Feder flashback: The night O.J. rode into history

June 17, 1994

June 17, 1994

On June 17, 1994, the opening ceremonies of the World Cup were held at Soldier Field in Chicago. That same day, President Bill Clinton delivered a speech to residents of Robert Taylor Homes on the South Side. Yet both stories got short shrift on the 10 o’clock news that night.

Instead, Chicago and the rest of the country were mesmerized by the slow-speed police chase of O.J. Simpson in his white Ford Bronco across 60 miles of Los Angeles freeways and city streets. Continue reading

WTTW drops former corporate voice

Holly Gilson

Holly Gilson

The parent company of public television WTTW-Channel 11 and classical music WFMT FM 98.7 has eliminated the position of a former spokeswoman it praised as “unparalleled.”

Holly Gilson most recently was director of strategic partnerships and special projects at Window to the World Communications. A highly regarded 13-year veteran of the company, she previously was director of corporate communications.

In 2012, the company eliminated the position of 16-year veteran Joanie Bayhack as senior vice president of communications and corporate partnerships. Continue reading

Another Sun-Times editor jumps to Tribune news service

Jack Barry

Jack Barry

The Chicago Tribune’s syndication and licensing business just picked off another editor from the Sun-Times.

Jack Barry, assistant metro editor and a 24-year veteran of the Sun-Times, has been hired as acquisitions editor for the Tribune Content Agency, a unit of Tribune Publishing.

His move closely follows that of Zach Finken, former Sun-Times assistant managing editor for news, who was named associate editor of Tribune Content Agency in May.

Both report to John Barron, the former Sun-Times editor and publisher who has been editor of Tribune Content Agency since last October. With the complete acquisition of McClatchy-Tribune Information Services, the newly expanded Tribune Content Agency serves 1,200 media clients and digital entities worldwide. Continue reading

Kurtis ‘mancation’ ads bear scrutiny

Bill Kurtis and a bear

Bill Kurtis and a bear

Chicago’s beloved anchorman emeritus Bill Kurtis is back to doing funny commercials again. But this time not everyone is laughing.

JWT Chicago (formerly J. Walter Thompson) this week unveiled a series of seven digital videos for the Illinois Office of Tourism featuring Kurtis waxing rhapsodic about supposedly masculine vacation pursuits across the state. All have been posted on EnjoyIllinois.com. Continue reading

Chicago radio’s evening winners

Here’s a look at Chicago’s most popular nighttime stars, according to radio ratings released Monday for the period from April 24 to May 21.

Following are the top-rated shows as measured by Nielsen Audio among all listeners age 6 and older from 7 p.m. to midnight Monday through Friday, followed by share of audience. Continue reading

Chicago radio’s midday masters

Here’s a look at Chicago’s most popular midday stars, according to radio ratings released Monday for the period from April 24 to May 21.

Following are the top-rated shows as measured by Nielsen Audio among all listeners age 6 and older from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, followed by average share of audience. Continue reading

Chicago radio’s afternoon delights

Here’s a look at Chicago’s most popular afternoon stars, according to radio ratings released Monday for the period from April 24 to May 21.

Following are the top-rated shows as measured by Nielsen Audio among all listeners age 6 and older from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, followed by average share of audience. Continue reading

Chicago radio’s top of the morning

There’s a new morning line in Chicago, according to radio ratings released Monday for the period from April 24 to May 21.

Here’s a look at Chicago’s top 10 morning shows (as measured by Nielsen Audio among all listeners age 6 and older from 6 to 10 a.m. Monday through Friday), followed by average share of audience. Continue reading