WTTW WFMT
Robservations on the media beat:
Lisa Flynn
Without fanfare, WFMT 98.7-FM canceled its long-running noon newscast earlier this month, replacing it with “Music in Chicago” on the Window to the World Communications classical music station. At noon each weekday, midday host Lisa Flynn presents a selection that celebrates the music community in Chicago. “It could be a recording of a recently-performed concert in Chicago, a historical recording from Chicago, previewing an upcoming Chicago concert, or featuring a Chicago artist,” according to the station. Back on WFMT’s schedule is “Live from Carnegie Hall” at 10 p.m. Thursdays. Syndicated by the WFMT Radio Network, the series features performers and ensembles in a range of styles, from early music to solo recitals to orchestral performances.
Radio Hall of Fame
Monday marks the opening of public voting for the Radio Hall of Fame at www.radiovote.com and via text at 877-370-VOTE (8683). Fans are invited to select from among nominees in two categories — Music Format On-Air Personality (Hollywood Hamilton, Lon Helton, "The Mark and Brian Show" and Ryan Seacrest) and Spoken Word Format On-Air Personality (Joe Madison, Scott Slade, Stephanie Miller and Suzyn Waldman). The process has been changed this year to water down the impact of public voting. Instead of selecting the winners in the two categories, the outcome of the public balloting will count as only one vote among those of the Radio Hall of Fame nominating committee. Voting runs through July 28. Winners will be announced August 5.
Alex Nitkin
Alex Nitkin, a reporter for The Real Deal, has been hired by The Daily Line, the subscription newsletter on state and local politics, where he will cover Cook County as well as zoning and development issues. "In his work at The Real Deal, Alex showed an ability to break down complex issues and make the impact of policy and politics clear for readers of all backgrounds,” said Heather Cherone, managing editor and City Hall reporter for The Daily Line. “He will be an asset and a great addition to our team.” Nitkin, a graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, previously worked as a reporter for DNAinfo Chicago. At The Daily Line he succeeds A.D. Quig, who jumped to Crain's Chicago Business to cover government and politics.
Linze Rice and Justin Breen
Happy to note the expansion of BrEpic Communications, the award-winning public relations firm founded by former DNAinfo Chicago senior editor Justin Breen. Signing on as its first freelance reporter is Linze Rice, who worked with Breen as a reporter at DNAinfo. Rice, who also operates her own communications firm, Pink House Media, is a contributor to the digital news startup Block Club Chicago. “Linze is a dynamite reporter who understands the keys to a great story,” Breen said. “I’m really happy that BrEpic has had such incredible growth that it has enabled me to scale the business.”
Wednesday’s comment of the day: Steven Michael: Sherman and Tingle in the morning are fantastic. Their humor, mixed with great music, makes the drive to work seem less torturous! I was a Lisa and Ramblin’ Ray regular until they brought in that disaster of a morning show at US99.