Posted by Bud on December 26, 2009 at 10:31:16:
Year's biggest broadcast news
Overhauls at WGN Radio, Channel 2 among top stories
December 25, 2009
BY LEWIS LAZARE Sun-Times Columnist
By all accounts, 2009 will go down as one of the most tumultuous years ever in the Chicago broadcasting industry. Here is our list of the 10 biggest developments that shook the Chicago radio and television business in 2009:
1. Upheaval at Tribune Co.'s news/talk WGN-AM (720). Under controversial program director Kevin Metheny, who arrived just as 2009 was starting, one of Chicago's iconic radio stations suffered through wrenching talent changes and format adjustments during much of 2009. Metheny was trying to give the station an edgier sound and pull in a younger demo than WGN was used to attracting for most of its history. The jury is still out on whether Metheny will ultimately accomplish his goal, but he has managed to anger tens of thousands of loyal listeners who don't like what he has done.
2. Anna Davlantes jumps to WFLD-Channel 32. It was the summer's and early fall's most tantalizing guessing game. After Davlantes rejected efforts by NBC-owned WMAQ-Channel 5 to keep her on board as a weekend anchor, she went into hibernation for three months, while the city wondered where she'd land. She finally resurfaced as a contributing anchor and reporter at Channel 32, which can use all the help it can get to try to raise its flagship 9 p.m. newscast ratings from the dumpster. Davlantes has the title of "contributing anchor" on WFLD's 9 p.m. newscast, but she is a VERY visible contributor.
3. The Eric Ferguson and Kathy Hart phenomenon at Bonneville's hot adult contemporary WTMX-FM (101.9). Given all the so-called radio legends who have exited the scene this year, the continued ratings dominance of WTMX's super-hot morning drive duo becomes all the more impressive. Most important, they have managed to prevail despite the advent of Arbitron's portable people meter, which has proved the Achilles heel for some radio talents whose numbers nosedived after the PPM debuted in June 2008.
4. WNUA-FM (95.5) smooth jazz format bites the dust. The station's familiar call letters have not yet been formally retired, but Clear Channel has ditched smooth jazz as a viable format. WNUA switched to a more advertiser-friendly hot Spanish hits format, which also attracts a more desirable younger demo. Smooth jazz is still alive in Chicago, however, as WLFM-FM (87.7) is looking to attract smooth jazz aficionados left adrift.
5. The news overhaul at WBBM-Channel 2. The effort to resurrect WBBM as a force to be reckoned with in local TV news really began with the arrival of wunderkind Jeff Kiernan as news director in January. He's been resolutely focused on getting viewers to sample WBBM once again as he tinkers with anchor lineups and offers newscast content that sets WBBM apart from the competition. Ratings are up -- an encouraging sign that Kiernan just may be successful.
6. Bob Sirott out at WMAQ-Channel 5. For months, the familiar local broadcaster was believed to be the anointed successor to veteran anchor Warner Saunders, who retired from WMAQ last May. And for months, WMAQ brass did nothing to suggest Sirott would do anything but go on to succeed Saunders, though we ran several items wondering why WMAQ would never confirm that. Then, suddenly, Sirott was out, and Rob Stafford was in as Allison Rosati's co-anchor. A stunning development that, so far, has not translated into ratings success for WMAQ's flagship newscast, which now is in third place at 10 p.m. behind leader ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7 and Channel 2.
7. Jonathon Brandmeier dumped at classic rock WLUP-FM (97.9) Yes, another legend wiped from the radio airwaves overnight. Though Brandmeier had his fans, he was a high-priced talent who simply didn't fit in with the new reality in radio, where every station manager is now intensely cost-conscious. Brandmeier also was intensely loyal to his staff, which significantly upped the cost of producing his show. It remains to be seen whether Brandmeier will be willing to cut his salary demands and his staffing requirements in order to find a new radio home in Chicago.
8. "Chicago Tonight" turns 25, and its first host, John Callaway, dies. It was a one-two punch. Joyous celebration of a 25th birthday followed soon thereafter by the deep sorrow of Callaway's death. Public television WTTW-Channel 11's nightly news show and its host represented the classy side of Chicago broadcasting. Even in Callaway's absence, "Chicago Tonight" remains an unusually watchable and informative hour of TV programming, but Chicago broadcasting lost one of the true greats with Callaway's abrupt passing from a heart attack.
9. The return of Bill and Walter. It was billed as a one-night only reunion on Channel 2, but what a wonderful reminder it was of what once made the news anchor pairing of Walter Jacobson and Bill Kurtis so incomparable. WBBM news staff did a remarkably good job of making the reunion a special event, while still managing to deliver an informative newscast.
10. The WLS-Channel 7 steamroller keeps on rolling. We couldn't let the year pass without remarking on the impressive and unwavering newscast ratings dominance of Channel 7. Throughout the year and during all the tumult in the market, WLS General Manager Emily Barr and her News Director Jennifer Graves stuck to their guns and focused on delivering quality newscasts with quality talent day in and day out. Viewers have responded in kind by remaining intensely loyal to the station. Yes, in the end, quality can triumph.