The Media Notepad: Ravi Baichwal out at ABC 7

Also: WBEZ announces fill-ins after Simons’ departure; Fox closes its acquisition of Roku Ravi Baichwal, a two-decade veteran anchor and reporter at ABC 7 (ABC-owned WLS-TV) is out as his contract was not renewed. “After 20 years with ABC 7, Ravi Baichwal has moved on following the conclusion of his contract,” the station’s spokesperson told the Chicago Tribune. “We wish […]

The Media Notepad: Remembering Mike Ditka

Also: Sasha-Ann Simons exits WBEZ; Disney letting you watch Super Bowl LXI in a variety of ways Chicago Bears fans (me included) are mourning the loss of “Da Coach”, Mike Ditka, who led the team for eleven seasons and helped guide the team to its only Super Bowl title in the 1985 season, clinched at the Louisiana Superdome in New […]

WBEZ revamps lineup; shifts Mary Dixon to new show, ends “Reset”

Moves come after loss of federal funding Despite the loss of federal funding, Chicago Public Media’s WBEZ is shaking up its schedule and is adding more local programming to its weekday lineup.  Beginning Sept. 15, WBEZ debuts In The Loop With Sasha-Ann Simons, a Chicago-focused talk show discussing the headlines of the day (and there will be a few that […]

The Media Notepad: WBEZ hires Sasha Anne-Simons as new midday host

Also: Charlie Brown returns; Fox renews syndicated shows; Sinclair to rebrand RSNs after Bally’s Chicago Public Media’s WBEZ-FM has filled its open midday position.  Her name is Sasha Anne-Simons and she’ll take over from the since-departed Jenn White on December 14 as host of Reset, which aired weekdays  from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For the last few months, the […]