Posted by OutInTheStix on January 06, 2009 at 10:38:48:
A few good notes on some local low-budget old time radio shows. This is from Cara Jepsen's "Illinois Entertainer" (which if you've never read it, it contains mostly outdated industry news but I guess she's aiming at a different demo or something..)
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REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL, PT. II: GOING LOCAL: And as corporate belts continue to tighten, media innovation will take place off the radar on these homegrown, low-budget shows.
That's the case with Scott Davidson's "Rebel Radio," which has been bringing heavy metal and the like to local airwaves since 1994 (Wednesday through Saturday, midnight to 2 a.m. on WSBC-AM (1240) in Chicago and simulcast on WCFJ-FM (1470) in the South suburbs). Davidson and his DJs play a ton of local bands; send promo packs to Rebel Radio, 4320 Dundee, Northbrook, IL 60062.
Chuck Mertz's free-wheeling WNUR-FM (89.3) public-affairs talk show "This Is Hell" explores current world events from perspectives often ignored by mainstream media - and makes you laugh while you learn. A recent Question From Hell for listeners and guests: "Which change that you would like to see during the Obama administration will not happen?" Answers ranged from single-payer health care to a two-state solution for Israel/Palestine. It's on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and online at Thisishell.net.
Though he's on the most commercial of radio stations, WGN-AM (720), Nick Digilio flies under the radar Friday nights 11 to 2, Saturday nights 8 to midnight, and Sunday nights 10 to 2. The 43-year-old horror-movie fan and playwright is quicker-witted than many better-known (and paid) local personalities, plus he has a vast knowledge of pop culture and does a mean Mayor Daley impersonation. Podcasts are at www.podcastblaster.com/directory/podcast-12524.html.
Steve Cushing's handcrafted "Blues Before Sunrise" focuses on the first 50 years of recorded blues music (1920 to 1970), ranging from jump and jive to rhythm and blues, gospel, comedy, and doo wop. Cushing also profiles many of the artists he airs, and has archived interviews with many long-gone greats. It airs Sunday nights from midnight to 5 a.m. on WDCB-FM (90.9) and at www.wdcb.org.