Posted by chicagomedia.org on October 16, 2008 at 11:35:37:
Feder owned broadcast beat for 28 years
Great newspaperman a better friend -- he will be missed
The feeling at the Sun-Times on Friday is sure to be akin to the mood in a clubhouse when a Hall of Fame-caliber ballplayer hangs up the spikes for good.
That's because Oct. 17 marks the last time you'll see Robert Feder's column in this newspaper.
For the last 28 years, Feder has been the most respected local TV/radio columnist not only in Chicago but arguably in the country. (And I'll make that argument with anyone.) His persistence, his dedication, his passion and his devotion to accuracy equaled that of any reporter covering any beat in the city.
Former Sun-Timesman P.J. Bednarski said it best in Broadcasting & Cable magazine: "For anybody new to Chicago electronic media, there are only two necessary things to know from the start: the lake is always East and read Robert Feder."
Feder recognized that, in Chicago, morning radio personalities and TV news anchors are rock stars. With the exception of an Oprah here or Cusack there, a Corgan here or a Wentz over there, we don't have that many entertainment types working or living here. We care deeply about afternoon-drive hosts, program directors, 10 p.m. anchors -- and station managers with marble bathrooms and arrogant demeanors.
Feder redefined the beat and worked his turf with an enthusiasm that never wavered.
When I was in radio, Rob always knew more about what was going on at my station than I did. Twice, I heard about format changes from him before anyone at the station had told me a thing.
Same way with the TV beat. I'd make a deal with a station -- and before the ink on the deal was dry, Rob would be offering his congratulations.
When Feder was working a scoop, he would light up with enthusiasm. The only times I saw that light shine brighter were when he talked about his wife and his daughter.
He was a great newspaperman, and he's an even better friend.
Cheers, Rob.
(Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times)