Madeleine Doubek leaves Reboot Illinois

Madeleine Doubek

Veteran Chicago area journalist Madeleine Doubek has exited as publisher of Reboot Illinois, the website and subscription newsletter reporting and opining on state and local government and politics.

Doubek’s departure, effective immediately, signaled changes by AFK Media Group, the Chicago-based investor group that took over Reboot Illinois last year from Anne Dias, the hedge fund manager (and ex-wife of billionaire Ken Griffin), who bankrolled the startup in 2012. Continue reading

After year in suburbs, Lilia Chacon going back to Chicago City Hall

Lilia Chacon

After spending a year with a Mundelein public relations firm, former television news reporter Lilia Chacon is taking a job with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s administration.

Starting Monday, Chacon will join the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection as public information officer. It’s a return to City Hall for Chacon, who spent four years as spokeswoman for former Chicago City Treasurer Stephanie Neely. Continue reading

Robservations: Paddock picks up three more papers

Daily Herald

Robservations on the media beat:

It’s been a week of acquisitions for Paddock Publications. On Thursday the parent company of the Daily Herald announced the purchase of three weekly newspapers downstate — the Carbondale Times, Weekend Times and Nightlife — along with their commercial printing and niche publication business. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the addition brings to 15 the number of papers in Paddock’s Southern Illinois group. “Paddock’s strategy for growth includes purchase of select community newspapers and niche products where Paddock’s brand of community journalism and marketing innovation provide additive revenues and profitability,” Doug Ray, chairman, publisher and CEO of Paddock Publications, said in a statement. Earlier this week, as you may have read, the company hired a media columnist for the Daily Herald. Continue reading

Robservations: WDCB strikes deal with WFMT Jazz Network

Dee Alexander

Robservations on the media beat:

WDCB

In an unusual partnership between two Chicago area radio stations, College of DuPage’s WDCB FM 90.9 is picking up a weekly jazz show produced by the syndication division of Window to the World Communications’ classical WFMT FM 98.7. Starting May 7, “Sunday Jazz with Dee Alexander,” hosted by the famed jazz vocalist and songwriter, will air from 8 to 10 p.m. Sundays on WDCB. It’s the first show to air locally from WFMT Radio Network’s newly rebranded Jazz Network. “We’re ecstatic to have an artist of Dee Alexander’s stature joining our radio lineup,” said Dan Bindert, station manager of WDCB. “Dee’s wonderful voice and warm personality, combined with her unique insights and deep knowledge of the music – that’s an unbeatable combination for a jazz radio program.” Continue reading

Robservations: CBS Radio Chicago names new sales chief

CBS Radio Chicago

Robservations on the media beat:

Chad Feldman

Facing declining revenue at its music stations, CBS Radio Chicago is shaking up its sales leadership for the third time in 16 months. Chad Feldman was named vice president and director of sales this week in the latest realignment under Tim Pohlman, senior vice president and market manager of the seven-station group. Feldman, who joined CBS Radio Chicago in 2006, most recently headed sales for all-news WBBM AM 780/WCFS FM 105.9 and sports/talk WSCR AM 670. Insiders say Pohlman is under increasing pressure to boost revenue as CBS Radio is poised to merge with Entercom Communications. Continue reading

Robservations: New morning show rising at The U

Weigel Broadcasting (Photo: Google Maps)

Robservations on the media beat:

David Plummer

With the hiring of Chicago television veteran David Plummer as executive producer, Weigel Broadcasting moved a step closer Wednesday to launching its new morning news and lifestyle show. The still-untitled show is slated to debut in mid-summer on WCIU-Channel 26. Plummer’s producing credits include a long run with the syndicated “At the Movies” and a number of roles with “Windy City Live” on ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7. A graduate of Columbia College Chicago, he began as an intern with “The Late Show with David Letterman.” “What excites me the most is the chance to put a spotlight on the everyday people who often go unnoticed, but ultimately make this city so special,” Plummer said. “Our goal is to entertain and connect with our viewers, while giving them the information they need to start their day.” Last month The U cut Jeanne Sparrow and Melissa Forman as hosts of “You & Me,” airing from 6 to 8 a.m. weekdays. Since then Jon Hansen, the show’s social media coordinator, has been hosting “You & Me” with a mix of guest co-hosts. Continue reading

Modern Luxury buys Michigan Avenue magazine publisher

Michigan Avenue

Modern Luxury's CS (Chicago Social) and Michigan Avenue magazines, two longtime rivals for Chicago’s upscale readers and luxury advertisers, are now under one banner. But how long will they both survive?

In a deal that had been rumored for years, Modern Luxury, parent company of CS, announced the acquisition Monday of GreenGale Publishing, owner of Michigan Avenue and 16 other lifestyle publications. Terms of the sale were not disclosed. Continue reading