Robservations: Steve Dahl ‘so glad’ to be home from hospital

Steve Dahl at home Wednesday

Robservations on the media beat:

An upbeat and energetic Steve Dahl returned to his afternoon show on Cumulus Media news/talk WLS AM 890 Wednesday more than a week after he landed in the hospital for treatment of a perforated colon. Broadcasting from his home, the Chicago radio legend said he was diagnosed with diverticulitis. “I’m on some kind of weird diet right now,” Dahl, 62, told listeners. “I really honestly am just so glad to not be in the hospital and not in pain. They can take away whatever they want from me in terms of eating. I can live with it.”

Kris Bryant

Two Chicago Cubs stars — National League MVP Kris Bryant and former Cy Young Award winner Jake Arrieta — will turn up this season as regular guests on CBS Radio sports/talk WSCR AM 670. Starting Monday, they’ll alternate appearing each week on the afternoon show hosted by Dan Bernstein and Jason Goff. Calling it “beyond a grand slam for the Score brand,” program director Mitch Rosen said in a statement: “The content Kris and Jake will add to the ‘Bernstein and Goff Show’ will bring the audience into the clubhouse, on the field, and other places the average fan can’t experience.” The radio home of the Cubs also features Cubs manager Joe Maddon and pitching coach Chris Bosio on its roster of weekly contributors.

Hernán Fratto

Hernán Fratto, a reporter and news anchor at WLTV, the Univision station in Miami, has joined Telemundo WSNS-Channel 44 as a general assignment reporter. Starting Monday, he will appear on Noticiero Telemundo Chicago at 4, 4:30, 5 and 10 p.m. weekdays. “Fratto’s professionalism and dedication to journalism will help us continue with our mission of connecting with our viewers and delivering the news and information that matters most to them,” Diana Maldonado, vice president of news for Telemundo Chicago, said in a statement. “We couldn’t be happier to have Hernán in our newsroom.” A graduate of the University of El Salvador, Fratto previously worked as an anchor and reporter for America Noticias in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Sam Lay

The remarkable career and groundbreaking music of Chicago blues legend Sam Lay will be highlighted this week on WTTW-Channel 11. “Sam Lay in Bluesland” will premiere at 10 p.m. Thursday on the Window to the World Communications station. Called by some the greatest drummer of all time, Lay, 82, has been an eminent presence on the Chicago blues scene for 60 years. He’s also a member of the Blues, Jazz and Rock Halls of Fame. The must-see documentary, directed by John Anderson, features rare 8mm footage from Lay's personal blues archive.

Eddie Arruza

WTTW-Channel 11 and Univision Chicago WGBO-Channel 66 are teaming up to spotlight the Pilsen neighborhood on Chicago’s Southwest Side. “My Neighborhood: Pilsen,” a yearlong television, digital, and community engagement initiative, will kick off April 27 with a one-hour documentary followed by a live town hall special on Channel 11. “Chicago Tonight” correspondent Eddie Arruza will open the event at 7 p.m. with a short history of Pilsen. Produced by Daniel Andries, “My Neighborhood: Pilsen” also will air at 11 a.m. April 30 on Channel 66. “Univision Chicago is thrilled to join with WTTW to tell the story of one of the city’s most inspiring and close-knit communities — to shed light on how its residents are working together to make it a better place,” Teri Arvesu, vice president of content for Univision Chicago, said in a statement. “We remain committed to collaborating on efforts to raise awareness about Chicago’s diverse communities.” Dan Schmidt, president and CEO of WTTW, said he looked forward to working with Univision Chicago on future local initiatives.

“My Neighborhood Pilsen” (Photo: Ken Carl)