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.”

Lisa Chavarria

It’s over and out for Lisa Chavarria, whose contract was not renewed after five years as a reporter and fill-in news anchor at Fox-owned WFLD-Channel 32. The Chicago native and graduate of Columbia College Chicago began as an intern in the Chicago bureau of NBC News and at Tribune Broadcasting WGN-Channel 9. She later worked for stations in Traverse City, Michigan; Nashville and Houston before joining Fox 32 in 2012.

Jackie Paulus

Jackie Paulus has announced plans to resign as director of marketing and digital innovation at Tribune Broadcasting news/talk WGN AM 720. She’s leaving in June to become a partner in After the Whistle, the new sports marketing company launched by Jimmy deCastro, former president and general manager of WGN. Paulus joined WGN in 2008 from KMOX in St. Louis, where she was marketing and events director. WGN has begun the search for a new director of marketing and digital.

Tony Lossano

Congratulations to Tony Lossano on the 20th anniversary of “Nude Hippo,” his locally produced variety/talk show. Premiering May 3 at NudeHippo.com, “Nude Hippo 20” will be hosted by Lossano and Amy Zanglin. The one-hour special will feature reporters Jen DeSalvo, Vickie Eisenstein, Evie Olson, and an animated character named Grouchypuff (who’ll interview Rich “Svengoolie” Koz). Other highlights will be great moments from the past 20 years and some never-before-seen footage from Lossano’s archives.

Dan Lee and Nancy Detlefsen

Wonderful news for Chicago radio entrepreneur Dan Lee, who finally found a kidney donor after a two-year search. Suffering from kidney failure caused by chemotherapy to treat esophageal cancer, Lee required a living donor with Blood Type O for a replacement kidney. Thanks to Nancy Detlefsen of north suburban Northfield, he received a new kidney in March. “Words cannot express our gratitude; her generosity knows no bounds and she is truly our hero,” Lee’s family said. Founder of adult album alternative WXRT FM 93.1 and sports/talk WSCR AM 670 under Diamond Broadcasting, Lee sold the stations in 1995.