Bill Kurtis: 'There was a time when people actually watched Channel 2'

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: From Phil Rosenthal's Tower Ticker blog tonight: : : ............ : Bill Kurtis: 'There was a time when people actually watched Channel 2' : In bringing back three-time former WBBM-Ch. 2 anchor Bill Kurtis to do "Cold Case Minute" reports on its newscasts, Channel 2 not only is playing off his history with the station in what was considered its glory days. : WBBM also apparently looks to take advantage of Kurtis' newfound standing as something of a comic figure, as developed through his wry, deadpan AT&T ads and narration in the Will Ferrell movie "Anchorman." : "We did a radio spot today," Kurtis said Monday in an interview with WGN-AM 720's Bob Sirott (audio here). "You talk about a change in attitude. The first line is, 'There was a time when people actually watched Channel 2.'" : The line is delivered with the stentorian authority for which Kurtis has become known through programs such as "Cold Case Files," the A&E series Channel 2 has picked up in syndication to air weeknights at 1:07 a.m. beginning next week. : Sirott, a former Channel 2 reporter and CBS News correspondent himself, noted that while Kurtis is returning to their old station, the dingy old broadcast barn on McClurg Court has been replaced by gleaming headquarters across from Daley Plaza. : "There is a different feel," said Kurtis, who's set to turn 69 Monday. "The marbled decor is a little strange for the old gritty news organization that [long ago promoted its news team and newsroom set as], 'It isn't pretty but it's real.' Now it's pretty and hopefully real." : Given CBS' success in prime time and in late-night, Kurtis told Sirott he believes hamstrung WBBM's prospects for adding viewers look good, as well. "I think it's the best chance in 20 years for Channel 2," Kurtis said. : Chicago Tribune parent Tribune Co. owns WGN-AM. : Posted at 06:50:38 PM

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