Bob Bakish out as CEO of Paramount Global

His position to be reconditioned as an “Office of the CEO” as company’s bid with Skydance hangs in the balance Coming as no surprise given the speculation surrounding his future was a hot topic all weekend, Paramount CEO Bob Bakish has stepped down. In his place, Paramount announced a new management structure called the “Office Of The CEO,” run by […]

The Media Notepad: Digitial network Bounce may soon be on the sales block

Also: Judge Judy and Hot Bench renewed through 2026; Bulls’ regular-season ratings fall; WLS-AM host falls for phishing scam Digital subchannel Bounce could soon have a new owner, according to CNBC.  Cincinnati-based Scripps has hired a financial firm to evaluate potential offers. Bounce was founded by Katz Communications and launched in 2011, offering various dramas, sitcoms, and sporting events targeted […]

Amazon, Tegna score NHL rights deals

Tegna’s Pacific Northwest stations acquire almost all Seattle Kraken games; Amazon is the new home of SportsNet’s “Monday Night Hockey” in Canada A pair of NHL deals on both sides of the border sent a huge body check to cable TV. On Thursday, the NHL’s Seattle Kraken announced a new television rights deal with MacLean, Va.-based broadcaster Tegna, with at […]

The Media Notepad: Paris Schutz heads to Fox 32 as new political reporter

Also: Alyssa Donovan promoted to full-time to WGN-TV’s Weather Team; WBEZ continues its ratings freefall; Indianapolis station to air Fever games As hinted by Politico’s Shia Kapos last week, it was made official Tuesday: Paris Schutz is headed to Fox-owned WFLD (Fox 32) where he’ll be the chief political reporter and anchor his own half-hour weekly political show, essentially replacing […]

“Bob Hearts Abishola” heads to off-network syndication for fall

Deals made as CBS sitcom wraps up five-season run In a move that was expected given it was approaching the five-season mark, Warner Bros.’ sitcom Bob Hearts Abisola was sold in broadcast off-network syndication to several station groups this fall with 92 episodes available to air, announced last week.  Warner did not announce what percentage of the country is cleared, […]

Scripps pulls plug on The CW in seven markets

Owner of rival Ion couldn’t agree on new deal with Nexstar-owned network [Editor’s Note: This post was updated April 25.] Seven Scripps stations currently affiliated with The CW will not be in September as the broadcaster and the network couldn’t agree on terms to renew their deal, as first reported by The Desk Friday. Of the seven, two are in […]

‘Late Show’ coming to Chicago for DNC this summer

Stephen Colbert to bring his late-night show to town A late-night network show is visiting Chicago for the first time in years with Stephen Colbert bringing his Late Show to the Chicago Auditorium Theater from August 19th to the 22nd, coinciding with the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. “I lived in Chicago for 11 years, and it holds […]

ABC 7 VP of News Jennifer Graves announces retirement

She leaves on top after three decades of employment at WLS-TV  After 22 years at the helm, ABC 7’s VP of news Jennifer Graves has called it a career. “Jennifer Graves’ reputation for journalistic excellence has made her one of the most influential news leaders in Chicago for more than three decades. Her news judgement, a passionate commitment to fairness […]

Report: Bulls, White Sox, Blackhawks to bolt NBC Sports Chicago for Stadium

Jerry Reinsodrf’s digital network could be the new home for all three teams As first reported by the Chicago Sun-Times Monday night, the Chicago Bulls, Blackhawks, and White Sox are looking to exit their expiring deal with NBC Sports Chicago and launch a new regional sports network named Stadium, an existing streaming platform whose IP is owned by Bulls and […]

The Media Notepad: Audacy, Cumulus merger afoot?

Also: The Talk to end after 15 years; NCAA Women’s Championship draws record high; NHL team headed to Utah With the future of Paramount Global all the chatter, there could be some radio merger and acquisition action, too. A report in Radio Insight suggests Audacy – soon to be controlled by Soros Fund Management after coming out of bankruptcy – […]

The Media Notepad: Fallout continues from Chicago Public Media layoffs

Paramount, Skydance advance merger talks; Iger survives Disney proxy board vote The fallout continues from the decision to lay off fourteen employees at WBEZ and Sun-Times owner Chicago Public Media last Wednesday, with a Chicago alderperson from the city’s 49th Ward on the far North Side being the latest to weigh in. “Seeing the increases, seeing the benefits, and then […]

Chicago Public Media announces layoffs, shutters Vocalo

WBEZ and Sun-Times owner closes content generator comes after 17 years amid storm of controversy In a controversial move, the non-profit Chicago Public Media has announced layoffs of fourteen people and dissolved its content development unit, responsible for producing several podcasts. As a result, Nerdette, Making, and When Magic Happens are ending.  Of the fourteen laid off, nine were from […]

SInclair’s Charge! shifts to WLS-TV under new ABC-owned station deal

Allen Media Group’s This TV is out as contract expires In a move that could read as an April Fools’ joke, Sinclair Inc. announced Monday it would pay ABC’s eight owned-and-operated stations to carry its digital network Charge! on its over-the-air dot-three tiers (as in 7.3, 11.3, etc.) The deal is unusual as Sinclair agreed to pay an unspecified license […]

Dr. Phil’s Merit Street Network launches today

Adds Steve Harvey to roster  [Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on March 25, but updated April 2 with new information. Keep reading for more.] One-time daytime talk show foes Dr. Phil McGraw and Steve Harvey are teaming up. According to B&C, the former Chicago-based TV talk show host and radio superstar has taken an equity interest in Dr. […]