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.

OTL: Episode #63

(podcasting “from” on the corner of Clark and Fullerton) broadcasting on the 100-watt bacteria-laden ice cube WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann collect more naming rights ideas for Chicago, they learn about eminent domain in the city, they follow up on the handbill distribution issue, and then they discover what’s in ice cubes at local restaurants. “Chicago Might Sell Naming Rights” (part 2); reading and soliciting more feedback from our listeners Imre Hidvegi – co-owner Chicago Soccer; on eminent domain in Chicago and Save Lincoln Square Ron Roenigk – publisher, Inside Publications; followup on free newspapers and the Commercial Handbill Distribution Law Mary Troken – director, food service sanitation program at Harold Washington College; on the Sun-Times study on bacteria found in ice cubes at area restaurants (segue music this week from The Moves)

OTL: Episode #58

(podcasting “from” right outside of the Leo Burnett Building) (broadcasting on the 100-watt DIY radio facility WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann discuss Daylight Saving Time, they learn about a movement to recall Governor Blagojevich, they get the scoop on the ever-gentrifying Wicker Park, and then they talk about marketing and the DIY movement. Daylight Saving Time; confusion over which way we turn the clocks, and drinking Jack Smith – Loyola U. prof and former D.C. CBS News Bureau Chief; on the possibility of recalling Governor Blagojevich Tim Inklebarger – editor, Chicago Journal; following up on gentrification in the Wicker Park neighborhood Anne Elizabeth Moore – author, Unmarketable; on marketing and the co-opting of DIY punk culture (segue music this week from Twilight Revival)

OTL: Episode #57

BOO !! (podcasting “from” the Andersonville Playlot Park) (broadcasting on the 100-watt spooktacular WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago) Mike Stephen and Andy Hermann play back some George Takei audio clips, they learn about a proposed casino for Chicago, they revisit the handbill law and hear another viewpoint, and then they talk with the owner of a music institution. George Takei audio; Mr. Sulu was in town and didn’t call us, but we still love him Doug Dobmeyer – spokesperson, Task Force to Oppose Gambling in Chicago; on “Daley’s Casino Royale” in The Beachwood Reporter Ron Roenigk – publisher, Inside Publications; on free newspapers and the Commercial Handbill Distribution Law Joe Shanahan – owner, Metro; on the 25th anniversary of his Chicago music institution (segue music this week from The Pumps)