Robservations: Telemundo Chicago adds midday newscast

Irene Sánchez

Robservations on the media beat:

Chicago’s first Spanish-language midday newscast will premiere January 22 when Telemundo Chicago WSNS-Channel 44 launches “Noticias Telemundo, Mediodía.” Irene Sánchez will anchor at 11 a.m. Monday through Friday, with weather reported alternately by María Elena Ponticiello and Jessica Delgado. It will be followed by a half-hour national newscast. Telemundo Chicago also will air local news cut-ins at 6:26, 7:26 and 8:26 a.m. weekdays. “To be first with live news in Spanish in the mornings and midday is an indication of our passion to keep our viewers informed and engaged throughout the day,” Diana Maldonado, Telemundo Chicago vice president of news, said in a statement.

Karen Lewis

“Contrary to an unfortunate slip of a mouse, I am not dead!” declared Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis after the Sun-Times posted her premature obituary online Sunday. Sun-Times editor-in-chief Chris Fusco apologized for the embarrassing snafu, attributing it to “an error involving our online publishing system.” It’s not without precedent: In 1989, print editions of the Chicago Tribune ran a full obituary of Vito Marzullo, the former Chicago alderman, while he was still very much alive. Marzullo died the following year.

Sarah Grueneberg

Another food show is coming to public television WTTW-Channel 11. Tapings begin January 19 at the Window to the World Communications station on “Dishalicious,” described as a “fast-paced, live demonstration cooking show and event that’s fun, rambunctious [and] informative.” Sarah Grueneberg, chef/owner of Chicago’s Monteverde, will host the show before a studio audience. Each of the initial three episodes will focus on a different cuisine — Italian, Mexican and Korean — and feature Chicago chefs preparing unique dishes.

Heather Cherone

Heather Cherone, former City Hall reporter for the late DNAinfo Chicago, has joined The Daily Line, the subscription newsletter on state and local politics, as a contributor. A native of Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood and graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Cherone previously worked for the Tribune, where she helped launch TribLocal in the suburbs. She also teaches journalism at DePaul University. “I'm thrilled to be part of the team providing critical reporting on local politics and government for a reader-supported news organization,” Cherone wrote on Facebook.

Radio Broadcasters of Chicagoland

More than 40 Chicago area radio stations will simulcast a one-minute promotion for radio advertising at 4:29 p.m. today. It’s the latest joint effort of Radio Broadcasters of Chicagoland to sing the praises of their medium. This month’s testimonial comes from Roy Spencer, president and owner of Perma-Seal Basement Systems. “I am elated that we can promote their services and highlight the results they have experienced with Radio Advertising," Matt Scarano, chairman of RBC and president of iHeartMedia Chicago, said in a statement.

Monday’s best comment: Mark Edwards Edelstein: Oprah has done a lot, and she really is a stable genius. But I think she's genius enough to know to leave politics to the politicians. It wouldn't surprise me if she backed someone or otherwise supported them in the next presidential election, and her influence would certainly be felt. She, and a handful of other Americans have the power to support someone who shares their values and help them get elected without having to become the next celebrity president.