Love Pete. While he aspired to be the Cubs radio play-by-play man, Sirott turned down an offer from Fabian to take the job during the height of his TV hosting commitments. Please Dont bring Sirott back! Williams' former timeslot, 1-4 p.m. was left vacant for several months, with the station's other radio hosts filling in on a rotating basis including weekend host Nick Digilio, and Bob Sirott, who formerly hosted "The Noon Show" on the same station, in addition to a weekend program that is pre-recorded with his wife, Marianne Murciano (Sirott was also a prominent news anchor at NBC owned-and-operated station WMAQ-TV, channel 5, and later at Fox-owned WFLD, channel 32). Michael Harrison, publisher of Talkers magazine, a radio trade publication, called WGN a national treasure among radio stations for embracing its heritage, something most other legacy radio stations have long since abandoned. During nighttime skywave hours, with a good radio, it is audible over most of the Eastern and Central United States and Central Canada. Weekend hosts Jerry Agar and the "News Junkie" Sean Wasson left the station, in a shift towards more general and less controversial talk programming. I was happy for Pete that he would get a morning show, but I had this bad feeling it was a bad move/risk/ Mornings as we know are a very competitive and no offense to 97.1 The Drive or its listeners, but its a music station for people that like type/genre of music. Glad to see him go.but sirott is not the answer. Fabian, who tried to hire Sirott at least six times over the years to work at WGN Radio, said the versatile Chicago air personality is the rightful heir to the morning chair. Ive listened to GN for over nearly 6 decades and the decline is painful to hear. Miss their show. Havent gotten over losing Steve and Johnnie. Part of a successful radio talent is not only wit and intelligence, but also an appealing voice. After all, success in radio is based on building and maintaining connections between hosts and the audience. The station will also launch a limited-edition centennial beer dubbed Chicagos Very Own golden lager, which will be available beginning Friday at Metropolitan Brewing in Chicago and at other retailers. WGNs hiring of Sirott tells us there is a lot of truth to what Joyner said because quite basically, relying on the same ol limited list of names to keep your radio station relevant is particularly asinine at a time when radio is failing to attract the next generation of listeners. End of an era sadly. So I wonder if WGN felt burned by Pete leaving them back then and thats why WGN wont offer Pete a full time gig? Radio Hall of Famer John Records Landecker, who's been a frequent fill-in host, just signed on as a full-timer. Wintrust Business Lunch with John Williams, Home Sweet Home Chicago with David Hochberg, Lets Get Legal powered by Illinois State Bar Association and hosted by Jon Hansen, This Week in Wealth with Tom Fortino and Ilyce Glink, The Workers Mic powered by the Midwest Coalition of Labor, Second City Works presents Getting to Yes, And, The Business of Food with Steve Alexander, Kane trade reinforces hard reality of Blackhawks, Rodgers says decision on future will come soon enough, New MLB rules get mixed fan reaction after first, Deals done long before NHL trade deadline set stage, WGNs 100th Anniversary / Archives / Station History, http://serve.castfire.com/audio/3505756/3505756_2018-05-18-151756.64kmono.mp3?ad_params=zones%3DPreroll%7Cstation_id%3D3739.mp3, The Grinch is getting a sequel, plus other books, Everything you need to know about the Disney California, 13 stylish black tights to wear this winter, Baseball could take over broadcasting of 17 teams, Buydowns can lower mortgage rates. . 6 to 10 a.m. Bob Sirott WGN Radio Nov 1997 - Nov 2022 25 years 1 month. And nobody else could come close to having as much of that stuff as we had.. Cochran constant bashing of Trump tiresome. Jenkins and Donnelly are at their transmitter in the Wrigley Building in 1922. As analyst Rich Greenfield would say, Good Luck Radio. WGN-AM 720. First Bill Leff, (never cared for Wendy Snyder)! I listen to Nick D now and then. [13], On November 1, 1931, WGN's network affiliation changed from NBC to CBS as a result of NBC's purchase of a half-interest in WMAQ, which then became Chicago's NBC station. But the station is hewing closer to its radio roots these days under Mary Sandberg Boyle, 46, a veteran radio producer and executive who became the first female GM at WGN Radio in 2019. Anna Davlantes loses her show from 1 to 4 p.m. and moves to a new role as investigative correspondent with special reporting, covering news stories in-depth. He called the long-running WGN news/talk format news plus, adding conversation to topical issues to engage rather than enrage listeners. Elliott Jenkins, left, and Thorne Donnelly, right, are the original owners of WDAP, the predecessor to WGN radio. 32 news at 9 p.m. A Chicago native, Sirott launched his media career in the 1970s as a rock jock at WBBM-FM 96.3 and WLS-AM 890. They are a mixture of WGN-TV and WGN Radio personalities. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. You can find a comprehensive archive of his material here. I used to listen to WGN 24/7 and liked nearly everyone I heardnow, I can only tolerate bits and pieces and tune elsewhere the majority of the day. This new identity was implemented in all station promos, and used by all on-air talent. Compton worked for Clear Channel Radio under Randy Michaels and made the transition with him to Tribune when Sam Zell bought the company in 2007. Updated: Aug 6, 2014 / 09:07 AM CDT. Bill and Wendy ARE THE BEST. Id go to sleep with the transistor radio under my pillow listening to the West Coast games that started late.. Landecker will fill in during afternoons until September 28 when he'll move permanently to a new evening show airing from 7 to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. Couldnt stand the way he interrupted his guests. [33][34][35] Eleven years later, WGN suffered another helicopter-related tragedy when Flying Officer Irv Hayden and his pilot were killed on August 10, 1971, after their helicopter struck a utility pole in the Chicago suburb of Bellwood.[36][37][38]. Youd hate it even more now, the entire schedule is repetitive! In black-appeal radio, the disc jockey role was pioneered both locally and nationally by Jack L. Cooper, who began playing . WGN's studios are located in the Chicago Loop, while the transmitter is in Elk Grove Village. Jenkins and Donnelly are at their transmitter in the Wrigley Building in 1922. If us older generation folks are tuning out, just what listeners are you catering to? All thats left worth listening to now are the best Colour Analysts in the NHL-Troy Murray & John Wiederman. Looking at how Sirotts ratings were the last time he was at WGN or WLS, dont look for him to even come close to matching Cochrans numbers. On April 2, 2009, WGN announced that Meier would join the station full-time as host of a program in the 1-4 p.m. slot (airing most weekdays when the program is not pre-empted by Chicago Cubs broadcasts); his first official show occurred that same day. Since then, WGN Radio has been an integral part of the conversation and culture in Chicago, broadcasting news, sports, entertainment and major events across the Midwest with 50,000 watts of power. Above: Political analyst, Paul Green. WGN-TV and WGN Radio would remain with the original entity, which was renamed Tribune Media and was restructured to focus on the company's broadcasting, digital and real estate properties; the newspaper division which, in addition to the Chicago Tribune, included publications such as the Los Angeles Times, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and the Baltimore Sun was spun off into the standalone entity Tribune Publishing (known as Tronc from June 2016 until the company reverted to its former name in October 2018). The reason I got into this business was listening to Cubs broadcasts growing up, said Sirott, 72. The Bill and Wendy Show airs Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to noon, then streaming from noon to 1 p.m. A pair of black tights are a necessity, rather than just an accessory, to stay stylish and comfortable when temperatures drop. Despite his firing, Cochran is still under contract through 2020. What is the new WGN thinking, are all the bosses afraid to read the numbers, or are there egos so large that they are smarter than the chicago listeners, I hope that the person who put Sinatra on Sunday mornings didnt do this, but it sounds like the same logic. I listen to WGN Radio less and less. Jerald McNair: We dont want to incarcerate youth. There's a bit of quid pro quo at work here, I admit. WGN Radio host Judy Markey poses with her plaque as WGN Radio honors 10 inaugural walk of fame inductees to celebrate the station's 90th year on June 27, 2014. Your email address will not be published. WGN-TV Political Report. The disc jockey became important in Chicago radio during the 1930s, well before the term "disc jockey" was coined in the 1940s. I certainly dont patronize their advertizers! Coinciding with the hire of Jarrett, WGN dropped its "News/Talk 720" brand and began identifying itself simply as "Chicago's WGN Radio 720." The station is profitable, she said, but declined to disclose revenue. WGN radio personality Wally Phillips hosts Mayor Harold Washington on Phillips' telephone call-in show fielding a wide range of questions from listeners in November 1983. I have no interest in Sirott so I guess I will not be listening. I know John Williams does currrent events, but is to opinionated. The city's first disc jockey was Halloween Martin, whose show, Musical Clock, was a morning staple on various stations from 1929 to 1946. WGN Radio has changed up their Saturday night and early Sunday morning line up, while ending the Best of Jim Brohannon Show, and bringing the husband and wife team of Steve King and Johnnie Putman from 9 pm to 2 am, and expanded and moved The Sinatra Hours from 2 to 5 am, and a few more shows. Robservations: Bertrand, Landecker round out new WGN Radio lineup, My childhood dream became the honor of a lifetime, Robservations: Sun-Times moving to Old Post Office; ABC 7 opens weekend anchor slot; Medill tracks local news decline, Robservations: StreetWise raises cover price; Sventoonie takes a break; Friends of Chicago Reporter mark 50. said about the state of radio recently in Billboard: WXRT moves: Brehmer shifts to middays; news anchor Dixon out, Bears bomb on field again, draws mixed ratings results for Sunday Night Football. What I don't understand, though, is why they so seldom give ousted personalities the chance to say goodbye and thanks to their listeners. Adam Carolla. Cochran becomes the highest-rated host to be canned in Chicago radio in years; in 2007, Howard McGee was released from WGCI despite finishing first in adults 18-34 in morning drive and was replaced by Steve Harveys syndicated morning show (McGee has since returned to Chicago radio in a weekend/fill-in role at WVAZ-FM, WGCIs sister station.). First Lt. Elmer McKesson, Capt. The Best Talk Show Hosts Of Daytime, Late Night, and All Time. RADIO / BROADCAST HISTORY LIBRARY: Thousands of magazines . During the music days, it was . 1st they dump Bill & Wendy and now Steve? Quinlan died in an auto accident during spring training in 1965. The original WGN began operating on the evening of March 29, 1924, after the newspaper took over programming of the former WJAZ. Over the last decade, his Miller. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. : Bengston, Bob - Retired from radio. And definitely not his wife. Feder flashback: So you think you know Chicago television. Chicago media message boards exploded with traffic and posts, many excited over a possible permanent Meier presence on the station. I am a WGN junkie so I hope things work out. On September 1, 1928 the Federal Radio Commission (FRC) ruled that this was two stations too many, and ordered that their operations be consolidated. On August 13, 2010, the station's branding changed again to "News 720 WGN." On November 20, 2014, Chicago media blogger Robert Feder reported that WGN management planned to end operation of both WGWG-LP and internet station WGN.FM on December 31, 2014. We belong to the listeners, Boyle said. Text is available under the Creative Commons . I stopped listening to the morning show when Cochran came on. For the six years they were together at the station, Leff and Snyder invited me into their studio each week for a half-hour segment to talk with them and their audience about the news, my columns, my family or whatever else was on my mind. [21] Effective November 1, 1943, the FCC modified its policy for FM call signs,[22] and the station's call letters were changed to WGNB. I am hoping that eyes are opened and things change for the better. I have a disease (Parkinsons) which often ikeeps me up at night. Wont be listening. I am beyond disgusted. WGN-TV Podcasts. WGN Radio picks up White Sox", "New Owner Close At Hand For Chicago's WGN Radio", "Nexstar CEO expects WGN will team with other Illinois stations", "ABC News Pres. Bob Sirrott is Chicago, and he is class. The man is a stone-cold pro broadcaster who understands the game and loves the Cubs, Fabian said. Former morning host Greg Jarrett was released from the station. Chicago radio personality Art Hellyer, circa 1966. . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2021 T Dog Media, Inc.. All rights reserved. OMG hope its Bob & Marianne Recently Robin Robinson ended a great run at Fox 32 . TV Shows. WGN is a clear channel, Class A station, broadcasting at the maximum power of 50,000 watts, and using a non-directional antenna. Wallace M Rogerson conducted the Keep Fit to Music programme. Yes there is no replacement for Bob Colins (whom I now believe you would wish to fire). [60], On June 5, 2014, the Chicago Cubs announced that radio broadcasts of its games would move from WGN to WBBM for the 2015 season under a seven-year deal. No thanks, Im out. The transaction and concurring privatization of the company was completed upon termination of Tribune stock at the close of trading on December 20, 2007. From 1924 to 2014, WGN was owned by Tribune Media, which also owned the Chicago Tribune, whose "World's Greatest Newspaper" slogan served as the basis for the WGN call sign. The initial call sign policy for commercial FM stations included an initial "W" for stations east of the Mississippi River, followed by the last two digits of a station's assigned frequency, "59" for "45.9 MHz" in this case, and closing with a one or two letter regional identifier, which for Chicago area stations was "C". Insiders suggested another poor showing in the latest Nielsen Audio survey hastened the move. A perennial ratings powerhouse, WGN Radio had double-digit audience shares and millions of regular listeners from the 1960s through the 1980s, when Wally Phillips, Bob Collins, Roy Leonard and other legendary broadcasters ruled the airwaves. A lot of companies, they have heritage stations, but they dont necessarily put a lot of value on that history, Harrison said. I never could understand why WGN put him on the air so he could promote his mortgage business disguised as giving advice to people. 7 to 10 p.m. John Records Landecker. . Glad Steve C is gone. thrown. Monday through Friday, it carries Rich Valds, America at Night from Westwood One during late night hours. 9, while former on-air personalities including Lyle Dean, Spike ODell, Orion Samuelson and Max Armstrong will make guest appearances on the radio station during the day. Many people do not get along well with the boss, especially initially lots of changes with new owners and thus new Management. I used to listen to Bod in the 70s..But I also used to listen to my mother. [9] In 1926, WGN broadcast Sam & Henry, a daily serial with comic elements created and performed by Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll. For the local Chicago television station, see, The "World's Greatest Newspaper" slogan was first used in a February 1909 feature commemorating the 100th anniversary of. WGN was best known for the Chicago Cubs, great hosts like Wally Phillips, Bob Collins, Paul Harvey and many more.. "Few rival Annas commitment to serving the public in anticipating, exposing and breaking important stories. Fabian, who hired morning drive successors Collins and ODell, said the key to success at WGN was not necessarily a big voice. Cochrans demise started 3 years ago with Trumps election and his own self centered beliefs, really believed his own BS. Love Dave, Mary with the news and the camaraderie. Bill and Wendy talk about the history of the WGN Radio with Roe Conn, Patti Vasquez, Steve Bertrand, Justin Kaufmann, and Roger Triemstra. Boyle said the decision was out of our hands and predated her tenure at the top, but she bears no ill will toward the team or WSCR-AM 670, the successor play-by-play station. This 50 watt transmitter was built up from component parts by station engineers and was moved over to the Drake Hotel at the latter part of 1922. posted on November 18, 2021 at 8:25 am by Robert Feder. The station aired middle of the road (MOR) music until the 1970s, when its switched to more of an adult contemporary-type sound. Menu. But Triemstra wasn't just a weatherman. Steve Bertrand, who has been hosting afternoons solo since he replaced Roe Conn in September 2020, will continue with Dent from 2 to 6 p.m. weekdays. Morning drive host and longtime Chicago on-air personality Bob Sirott at the WGN-AM 720 studio on May 17, 2022. Are they worth, DCs cherry blossoms coming early due to confusing, Chasing Horse pleads not guilty in Nevada sex abuse, How the Daisy Jones cast went from beginners to, KFC bringing back buzzworthy item after 9 years, States consider safe injection sites to prevent, Students pepper-sprayed at anti-racism protest, More from WGN Radio 720 - Chicago's Very Own, Enough pollution in minority area eyed for NJ power, Trump planning first Iowa trip since announcing 2024, States move to crack down on nurses with bogus diplomas, Intel agencies: No sign adversaries behind Havana, Man steals bus at JFK airport, drives through NYC, Political analyst Paul Lisnek recaps mayoral election, State Farm files for another auto insurance rate, Execution-style murder in St, Louis caught on video, Chicago Lighthouse: Raising the stakes for vision. : Bateman, Bob - On air personality at WMIL-FM in Milwaukee. Someone doesnt know their audience. TV Schedule. [65], Tribune Media was acquired by Nexstar Media Group for $4.1 billion in September 2019, marking the first time since 1924 that WGN radio would not be owned by any iteration of the Tribune Company. He was notified after he got off the air Friday that it was his last show. If you've ever wondered what your favorite radio personalities look like, scroll down or check out the slideshow. Ill miss you. I listened recently to Sirott and found the program so boring!!!! [66] The sale made WGN the only radio property owned by Nexstar, which primarily owns television stations;[66] in an interview with Crain's Chicago Business in December 2018, shortly after the deal was announced, Nexstar CEO Perry Sook stated that he "doesnt have an allergic reaction to radio" and that there were no immediate plans to sell WGN radio, adding that he did not expect Nexstar to acquire additional radio stations.[67]. No Cochran = Happy 2020. Given Cochran had a solid track record and WGN ranked third in mornings, replacing him with Sirott doesnt make sense. Music programming was phased out during the 1980s, and by 1990, the station's lineup mainly consisted of talk shows. And weve done it to ourselves. WGN is a radio station that I used to listen to for entertainment, news and current events. Top. How long can you hear about Ross, Abigail, and the same ol s Nobody cares. "A very important thank you needs to go out to our listeners. Lisa Dent, who's been a popular Chicago radio personality for two decades, will sign on as Monday-through-Friday afternoon host at WGN 720-AM in the new year. Just started listening to WGN last year for something different. No personality is larger than what the brand is. McCormick acquired the station in 1924, changing the call letters to WGN, which stood for the Worlds Greatest Newspaper, the slogan that adorned the Tribunes front page. He also provided the original voice of the cartoon bird. The new Sinatra hour does not apply to me, I will miss Steve B at lunch, and the old schedule of news, weather, business, current events discussions. -. Powered by WordPress & Designed by Bizberg Themes, WGN Radio shocker: Cochran out, Sirott in. The Nexstar Media news/talk station announced the move Thursday as part of a new weekday lineup starting January 3. [3] In mid-1923 ownership was transferred to the Board of Trade,[4] and the next year the Whitestone Company, managers of the Drake Hotel, took control. We are also down to Roe Cohn & Dean Richards as the last portion of this radio station that is worth my time. The only radio station in the Nexstar portfolio, WGN weathered the economic downturn of the pandemic without furloughs or layoffs, thanks to the support of its new owner, Boyle said. WGN's YouTube Page. And they all understand that. Miss Bill and Wendy a lot. Wgn has been part of my life since I was a child. The studios were moved to the Drake Hotel the following July. I guess after Bob Collins no one could measure up. Watch Live. "All of this at the legendary WGN-AM in Chicago, the crown jewel of talk radio, the station we hated when our parents forced it on us as kids, the station we made fun of as teenagers, and the station we learned to respect as we realized why it's been so good for so long because the people there cared.