Industry News

It’s Official: Walter Sterling Named Host of The Other Side of Midnight

Red Apple Audio Networks and WABC Radio make it official that Walter Sterling is the new, permanent host of the nationally syndicated program, “The Other Side of Midnight,” that airs live Monday through Friday from 1:00 am to 5:00 am ET. In addition to its flagship WABC, New York, the program is also heard on such imgsignals as WGN, Chicago; KMOX, St. Louis and 18 other affiliate stations. Sterling says, “There is something magical about overnight radio. It’s the one part of the day when listeners let down their guard and have real conversations. They share their stories, their questions, their experiences, and together we explore the fascinating, funny, mysterious, and sometimes unbelievable side of life. To be heard on legendary stations like WABC, WGN, and KMOX is both a professional milestone and a personal honor. I’m excited to spend the nights with listeners across America and build a community where every voice matters and every story is worth telling.”

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WVON, Chicago Broadcasts Live from Obama Presidential Center Opening

Midway Broadcasting Corporation’s urban talk outlet WVON, Chicago is broadcasting its entire day of programming from the imgObama Presidential Center today (6/19) from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. The station says, “Juneteenth is more than a holiday. It is a celebration of freedom, resilience, and the enduring spirit of a people who transformed adversity into achievement and hope into progress. On this historic day, tune in as your favorite WVON hosts bring you live coverage, special guests, and community reflections from this momentous occasion.”

Industry News

Stephanie Tichenor Exits WLS-AM, Chicago

Programmer Stephanie Tichenor exited Cumulus Media’s news/talk WLS-AM, Chicago last Friday after seven years in the role of program director and (more recently) director of social media. She posted to LinkedIn: “Radio is changing here in Chicago and across the country. I was laid off yesterday. I worked with Cumulus Media as Program Director and Director of Social Media for over 7 years. I worked with a wonderful team of professionals and I will cherish the friendships I have made. I’m grateful for my family and friends who support me, love me, and make me laugh every day. What’s next? I’m not sure. I am anxious. I am sad. Mostly I am hopeful.”

Industry News

WGN, Chicago Anchor Honored with Chicago Headline Club Award

WGN, Chicago news anchor Sylvia Snowden was honored with a “Best Investigative Reporting” Peter Lisagor Award from the Chicago Headline imgClub at an awards ceremony held last Friday (5/8). Snowden’s award-winning investigation centered on a high-profile TikTok personality and party promoter who organized a massive West Side gathering despite explicit police warnings regarding potential violence. The event, which drew nearly 1,000 attendees, was followed by three separate shootings that left two people dead. Sylvia’s report revealed the promoter was a Chicago Public Schools employee; her continued coverage tracked his initial suspension with pay and his eventual return to the classroom following a district investigation.

Industry News

Chicago News Legend Faces Life without CBS News

The Chicago Tribune’s Robert Channick writes a piece about Audacy’s all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM, Chicago dealing with the task of replacing the top-of-the-hour CBS News that will cease in May. In the piece, brand manager and news director Craig Schwalb isn’t tipping his hand on what the station will do once CBS News is gone for good. He says “all options are on the table.” TALKERS publisher Michael Harrison is quoted in the piece noting that WBBM faces a “high bar” replacing aimg newscast that some 700 stations respected enough to put on their air. Schwalb tells the Tribune, “Conversations have been going on since the announcement, and I think we get closer and closer to a decision every day. But we have to be very careful and be very diligent about making sure the product that we select is going to make sense from a listener perspective and a revenue perspective as well… CBS has been a great top-of-the-hour news piece for a long time, but it’s a very small percentage of what we do in a given hour between business, traffic and weather together on the eights, local news – the strongest local newsroom in Chicago radio.”  Read the Tribune story here.

Industry News

Debbie Kenyon to Lead Central U.S. Markets for Audacy

Audacy promotes Debbie Kenyon to regional president for its Central U.S. markets. Kenyon currently manages the company’s Detroit stations, and her new responsibilities will include Chicago, Cleveland, Minneapolis, Milwaukee and Madison. She’ll oversee such heritageimg signals as WSCR-AM/FM “The Score” and news/talk WCCO-AM. Audacy president and CEO Kelli Turner comments, “Debbie Kenyon has been a pillar of our business for over a quarter century, and her elevation to regional president for our Central region is a testament to her ability to drive innovation and deliver consistent performance. Her appointment supports our commitment to empower our teams and build on our unmatched presence in local markets and communities while fully leveraging our scale and reach.” Kenyon joins Jeff Federman, Mark Hannon, Claudia Menegus and chief business officer Chris Oliviero in regional president roles overseeing key Audacy markets.

Industry News

RTDNA Presents 2026 First Amendment Awards Tomorrow

The RTDNA Foundation will recognize 12 individuals and organizations at tomorrow’s 2026 First Amendment Awards being presented at The Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C. RTDNA Foundation president Tara Puckey says, “At a time when the rights guaranteed by the Firstimg Amendment are challenged on every front, the journalists, organizations and individuals we honor today stand as powerful examples of courage, integrity and unwavering commitment to the free flow of information. Their work informs, supports and strengthens our communities, and it definitely protects the core principles that make a free press essential to democracy. We are proud to shine a spotlight on these champions of press freedom and to celebrate their vital contributions.” Honorees include recently retired WGN, Chicago news anchor Steve Bertrand; former “60 Minutes” executive producer Bill Owens; and FOX News pentagon reporter Jennifer Griffin. See more here.

Industry News

SAG-AFTRA Criticizes Nexstar News Cuts

SAG-AFTRA is condemning Nexstar Media Group’s decision to eliminate SAG-AFTRA positions at WGN-TV in Chicago and lay off multiple journalists at KTLA in Los Angeles and at stations across the country. SAG-AFTRA says, “These cuts strike a serious blow to a trusted source of news and information on which these communities depend.” SAG-AFTRA president Sean Astin comments, “By laying off journalists across the country, Nexstar is eroding the resources and talent that local communities rely on for trusted news. These actions highlight the risks of media consolidation and underscore the urgent need for regulators and the company to prioritize the public interest and the professionals who serve it.”

Industry News

Local Officials Extend Deadline for Data Center at WGN, Chicago Transmitter Site

According to the Daily Herald, officials in suburban Elk Grove Village are extending the deadline to begin construction on a data center campus on the current site of WGN-AM, Chicago’s broadcast towers. The original dealimg required that construction was to have begun in 2025, but village officials agreed to push the deadline back to September of 2017. The Daily Herald story reports, “Nexstar Media Group’s original plans called for selling off the southern 35 acres of the 102-acre property for a three-building data center campus, ancillary electrical substation, and six public pickleball courts to be leased to the Elk Grove Park District. The primary 750-foot radio tower and its 250-foot backup were to be demolished, replaced and relocated slightly to the north, while the small building that houses the station’s transmitters and backup studio would have remained intact.” Nexstar says the transmitter move would not affect listeners’ ability to hear the station. See the Daily Herald story here.

Industry News

Sports Talker Terry Boers Dies at 75

Former Chicago sports talk radio host Terry Boers has died at 75. Boers, co-hosted the “Boers & Bernstein” show on Audacy’s WSCR, Chicago “670 The Score” from 1999 through 2016. He retired from the station inimg January of 2017. WSCR operations manager Mitch Rosen posted the following to social media: “The Score lost one of our own today. Terry Boers passed away today surrounded by loved ones. Terry was one of the founding fathers of The Score and one of the most popular people on the air and in The Score hallways. Terry was original, funny, smart, witty and most importantly a beautiful person. Terry’s family’s wish is there won’t be a funeral, but The Score will celebrate his life on the air next week. So today and forever, RIP Terry Boers.” Boer was one of the original hosts on “The Score when it launched in January 1992. Boers had worked for years in the newspaper business, including as a sports columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times.

Industry News

Salem and Dan Proft Agree to Extension

Salem Media and WIND-AM, Chicago “AM 560 The Answer” morning drive host Dan Proft agree to a two-year extension to keep him on the air through December of 2027. Salem regional VP and WIND generalimg manager John Gallagher says, “The combination of Dan Proft’s intellect and his exceptional interviewing skills is why he’s the best morning radio host in Chicago. His knowledge of the issues that affect the people of Illinois is unmatched. This contract extension solidifies the Chicago Morning Answer brand and the top conservative talk radio line-up in the nation.” Proft comments, “I’m excited to extend my run on Chicago’s Morning Answer, and I am honored to be trusted with such an important platform during these turbulent times. Nothing short of the future of the United States and Western civilization, by extension, is on the line, and I’m humbled to be able to lend my voice to the fight. I want to thank AM 560’s management, along with our loyal, intelligent listeners and our accomplished and thoughtful guests, for their ongoing support.”

Industry News

WBBM Reveals “Made in Chicago” Contest Winners

Audacy’s all-news WBBM Newsradio (780 AM / 105.9 FM) announces the winners of its first-ever “Made in Chicago: WBBM Newsradio’s Small Business Challenge” and the winner is Kikwetu Coffee Company. From October 13 to November 9, small businesses around theimg Chicago area were encouraged to submit an entry for a chance to win a $10,000 media campaign and feature on WBBM-AM’s “Made in Chicago” news segment. Based on the originality, persuasiveness and creativity of their submission, Kikwetu Coffee Company takes home the Grand Prize that includes a media package consisting of a 1 minute 30 second “Made in Chicago” news feature and web article, plus the production and 60 runs of a custom 30-second commercial scheduled to air in February. Runners-up were Presto Real Estate Services and Palmer Florist Inc. and they are being awarded a media campaign valued at $2,500.

Industry News

Geary Yonker Joins Paragon

Paragon announces that public radio sponsorship sales pro Geary Yonker is joining Paragon as sponsorship consultant. Paragon CEO Mike Henry says, “Geary’s established role in producing sponsorship revenue for WBEZ Chicago, Sound Opinions, and with events is invaluable for Paragon clients. Public radio stations need increased sponsorship revenue and new revenue streams ensure sustainability, and Geary will help them reach their income goals.”

Industry News

WBBM Brings Marshall Aboard as Evening Anchor and Reporter

Audacy all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM, Chicago names Glenn Marshall evening anchor and reporter. He comes to WBBM from WGN-TV where he was a reporter. WBBM brand manager Craig Schwalb states,img “Glenn’s combination of experience, authenticity and professionalism will immediately strengthen our afternoon reporting and bring a recognizable, trusted voice to our evening anchoring. We’re excited to welcome Glenn and see the impact he will have on our newsroom and the Chicago audience.” Marshall says, “Chicago made me. I listened to WBBM Newsradio as a kid and dreamed of one day being part of the voices that inform this city. Now I get to continue telling the stories that matter to the neighborhoods I know and love. I am proud to join the team and shine a light on the issues and victories that shape our communities every day. Thanks to Craig Schwalb, Kevin Cassidy and everyone at Audacy for this opportunity.”

Industry News

WGN, Chicago Wins Three Silver Dome Awards

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Nexstar Media Group’s news/talk WGN, Chicago was honored with 2025 Illinois Broadcasters Association (IBA) Silver Dome Awards, including two for the WGN Radio newsroom. The awards were announced on November 6 at a reception held at the InterContinental Hotel in Chicago. WGN Radio won Silver Dome Awards for Best Continuing Coverage – “Trial of Michael Madigan”; Best Feature – “Chicago Teachers Told to Pass Migrant Students” by Sylvia Snowden and Ryan Burrow; and Best Radio Personality – John Williams. Additionally, IBA also recognized Dave Eanet, whose two stints on WGN Radio encompass more than 30 years, with the 2025 Chicago/W. Russell Withers Jr. Broadcast Pioneer Award. The award is named after the late W. Russell Withers Jr, founding father of the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation.

Industry News

WGN, Chicago News Anchor Steve Bertrand to Retire

WGN Radio announces that market news pro and afternoon news anchor Steve Bertrand will retire from radio on November 13 after a 40-year career with the Nexstar Media Group station.img WGN VP and general manager Mary Sandberg Boyle says, “From joining  WGN Radio in 1985 during the Wally Phillips era to anchoring news on the ‘Lisa Dent Show’ today, throughout his 40 eventful years here Steve has faithfully maintained the highest standards of journalistic integrity, combined with his own unique gift for playful on air banter which is sure to be  missed by colleagues and listeners alike.” Bertrand comments, “I feel like I’m the luckiest guy in the history of radio. As a kid, I dreamed of one day living in Chicago. I never imagined I’d be part of her daily conversation. I will forever be grateful to the legends I worked with and, most especially, the listeners who made it all happen. I’ve had the privilege of being part of a pretty amazing family for 40 years.”

Industry News

Bruce DuMont Dies at 81

imgBruce DuMont, the Illinois broadcaster and founder of the Museum of Broadcast Communications, has died at age 81. CBS News reports he passed away on Wednesday (9/10). DuMont worked in both television and radio during as career, including as the original producer of the WGN radio show “Extension 720” beginning in 1968. Later he created the political radio program Beyond the Beltway that was syndicated across the country for years. DuMont set about his goal developing the Museum of Broadcast Communications in 1982 and saw his dream realized when the museum opened in 1987 in Chicago. See the CBS News story here.

Industry News

Report: Bernstein Owns Mistakes That Led to Firing

Chicago sports media personality Dan Bernstein tells Axios that his dismissal from Audacy’s WSCR “Theimg Score” in March as the result of a social media rant against a critic was his fault. He says, “I own my mistakes. This was the culmination of a slow, rolling mental health crisis.” Bernstein recently began working with Hubbard’s 312 Sports platform on the daily podcast “Dan Bernstein: Unfiltered” with co-host Matt Abbatacola. He says, “I learned a lot in therapy, and I’m continuing to learn a lot about the dopamine outrage cycle and how real that is and how my brain chemistry works.” He adds, “I think I’ll be better served by the pace and tone of podcasting.” Read the Axios piece here.

Industry News

“ESPN Chicago” Unveils New Program Schedule

Good Karma Brands’ WMVP-AM “ESPN Chicago” revamps its program schedule as it adds the nationally syndicated Rich Eisen Show to the midday daypart. Effective September 2, the lineup will be as follows:img ESPN Radio’s “Unsportsmanlike” starring Evan Cohen, Chris Canty and Michelle Smallmon from 5:00 am to 6:00 am; “Kap and J. Hood” from 6:00 am to 9:00 am; “Carmen and Jurko” from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon; Rich Eisen from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm; “Bleck and Abdalla” from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm; and “Waddle and Silvy” from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. ESPN Chicago director of content Danny Zederman states, “Our lineup has never been stronger. Adding a powerhouse like Rich Eisen to our midday slot not only gives our fans one of the most respected voices in sports, but we’ve also expanded our local content with an uninterrupted hour of ‘Bleck and Abdalla.’ This combination of national and local perspectives makes us the go-to station for sports fans in Chicago.”

Industry News

NAB Reveals Marconi Finalists

The National Association of Broadcasters announced the finalists for the 2025 NAB Marconi Radioimg Awards. The winners will be presented on October 21 at The Edison Ballroom, the evening before NAB Show New York. Finalists for Legendary Station of the Year include news/talk WABC, New York. Finalists for News/Talk Station of the Year are: KFI-AM, Los Angeles; WABC-AM, New York; WBAL-AM, Baltimore; WBBM-AM, Chicago; and WENG-AM, Englewood, Florida. See all the finalists here.

Industry News

WBBM, Chicago Names Buchholz Political Editor

Audacy’s all-news WBBM-AM/WCFS-FM, Chicago names Geoff Buchholz the new political editor. In this role, he’ll lead the newsroom in delivering coverage of City Hall and its key players. WBBM brand manager Craig Schwalb states, “Chicago’s City Hall has all the twists, power plays and tension of a greatimg detective story. It takes someone who is an exceptional journalist with seasoned and sharp instincts like Geoff to follow the plot. I’m excited to see how he continues to build on the legacy that Craig Dellimore left behind and how his presence strengthens our multi-platform political coverage to better serve our Chicago area listeners.” Buchholz comments, “Chicago and Illinois are entering a critical era, and it’s more important than ever that our audience understands how the actions at City Hall, in Springfield and Washington affect their lives. I’m so grateful for our listeners’ trust, and I’m looking forward to being our station’s politics-to-English translator and excited to get to work.”

Industry News

Carton and Parkins Lose FS1 Show

FOX Sports has canceled the “Breakfast Ball” show on FS1 co-hosted by Craig Carton and Danny Parkins.img Both personalities came to television from radio – Carton from WFAN, New York and imgParkins from WSCR, Chicago. Industry watchers are speculating whether the two, especially Carton, will return to radio. In the New York Post, sportswriterAndrew Marchand notes that after his prison stint for a fraud conviction, Audacy’s now-chief business officer Chris Oliviero was instrumental in bringing Carton back to WFAN as afternoon drive co-host. Carton did radio and the FS1 show before leaving radio to focus on the early morning TV show.

Industry News

Chicago Sports Talk Personality Harry Teinowitz Dead at 64

Chicago sports media personality Harry Teinowitz has died at the age of 64. The Chicago Sun-Times reportsimg that Teinowitz, former co-host of the “Mac, Jurko and Harry” show with Dan McNeil and John Jukovich on WMVP, Chicago’s, had been ill in recent years, having received a liver transplant and suffering from liver and heart issues. Teinowitz began his radio career as part of the morning show on crosstown competitor WSCR. He also did on-air appearances on WLUP-FM and WGN-AM. See the Chicago Sun-Times story here.

Industry News

Sirott and Landecker Host 1970s Nostalgia Show on WGN, Chicago

Tonight (7/10), WGN Radio air personalities Bob Sirott and John Records Landecker getting together on air for a special hour of 1970s nostalgia during Landecker’s show from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The hour is beingimg called, “For Radio Geeks Only,” and will feature Sirott and Landecker reminiscing about their time working together as music DJs from 1973 to 1980 on WLS-AM. Sirott says, “We played the hits and had more fun than humans should be allowed to have. Besides the music, there were encounters with stars, personal appearances with fans and endless stories to go with it all.”

Industry News

Amy Jacobson Exits WIND, Chicago

Chicago media personality Amy Jacobson announces via X that she has exited Salem Media Group’simg news/talk WIND-AM. On Tuesday she posted, “After 15 1/2 years at WIND AM560 radio, due to staffing reductions, today was my last day on the air. I am still processing this but I am happy to announce I have launched http://AmyJacobsonLive.com where I will be hosting a weekly podcast, posting behind-the-scenes blogs, livestreaming.” Jacobson has been co-hosting the morning show with Dan Proft who appears to be continuing the program solo.