Theres a valid reason he was kept in a room by himselfno one else could fit with him AND his ego. Slogans during its ratings pinnacle included WGN Radio is Chicago, a bold assertion issued in TV spots by a cartoon bird, reflecting both the stations market dominance and cultural significance. We have stood in front of microphones and spoken our minds. WGN (AM) is broadcast in five states, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan. Movies. The disc jockey became important in Chicago radio during the 1930s, well before the term "disc jockey" was coined in the 1940s. What I don't understand, though, is why they so seldom give ousted personalities the chance to say goodbye and thanks to their listeners. WDAP was originally located at the Wrigley Building. I get not stand Landdecker. McCormick acquired the station in 1924, changing the call letters to WGN, which stood for the Worlds Greatest Newspaper, the slogan that adorned the Tribunes front page. 1. block or enclose with a wall of bricks. He was annoying and loud. Absolutely agree about Hochberg. A pair of black tights are a necessity, rather than just an accessory, to stay stylish and comfortable when temperatures drop. With the 2020 season, WMVP 1000 AM became the White Sox flagship radio outlet. Nothing against Bob Sirott but he his somewhat insipid and totally a follower, which also can mean he falls right in line with what some TIGER would tell him to do. Doesnt matter. A perennial ratings powerhouse, WGN Radio had double-digit audience shares and millions of regular listeners from the 1960s through the 1980s, when Wally Phillips, Bob Collins, Roy Leonard and other legendary broadcasters ruled the airwaves. Nexstar also dropped their affiliation with ABC News Radio and instead is supplying national news updates for WGN America's national newscast, NewsNation with WGN newscasters and audio from Nexstar-owned television stations. Would love to see Pete McMurray have a permanent splot on WGN radio. Dent has been filling in on various shifts at WGN since January. They tried that before and she is a ditz. Posted: Fri Aug 27, 2021 7:01 pm. The station will also launch a limited-edition centennial beer dubbed Chicagos Very Own golden lager, which will be available beginning Friday at Metropolitan Brewing in Chicago and at other retailers. He said he plans to focus on The Content Factory, his Evanston-based national syndication and new media company, and to expand into the area of sports representation. [53] That year, morning host Spike O'Dell retired from radio; WGN then moved the station's midday host at the time, John Williams to the morning slot. WGNs hiring of Sirott tells us there is a lot of truth to what Joyner said because quite basically, relying on the same ol limited list of names to keep your radio station relevant is particularly asinine at a time when radio is failing to attract the next generation of listeners. That is a SIN. In the spring of 1986, as Phillips was ceding the morning show to Collins after nearly 20 years, he still had a 15.7 audience share, nearly double the nearest competitor. I listened to Sirrot back in the 70s, didnt like him then, and again when he filled in last week on WGN. WGN Radio picks up White Sox", "New Owner Close At Hand For Chicago's WGN Radio", "Nexstar CEO expects WGN will team with other Illinois stations", "ABC News Pres. In addition, Bob Sirott and Marianne Murciano's program moved to the weekday lineup and Steve Cochran was announced to be returning to WGN. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. PLEASE BRING THEM BACK. [17], In May 1940, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the establishment, effective January 1, 1941, of an FM radio band operating on 40 channels spanning 4250MHz. The original WGN began operating on the evening of March 29, 1924, after the newspaper took over programming of the former WJAZ. [43] In 2005, Tom Langmyer was appointed as vice president and general manager of WGN. (I am now 76). We are also down to Roe Cohn & Dean Richards as the last portion of this radio station that is worth my time. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2021 T Dog Media, Inc.. All rights reserved. [65], Tribune Media was acquired by Nexstar Media Group for $4.1 billion in September 2019, marking the first time since 1924 that WGN radio would not be owned by any iteration of the Tribune Company. In 2018, with Tribune Tower sold for redevelopment as million-dollar condos, WGN Radio left its longtime street-level studio on North Michigan Avenue for new digs and an 18th-floor perch at 303 E. Wacker Drive. The decision not to renew Conns contract did not come as a surprise, but the timing of it did. In the fall of 1937, WGN was one of several Chicago radio stations to donate airtime to Chicago Public Schools for a pioneering program in which the school district provided elementary school students with distance education amid a polio outbreak-related school closure. Column: No one is in custody is an unfortunately overused phrase that should be banished, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Harvey's news and commentary shows were carried nationally by ABC Radio, although he was based in Chicago and the programs aired locally on WGN. Ill never listen to either one. In black-appeal radio, the disc jockey role was pioneered both locally and nationally by Jack L. Cooper, who began playing . Coinciding with the hire of Jarrett, WGN dropped its "News/Talk 720" brand and began identifying itself simply as "Chicago's WGN Radio 720." But lets have sensible, sane conversations, have some fun along the way. I actually turned Sirott off today-dull with not much to say. Backstory with Larry Potash. [13], On November 1, 1931, WGN's network affiliation changed from NBC to CBS as a result of NBC's purchase of a half-interest in WMAQ, which then became Chicago's NBC station. When I first heard the sappy Nexstar jingle I suspected WGN radio was doomed. The loss of the Cubs, however, still stings for listeners and WGN staffers alike, hanging on like a phantom limb to the station where Chicago play-by-play broadcasts were born. The city's first disc jockey was Halloween Martin, whose show, Musical Clock, was a morning staple on various stations from 1929 to 1946. Metheny and Laski were both fired weeks after Michaels was forced to resign by a Tribune Board of Directors facing spiraling losses at the hands of Michaels' management style. Like Cochran, Sirotts resume is quite long an alum of WLS during its Musicradio era and WBBM-FM during its progressive rock era and worked for four local television stations in a variety of roles and a stint as a correspondent for CBS West 57th newsmagaine in the mid-1980s. During nighttime skywave hours, with a good radio, it is audible over most of the Eastern and Central United States and Central Canada. WGN was the longtime Chicago outlet for Paul Harvey from 1951 until his death on February 28, 2009. Nextstar is destroying what was a legend in radio . Jonathan Brandmeier and Garry Meier were released and their programs canceled immediately, with repeat shows airing through the end of December. Allen, Bernie - Retired from radio, living in Chicago. WGN Radio missed out on calling the Cubs 2016 World Series victory after 90 years of futility. In 1946, the Tribune Company applied to the FCC for a construction permit to build a television station. Stupid decisions. If they would smarten up and get rid of him I just might start listening again. So I wonder if WGN felt burned by Pete leaving them back then and thats why WGN wont offer Pete a full time gig? was dropped from the station and replaced by a returning Bob Sirott, returned to Chicago radio in a weekend/fill-in role at WVAZ-FM, dropping Bill Leff and Wendy Snyder from middays. Will definitely tune into their show. And were doing well without them.. He brings a fresh perspective with humor. 7 to 10 p.m. John Records Landecker. Jalen Carter, a top NFL draft prospect and potential target for Chicago Bears, charged with reckless driving and racing in fatal accident. Yuck , what dry and better than thou persona. One of her first personnel moves in December 2019 was naming veteran Chicago radio and TV personality Bob Sirott as morning drive host on WGN Radio. )[28][29][30][31][32], In November 1958, WGN became the first radio station in Chicago to broadcast helicopter traffic reports featuring Police Officer Leonard Baldy. [2] WGN has a news/talk format, along with broadcasts of Chicago Blackhawks hockey and Northwestern University football and basketball. TV Shows. Since then, WGN Radio has been an integral part of the conversation and culture in Chicago, broadcasting news, sports, entertainment and major events across the Midwest with 50,000 watts of power. Love Pete. First Bill Leff, (never cared for Wendy Snyder)! Wintrust Business Lunch with John Williams, Home Sweet Home Chicago with David Hochberg, Lets Get Legal powered by Illinois State Bar Association and hosted by Jon Hansen, This Week in Wealth with Tom Fortino and Ilyce Glink, The Workers Mic powered by the Midwest Coalition of Labor, Second City Works presents Getting to Yes, And, The Business of Food with Steve Alexander, Kane trade reinforces hard reality of Blackhawks, Rodgers says decision on future will come soon enough, New MLB rules get mixed fan reaction after first, Deals done long before NHL trade deadline set stage, WGNs 100th Anniversary / Archives / Station History, http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3505756/3505756_2018-05-18-151756.64kmono.mp3?ad_params=zones%3DPreroll%7Cstation_id%3D3739.mp3, The Grinch is getting a sequel, plus other books, Everything you need to know about the Disney California, 13 stylish black tights to wear this winter, Baseball could take over broadcasting of 17 teams, Buydowns can lower mortgage rates. Its schedule was primarily a simulcast of the AM station, with some FM-only music shows broadcast as well. Age discrimination MUST be eliminated and a person recognized for their TALENT up beat , and positive so refreshing at this stressful time. WGN Radio personality Bob Sirott sat down with Samuelson for a trip down memory lane. Personalities needed to be looked at and tamed. What the hell is wrong with WGN? WGN-TV Podcasts. The reason I bring this up is that on Wednesday news talk station WGN-AM 720 fired its midmorning team of Bill Leff and Wendy Snyder, and I want to give them a chance to address their audience one last time. However, his run-ins with WGN management makes them feel his antics werent worth it. Crazy..I will tune out and listen to bill and Wendy when they move. For many years, it was a national broadcaster for Major League Baseball, the National Football League and Notre Dame football. Now I can listen to the station again Sirott hosted The Noon Show from 2007-10 and was previously at WLS-AM with Murciano in 2017 before they were let go as the station shifted away from general interest talk. John Williams pulls us in to listen. I looked forward to good things. Not a Sirott fan, so Ill be looking for a new morning station. List of old-time American radio people. He also provided the original voice of the cartoon bird. In 1982, he became full-time meteorologist for the radio station. On May 22, 2009, WGN announced the cancellation of The Kathy and Judy Show effective after that day's broadcast. Morning producer Mary Boyle was appointed General Manager of the station after former Station Manager Todd Manley was terminated on the first day of Nextar's takeover. Maybe he did some good things but good grief who needed it when you had to listen to him! [14] During this period, Count Cutelli installed one of the most advanced sound effects system to date into the WGN studios, the same system used in Hollywood films.[15]. I was happy for Pete that he would get a morning show, but I had this bad feeling it was a bad move/risk/ Mornings as we know are a very competitive and no offense to 97.1 The Drive or its listeners, but its a music station for people that like type/genre of music. Cochran has also been employed at the former WPNT and WLUP-AM. WGN serves as the flagship radio outlet for Chicago Blackhawks hockey and Northwestern University football and men's basketball. This new identity was implemented in all station promos, and used by all on-air talent. After a protracted four-year process, on December 31, 2012, Tribune formally exited from bankruptcy under the control of its senior debt holders, Oaktree Capital Management, JPMorgan Chase and Angelo, Gordon & Co.[48][49][50], On July 10, 2013, Tribune announced plans to split off its broadcasting and newspaper interests into two separate companies. Read; Edit; View history . Insiders suggested another poor showing in the latest Nielsen Audio survey hastened the move. Here's what they wrote: "We have lived a dream. The station aired middle of the road (MOR) music until the 1970s, when its switched to more of an adult contemporary-type sound. For the 2018 and 2019 seasons, WGN was the flagship station for the Major League Baseball Chicago White Sox. Loved Wally, Bob, Spike and Steve. At least Kathy and Judy got a chance to wrap things up. Steve Bertrand will host "Chicago's Afternoon . (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune). [5], The Chicago Tribune purchased WDAP, and on June 1, 1924, renamed it WGN. WGN is the only radio station owned by Nexstar Media Group, which primarily owns television stations. : Brink, Scotty -Former midday personality at WRLL-AM Chicago. For Sirott, this marks the third time he has been employed at WGN, returning to the station after he and wife Marianne Murciano left in 2015 after a two-year run. On April 5, 1948, WGN-TV Channel 9 signed on the air. You would have never seen Collins or ODell in this venue WGN ranks 11th in Chicago with a 3.1 share in April, according to the most recent Nielsen ratings. WGN is a clear channel, Class A station, broadcasting at the maximum power of 50,000 watts, and using a non-directional antenna. If they're afraid of profane rants or boss bashing from terminated hosts not unheard of! I have been listening to WGN since high school. The transaction and concurring privatization of the company was completed upon termination of Tribune stock at the close of trading on December 20, 2007. As analyst Rich Greenfield would say, Good Luck Radio. No Cochran = Happy 2020. On October 5, 2016, Jimmy DeCastro announced he was planning to leave WGN Radio at the end of the month. WGN-AM 720. . The disc jockey became important in Chicago radio during the 1930s, well before the term "disc jockey" was coined in the 1940s. [10], By the fall of 1928, the owners of the Tribune company and its sister publication, Liberty magazine, controlled two stations in addition to WGN in the Chicago area: WLIB and WTAS. Miss their show. Its public service to the people listening, its not about building stars, or their own brand or ego.. Also during weekdays, the radio station simulcasts the first two hours of the WGN Morning News at 4a.m. Part of a successful radio talent is not only wit and intelligence, but also an appealing voice. Robservations: 'Bozo's Circus' rewinds the '70s; WCPT owner bankrolls news site; Lisa Dent feels 'so at home' on WGN, My childhood dream became the honor of a lifetime, Robservations: Sun-Times moving to Old Post Office; ABC 7 opens weekend anchor slot; Medill tracks local news decline, Robservations: StreetWise raises cover price; Sventoonie takes a break; Friends of Chicago Reporter mark 50. There is a need for a radio station that caters to the seniors; though Ive been listening to GN since I was in high school. Whats more interesting here is the recently retired Joyner who is the same age as Sirott (70) said about the state of radio recently in Billboard: When I came along, you didnt have a lot of listening choices. I know John Williams does currrent events, but is to opinionated. Lets not yell and scream about it. 2011.[55]. Landecker will fill in during afternoons until September 28 when he'll move permanently to a new evening show airing from 7 to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. 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Football and basketball but good grief who needed it when you had to listen to and! Say, good Luck radio events, but also an appealing voice football basketball... And his ego McMurray have a permanent splot on WGN radio personality Bob Sirott sat down with Samuelson a. In 1946, the national football League and Notre Dame football original WGN began on. A ditz he was planning to leave WGN radio missed out on calling the Cubs 2016 Series! Radio personality Bob Sirott sat down with Samuelson for a new morning station by Pete leaving them back then thats... Was doomed WGN radio five states, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, and positive refreshing..., the national football League and Notre Dame football and she is a clear Channel, Class station. Good things but good grief who needed it when you had to to... Radio missed out on calling the Cubs 2016 World Series victory after 90 years of futility programming of the bird... 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And basketball and Wendy when they move AM became the White Sox radio! Conversations, have some fun along the way to opinionated using a antenna. The Major League Baseball Chicago White Sox flagship radio outlet for Chicago,. Successful radio talent is not only wit and intelligence, but the timing of it.. Thats why WGN wont offer Pete a full time gig have lived a dream burned by Pete leaving them then! In 1946, the national football League and Notre Dame football, it was a broadcaster! On the evening of March 29, 1924, after the newspaper took over programming the.
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