Robservations: New food website peels off from The Onion

The Takeout

Robservations on the media beat:

Kevin Pang

From the people who brought you The Onion and The A.V. Club, now comes The Takeout, a nonsatirical website “exploring the intersection of food and pop culture.” Fusion Media Group launched the site Wednesday with a Chicago-based staff headed by editor-in-chief Kevin Pang, food editor of The A.V. Club and former food writer for the Chicago Tribune. “The Takeout is the food site I’ve always wanted to read — one that’s accessible, friendly, helpful, and satiates curiosities,” Pang said. “With our DNA rooted in The A.V. Club, we hope to bring that same level of geeky obsession to the world of food and drink culture.” Managing editor is Jen Sabella, former deputy editor of DNAinfo Chicago and Chicago editor of Huffington Post. Staff writer and columnist is Kate Bernot, former nightlife correspondent for RedEye Chicago.

Chicago Sun-Times

They’re packing up and moving out this weekend at the Chicago Sun-Times. After 13 years in the former Chicago Apparel Mart at 350 North Orleans Street, the newspaper is relocating along with the Chicago Reader to the West Loop headquarters of Answers Media at 30 North Racine Avenue. (The Sun-Times sold its previous site at 401 North Wabash Avenue in 2004 to make way for Trump Tower.) If all goes as planned, the new Sun-Times newsroom should be fully operational on Sunday. “Very excited!” tweeted Sun-Times CEO Edwin Eisendrath. “The future is bright.”

Jennifer Lyons

Jennifer Lyons, news director of WGN Television and CLTV, has been named News Director of the Year by Broadcasting & Cable. She’ll be profiled in the December 11 issue. It’s a well-deserved honor for the 24-year veteran of the Tribune Broadcasting station who oversees more than 70 hours of live, local news each week. “Jennifer completely understands the WGN brand, their loyal audience and the Chicago market,” said Larry Wert, president of Tribune Broadcasting. “She is a uniquely balanced leader who works tirelessly to protect and serve those relationships.” Paul Rennie, president and general manager of WGN, called her “a fearless, innovative leader who will also be the first to give credit to the entire newsroom for the success of WGN-TV News. “ Earlier this year Lyons was named the most powerful woman in Chicago journalism here.

Bill Utter

Bill Utter, a former producer and managing editor at CBS-owned WBBM-Channel 2, who became a leading public relations executive in Chicago, has joined Grisko as vice president of public affairs. A former City Hall spokesman and vice president of marketing for the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau, Utter most recently was senior vice president and partner at Fleishman-Hillard. “Bill Utter knows who’s who and what’s what in Chicago and our region and we are thrilled to welcome someone with his depth and breadth of experience to the Grisko team,” said Carolyn Grisko, president of the Chicago-based communications firm. “His background in the tourism industry also deepens our expertise in that sector – and he’s an all-around great guy.”

Carol Marin

Carol Marin headlines a timely newsroom ethics panel this weekend focusing on “how to identify, protect and defend legitimate journalism.” The free event will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at WGN studios, 2501 West Bradley Place. Panelists include Don Moseley, Marin’s co-director at DePaul University’s Center for Journalism Integrity and Excellence; Margaret Holt of the Tribune; Marsha Bartel of WGN; Maggie Bowman of Kartemquin Film; and Resita Cox of City Bureau. The event is sponsored by the Chicago/Midwest chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and Free Spirit Media.

Wednesday’s best comment: Bob Jordan: Pat [Tomasulo] is a talented and thoughtful guy. My office used to be next door to the sports office and I would eavesdrop on the hilarious conversations coming out of that space. This is a smart move by WGN TV and a huge break for Pat. We should get behind our local talent and take pride if they explode onto the national scene.