OTL: Episode #153- IL Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission, NW Side Neighborhoods, the Funding of Local Online Journalism

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “neighborhood friendly” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen plays anchor behind the OTL News Desk, discusses the pros and cons of the new Illinois Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission, learns about some NW Side neighborhoods, and looks at the funding of local online journalism. The OTL News Desk– From setting the record for most people wearing Groucho glasses in one place to the new local tax on booze, intrepid anchor Mike Stephen has the latest. Tracy Siska – Executive Director of the Chicago Justice Project Recently Gov. Quinn signed legislation that established the Illinois Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission; a response to torture authorized under Chicago Police Commander Jon Burge.  What are the pros and cons of this commission?  Tracy joins us to give us his views. Dan Kelly – Local writer and author of Chicago Revenant: Dunning/Schorsch Village Dan writes for this occasional feature on GapersBlock.com.  This is the first in a series of Chicago Revenants and for his maiden voyage Dan went to the Northwest Side of the city to profile some neighborhoods.  He reports back to us what he discovered. Mike Doyle – Scribe of ChicagoCarless.com Mike explains what he sees as the flaws of current funding system used to back various local blogs and profiles the upcoming Community Blogging and Online Media event.  He also wrote about the funding issue here. OTL #153 local music provided by The Artist Formerly Known […]

OTL: Episode #144- Special CAN-TV Programming, New Pride Parade Rules, and Reforming Chicago Public Schools

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “loud and proud” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen learns about tomorrow’s special programming on CAN-TV, gets up to speed on the new rules in place for the Pride Parade this year, and talks to the co-chair of the reform caucus of the Chicago Teacher’s Union about CPS job cuts. Mike’s busy weekend – Is it possible for our intrepid host to hit up the Taste of Chicago, Pride Parade, AND tend to his new Earth Box garden on his deck?  We shall see! Above: Mike’s Amazing Pepper and Basil Garden Omari Nyamweya – Programming Coordinator for CAN-TV Tomorrow, June 27, CAN-TV features a special day of programming produced by residents whose communities have been affected by violence.  We learn more about this programming on the show this week. Michael Lehet – Blogger at What’s a Boy to Do? at ChicagoNow.com Michael fills us in on some new rules for Pride Parade ’09 participants and attendees. Karen Lewis – Co-chair of CORE, a reform caucus of the Chicago Teachers Union Karen tells us of CORE’s mission to reform the Chicago Public Schools. OTL #144 local music provided by The Hoyle Brothers…

OTL: Episode #143- Anne Elizabeth Moore, MoveSmart.org, and Looking At the Future of Local Blogs

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “Chicago Sound Alliance” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen gets a call from a former OTL employee, chats with Anne Elizabeth Moore about a retrospective exhibit of her work, finds out about MoveSmart.org, and learns why there is a need for a local blogger round table discussion. The OTL Customer Service Line – Mike gets a call from a former OTL employee wondering about last week’s technical difficulties. Anne Elizabeth Moore – Media and Consumerism Critic, Artist, Author Anne talks about an exhibit that is a retrospective of her work over the past 16 years.  It’s called Dismantling the Corporate State and Other Amusements and it’s at Columbia College. Justin Massa – Co-Founder and Executive Director of MoveSmart.org Justin heads up a project to connect people with information about Chicago neighborhoods that otherwise wouldn’t be readily available.  He gives us the lowdown on this effort. Mike Doyle – Blogger at chicagocarless.com and Chicagosphere There is quite the blogging community in Chicago and Mike Doyle would like to sit down with some local bloggers to discuss the future of this online news and information medium.  He tells us why this week. OTL #143 local music provided by Black Jack Rover…

OTL: Episode #140- Chicago Media Future Preview, Chicago Justice Update, and Local Politics with Mick Dumke

(podcasting from the studios in the OTL Bunker, somewhere in Chicago) (broadcasting on the “I’m very much interested in replacing Obama” radio station WLUW-FM (88.7) Chicago) Mike Stephen talks to the co-organizer of the upcoming Chicago Media Future Conference, discusses a recent ruling about off-duty Chicago cops, and dives into some hot local political issues with Mick Dumke of the Chicago Reader. Scott Smith – Co-organizer of the Chicago Media Future Conference Scott discusses some of the challenges facing local media and how the upcoming conference will address these challenges. Tracy Siska – Executive Director of the Chicago Justice Project Recently CPD officers were found not guilty in the Jefferson Tap brawl case.  Tracy blogged about this verdict and what it means for Chicago. Mick Dumke – Writer and Editor at the Chicago Reader and blogger at Clout City. Mick joins us once again to discuss some of the latest and hottest Chicago political news. OTL #140 local music provided by Powerspace…