Posted by chicagomedia.org on December 16, 2008 at 07:30:08:
In Reply to: Bye Kipper posted by Big Al on December 15, 2008 at 19:28:24:
Two new PDs in Chicago - Bob Shomper leaves WGN (720) for WLS (890).
Monday's seismic events in Chicago PD-dom start with Shomper exiting Tribune Tower and perambulating over to Citadel talker WLS - apparently succeeding Kipper McGee. Shomper goes with the praise of WGN general manager Tom Langmyer, who says "Bob has been instrumental in implementing a solid formatic structure and building a strong bridge between programming and the sales & marketing teams." Langmyer also says Shomper "has done much to prepare us for the recent transition to PPM." That behind-the-scenes drama came down as WGN made a change that was far more apparent to the listener - the coronation of new 'GN morning man John Williams, replacing the retiring Spike O'Dell. That also happened yesterday. As for Kipper McGee - the immediate speculation had him possibly going to New York and the vacant job at WABC (770). But there's no word from Citadel on any of that. Tribune was also forthcoming in announcing Shomper's replacement --
Kevin Metheny is the new PD at WGN.
That puts yet another former Jacor/Clear Channel person inside the Tribune organization (the count is rising toward 20, with Jerry Kersting, Sean Compton, Marc Chase, Carolyn Gilbert, Tim Dukes...). And if Tribune boss Randy Michaels wants somebody at WGN who's familiar with his thinking about big-stick AMs, Kevin's the guy. Metheny was the top programmer for Clear Channel (and Jacor) in Cleveland for a decade, and among his babies was talk WTAM (1100). But WGN's a different kind of creature, and WGN manager Tom Langmyer is careful to introduce him to the staff as "a true radio guy [who] has a great understanding and respect for WGN and what it means to Chicago." But Langmyer says Metheny "also knows that WGN can be grown further in terms of relevance today as 'The voice of Chicago.'" Kevin - a former programmer in Minneapolis, San Francisco and Jacksonville and VP/Programming for MTV and VH1 - will visit WGN today to meet the family there. And yes, for Howard Stern fans, Kevin is "Pig Vomit" of the early Stern days at WNBC, New York.
(Tom Taylor)