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. Article; Talk; English. SHARE. Ive listened to GN for over nearly 6 decades and the decline is painful to hear. Bill and Wendy talk about the history of the WGN Radio with Roe Conn, Patti Vasquez, Steve Bertrand, Justin Kaufmann, and Roger Triemstra. First Lt. Elmer McKesson, Capt. Listeners would feel respected. Movies. WGN (720 AM) is a commercial radio station in Chicago, Illinois, featuring a talk radio format. WGN also features broadcasts of Chicago Blackhawks hockey and Northwestern University football and basketball. Cochran was re-hired in 2013 for morning drive after spending a few years at Salems WIND-AM. Read; Edit; View history; More. 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. Theres a valid reason he was kept in a room by himselfno one else could fit with him AND his ego. Steve Bertrand has always been committed to reporting the news in a fair and thoughtful way. Daytime Chicago. Text is available under the Creative Commons . Your email address will not be published. [2] WGN has a news/talk format, along with broadcasts of Chicago Blackhawks hockey and Northwestern University football and basketball. Someone doesnt know their audience. it is broadcast in its local area of the Chicago metro, and in Northern Illinois and parts of Central Illinois, and is also broadcast in Southeast and Northeast Wisconsin, parts of Eastern Iowa, and Northwest Indiana. Cochran constant bashing of Trump tiresome. In 2012, John Williams announced his departure from the station upon the December 31 expiration of his contract (leaving on December 21, 2012), in order to concentrate exclusively on his program on WCCO in Minneapolis instead of splitting time between stations. WGN-TV and WGN Radio would remain with the original entity, which was renamed Tribune Media and was restructured to focus on the company's broadcasting, digital and real estate properties; the newspaper division which, in addition to the Chicago Tribune, included publications such as the Los Angeles Times, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and the Baltimore Sun was spun off into the standalone entity Tribune Publishing (known as Tronc from June 2016 until the company reverted to its former name in October 2018). Phillips, whose people helping people mantra personified the station, rose to the top of the ratings after camping out at the station during the blizzard of 67, and hitting the airwaves the next morning while all of Chicago including his competition was snowed in, Fabian said. WGN was the longtime Chicago outlet for Paul Harvey from 1951 until his death on February 28, 2009. : Biondi, Dick - Evening personality at WZZN-FM Chicago. Age discrimination MUST be eliminated and a person recognized for their TALENT up beat , and positive so refreshing at this stressful time. He joined WGN-AM and WGN-TV Channel 9 in 1965. For many years, it was a national broadcaster for Major League Baseball, the National Football League and Notre Dame football. [2] The corporation was headed by Thorne Donnelley and Elliott Jenkins. WGN joined with WOR New York City, WXYZ Detroit and WLW Cincinnati to form the network, a rival to NBC and CBS. (I am now 76). And were doing well without them.. Sirotts show ranked 3rd among Chicago stations in morning drive during the first quarter, according to Nielsen. : Brink, Scotty -Former midday personality at WRLL-AM Chicago. He shifted to television news in 1980, with stints at nearly every station in Chicago over the course of three decades. (By the way, STILL waiting for the promised Lou Malnattis $25 coupon-I won from WGN years ago)-Obviously, WGN doesnt care at all that their words & deeds are aligned. This afternoon news-oriented program led by Steve is a welcome addition to our WGN Radio weekday lineup.. 1/9/2023 Updated review. PLEASE BRING THEM BACK. However the ship's skipper (and namesake) agreed to relinquish it in order to free it for adoption by the newspaper. Ill start listening to WGN again.bring back Brandmeier!! Crazy..I will tune out and listen to bill and Wendy when they move. Under Nexstar, several changes were made to the station's lineup, management, and branding. He was notified after he got off the air Friday that it was his last show. Totally agree with you about missing Nick. From 1924 to 2014, WGN was owned by Tribune Media, which also owned the Chicago Tribune, whose "World's Greatest Newspaper" slogan served as the basis for the WGN call sign. WGN Radio missed out on calling the Cubs 2016 World Series victory after 90 years of futility. Doesnt matter. Monday through Friday, it carries Rich Valds, America at Night from Westwood One during late night hours. 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. Insane! Here's WGN's weekday lineup, starting January 3: 4 to 6 a.m. WGN-TV simulcast The final show was largely a retrospective of the program's 20 years on WGN radio; this occurred shortly after the replacement of much of the station's weekend lineup. Jenkins and Donnelly are at their transmitter in the Wrigley Building in 1922. Those plaques have since been distributed to families of the honorees, winding up in closets and gardens across the city. With the format switch to talk, WLS had joined several other stations in Chicago doing the same format, including WGN-AM (720), WLUP-AM (1000), WVON-AM (1450) and WJJD-AM (1160), home of former WLS program director Clark Weber. WWII Veteran - Radio and Television Personality (CHICAGO) Howard Miller, 81, a Chicago radio personality from the 1940s through the 1970s, was extraordinarily popular as a pre-rock 'n' roll disc jockey and later as a controversial conservative radio commentator and TV talk-show host. The Chicago Tribune reported that the simulcast would continue through January 2015, after which Chicago-based Weigel Broadcasting was expected to assume operation of 87.7 FM; Weigel eventually began programming what is now WRME-LD on February 23, 2015. WGN Radio is commemorating its anniversary with a TV documentary airing at 7 p.m. Thursday on sister station WGN-Ch. But lets have sensible, sane conversations, have some fun along the way. Reveal contacts of top WGN Radio AM 720 managers and employees. No personality is larger than what the brand is. On August 13, 2010, the station's branding changed again to "News 720 WGN." I always listened to the business lunch with Steve Bertran. For many Chicagoans, the history of WGN Radio runs much deeper than a commemorative 12-ounce can of beer. Heres everything you need to know about The Grinch sequel, plus the best books your kid can check out now. Like you said the ratings were great. moving Lin Brehmers morning show to middays. WGWG-LP began an interim simulcast of WGN radio at 10 p.m. on December 31, 2014. Part of a successful radio talent is not only wit and intelligence, but also an appealing voice. This 50 watt transmitter was built up from component parts by station engineers and was moved over to the Drake Hotel at the latter part of 1922. In black-appeal radio, the disc jockey role was pioneered both locally and nationally by Jack L. Cooper, who began playing . But Sirott being hired again reminds me of something I wrote some time ago saying Chicago radio has become a nursing home for broken-down talent who refuse to leave the stage. Sadly, this is truer now Chicago radio simply sticks with the same tired wheel of safe personalities, even as we head into the next decade. Theres a number of stations out there that are celebrating 100-year anniversaries around this time, but in terms of stations that have remained the same kind of programming style for a century, that is kind of rare, said Dave Marzullo, 52, head of digital operations for WGN Radio and the stations unofficial historian. During the music days, it was . Post subject: Re: Former WGN Radio host still unemployed. Just because someone new comes in doesnt mean they have to change things. I have been listening to WGN since high school. . 32 news at 9 p.m. A Chicago native, Sirott launched his media career in the 1970s as a rock jock at WBBM-FM 96.3 and WLS-AM 890. The pioneering WDAP shifted its studios to two handball courts atop the Drake Hotel in July 1922 after a sudden violent storm destroyed its inaugural antenna, with pieces picked up in all directions for weeks, Jenkins wrote in a 1923 edition of Radio Broadcast. 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. Its kind of in short supply, especially these days.. But Triemstra wasn't just a weatherman. It was time for Steve to go.Good luck to Bob. The split was completed on August 4, 2014, ending the Tribune's joint ownership with WGN-TV and WGN Radio after 66 and 94 years, respectively. It included live music, political debates, comedy routines, and some of radio's first sporting event broadcasts, including the 1924 Indianapolis 500, and a live broadcast of the 1925 Scopes Trial from Dayton, Tennessee. I will give Sirott a chance but Not with His wife. On May 15, 1933, after the FRC requested that stations using only one of their assigned call letters drop those that were no longer in regular use, WLIB was eliminated and the station reverted to just WGN. Going back to another station NO more wgn. It had to be somebody who was in the moment and who got the fact of what we were doing, Fabian said. [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. He got what he deserved! Weigel Broadcasting subsequently leased the low-power TV signal at 87.7 FM and turned it into a top-10 Chicago radio station with its MeTV FM oldies format. I dont remember a lot about Bob Sirott or his wife. Posted: Aug 6, 2014 / 06:53 AM CDT. Ill miss you. [23], On June 27, 1945, the FCC announced the reassignment of the FM band to 80 channels from 88106MHz, which was soon expanded to 100 channels from 88108MHz. Cant stand that snotty, conceited Sirott. Out effective immediately is afternoon personality Roe Conn, whose contract runs through the end of the year. If its not broke dont fix it. Over-the-air radio industry revenue peaked at about $18 billion in 2006, but it fell precipitously during the Great Recession and has never really recovered. And unfortunately it didnt work out. Sadly, this new management doesnt like duos so Bill and Wendy will not be back, nor any other pairings. [24][25] For most of its broadcasts on the new band, WGNB was located at 98.7MHz. weekdays at 3 p.m. in Meier's former WGN AM afternoon show . Bring Wendy & Bill back too!!! CHICAGO (NewsNation Now) One of the most famous voices in radio will end a remarkable 60-year career later this month. Recently Robin Robinson ended a great run at Fox 32 . . This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. 51. I listen to WGN Radio less and less. WGN Radio's Orion Samuelson has graced airwaves throughout the heartland in places across the Midwest and beyond. The new WGN Radio owners, Nexstar, are a Dallas-based TV station group that purchased Tribune Media, the former broadcast parent of Tribune Publishing, for $4.1 billion in 2019. . Anna Davlantes impeccable resume includes decades of award-winning investigative reporting," Sandberg Boyle said. I actually turned Sirott off today-dull with not much to say. Elliott Jenkins, left, and Thorne Donnelly, right, are the original owners of WDAP, the predecessor to WGN radio. Menu. That is a SIN. With Brandmeier's addition to WGN radio's weekday lineup, the morning drive timeslot shifted to 5:30-9 a.m., followed by Mike McConnell from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., John Williams from 12-3 p.m., and Garry Meier from 3-7 p.m. News anchor Steve Bertrand moved to mornings with Brandmeier and Jim Gudas shifted to the midday/afternoon slot. You get the news, but its all about the plus and the plus is personality, the plus is fun, the plus is lets talk about this issue a little bit, Sirott said. He and his team were terrific morning entertainers. WGN Marketplace. Cochrans demise started 3 years ago with Trumps election and his own self centered beliefs, really believed his own BS. Think about it Wgn only Sirotts wife kept it alive when he was on. Elliott Jenkins, left, and Thorne Donnelly, right, are the original owners of WDAP, the predecessor to WGN radio. I sure dont want to listen to theMrs if the Mister is dry as clay. Therefore WGN, Inc. turned in WGNB's license for cancellation, and the station was deleted on May 28, 1953. I wish them well and perhaps they are better off not working for WGN EVER AGAIN!! He is to mellow for morning radio and boring..I would rather hear Pete McMurray.he is awesome I can remember being 10 years old and thinking how boring. I thought of my Dad often as I tuned in every morning. In addition, Bob Sirott and Marianne Murciano's program moved to the weekday lineup and Steve Cochran was announced to be returning to WGN. I agree. So long WGN youve lost another listener! The transaction and concurring privatization of the company was completed upon termination of Tribune stock at the close of trading on December 20, 2007. Column: No one is in custody is an unfortunately overused phrase that should be banished, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. The Rockford native was inducted in the Country Radio Hall of Fame in 2016. Proper response would be to ask an endless series of follow ups until the person regrets having spoken to you in the first place. No Cochran = Happy 2020. (Chicago Tribune historical photo). WGN 720-AM, the Nexstar Media Group news/talk station, chose the Friday night of a three-day holiday weekend to drop the bombshell that it's overhauling its weekday afternoon and evening lineup. In 1982, he became full-time meteorologist for the radio station. If you've ever wondered what your favorite radio personalities look like, scroll down or check out the slideshow. WGN serves as the flagship radio outlet for Chicago Blackhawks hockey and Northwestern University football and men's basketball. said about the state of radio recently in Billboard: WXRT moves: Brehmer shifts to middays; news anchor Dixon out, Bears bomb on field again, draws mixed ratings results for Sunday Night Football. Steve made me think and laugh, while stuck in traffic on the Kennedy each morning. End of an era sadly. Dark day for WGN. So is this a smart move? Updated: Aug 6, 2014 / 09:07 AM CDT. Too many replacements with less than par talent. Glad Steve C is gone. While Brandmeier was reportedly not under contract with Tribune Media at the time of his release, Meier's contract with Tribune continued through September 2015. Stupid decisions. WGN radio personality Wally Phillips hosts Mayor Harold Washington on Phillips' telephone call-in show fielding a wide range of questions from listeners in November 1983. He would have been fabulous.. Are they worth, DCs cherry blossoms coming early due to confusing, Chasing Horse pleads not guilty in Nevada sex abuse, How the Daisy Jones cast went from beginners to, KFC bringing back buzzworthy item after 9 years, States consider safe injection sites to prevent, Students pepper-sprayed at anti-racism protest, More from WGN Radio 720 - Chicago's Very Own, Enough pollution in minority area eyed for NJ power, Trump planning first Iowa trip since announcing 2024, States move to crack down on nurses with bogus diplomas, Intel agencies: No sign adversaries behind Havana, Man steals bus at JFK airport, drives through NYC, Political analyst Paul Lisnek recaps mayoral election, State Farm files for another auto insurance rate, Execution-style murder in St, Louis caught on video, Chicago Lighthouse: Raising the stakes for vision. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. Franklyn MacCormack (birth name was Franklin H. McCormick) was born March 8, 1906, in Waterloo, Iowa and became an outstanding American radio personality from the 1930s into the 1970s . I agree with you completely AND your mother! And then replace him with the also-was used to be Sirrot? Its schedule was primarily a simulcast of the AM station, with some FM-only music shows broadcast as well. Many people do not get along well with the boss, especially initially lots of changes with new owners and thus new Management. He hosts The Adam Carolla Show, a talk show distributed as a podcast .more. At their best, these connections come to feel personal, almost like a friendship. This is and has been a good /great organization other than the takeover by Sam Zell (What a horror). I stopped listening months ago WGN radio personality Wally Phillips hosts Mayor Harold Washington on Phillips' telephone call-in show fielding a wide range of questions from listeners in November 1983. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. John Williams (including the Wintrust Business Lunch at noon) In October 2008, WGN-TV began to provide forecasts for WGN radio (prepared by Tom Skilling and other members of the sister television station's weather staff), after it ended a ten-year forecast partnership with The Weather Channel. Orion Samuelson had been the station's farm reporter since 1960, he retired in 2020. Again to `` news 720 WGN. the air Friday that it was a national broadcaster for Major League,! Robinson ended a great run at Fox 32 Adam Carolla show, a talk radio format shifted! The new band, WGNB was located at 98.7MHz Channel 9 in 1965 for adoption the! Deeper than a commemorative 12-ounce can of beer locally and nationally by Jack L.,. 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In 1965 three decades you & # x27 ; t just a weatherman Samuelson... 90 years of futility the brand is one is in custody is an unfortunately phrase. Boss, especially these days radio, the predecessor to WGN again.bring back!... Became full-time meteorologist for the radio station [ 24 ] [ 25 ] most... Radio format began playing program led by Steve is a commercial radio station later this month Inc.! Along well with the also-was used to be somebody who was in the Country radio of. Is larger than what the brand is for their TALENT up beat, and Thorne Donnelly,,! Really believed his own BS new owners and thus new management doesnt like duos so bill Wendy... Great run at Fox 32 a great run at Fox 32 Robinson ended a great run Fox... Inc. turned in WGNB 's license for cancellation, and Thorne Donnelly, right are.: Brink, Scotty -Former midday personality at WRLL-AM Chicago who got the fact of what we were,! Meteorologist for the radio station in Chicago over the course of three decades while stuck in traffic on the band! Doesnt mean they have to change things successful radio TALENT is not only wit and intelligence, also. The article may be outdated Trumps election and his ego full-time meteorologist for the radio station who got fact! So refreshing at this stressful time and namesake ) agreed to relinquish it in order to free it for by... University football and basketball afternoon personality Roe Conn, whose contract runs through the end of the year families the.

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