Re: Kathy and Judy on WGN


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Posted by Yep on May 22, 2009 at 09:35:17:

In Reply to: Kathy and Judy on WGN posted by Wow.. what a Friday on May 22, 2009 at 09:34:29:

: FIRED!

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KATHY & JUDY AIR FINAL SHOW ON WGN RADIO

Friday, May 22, 2009 – WGN Radio 720 AM announced it is discontinuing the “Kathy & Judy Show,” featuring program hosts Kathy O’Malley and Judy Markey, at the end of today’s broadcast. Friday’s show will present some of the duo’s finest, funniest and most poignant moments and the hosts’ reminiscences about their 20 years together on WGN.

The show was unprecedented in local radio when WGN brought together O’Malley, then a columnist for the Chicago Tribune, and Markey, a columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times. They took on topics that were once taboo in talk radio, injecting wit, wisdom and women’s insights into their daily mid-morning conversations.

“Kathy & Judy have been a phenomenal chapter in WGN Radio’s rich history,” said Tom Langmyer, VP/General Manager of WGN Radio. “They have a level of personal connection with their listeners that is extremely rare. They’ve shared fun, laughter, joy and a wonderful relationship with their many ‘Girlfriends.’ They will be missed and we wish them much happiness.”

“This was a business decision,” Langmyer added. “The media business and the Chicago radio market have changed dramatically in the last few years, including a new method of ratings measurement. WGN needs to respond to these changes, and this is the time to move in a new direction.”

Though they will not be on-air program hosts, O’Malley and Markey will continue to be employed by WGN and will be heard in commercial announcements.

WGN will name a replacement host or hosts for the mid-morning program in the coming weeks.

WGN Radio 720 AM, the 2008 Illinois Broadcasters Association Large Market Station of the Year, is dedicated to being the #1 source of Chicagoland entertainment, news, sports and information. WGN Radio is the official broadcaster of the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago Blackhawks, and Northwestern University. It continues over 80 years as “The Voice of Chicago.” For more information or to listen online, visit wgnradio.com.

A MESSAGE FROM KATHY & JUDY

FROM THEIR FINAL GIRLFRIENDGRAM - MAY 22, 2009

WGN has issued a press release this morning to announce the cancellation of The Kathy and Judy Show. The reason for this special and last edition of the GirlfriendGram is so that you hear the news directly from us.

One of the things we've always talked about is change; nothing ever stays the same. And we always have to be ready to accept that, and to adjust to it. This is a big change for all of us.

Please know that the hardest part for us is losing the daily connection with you. For twenty years, you have opened your lives and your hearts on our show. That is what has made the experience so remarkable for all of us. And if we think about it, we have to remember how lucky we all have been - we've had two decades with each other, which is longer than many marriages! (Ours, at least.)

We'll remain available by e-mail at kathyomalley@wgnradio.com and judymarkey@wgnradio.com.

Please listen to the show today. We're planning to play a lot of highlights from past shows and to laugh a lot. We hope you'll do the same--right up until we play "The Way Old Friends Do" by ABBA (we've gotta tick Steve off one final time). Our final show will also be available after today on wgnradio.com.

Thank you. We love you guys.
Kathy and Judy


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