Iger: ABC, ESPN not for sale

Disney CEO seems to backtrack on comments made last summer Remember earlier this year when Disney CEO Bob Iger was looking at selling ABC and its owned stations, several cable networks, and a stake in ESPN? Never mind.  Is ABC for sale? @andrewrsorkin asks Bob Iger "It is not for sale" — Tim Baysinger (@tim_bays) November 29, 2023 On Tuesday, […]

Elon Musk to advertisers who paused after he supported anti-Semitic comments: “Go (bleep) yourself”

Musk responds to advertiser boycott of X platform after support of anti-Semitic remarks [Editor’s Note: This post contains some offensive language. Reader discretion is advised.] Proving he is nowhere near fit to run a business, X/Twitter Chairman Elon Musk unleashed the fury Wednesday at the New York Times DealBook summit, calling out advertisers who paused on his platform due to […]

Detroit TV station saga takes another turn

NAACP, Operation PUSH urge sale of WADL The saga involving Detroit’s WADL has taken another turn with the owner getting support from unlikely sources.  Chicago-based Rainbow PUSH Coalition and the NAACP have each sent a letter of support of Kevin Adell to the FCC in his efforts to sell his WADL to Mission Broadcasting.  The Rev. Jesse Jackson sent a […]

The 2023 T Dog Media Turkey Awards

Your winners/losers in the 18th annual roundup of the worst in everything: Donald Trump. He’s back.  Elon Musk. I’ll tell you what. You can click on this link, which leads to every story this space has featured on the arrogant billionaire, none of it positive.  Jerry Reinsdorf. Speaking of arrogant billionaires, the 87-year-old is currently one of the worst owners […]

The Media Notepad: Media companies suspend advertising on X after Musk approves anti-Semitic comments

Also: Bally Sports getting ready to close; The CW is on the move in two markets CNBC and other outlets are reporting Friday evening numerous companies have “paused” advertising on Twitter/X after owner Elon Musk boosted an anti-Semitic post on the platform.  Lionsgate (Debmar-Mercury) was the first traditional media company to pause and Apple was the first tech company to […]

“Young Sheldon” to close up shop after seven seasons

CBS comedy calls it a career In news that could trigger celebrations across this great Earth of ours, top-rated CBS sitcom Young Sheldon is ending after seven seasons and 100+ episodes.  “As a prequel to one of the biggest comedies, Young Sheldon proved lightning can strike twice,” said Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment. “It set itself apart with a […]

The Media Notepad: ABC 7’s Ryan Chiaverini named lead sports anchor

Also: SAG-AFTRA strike ends; Jennifer Hudson’s ratings grow; Disney names two cable networks as possible sale candidates It’s official – Ryan Chiaverini was named lead sports anchor by ABC-owned WLS-TV Thursday, succeeding Jim Rose, who retired in September after 41 years at the station. “Ryan knows Chicago sports inside out and cuts right to the heart of what this city’s […]

Jason Benetti exits White Sox; joins Tigers as new broadcaster

Leaves with one year left on contract In stunning news, Chicago White Sox announcer Jason Benetti is exiting as announcer for the team and taking the same position as the TV voice of the Detroit Tigers. He replaces Matt Shepard in the role, who wasn’t exactly popular with the Tigers fanbase.  “I’m incredibly proud to join this historic and ascending […]

The Media Notepad: Chicago stations soon to launch ATSC 3.0

Also: Bally Sports facing eventual end; SiriusXM goes through an extensive overhaul; Detroit CW battle heats up  After a years-long wait, Chicago TV stations will finally launch the next generation of over-the-air signals.  Named ATSC 3.0, the new technology enables viewers to watch shows in 4k (2160p) definition, superb Dolby Atmos sound, and in HDR (high dynamic range.) The signals […]

The WWE heads back to The CW with NXT

Five-year deal comes as Smackdown heads back to cable Finally….the WWE has come back to The CW! But it’s not the show you think. World Wrestling Entertainment announced Tuesday afternoon its NXT franchise, which showcases up-and-coming wrestling talent, is moving to The CW next fall after a long run at NBCUniversal’s USA Network, who’ll regain Smackdown this fall after five […]

Former MBC Building may be used for migrant shelter

Former broadcast museum considered as Venezuelan migrants continue to flood city as space for shelters dwindles  The former Museum of Broadcasting Communications building in Chicago’s River North neighborhood on State Street could be the unlikely new home for a migrant shelter.  As reported by crime news website CWB Chicago last week, city officials are looking at the taxpayer-funded building vacated […]

New cable network to launch featuring Dr. Phil

Bold move as linear cable TV subscriptions continue to decline In a mind-boggling move, Dr. Phil McGraw announced Monday he is launching a new network. But instead of taking the streaming route, McGraw is launching Merit Street Media via traditional cable TV. Yes, you heard it right in the Year Of Our Lord 2023 – a new linear cable network […]

NBC 5 to air Bulls, Blackhawks games in primetime

Experiment consists of four contests in all In a very rare move, NBC-owned WMAQ-TV announced Wednesday it will air two Bulls games and two Blackhawks games in primetime in November and December. All four games are being produced by NBC Sports Chicago, who’ll also simulcast each contest and is being streamed (with authentication credentials) on the NBC Sports app to […]