WYCC pulls ‘In The Loop’ premiere

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"In The Loop"

"In The Loop"

The widely promoted season premiere of “In The Loop” on public television station WYCC-Channel 20 was abruptly canceled Thursday hours before it was to have aired a show focusing on problems with Chicago Public Schools.

Veteran news anchors Robin Robinson and Lauren Cohn were to have made their debuts on the weekly news program alongside returning co-hosts Chris Bury and Barbara Pinto.

Thursday’s season opener was devoted to examining “the financial meltdown and educational policy debate at Chicago Public Schools,” including an interview with Troy LaRaviere, controversial principal of Blaine Elementary School, and a discussion with the Chicago school board's new president, Frank Clark, and Sun-Times columnist Mary Mitchell.

A spokesperson for WYCC PBS Chicago did not respond to inquiries about the cancellation.

Robin Robinson

Robin Robinson

The station posted the following on its Facebook page: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, the premiere of Season 6 of  In The Loop will be delayed. We apologize to everyone who was eagerly anticipating the launch. We are working hard to remedy the situation and will share updated news as soon as it's available. Thank you for your support!”

On her personal Facebook page, Robinson wrote: “UNFORTUNATELY, THE SHOW IS POSTPONED '..due to unforeseen circumstances.' Hate when that happens ... actually, it has never happened before. Should be launching next week if the suits finish up ... we are all ready, with great content on the mess and message at Chicago Public Schools. Thanks for everyone's support and good wishes ... Stay Tuned!”

LaRaviere, who’d been interviewed by Robinson for the show, cited a “procedural dispute” between WYCC PBS Chicago and the City Colleges of Chicago, which owns the station.

“Canceling a show on the eve before it is scheduled to broadcast is a very unusual and drastic move,” LaRaviere wrote in a blog post Thursday. "With the content tied to the opening of the school year, it’s uncertain if this program will air at all if the delay extends beyond next week.  Stay tuned.”