Robservations: Nine personalities added to Radio Hall of Fame

Dr. Ruth Westheimer

Robservations on the media beat:

Ryan Seacrest

Dr. Ruth Westheimer, the psychosexual therapist who hosted the groundbreaking radio show “Sexually Speaking” in the 1980s, and Ryan Seacrest, the nationally syndicated radio personality, have been chosen for induction in the Radio Hall of Fame. They’re among nine broadcasters named to the 2019 Hall of Fame class today. Others are Sean "Hollywood" Hamilton, Harry Harrison, Joe Madison, Jim Rome, John Tesh, and the team of Kevin Ryder and Gene "Bean" Baxter. The Chicago-based shrine honors radio’s outstanding personalities and programs. No one from Chicago made the cut this year. Winners will be inducted November 8 at Gotham Hall in New York. Tickets are on sale at radiohalloffame.com.

Esther J. Cepeda

Happy to note the return of a highly admired former Sun-Times colleague, Esther J. Cepeda, to print in Chicago. Her nationally syndicated Washington Post Writers Group column has just been picked up by the Chicago Tribune. (Here is the link.) "As one of the few national Latino voices, I've walked a fine line between speaking only to Latino audiences and being valued for my expertise and perspective regardless of my ethnicity," Cepeda told me. "Generally speaking, I've shifted my focus to uplifting the concerns of people marginalized in Trump's America, which includes Latinos, immigrants, LGBTQ people and people in the Midwest who don't adhere to the stereotype of the angry white rural or working class voter." Lara Weber, the Tribune editorial board member who selects and edits op-eds, said: "I'm always looking for fresh voices for our opinion pages — especially writers who bring a Chicago perspective. As I read more from Esther Cepeda, she just seemed like a natural addition to our pages. I like her writing style and the issues she tackles. So many Chicago communities have been underrepresented on our pages, and this is one way we can start improving that."

Lisa Bertagnoli

With the departure of reporter Lisa Bertagnoli, Crain's Chicago Business may be changing the way it covers the philanthropy and nonprofits beat. Bertagnoli, who was a freelance contributor before she moved up to full-time in 2016, has left to become marketing content specialist at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. “We continue to cover the important nonprofit sector in Chicago," said Jim Kirk, publisher and executive editor of Crain’s Chicago Business. "As the nonprofit world has changed, so must our approach in covering it. We are thoughtfully assessing the best plan forward.”

Jenniffer Weigel

Jenniffer Weigel, the multitalented Chicago journalist, author and broadcaster, is launching a weekly podcast featuring interviews with inspiring leaders. Starting today, she'll co-host "The Climb" each Monday with filmmaker, producer and actress Marcia Kimpton. (Here is the link.) Their first guest is Jennifer Connor, CEO of Mustard Girl Mustard, an all-natural, gluten-free mustard company. Weigel continues as sidekick and traffic reporter for Mancow Muller’s morning show on Cumulus Media news/talk WLS 890-AM.

Janet Davies

A tip of the hat to the lovely and charming Janet Davies, who's celebrating her 35th year as feature reporter and program host at ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7. She's best known as co-host of ABC 7's annual New Year's Eve countdown show (with Mark Giangreco) and co-host of the station's Pride Parade, Columbus Day Parade and St. Patrick’s Day Parade broadcasts. For 14 years Davies was host and executive producer of the lifestyle and entertainment magazine "190 North" before the weekly series was canceled in 2013. She joined ABC 7 in August 1984 from WPVI, the ABC-owned station in Philadelphia.

Friday’s comment of the day: Steven Tucker: It would be nice to have a sports show. We only have one "Sports Talk Live," and half of the time it's shortened or preempted for baseball and other nonsense. Chicago is supposed to be a great sports town and that's all we have!!!! And now this ["The Daily Line"]. It is frustrating and irritating to be a Chicago sports fan.