Posted by chicagomedia.org on November 19, 2008 at 09:47:04:
Ex-WBBM-TV boss Ahern joins Chicago 2016 as volunteer
Having failed to take WBBM-Ch. 2 to the top of the ratings despite an expensive multi-year campaign, Joe Ahern is hoping to do better for the city of Chicago in its effort to land the 2016 Olympics.
Ahern, just a month removed from his exit as head of WBBM, has landed a volunteer advisory gig with the Chicago 2016 committee.
The committee looks to draw upon Ahern's background in its marketing, international relations, communications, development and sponsorship initiatives. His six years atop WBBM and 1985-97 turn running WLS-Ch. 7 here sandwiched a London-based job with Walt Disney Television International and a stint as head San Francisco's KGO-TV.
"Joe's extensive media background and knowledge of the Chicago community is a welcome addition to our efforts as we finalize our Games plan and begin preparations for our final presentations to the International Olympic Committee," Patrick G. Ryan, chairman and chief executive of Chicago 2016, said in a statement.
Chicago's bid book for the International Olympic Committee is due in February, and the IOC evaluation commission is scheduled to visit in April. This city is among four still in contention for the 2016 Summer Olympics, along with with Tokyo, Madrid and Rio de Janeiro. A final pick by the IOC is expected in October.
(Phil Rosenthal, Chicago Tribune)