Robservations: Weigel sues ReachMe.TV over trademark

ReachMe.TV

Robservations on the media beat:

Me-TV Network

Weigel Broadcasting, Chicago-based parent company of the popular Me-TV Network, is suing Los Angeles-based Pervasive TV for using the name ReachMe.TV. In a lawsuit filed this week in U.S. District Court, Weigel is claiming trademark infringement, unfair competition and deceptive trade practices by Pervasive, which shows its ReachMe.TV mobile entertainment network online and on screens at airports and hotels across the country. “Pervasive is attempting to improperly ride on Weigel’s coattails and capitalize on the success of the Me-TV Network and the strong goodwill in the Me-TV mark by using a confusingly similar trademark,” the suit says. Pervasive officials did not respond to requests for comment on the suit. Weigel officials declined to comment.

A City at War: Chicago

A fascinating new documentary about how Chicagoans coped and contributed during World War II premieres tonight on WTTW-Channel 11. Produced by John Davies and Brian Kallies, and narrated by Bill Kurtis, “A City at War: Chicago” features glorious archival footage and photos detailing the unique and crucial role Chicago played in the war effort. Among those interviewed are Chuck Schaden, Marty Robinson and John Schulian. In time for Veterans Day, the one-hour doc debuts at 8 p.m. tonight, with repeats at 4 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. It will air to a national audience this Memorial Day.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

World War II also figures into “Those Were the Days” this weekend as it continues its series on radio and the war. Highlights include speeches delivered by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, originally broadcast 75 years ago to the day. “Listening to them today, it's striking to think that for all the uncertainties that faced Americans in the fall of 1942, they must have taken comfort in the words of such an articulate, thoughtful First Family,” said host and producer Steve Darnall. “It's our hope that this show will give those who weren't there a feeling for what it was like to be listening to the radio during a time of war.” “Those Were the Days” airs from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays on College of DuPage’s WDCB FM 90.9 and online at wdcb.org.

Garry Meier

One more Veteran’s Day tie-in: Chicago radio personality and podcaster Garry Meier will talk about his late father’s service in World War II under General George Patton in an interview with David Plier on WGN AM 720. Meier will share a 1982 recording of his father, Frank Meier, recalling a 48-hour period of battle in December 1944 in Europe. Airing at 2 a.m. Saturday, the interview will mark Meier’s first appearance on WGN since he was released by the Tribune Broadcasting news/talk station in November 2014. Plier's show will be uploaded to podcast at wgnradio.com.

Joe Walsh

Joe Walsh, the former congressman turned talk show host, has just been picked up by CRN Digital Talk Radio, the Los Angeles-based multiplatform network. His three-hour syndicated show airs at 8 p.m. Monday through Friday on the CRN 3 channel. “Joe masterfully combines his extensive public service experience with his acting skills to create an informative, entertaining show,” Michael J. Horn, president and CEO of CRN Digital Talk Radio, said in a statement. Walsh’s local talk show continues to air from 5 to 7 p.m. weekdays on Salem Media news/talk WIND AM 560.

Moody Radio

Chicago-based Moody Radio has converted its Majesty Radio live streaming station to all Christmas music through December 31. Unlike the holiday pop tunes of iHeartMedia’s “Christmas Music Station” on WLIT FM 93.9, Moody’s version of “The Sounds of Christmas” at majestyradio.org is geared toward the faithful. “We will help you celebrate our Savior’s birth,” the station promotion says. “Through song, you’ll hear how He willingly became one of us, as the ultimate sacrificial gift for humanity in traditional and contemporary styles. But all will draw your attention to the precious Christ child.”

Emily Barr

Emily Barr, Chicago-based president and CEO of Graham Media Group and former president and general manager of ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7, will be honored by the Broadcasters Foundation of America. At a black-tie dinner in New York March 5, she’ll receive the 2018 Golden Mike Award. “Emily is a consummate broadcaster, whose leadership and service to the industry and the communities that the Graham stations serve are commendable,” Dan Mason, chairman of the foundation, said in a statement. “We are proud to honor her and recognize her accomplishments.”

Tuesday’s best comment: Nancy Angell Babendir: Seriously, how is "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer" not #1?