OTL: Episode #78

(podcasting “from” in the parking lot of the Jewel on Broadway and Berwyn) (broadcasting on the 100-watt well-taxed radio station WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen compliments Andy Hermann’s beard, they discuss how higher sales taxes might affect local retailers, they learn about the controversy behind a public/private partnership, and then they hear about hearing stories on the CTA. New OTL Features; the big OTL video push, Mike enjoys Andy’s beard David Vite – President and CEO, Illinois Retail Merchants Association; on Cook County’s hiked sales tax, and how local businesses will suffer John Riley – Community Issues Reporter, Medill News Service; on Lincoln Park and the Latin School’s soccer field agreement Marcy Rae Henry – Professor of Humanites, Harold Washington College; on her book The CTA Chronicles, about public transportation stories (segue music this week from WeCan&WeMust)

OTL: Episode #76

(podcasting “from” right outside of the McDonald’s underneath the Loyola Red Line “L” stop) (broadcasting on the 100-watt Quarter Pounder with Cheese WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann discuss the best work places in Chicago, they learn about the latest Cook County Board budget, Mike leaves a threatening voicemale for Andy, and then it’s the first edition of their Zell’s Bells series. More from the OTL Newsroom; Chicago’s Best Places to Work, introducing a new OTL ongoing series Jack Smith – Loyola U. prof and former D.C. CBS News Bureau Chief; on the Cook County Board budget, and the highest sales tax in the country Mike’s voicemale to Andy; a look into FM radio jocks, and stirring up a battle between producers ZELL’S BELLS (part 1) Jim Peters – Director of Planning, Landmarks Illinois; on the possible changes to Wrigley Field under Sam Zell’s ownership (segue music this week from The Northside Southpaws)

OTL: Episode #64

(podcasting “from” a parking lot next to the Chicago Reader building) (broadcasting on the 100-watt chopping block WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann read an OTL website comment, they learn about the recent staff cuts at the Chicago Reader, they leave a message for Dan Savage, and then they get the scoop on the spike in foreclosures in the region. OTL website comments; Shawno of Hyper Nonsense suggests an OTL naming rights opportunity Harold Henderson* – former Chicago Reader staff writer; on staff cuts at the alternative weekly, and his new blog “Harold, Daily” calling the Savage Love Podcast; tracking down Dan Savage for our as-yet-unnamed OTL podcast feature Steve Daniels – writer, Crain’s Chicago Business; on the increase in mortgage foreclosures in the city and region (segue music this week from Happy Chichester) * OTL web exclusive: the full conversation with Harold Henderson

OTL: Chicago Reader Staff Cuts (advance audio)

Yesterday (Tuesday 12/11/07), we spoke with Harold Henderson… who was fired from the Chicago Reader after putting in 22 years, 7 months, and 22 days at the alternative weekly institution. In a drastic cost-cutting move… he was let ago along with three other heavy-hitters — John Conroy, Tori Marlin, and Steve Bogira. Due to time constraints, an abbreviated version of this interview will be in the 64th edition of our Outside the Loop RADIO program on WLUW 88.7-FM this Friday 12/14 @ 6p (along with a bunch of other great segments)… but his insight into the state of journalism today is too important not to feature in its entirety. So take a listen, and be sure to keep up with Harold at his new “Harold, Daily” blog.