Larry Lujack
Robservations on the media beat:
On the fifth anniversary of his passing, Larry Lujack continues to be revered as one of America’s greatest radio personalities and Chicago’s preeminent disc jockey for the ages. The Radio Hall of Famer and self-proclaimed "Superjock" died at 73 of esophageal cancer in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on December 18, 2013. From the time he landed in Chicago as late-night personality at WCFL in 1967 through the two decades he dominated Top 40 powerhouse WLS 890-AM, he was without peer. More on Lujack's extraordinary life and career will be revealed in the soon-to-be-published autobiography of Tommy Edwards, the radio legend long known as Lujack's "Animal Stories" sidekick Lil’ Tommy. "Remembering Uncle Lar’. What a great talent!" Edwards wrote on Facebook Monday. "There was another side of Larry Lujack you may not know. You will soon. Stay tuned."
Laura Washington
The nonpartisan Institute of Politics at the University of Chicago has chosen veteran journalist Laura Washington to serve as a 2019 fellow, focusing on Chicago's mayoral election. In addition to seminars featuring conversations with the candidates, Washington will lead ChiElect, offering students a series of public programs, civic engagement opportunities and internships. She continues as a columnist for the Sun-Times and political analyst for ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7. Among five other fellows named for the winter quarter were Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam (R-Illinois). “From Chicago’s municipal elections to state government and Capitol Hill, our students will have the opportunity to gain insights from fellows with experiences at every level of government,” IOP founder and director David Axelrod said in a statement.
Frank Sennett
Frank Sennett, director of custom publishing and digital strategy for Crain’s Chicago Business, has been promoted to director of digital products and strategy for all four city/regional publications under Crain Communications. Sennett joined Crain’s in 2014 as head of digital strategy. The former president and editor-in-chief of Time Out Chicago, he also was interim chief operating officer of Ebert Digital and RogerEbert.com and editor of NewCity Chicago.
Frank Wright
Frank Wright, midday personality at WXLC 102.3-FM, has been named content director at the Alpha Media hot adult-contemporary station in Waukegan. He had been filling in as program boss since Haynes Johns left in October as operations manager, program director and afternoon personality. Wright, who joined 102.3 XLC in 2002, continues as midday host. In the latest Nielsen Audio survey, the station tied for 40th with a 0.2 percent share.
Dave Robbins
Dave Robbins, the onetime Chicago radio personality who became vice president and general manager of multiple CBS Radio stations here, died Monday in Orlando, Florida, after suffering a heart attack. He was 59. Robbins began as a disc jockey, assistant program director and music director at Top 40 WBBM 96.3-FM in 1982. He returned to Chicago in 2003 to become general manager of B96 and then-oldies WJMK. He subsequently headed country WUSN 99.5-FM and the former WCFS, as well as CBS Radio's digital operations in Chicago. He left the business in 2015 and most recently headed Florida Getaway Vacation Homes, operating rentals at Florida beaches and Walt Disney World.
Monday’s comment of the day: Steve Hrbek: Still think it's a waste of hours to bring in syndicated shows instead of finding good local talent [at WLS 890-AM]. Chicago radio was built on good local talent and talk about local and national issues; not some person who speaks nationally all the time. If I want that, I have TuneIn, Sirius and others for that!