Posted by chicagomedia.org on March 21, 2009 at 08:42:16:
WLS-Channel 7 reports on Roger Ebert's new normal
By Lewis Lazare
on March 20, 2009 3:42 PM
The legions of fans who regularly read Sun-Times critic Roger Ebert's take on the movies will want to tune in to ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7's 10 p.m newscast on Sunday and the station's 4 p.m. newscast on Monday for Kevin Roy's report titled "Roger Ebert's New Normal." Roy examines how Ebert's life has changed since he lost his voice in the wake of several surgeries. Among other things, Roy reports that Ebert is now cancer-free and is more prolific than ever in his writing. Roy accompanies Ebert during one of the movie critic's visits to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, which is credited for helping Ebert regain his ability to walk. The report shows Ebert meeting with his doctor and the various physical therapists who, over time, have become like family to Ebert.
Separately, WLS has hired a new special projects producer Ross Weidner. He replaces Jason Knowles, who recently joined WLS' reporting ranks. Weidner comes to WLS from ABC-owned WTVD-TV in Raleigh-Durham, N.C., where he was an investigative producer and researcher. Before joining WTVD, Weidner interned with the ABC News investigative unit under the guidance of Brian Ross.