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New Trib section promotes blogger Weigel to columnist
Robservations on the media beat:
- Jenniffer Weigel, the amazingly versatile broadcaster, author, actress, singer, producer and blogger, will soon add Chicago Tribune columnist to her credits. Starting Sept. 1, she'll be writing for the newspaper's new lifestyle section, to be called TribU. It's a three-tiered job that also will involve her making regular TV and radio appearances to promote the section. Since July 2009, Weigel has been blogging for the Tribune's ChicagoNow network. She's the daughter of Tim Weigel, the late Chicago sportscaster, and Kathy Worthington, the former radio news anchor. Her brother is Rafer Weigel, sports anchor on HLN's "Morning Express with Robin Meade." Her second book, I'm Spiritual Dammit, will be published this fall.
- The other shoe has dropped after the layoffs of 10 employees last June at Window to the World Communications, parent company of public television WTTW-Channel 11 and classical WFMT-FM (98.7). Another 13 staffers just took early retirement buyouts as part of the company's effort to cut $3 million in operating costs. The retirees include Channel 11 director and production operations chief Mike Lorentz, director Jack Ginay, associate director Cynthia Malek, engineers Kim Breitenbach, Bob Dove, Ray Meinke, John Oppy, Rafael Ramirez, Tim Snell, Carlos Tronshaw and Rich Wells, WFMT chief engineer Gordon Carter and mailroom staffer Phil Day.
- A pilot for a Chicago-based reality series about a father-and-daughter team of plastic surgeons is set to air three times next month on NBC-owned WMAQ-Channel 5. "Plastic Royalty," following the Gold Coast practice of Leon Forrester Tcheupdjian and Leslie Forrester, will tell before-and-after stories of their Liposuction and Cosmetic Surgery Institute. Produced by Chicago-based Towers Productions, the pilot will air in late-night slots Sept. 4 and 5, and at 2 p.m. Sept. 7 on Channel 5.
- Yet another Chicago radio veteran is joining the all-star lineup of Chicago Radio Online. Connie Szerszen, who billed herself as "The Top Rock Girly Jock" on WJMK-FM (104.3), WIND-AM (560) and the former WSDM, among other stations, will co-host the Classic Hits Channel with the legendary Fred Winston on the free online music service. It's the latest addition of name-brand talent assembled by Kurt Hanson and John Gehron of Chicago-based AccuRadio.com.Szerszen recently published her memoirs (appropriately titled Top Rock Girly Jock), available attoprockgirlyjock.com.
- Bill Leff, the Chicago radio veteran who's been conspicuously absent from the air since he called it quits as host of "ChicagoNow Radio" on Tribune Co.-owned news/talk WGN-AM (720), is getting a guest shot down the dial. Filling in for morning co-host Amy Jacobson on Salem Communications news/talk WIND-AM (560), Leff will join host John Howell on Friday and guest host Ed Curran on Monday.
- Heartfelt condolences to Neal Sabin, executive vice president of Weigel Broadcasting, on the death Tuesday of his father, Arthur J. Sabin, who was a distinguished author and professor of law at John Marshall Law School. Funeral services will be Thursday in Glencoe.
08/03/2010
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About Robert Feder
Robert Feder has been keeping tabs on the media for more than three decades, including 28 years as a reporter and television/radio columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times. He's a lifelong Chicagoan and graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. At age 14, he founded the first and only Walter Cronkite Fan Club.
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It will never, ever happen, but for the Chicago market, Salem should consider dropping the majority of it's news/talk format, and go more local -- they already have Howell who is pretty good in the news/talk role in the morning. They could keep him there or move him somewhere else during the day, and surround him with other talents such as Steve Cochran, Bill Leff and maybe one or two other talents. Their ratings have barely moved in the last few years and there is an opportunity to seize the market with WGN pushing so many people out. It won't happen, but I wish Salem would attempt to think outside the box.
I agree. Bill Leff should have never been let go at WGN. He is as local as
Garry Meier and could have been given a trial period as the morning guy - perhaps
with a female co-host. As long as they were changing everything - they could
have tried this combination instead of someone from out of state.
Robert..you really must try Chicagoradio on line...the jocks don't jock, there are some liners they read. It is just a jukebox. Not so good, as streaming radio goes, there is nothing "Chicago" about this. Just a few names we have heard before, good ones, but hardly used.
I agree with Martin. WIND could add local talent and return to their glory days. And the logical choice to add next is the semi-lovely Melissa Foreman. My garsh, think of having the Spray Tanned Siren on WIND. The relationship with the name WIND and blowing is just perfect for the addition of Ms. Forman. Forget just trying to talk around boring songs on WLIT, Give Melissa an open mic and let her yap her well bleached teeth until the sun goes down and you can't hear the station. Let's start a MySpace group to get the semi-lovely Ms. Forman blowing on WIND! Who's with me?
I know, I know: Weigel is just as hard working and talented as the Ponce boys. Like them, she doesn't use or need nepotism (even posthumously) to get a job in one of the largest markets in the country.
Richie Daley III for Mayor!
It's been eight years, but I never got why Jenniffer Weigel left Channel 2. I read what Feder wrote at the time: she was reassigned by (the obviously incredibly brilliant) WBBM-TV management (then-GM Walt DeHaven) from her sweet entertainment reporting gig to general-assignment reporting, and because she didn't want to do g-a reporting, she asked for and got an early release from her contract. But I still don't really get it. Were the bosses unhappy with her entertainment reporting? (Hard to imagine, but maybe) Was she too expensive? (Doubtful) Was she really *that* uninterested in general-assignment reporting? (OK, that one, I can believe) Were there better career opportunities for her financially outside of Channel 2? I dunno. Not a lot of folks walk away from TV news jobs. Since that time, Jenniffer's been incredibly successful, but I can't imagine any post-WBBM job paying her as well as TV reporting did....
I can't think of a television reality series more compelling, more gripping, more fascinating and, well, real, than one about liposuction and other forms of plastic merriment. And to think, the action is all generated right here in Chicago. Perhaps some of us will be lucky enough to run into the Doctors Forrester at one or another trendy venue and be able to shake the incredibly talented hands that have shaped so many worn down and sagging bodies. Silicone is so sexy, isn't it?
I am also pleased for the talented Jenifffffer Weigel and hope she and Randzo the Clown will be very happy together. She embodies the concept of synergy in media. I hope she is sharing her knowledge of how to be successful across several mediums with J-school students. It's a skill they need to learn and learn immediately.
I think it's funny that people suggest WIND should hire more locally produced shows/talent. I agree John is good, and I do enjoy listening to him more than WGN (Switched over shortly after Spike left), but the truth is their morning show doesn't have the ratings. Believe me, I think if more people listened to the morning show, execs would take notice and hire at least a local afternoon show. With that said, I believe the reason behind Big John not having the ratings is due in part to the stigma that is attached to WIND. Many people seem to carelessly think that just because Big John is on WIND that he is some right wing fanatic. That isn't the case at all. He tends to be centrist, and his show usually doesn't wade to heavy into Wonk. I like the show and will continue to support, but those on the right won't ditch Don Wade...while those who aren't (or apolitical) won't give him the chance.
So happy for Jen Weigel!! One of the most talented...hard working...cool ladies
in Chicago. She has earned every success and then some! Congratulations Jenny.
Very wise move WGN.
@Katie, if this happens, perhaps she can get an ex-85Bear such as Otis Wilson to be the co-host and in-studio sports guy. Think of the banter such a diverse morning team could have between commercials for Goldline and Extenze?
Wasn't Connie also a dj on the all-1970s-oldies station during the 1990s?
ChiTownGal I'm almost certain it was in early 2000 but you were close. Congratulations to Connie! So glad she's back in some form of radio. Had the chance to see her at Bob Sirott's interview with Dick Biondi and Herb Kent. Thanks Bob .... a reminder to order her book!! Good luck Connie!!
Amazed that there are no comments on the item about the slashing of experienced staff at WTTW(with some 300+ years of commitment). Maybe because it wasn't the lead item or in the "headline," few read it.
Well, I did, and I've spoken to many others who still care about reforming that top-heavy organization on St. Louis Avenue. It's beyond lack of imagination. Beyond a shame. The whole place (except WFMT) is nearly bankrupt-- financially, creatively, and organizationally. We have seen and remember the potential of local Chicago public TV with talented and committed personnel and true acceptance and involvement of the community. We won't go away without fighting.
Whenever I have heard Jennifer Weigel on the radio you can guarantee that she will talk about her father within the 1st 5 minutes. I think I heard her on a show at some point talking about talking to a medium. So, whoever said that she did not trade on her father's success, I do not agree. If her father was a butcher, I do not think that she would constantly bringing him up.
Dan Schmidt must have compromising pictures of someone. Quick-- name something successful he's done (besides his own salary increases) at WTTW? Meanwhile, more great people are forced out -- again.
So sorry to hear about the folks laid off at WTTW. Every time I was invited to join in "Week in Review" they made me feel welcome, very welcome, starting with Joel's producer Marc and right onto the set with the guests. And most importantly, they made me look good, somehow managed to knock off 10 pounds and 10 years. Good luck all of you.