Salem Chicago Celebrates 3rd Annual Shaunfest
Salem Media Chicago is celebrating the success of the third annual “Shaunfest” – a live remote broadcast of WIND-AM, Chicago’s afternoon drive Shaun Thompson program that drew about 1,400 attendees. Salem Chicago market manager Marcus Brown tells TALKERS the live event has grown steadily, attracting about 1,000 fans two years ago and about 1,200 last year. Brown says, “The live broadcast culminated with a tribute to two special members of the AM 560 family who passed away over the last year – Charlie Kirk (who grew up listening to the station before becoming a host with Salem) and Rich Gervasio (a caller “Rich from Indian Head Park” who became a fixture on the show), followed by a live performance of the national anthem. It was a powerful moment that capped off the broadcast.” Brown adds, “In addition to the nearly 1,400 attendees, we also had a dozen local sponsors who had lines of listeners at their booths for hours. Truly an incredible event that underscores the power of local radio in an era where these types of things are becoming rare.”