Jan Jeffries exits WLS-FM

Transferred to Washington D.C. station As first reported by Robert Feder Wednesday morning, WLS-FM program director Jan Jeffries is leaving the Cumulus-owned station but is being transferred instead to another Culumus outlet:  contemporary-hit station WRQX in Washington D.C. The shift comes as ratings for the Classic Hits station has softened in the last year, losing ground to CBS’ K-Hits (WJMK), who […]

MeTVFM surges in June PPM book

On 87.7 FM, MeTV FM drastically pulls better numbers than predecessor Usually, PPM radio ratings reports are about as dull as sucking on an ice cube – hardly any changes or movement happens month-to-month. But not this time as there has been some significant shifts in local radio listening. According to PPM numbers released by Nielsen Audio Tuesday, Weigel Broadcasting-programmed […]

Report: Chicago White Sox heads to WLS-AM

Could set up scenario for the Cubs to shift to the White Sox’s old home. As first reported by Robert Feder Tuesday, the Chicago White Sox is expected to land at Cumulus-owned WLS-AM beginning in 2016, moving from its current home from CBS-owned WSCR-AM, The Score (670). A move to another station was expected, after the rival Chicago Cubs landed a […]

Third time’s the charm for the Chicago Blackhawks

Third Cup this decade; sixth Cup overall Blackhawks dominate on the ice and in the ratings How sweet it is! The Chicago Blackhawks on Monday clinched another Stanley Cup championship as they defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-0 in front of more than 22,000 happy humans at the United Center – the first time the Cup was won on home […]

T Dog’s Think Tank: Chiraqing away

The term Chiraq is here to stay. Thank the media. For those who don’t like the word “Chiraq”, let me lay it on thick for you…. it’s here to stay. The term, used to describe the number of shootings and murder in the Chicago area, continues to be a hot topic of debate in the media as Spike Lee films […]

The Grab Bag: Tony Sculfeld heads to WSRB-FM

News and notes from around the industry – WSRB, a Crawford-owned urban adult contemporary station previously known as Soul 106.3, is trying its luck with an other former WGCI alum – Tony Sculfield, who’ll soon take over the evening slot vacated by Ramonski Luv, who was out after less than six months on the air. Recently, Sculfield was part of […]

T Dog’s Grab Bag: Ramonski Luv out at Soul 106.3

WBBM news woes continue; CBS criticized for Mentalist reruns to replace Letterman; former Chicago FM call letters find a new home – As first reported by Robert Feder Wednesday, Soul 106.3 (WSRB) evening radio personality Ramonski Luv was released by the station after only a few months on the air. Luv, whose real name is Ramon Wade, was paired with […]

WMAQ pulls off 10 p.m. news upset

Beat WLS-TV in key news demo for the first time in nearly 20 years Dispute in 10 p.m. news race in Milwaukee The last time WMAQ won the 10 p.m. news race in adults 25-54 demo, Ron Magers and Carol Marin were still anchoring, ER was the hottest show on television, and Jay Leno was hosting the Tonight Show. Nineteen […]

WGCI raids rival station for talent

In a bold move, a local radio station has raided a rival’s cupboard. As first reported by Radio Insight, WGCI-FM raided their crosstown rival WPWX (Power 92) and nabbed two of their viable on-air personalities: midday host Frankie Robinson and afternoon host Tone Kapone, who both continue in the same daypart capacity with WGCI. This is the second WGCI stint […]

Remembering Ty Wansley

Ty Wansley, a St. Louis native who rose through the ranks of Chicago urban radio, died Wednesday at the age of 63 due to congestive heart failure. Wansley was a fixture in Chicago radio for decades, most recently serving as Information Director for iHeart Media’s three African-American targeted radio stations: WGCI, WVAZ (V103) and WGRB. Wansley started out as a […]

Think Tank Express: Random thoughts

Oh, when are the upfronts? It’s been slow here at the T Dog Media newsdesk. So here are some random thoughts: – Dr. Oz said, for some reason “We will not be silenced” in response to some Columbia University doctors questioning his credentials. But would silence him is low TV ratings. – Instead of reporting the news, CNN and Fox try […]

T Dog’s Think Tank: What’s in a name?

  Spike Lee can call his movie whatever he wants – but its the content that matters Chicagoans whine about the “Chiraq” name, turning the city into a bunch of Jan Bradys When filmmaker Spike Lee announced the name of his new movie to be set in Chicago was going to be named Chiraq, it set the city into a […]

It’s a Chicago country music station smackdown

  New startup from iHeart Radio making life hell for US 99.5 In the last few years, analyzing PPM results has been like watching paint dry – no real, earth-shaking position changes usually happens. But the most recent PPM report out this week showing a huge shakeup in what has become a most interesting development for country music fans. New country […]

Think Tank Express: Jon Stewart to Chicago: Drop Dead

Here we go again: Overrated, blowhard host of The Daily Show slams Chicago again Jon Stewart went after Chicago again Wednesday night on The Daily Show – this time not over pizza, but for the city’s residents for re-electing Rahm Emanuel for a second term on Tuesday, defeating challenger Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, 55 percent to 45 percent (for the record, […]

Think Tank Express: A long way to go on diversity

Deadline article, Bernstein’s comments prove women and minorities still face a hostile environment in the media business  It’s interesting we have a “communications” as a college major, and yet have a lot of people who don’t know how to communicate – especially when it comes to gender and race issues. And this week, the point was proven more than once. […]