Charlie Meyerson

It's no secret that I've always had a soft spot for recently ousted (last Friday) WGN news director Charlie Meyerson. He was one of my first Chicago Radio Spotlight interviews four years ago. We share a common history...the University of Illinois and WPGU-Radio. I've met Charlie a few times over the years, and saw him as recently as a month or two ago, and he was always upbeat and positive--even under obviously stressful circumstances.

It's nice to see him getting such nice press on the way out. (Some of it is here, here, and here.)

I wish Charlie the very best. I'm sure he will land on his feet.

Danny Mac

Didn't realize this, but according to Robert Feder's column this morning, my old colleague Dan McNeil is off the air this morning because his contract expired yesterday.

Sounds like they're working on a new one, but nothing yet.

I hope they nail it down. The Score is a much better radio station with Dan McNeil on it.


(I've interviewed Dan many times. You can check those out at Chicago Radio Spotlight)

Chicago Radio Spotlight: Penny Lane

My latest Chicago Radio Spotlight interview has been posted. This week I spoke with Penny Lane. You may remember her from the all-female WSDM lineup in the 1970s. She has a few great stories about those days.

You can read the entire interview here.

Dave Benson

My old Loop colleague Dave Benson is leaving his job as program director of KMTT in Seattle. He was working there with another former Looper, John Fisher.

Not sure why he's leaving, but I never like the sound of "to pursue other opportunities."

I interviewed Benson a few years ago for Chicago Radio Spotlight. He was the program director of KFOG in San Francisco at the time.

Chicago Radio Spotlight: Jim Moran

My latest Chicago Radio Spotlight interview has been posted. This weekend I spoke with veteran traffic reporter Jim Moran.

You can read it here.

Greg Jarrett

Some pretty cool behind the scenes stuff with WGN morning man Greg Jarrett as he sings "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" at Wrigley yesterday.

(If you'd like to read my Chicago Radio Spotlight interview with Jarrett from last year, click here.)

Harry & Jay

Two of my former Chicago Radio Spotlight interviews were in the news this week.

Some good news first. Harry Teinowitz avoided jail this week when he pleaded guilty to the DUI charge. He told the judge that this was probably the best thing that ever happened to him because it's forcing him to clean up his act. That's great to hear. I honestly wish him the best.

Then the frightening news out of Colorado. Former WLS talk show host Jay Marvin is recovering from a suicide attempt. He's been going through some rough times and medical problems, and those were on top of his already diagnosed bipolar disorder. Read his blog. It's heartbreaking. He's in a lot of pain right now.

(If you'd like to read my original Chicago Radio Spotlight interviews with either man, I interviewed them both in 2007: Harry Teinowitz, Jay Marvin)

Chicago Radio Spotlight: Ron Smith

This week's Chicago Radio Spotlight interview is with Oldies programmer Ron Smith. He's the author of five books, including one that just came out this week called "Eight Days a Week."

You can read the interview here.

Tommy Edwards interview

Many thanks to Larry Shannon at Radio Daily News for giving such prominence to my Chicago Radio Spotlight interview with Tommy Edwards (and also to Larz at Chicagoradioandmedia.com who always promotes my interviews--swell guy that he is). This particular interview has had a ton of hits.

If you haven't read it yet, you can check it out here.

Chicago Radio Spotlight: Tommy Edwards

This week's Chicago Radio Spotlight has been posted. I interviewed Tommy Edwards (of "Animal Stories" fame) and we talked about the glory days of WLS, his beginning in radio and what he is up to now.

You can read it here.

Museum of Broadcasting

Bruce Dumont has been working on the Museum of Broadcasting for years, and this week the final part of the main construction will be completed. Robert Feder has the details on the "media beacon" that completes the project.

I'm happy for Bruce that it's finally gotten to this point. I interviewed him about it a few years ago at Chicago Radio Spotlight.

Happy birthday

Two of my former colleagues are celebrating birthdays today. I've interviewed both of them for Chicago Radio Spotlight over the years.

Vince Argento is 40 (!) today.

and

Bob Hale is a little older than that.

Happy birthday, fellas!

Chicago Radio Spotlight: Gary Spears

The latest Chicago Radio Spotlight interview is posted. This week I spoke with K-Hits midday jock Gary Spears. You may remember him from his two stints at B-96.

The interview is here.