwaves in Chicago. The network's new CEO, Danny Goldberg (of Artemis Records fame), wants to make a return to Chi-town a priority. Hopefully, all parties involved can avoid that nasty billing dispute that happened last time. For now, you can always stream it online.
D is for Dumb
Dude, how dumb can you get? On 103.5's Drex in the Morning show, a man called in to boast about an $81,000 bank robbery. Someone working at that bank was listening to the show and called the cops who were able to get a phone number from the radio station. The caller and another man were charged for the crime which had gone unsolved, with no leads, for five months. Way to go Braggy McBrags-a-lot.
Fifteen Minutes Starting...Now!
So I'm watching my Must See TV and I see a banner scrolling across the top, advertising an open casting call for The Apprentice 4 on Saturday. Really? Fourth season? People not only still watch this show, but they actually want to be on it? Hey, I guess there could be worse ways of getting your fifteen minutes of fame. Slowdown has all the info.
Roger Ebert: a star and a silver circle
Congratulations to Roger Ebert, who's getting (according to Feder's column) a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and an induction into the Silver Circle of the Midwest chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. What's his next move? Well, he likes taking pictures, so why not a submission to Rearview? (Thanks to none other than Rich "Svengoolie" Koz for the tip!)
Tsunami Media Relief
Chicago TV and radio stations are participating in a collective "Chicago Media Tsunami Relief Drive" for the Red Cross today. By 10am they had already raised nearly $200,000. Call 866/278-8354 to donate, or go to their special online donation page. Channel 2 also has a list of other organizations you could donate to.
Soundtrack to Our Lines
If you're heading to the airport over the next few days, you'll probably have wee bit of downtime while you're there. Lucky for you Chicago Public Radio will be serenading your ears. The station has an agreement with O'hare and Midway to be the official piped in tunes for your listening pleasure as a part of the Chicago Airport Music Program. Each featured album celebrates Chicago's great musical heritage and the current playlist features some holiday favorites. And if you hear something you'd like to know better, you can check out their featured artists online.
Sing Along to the Radio
Looking for something to do tonight? Head to the Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave., for WLUW's 4th annual Holiday Sing-Along! Join the Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, Lesser Birds of Paradise, Clyde Federal, Canasta, Tijuana Hercules and the Astronomer featuring Charles Kim will perform "seasonal favorites," and host Elizabeth Conant will lead the crowd in holiday songs between acts. The merriment starts at 9pm. Admission is $10, 21 and over.
Twentyseven FM
NineFM, the "we play anything" station, has expanded onto two additional frequencies: 92.7 in the north and 92.5 in the west in addition to its original south suburban 99.9, which barely reached the North Side. There's a write-up in yesterday's Trib, and the station is getting slammed on the Radio-Info message boards.
A Christmas (Tree Ship) Story
The Weather Channel will feature Chicago in a holiday edition of its Storm Stories premiering this weekend. It's the story of the wreck of the Rouse Simmons, the "Christmas Tree ship" that brought trees across Lake Michigan to Chicago and was lost in a storm in 1912. (Incidentally, Storm Stories is produced in Chicago.) "The Christmas Tree Ship: A Holiday Storm Story" premieres Sunday at 8:00pm (CT).
Third Coast Turkey Day
Those uninterested in the marathon of football on Thanksgiving might want to turn on the radio and listen to the Third Coast Audio Festival's presentation of the 2004's winning programs. The show runs 9-11am on WBEZ -- check here for stations and times outside of Chicago.
Is Wal-Mart Good For America?
We have discussed whether Wal-Mart is right for Chicago many times on Gapers Block. Read columnist Ramsin Canon's Kill the Juggermart and his Part 2 follow-up for an overview. Then, watch Frontline tonight on PBS as the program asks "Is Wal-Mart Good for America?"
WGN Weather Blog
I was excited when I read that WGN's new Weather Blog would give a "behind the scenes" view of the weather. But so far the majority of entries seem to just be lifted from the Trib's weather page -- and not a single picture of Tom Skilling's cat! But hey, it's on MT and has RSS.
The controversial Judge
The Reader and I are thinking alike today. We both wrote about a Cook County election issue that's been getting an underground push lately: judicial retention and circuit court Judge Susan McDunn. Since the Reader's story isn't online, you can check out my summary of the issues to see why you might want to consider voting "no" on Judge McDunn. As we told you a few weeks ago, you can go to VoteForJudges.org for more information on judicial retention candidates and evaluations in Cook County.
Clout-Heavy Schadenfreude
Chicago Public Radio's sketch comedy show, Schadenfreude, will feature some interesting guests for their election special: The Reverend Jesse Jackson and Congresspeople Jesse Jackson, Jr. and Jan Schakowsky. Tune in at 8pm Sunday to see what goofy things Jan and the Jacksons say!
Rest in Peace, John
Arguably the world's most influential radio DJ, John Peel has sadly passed away while on vacation in Peru. Redefining the medium for an incredible four decades, Peel consistently championed new music from up-and-coming Chicago bands — such as Shellac, Tortoise, Braniac, and Labradford — and gave them an outlet on his now seminal Radio 1 program. Pulling from a variety of genres, both new and old, Peel's uncompromising, independent aesthetic served as an inspiration to music fans everywhere. Tributes are being compiled here; you can also submit a request for the BBC to air your favorite Peel Session.
Muslims Take to the Airwaves
Radio Islam is a one-hour Muslim talk show broadcast at 6pm on 1450 AM. The show, which debuted Oct. 1, has been very popular, and plans are afoot to take it national. Listen to a profile of the program on NPR's "All Things Considered," or check out the show's archives online (Windows Media Player required).
Chicago's Sound Experiment
Despite being located in Evanston, Northwestern University's student-run radio station, WNUR 89.3 FM, holds a unique spot in Chicago's musical history. Not only does it compete with many of the big boys in terms of physical range, but it provides an honest alternative to the drab, commercial options that populate much of the FM dial. Weekdays are a perfect showcase of WNUR's genre diversity, featuring everything from Jazz and Blues to Experimental and World Music. After 9:30 PM, a nearly 20 year old portion of programming begins, focusing on electronic, hip hop, and dance-oriented music. Be sure to tune into Clinically Inclined and Subsystence Radio, two of the city's most tenured house and techno broadcasts.
CBS wipes Chicago off the map
Chicago is the setting for a new CBS disaster movie that airs next month. "Category 6: Day of Destruction" depicts the Windy City getting hit with a "perfect storm" caused by a number of smaller storms meeting in Chicago (no doubt at a convention at McCormick Place). And yes, of course it wasn't filmed in Chicago (Winnipeg stands in for us), so don't expect to see your own house or apartment building being blown away. The movie airs on Sunday, November 14 and Wednesday, November 17. (Because a Chicago disaster can't be contained to just ONE evening!)
Batching It at Crobar
So, you want to be on reality TV? Here's your chance: ABC's "The Bachelor" is looking for the next bachelor and 25 bachelorettes tonight at Crobar, 1543 North Kingsbury. If you RSVP to info@exactevents.com right away, you can get on the list for free admission before midnight and an audition to be on the show. Show up between 9pm and 11pm -- good luck!
It Started With A Curse
Did you know that WLS's first ever broadcast started with a curse from actress Ethel Barrymore? Or that Sears once sold WLS brand tubes for your radio? I did thanks to WLS History, a site filled with hardcore trivia and loads of photos lovingly maintained by radio guy Scott Childers. (Note: old-school navigation.)
Late Night with Found Magazine
Crank up the ole Zenith, Found Magazine's Davy Rothbart will be on "the Late Show with David Letterman" again tonight. And speaking of Found, they're going to be at the Hideout this Sunday for two shows presenting their wonderful collection of found items, at 7pm and 9:30pm.
"Check, Please!" Goes Franchise
Crain's Chicago Business reports [log-in available at BugMeNot] that the creators of Channel 11's hit show "Check, Please!" are planning to launch the show in other cities, including San Francisco and New York. "There's no reason why we can't be in a half-dozen markets," said creator David Manilow. There are apparently more than 9,000 people on the waiting list to be on the show.
What Artists Listen To
Ever wonder what music art students listen to? Well, even if you haven't, check out Radio Free SAIC, the School of the Art Institute's student-run Internet radio station. (Of course, you'll have to wait till you get home; the station mostly airs in the evening.)
Oprah shares the wealth
One good reason to go to an Oprah Winfrey show taping: you might get some free stuff. The audience for the premiere show of her 19th season, for example, was surprised when Oprah handed out a new car to everyone. The cars were donated by Pontiac.
Last Chance to Pledge
Tonight at midnight the final bell tolls for the fiscal year at Chicago Public Radio. So you only have a handful of hours left to pledge them some dough, and help them balance the books while providing excellent programming this year. Oh, you can also win a trip to Hawaii to see David Sedaris read from his latest book. If you don't win, at least you'll have that warm fuzzy "helpful" feeling all winter long.
New Shows Set in Chicago
The entertainment world is buzzing today that Chicago could play host to two new police dramas being developed by the executive producer of "Third Watch." Edward Allen Bernero, a former Chicago police officer, wants to tape both shows in the city, and pilots for the dramas may film here in the spring.
Support Your Indie Radio
If you listen to Chicago Public Radio, you've probably heard their requests for donations to help meet their budget for fiscal 2004, which ends August 31. But little WLUW is also desperate for dough -- their pledge drive is on now. This year's premiums include a full line of... bath products?
Radio Free Chicago
Fans of WLUW probably remember Radio Free Chicago, a show about the local music scene that ran on Thursday nights for six years. RFC has returned, albeit in a very different form: as a blog. They've kicked it off with a closer look at WRZA, aka "Nine FM."
Be On TV!
Though the timeless Jenny Jones is no longer on the air, if you want to be in the audience in Chicago, you still have a few options. The Oprah Winfrey Show gives free tickets to tapings. And nothing is a better than the cultural heights reached by the Jerry Springer Show, also filmed in Chicago. If you'd rather be at the front of the stage with Jerry, here's a list of their upcoming topics.
More Oprah
Oprah Winfrey has signed a contract to continue her Chicago-based talk show through the year 2011, which would be the show's 25th year in syndication.
The Wall on PBS
In 1990, shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Roger Waters of Pink Floyd and a host of others staged a live performance of The Wall in Berlin. This Sunday, Channel 11 will be airing the concert - incredibly the first time the performance has been broadcast in the U.S. The Wall - Berlin 90 will also be simulcast on the Loop 97.9 FM. The event begins at 9pm.
Hi Bob!
Furthering the tradition of littering the Boule Mich with pop culture, TV Land is erecting a statue of Bob Newhart outside 430 N. Michigan, the setting of the popular '70s sitcom that bore his name, at the end of this month. Perhaps in a few years we'll get statues of Bozo and Dr. Mark Greene, too. [Thanks, Dee]
25 years of Svengoolie
The Tribune has a write-up today on Rich Koz, who has been dressing up as horror movie show host Svengoolie since 1979. Today Koz is honored with the Silver Circle Award from the Chicago chapter of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, and tomorrow night on Channel 26, a Svengoolie 25th anniversary special will air, with plenty of clips from past years and a classic horror film (The Screaming Skull) to show as the main feature.
"We Play Anything"
WRZA-FM, 99.9 on your radio dial, changed formats yesterday. It's now known as Nine FM, and is playing a mix of rock, pop, hip-hop and soul. We'll have to see if WXRT, who used to play "everything in no particular order." (No word on whether RZA will have anything to do with the station.)
Obit: journalist Vernon Jarrett
About a week after veteran Chicago anchorman Floyd Kalber died, veteran journalist Vernon Jarrett died on Sunday. Jarrett worked in TV, in radio and for three separate Chicago newspapers, but he was most proud of his work with young people, particularly the annual intellectual competition he founded for African-American high school students, ACT-SO.
Hello Beautiful
WBEZ has just introduced an onslought of excellent new programming for their revised Sunday line up. Three new shows will be airing on Sundays, including Hello Beautiful, an hour long arts and culture program hosted by Edward Lifson. The show will compile stories about local architecture, theater, poetry, painting, sculpture, literature, and more. Also a special feature that will be airing Sundays through June 6th, produced in conjunction with the chicago Blues Festival, is The Blues, The Radio Series. The series highlights special connections to Chicago Blues and this year’s lineup of Festival artists. All of that AND jazz with Dick Buckley from 12-3! There's really no reason to turn the radio off.
Did you say "utes"?
Next on the reality TV circuit: Who wants to be a lawyer? For the next few Sundays, from noon to 6 p.m., FOX will be holding auditions for contestants for their new "courtroom showdown" show at the Allerton Crowne Plaza, 701 N. Michigan Ave. Clean off your resume, dress sharp, brush up on your best Ally McBeal tactics, and you should be good to go.
Mancow's least favorite listener
The Wall Street Journal reports on Chicagoan David Smith, who's been listening to Mancow's show since 1999 ... and has sent more than 70 complaints to the FCC, resulting in a number of fines against Mancow and Q-101. Worth checking out the article just to see a Wall-Street-Journal-type stipple portrait of Mancow.
When Anchormen Go Wild
Walter Jacobson, Channel 32's anchor and commentator, was arrested for DUI over the weekend. A cop warned him not to get into his car after he was seen stumbling out of a pizza joint; he did anyway, with predictable results. (Thanks, Claire and Jennifer.)
Funding Fishiness
Crain's reports that the budget outlook for WTTW isn't nearly as bleak as they've been leading donors to believe. Solicitation letters claimed a $1 million shortfall that needs to be plugged by the end of June, but Ch. 11's CFO says there's no shortfall at all.
Found on Late Night
Here's a reason to stay up late: The Late Show with David Letterman tonight features an interview with Davy Rothbart, one of the founders of Found Magazine (which is co-based here and in Ann Arbor, MI). Davy will be showing Dave some of the bizarre and interesting things people have found and sent in to the magazine.
Air America off AGAIN?
As part of the settlement stemming from Air America being kicked off the air in Chicago last week, it appears that the network will cease broadcasting on WNTD-950 AM in Chicago on April 30th. So now the network is looking for a new home in the city. Radio insiders pick WONX-1590 AM as a likely next home for Air America. Time to change your preset radio settings...
The Futon Critic
There are plenty of places to read pithy recaps of your favorite TV shows, but for hard data on how the networks are doing and whether that dumb sitcom will make it through the season, head to The Futon Critic. This Chicago-based site gathers programming news, provides DVD release dates for your favorite shows and offers network-by-network analysis. Everything the serious TV watcher needs.
Air America back!
The Tribune reports that Air America radio has won a temporary rerstraining order, allowing them to be broadcast on WNTD-950 AM in Chicago once again. The network expects to resume broadcasting on Friday.
Air America gone already?
If you've been listening to the newly-formed Air America Radio network here in Chicago, you might have noticed that the network's programming wasn't running on the Chicago affiliate station this morning. The Tribune reports that Air America is already having trouble covering its bills, and owes more than $1 million to the owner of affiliates WNTD-950 AM in Chicago and KBLA-1580 AM in Los Angeles. (Update: Air America tells its side of the story.)
Chicago Might Be Hired
It's down to two contestants on "The Apprentice" -- Kwame from New York and Bill from Chicago. Regardless of who you pulled for early on, it's time to support the home-town boy. Catch the finale next Thursday.
SCTV by Any Other Name
The Tribune reports that a soon-to-debut cable network, Stand-up Comedy Television, is in trouble with Second City over the acronym SCTV. The locally produced network uses the acronym, which Second City holds a trademark on for the Canadian sketch comedy show of the same name.
This week in talk radio
In today's Sun-Times, Robert Feder reports that the Rev. Jesse Jackson is starting a talk show hosting gig on various Clear Channel station's including WGCI (1930 AM) in Chicago. The show, called "Keep Hope Alive," will focus on "issues of cultural, political and religious significance." And in other talk show radio news, the liberal talk radio network Air America Radio, featuring Al Franken, starts broadcasting today at noon. Chicago's WNTD (950 AM) is one of the five radio stations broadcasting the programming; it'll also be broadcast on XM satellite radio.
Art on the Radio
WBEZ is looking for local artists for an upcoming series on 848 and Arts. In particular, they're looking for people in their early 20s who are "pushing the boundaries of music, theater, art, and previously unheard of new forms of culture." Get the full details by clicking on
190 North
This past Sunday's episode of 190 North, the show where Janet Davies and her friends take you to all the 'cool' places around Chicago, featured a tour of the Chicago Pedway. Um, yeah. The episode will re-air on Sunday, February 29 at 11:00 am.
Buy Some Broadcast History
Have you always wanted a framed production still of a "Cagney and Lacey" episode? How 'bout a large wall graphic of Fibber McGee and Molly? Now's your chance, friend! The Museum of Broadcast Communications is having a garage sale to raise money for its new building, scheduled to open in 2005. The sale will be held March 6 at the MBC's previous home, The Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington, from noon to 8 pm.
Pledge Time
It's pledge time again for your favorite independent radio station, WLUW. Donate $35 or more and get the basic member package; give $60+ and get an Archer Prewitt-designed t-shirt (etc. -- you know how it works).
Marin Returning to NBC?
Carol Marin may return to Channel 5, according to Crain's. She's in negotiations with the station to come back as a special correspondent (her old co-anchor Ron Majers joined WLS Ch.7 as a "special correspondent" and ended up anchoring again a couple years later, so for fans, this is pretty good news.
School-time Radio
Chicago has one of the most interesting radio spectrums in the country, ranging from religious broadcasts to Spanish language sports coverage to such narrow musical niches as "smooth jazz." Several schools, at both the university and high school level, also compete with the commercial stations for your attention. For a list, click on...
Liberal Air Waves
Al Franken's much anticipated liberal radio program for Progress Media will air on Chicago's WNTD-AM 950, sources say. It is the company's first confirmed radio distribution deal. No launch date was disclosed. Franken said in an interview that he will have a co-host, whom he declined to identify, and that the show will include a mix of guests, produced comedy and listener calls. Get those dials ready, folks!
What Are You, A Comedian?
Think you're funny, do ya? Here's your opportunity to show America just how funny you are: NBC's "Last Comic Standing" reality show/contest will hold open auditions at 10am on Thursday, January 29, at Zanies Comedy Club, 1548 N. Wells. For more information, call Zanies at 312/337-4027.
The Votes are In
...and tonight is WXRT's Listener Poll special on the best music from 2003. Listen in from 7-9pm at 93.1 FM. Or, you know, don't.
Chic-a-go-go!
You have to go-go to Chic-a-go-go. Why? It's Chicago's very own fantastic cable access dance show and the next taping is January 24th, 2004 from 3pm-6pm. You can dress casual, but why? Clearly this is an event for costumes. Dancers in both costumes and casual wear bust moves your grandma couldn't do to the likes of Tribe Called Quest and cheesy Lawerence Welk polkas and it's all good fun. You have to see it to believe it, check out the schedule. The show tapes at 322 S. Green Street, one block west of Halsted.
Bigger Share of a Smaller Pie
Channel 2, long the last-place finisher in the 10 o'clock news race, was the only station to gain audience in 2003. The Chicago Media Examiner takes a look at the numbers behind that gain and finds some interesting trends. In other news, the Chicago Red Face, a parody of the other Reds pubished by the brains behind CME, is going on hiatus after this week.
Gigglesnort Hotel
Chicagoans who watched Saturday morning cartoons in the mid-Seventies may recall Gigglesnort Hotel, a puppet show featuring dragons, gorillas, a blob and the Lemon Joke Kid. Bill Jackson, the creator of the show, runs DirtyDragon.com, where copies of the episodes are available (on VHS only, unfortunately.) Local blogger Michael of RealLans.com was a puppeteer on the show for two seasons, as well as for many other projects, and has memories and photos on his site.
...and was he looking sharp!
Chicago author and Neo-Futurist theater member David Kodeski was featured on today's broadcast of NPR's "All Things Considered," with a condensed version of his 1999 play "Another Lousy Day." This documentary was produced by the Chicago-based group Long Haul Productions, a spiffy bunch of producers and editors that has made stories for NPR and other broadcast outlets for over 10 years.
Star Wars holiday cheer
What can you get a Wookie for Christmas, when he already owns a comb? Find out the answer to this and other disturbing questions this Sunday night at 6:00, when Delilah's screens the almost completely unbelievable Star Wars Holiday Special (review, screenshots). Probably the only holiday special ever to star Bea Arthur, Art Carney, Jefferson Starship, and Chewbacca.
Sitcom for Former Chicago Waitresses
Two former Chicago comics / waitresses, Dana Goodman and Julia Wolov, are in discussions with the WB to appear in a sitcom pilot set in Chicago, reportedly in the vein of "Laverne & Shirley" crossed with "Absolutely Fabulous". The ladies trained at ImprovOlympic and the Annoyance Theatre before shipping out to LA to work with Adam Sandler's production company, Happy Madison.
Chicago Emmys?
Did you know there were regional Emmy awards? I sure didn't. Anyway, Robert Feder's column has the rundown of the winners, including a breakdown by TV station (not surprisingly, the big network-owned stations won the most), and the somewhat surprising news that Winsconsin stations racked up some wins (apparently it's actually the Chicago/Midwest Emmy awards, which covers territory outside the city and state limits).
Another Lousy Day
Chicago playwright David Kodeski's "Another Lousy Day" gets the public radio treatment with a premiere event Dec. 10 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., 7:30 pm. (Call 312-948-4800 for reservations.) In the much-acclaimed monologue, Kodeski investigates the life a South Side woman whose diaries he found in an Andersonville thrift store. Chicago Public Radio (WBEZ, 91.5) will broadcast the play on Dec. 11, at 6 pm and again on the program Eight Forty-Eight on Dec. 16, at 9:30 am. Ding!
DIY on WLUW
GB staffers Cinnamon and Amy will be on WLUW from 4pm to 6pm today talking about the DIY Trunk Show on the "Full On Friday" show. Listen in at 88.7 FM or online.
Whose democracy?
All next week, WBEZ will be airing a series of NPR programs under the title Whose Democracy Is It? This series of programs will cover a series of topics related to the political process, from the various voting machines used in elections, to various tapes recorded by US Presidents throughout history, to the daunting task of taking on Chicago's "political machine" to fight for one's cause. The programs will air Monday through Friday mornings at 11:00.
Sound Opinions on TV
Sound Opinions, "the world's only rock'n'roll talk show," airs every Tuesday night at 11pm on WXRT (93.1 FM), but did you know it's now also on TV? Catch hosts Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis (rock critics for the Trib and Sun-Times, respectively) on WTTW Channel 11 Sunday nights at 10:30pm.
Steve Scott on NPR
Steve Scott's work isn't just reconfiguring our understanding of technocratic culture and the gray market in water in La Paz - he is quite possibly the cutest hombre ever to grace the halls of the anthropology department at the University of Chicago. And now you can hear him being interviewed on NPR about political turmoil in Bolivia. Good luck Steve - every one in Chicago hopes you are doing well and keeping yourself safe in La Paz.
Two words: Squirrel Cop.
This American Life: Crimebusters and Crossed Wires, the second volume of selected stories from WBEZ's award-winning radio program This American Life, will be in stores November 11th (although public radio stations will be using the CD as a pledge premium in October, so start saving your ducats). Along with the much celebrated "Squirrel Cop" story, the double-CD collection will include the "Greatest Phone Message of All Time" story, which ranks right up there as one of the funniest and most talked about stories that TAL has broadcast. Highly recommended.
Coupling Contoversy
Apparently, NBC's new show "Coupling," an Americanized version of a hit BBC show, is too racy for Salt Lake City and Terre Haute: stations in those religious towns canceled the show before it even aired. The show, which is set in Chicago, premiers tomorrow night; Channel 11 is running the original Coupling on Sundays at 10pm.
Fab Five in Chicago
The cast of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, also known as the "Fab Five", are in Chicago today taping an Oprah show. Keep your eye out for the guys. Incidentally, the food & wine guy, Ted Allen, is from Rogers Park here in Chicago.
Monkee Mania!
There's nothing quite like turning on WLUW 88.7 and finding not just Monkees songs, but entire Monkees episodes being broadcast. It's still going on, so check it out if you enjoy the non-Beatles. Dig!
Svengoolie after dark!
Robert Feder reports that Chicago's very own horror movie TV host, Svengoolie, will be moving his program from Saturday afternoons to Saturday nights, where a horror movie host belongs.
Local, Independent Radio
If you're like me, you get tired of hearing the same forty songs over and over so you probably don't listen to the radio very often. But, there are two radio stations which provide hours of commercial-free, varied programming. WLUW located on the Loyola University campus in Rogers Park, pumps out hours of music that isn't overplayed, commercial rock. WBEZ is located on Navy Pier and is the only Chicago station that provides National Public Radio programming. Both stations fiscal year ends on Sunday. WLUW needs to raise $25,000 and WBEZ needs to raise $346,000. Go give them a hand and a couple bucks.
Radiohead DJ Q101!
While you're listening to your favorite band, have you ever wondered what they listen to? This afternoon from 5 to 6pm, Radiohead will play DJ on Q101 (101.1 FM on your radio dial), spinning whatever they want off their mp3 players.
Nude Hippo
Nude Hippo, "Your Chicago Show," broadcasts its 100th episode Thursday night. Catch the special 2-hour episode of the magazine-style show from 7-9pm on Cable Channel 25.
WTTW Chapter 11?
WTTW, our beloved public TV station, is in dire financial straits as the recent "Network Chicago" rebranding has failed, Jim Kirk reported in yesterday's Tribune Magazine. [Trib login: gapers/gapers]
Queer Eye for the Straight Guy
My inside connection tells me that Ted Allen of Bravo's new makeover show for guys Queer Eye for the Straight Guy happens to live in Rogers Park with his longtime partner.
Chicago's Traffic Diva's
Chicago's Traffic Divas is a group of traffic reporters for area radio and TV stations who have gotten together to create a calendar to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. It's a little late in the year, but you can still make your mechanic happy and give to charity, too.
Capone's Furniture
In this edition of old school Cribs, we present you with a small 7-piece set of art deco furniture that Mae and Al Capone owned back in the day. I can imagine Al telling Mae in that dresser mirror, "Doll, you're my moll."
Gold Coast NIMBYs beat reality TV
The producers of the reality show "Starting Over" have bowed to pressure from Gold Coast residents and moved to another neighborhood on the North Side, according to BackStage.
Top Model
So that trashy UPN show, "America's Next Top Model?" The winner's from around here -- Joliet, to be exact.
TAL Copies TMLMTBGB
This American Life, our public radio powerhouse, is taking a page from the Neo-Futurists' ongoing theatre experiment, "Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind," and attempts to present 30 stories in 60 minutes. Tune in at 7pm Friday or 1pm Saturday (or visit their site next week for RealAudio) to see if they succeed.
They want YOU!
Ever wanted to be part of a "live studio audience?" Many television shows filmed in Chicago are looking for a viewing audience. For details, visit Metromix's site.
Twilight Zone in Chicago
Don't adjust your dial: Bob Feder reports that Chicago will be entering the Twilight Zone once again with the debut at midnight July 5 of the Twilight Zone Radio Dramas on WGN. Oddly enough, the show is produced by Schaumburg-based Falcon Picture Group, but other than a small AM station in Harvard they've had no pick-up in their home market until now.
"Starting Over" Off to Bad Start
The new reality TV show "Starting Over," from the producers of The Real World, will follow six down-on-their-luck women try to straighten out their lives. However, the producers may have to start over themselves: some of the neighbors of the Gold Coast greystone the show will be filmed in have filed suit, claiming violations of zoning laws and renovation beyond what has been licensed. (In related news, Palatine native Mallory Snyder is one of the inmates cast members of Real World Paris, which debuted this week on MTV.)
Winnetka Teen on ABC Family
“The Brendan Leonard Show” is debuting Monday, May 26th on the ABC Family cable network, airing at 5:30pm. Brendan Leonard, a 19-year-old Winnetka resident, is the creator, executive producer and star of the cult show he originally created as a high school sophomore for Chicago cable access Channel 19. It is being described as “the first show to be produced, directed and written entirely by teens.” Read more in the Evanston Review.
Real World vs. Chicago, part deux
If you think you're too cool for Elimidate (see below), the Reader reports that The Real World is holding an open casting call on Tuesday the 27th, at White Star. Only open to those between 18 and 24, because if you're 25 or older, you are dead to MTV. The new city hasn't been announced yet, but they're most likely never coming back here after people were so nice last time. If you want to audition, you masochist you, there's more info at Bunim-Murray Productions.
Bachelor picks a Chicagoan
Andrew Firestone chose Chicagoan Jen over Tampa-based Kristen in the finale of The Bachelor. The Sun-Times' Paige Wiser says, "Of course, the real winner is Andrew, who now has an excuse to spend more time in Chicago."
[Trib. login: gapers/gapers]
Architecture & Sex
Look out your window. Towards the Loop. Is that skyline getting... sexier? WBEZ says yeah, maybe it is. The report is part of 'BEZ's ongoing series, Speaking of Sex.
Poundy on Radio
Chicago blogger Wendy McClure of Poundy.com fame will be on the "Read 'Em and Weep with Bronwyn C." show on WFMU, 91.1 FM in the NYC listening area, next Wednesday, May 14th from 7pm - 8pm, to talk about her ever-popular 1970s Weight Watchers recipe cards. Expect hilarity. Set your dials or catch it online.
Dave Elfving, Alicia Frantz on NPR
Our very own Dave Elfving as well as our friend Alicia Frantz appeared on NPR's Morning Edition. The online version is here. Dave's audio entries are here. There used to be much more but he's taken most of them down and left you with a selection of "The best of". Alicia's sounds are at Audible Frequency. Don't be fooled by the props that I got, I'm still, I'm still Chicago from the block.
TAL paint-by-numbers
If you ask nicely, you might still be able to get a set of This American Life paint-by-numbers kits depicting the classic Squirrel Cop story and 24 Hours At The Golden Apple, for a pledge of $150 or more to WBEZ. Hurry!
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