Posted by chicagomedia.org on October 14, 2008 at 07:25:57:
NBC 5 anchor is branching out as host of WTTW talk show pilot
After eight years as a star reporter and weekend news anchor at NBC-owned WMAQ-Channel 5, Anna Davlantes is diversifying.
Next month she'll host a pilot for a local public-television talk show that could develop into a regular weekly series.
Tentatively titled "Rewind with Anna Davlantes," it will air at 8:30 p.m. Nov. 7 on Window to the World Communications' WTTW-Channel 11.
In what's billed as a "topical talk show where Chicagoans buzz about the headlines of the week," Davlantes will lead an eclectic mix of guests on issues ranging from politics and the Nov. 4 election to pop culture.
"To me, it's a great way to hear spirited talk from Chicagoans who don't normally 'get a seat' at the table," Davlantes said.
Although she plans to include some local celebrities in the mix, mostly she'll aim for "regular Chicagoans with opinions."
Davlantes, who was courted earlier this year for a top anchor role at WBBM-Channel 2 before the budget collapsed at the CBS-owned station, recently signed a contract extension at Channel 5.
For the Chicago native and graduate of Lane Tech High School, the talk show pilot marks a return to her broadcast roots. While a student at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Davlantes worked in the research department of Channel 11.
(Robert Feder, Chicago Sun-Times)