Oprah Winfrey (Photo: NBC)

I hate to spoil everybody’s fun, but I don’t believe for a minute that Oprah Winfrey will run for president.

Her inspiring acceptance speech Sunday night at the Golden Globes and the “Oprah for President” boom it touched off on social media immediately provoked giddy speculation of a possible White House bid in 2020. The story gained legitimacy Monday when CNN’s Brian Stelter reported that two unnamed close friends of Winfrey said she was “actively thinking” about running for president.

Sorry, but I’m not buying it. Continue reading →

WCCQ 98.3

Robservations on the media beat:

WCCQ FM 98.3, Chicago’s No. 3 country music station, is turning back the clock. Rebranding itself “Today’s Country & The Legends,” the Alpha Media southwest suburban-based station relaunches its country format today with an emphasis on artists from the ’90s and early 2000s. “We can’t imagine a world without George, Garth, Martina, Kenny, Brooks and Dunn and so much more,” read a message to listeners. “WCCQ is a station for country folks who live life with the music up and the tailgate down. So join us as we give new life to some old friends!” In the latest Nielsen Audio survey, WCCQ tied for 30th place with a 0.5 percent audience share. Country competitors WUSN FM 99.5 tied for sixth with a 3.7 share, and WEBG FM 95.5 ranked 23rd with a 1.6 share. Continue reading →

Brittney Payton

Brittney Payton is going from co-host of “Chicago’s Best” on WGN-Channel 9 to co-host of “Good Day Chicago” on WFLD-Channel 32.

The Fox-owned station announced Thursday that Payton will join the weekday morning news show January 15, appearing on set doing sports, social media, and other topics of the day. She also will report on various subjects. Continue reading →

Erich Mancow Muller

Veteran Chicago radio personality Erich Mancow Muller has dropped the lawsuit he filed against his boss, saying the two had agreed to put past differences behind them and work together amicably.

On his first day back from vacation as morning host at Cumulus Media classic rock WLUP FM 97.9, Muller confirmed Wednesday that he withdrew the suit after meeting last month with Marv Nyren, vice president and market manager of Cumulus Chicago. Continue reading →

Brian Phillips and Lou Lombardo

Robservations on the media beat:

It’s splitsville for Brian Phillips and Lou Lombardo as the morning duo at WKQX FM 101.1. In a realignment at the Cumulus Media alternative rock station, Lombardo has moved to evenings, replacing Josh Marconi, who was cut two weeks ago. Lombardo also assumes Marconi’s former duties as digital content captain. Phillips now hosts mornings solo. Walter Flakus has been renewed as afternoon host, assistant program director and music director. Marv Nyren, vice president and market manager of Cumulus Chicago, said the moves were intended “to make us more efficient and effective to maximize our skill sets at each position.” Continue reading →

Mark Giangreco and Janet Davies

Just as they’ve been doing for 17 years, Mark Giangreco and Janet Davies rang in another New Year with style, humor and their trademark smooch at midnight.

One gag this year had the camera cut away to a test pattern just as the two sexagenarians went in for a lip lock. Another running joke involved the gaudy brooch Davies was wearing. She said it was an iguana, then a fox, but to many tweeters it resembled a rodent. Continue reading →

Tribune Tower

A few things to look for on the Chicago media beat in the coming year:

Tribune Tower, a cathedral of American journalism since 1925, will cease to be home of its namesake Chicago Tribune. The newspaper will move from its neo-Gothic landmark at 435 North Michigan Avenue to leased space on five floors of One Prudential Plaza, 130 East Randolph Street. Continue reading →