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WCPT (AM)
Encyclopedia
WCPT is a progressive
talk radio station
licensed to Willow Springs, Illinois
, and serving the Chicago area. The station carries programming from Dial Global
. WCPT is owned by Newsweb Corporation
.
Because WCPT shares the same frequency as clear channel station WBAP in Fort Worth, Texas
, it broadcasts only during the daytime hours
. However, WCPT has a construction permit and has erected 6 towers near Joliet, IL to offer nighttime operation at 1.5 kW.
On October 20, 2008, WCPT began simulcasting its programming from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the three co-owned FM stations formerly known as Nine FM
. The FM frequencies continue to carry the separately programmed "Dance Factory" music format after 9 p.m.
In April 2010, the FCC finally allowed the station to begin transmitting 24 hours a day, albeit at reduced power after sunset in order not to interfere with KOA in Denver. WCPT's post-sunset programming is mirrored directly over their internet stream.
as WAIT. It was originally owned by Gene Dyer and was known as WCBD prior to 1942. In the early 1990s, this station, on 820 AM, was WSCR
, an all-sports station
and affiliate of Sporting News Radio
.
In February 2005, a column by Robert Feder
in the Chicago Sun-Times
sparked speculation that a progressive talk format could end up on a station in Chicago. The article said that the station was rumored to change formats by March 31, the one year anniversary of Air America's original launch in Chicago on their original affiliate, WNTD
. Air America's affiliation with WNTD was interrupted after only a few weeks, due to conflicts with the station's owner.
Many thought that WRLL
1690-AM would switch to the format, as its owner, Clear Channel Communications
, had rolled out progressive talk on quite a few of their struggling radio stations across the country. However, WRLL decided to continue with their oldies
format, and on May 5, 2005, AM 850 launched progressive talk with the new call letters WCPT. The WAIT
call letters were moved to 820 AM.
In November 2005, the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) denied an application by Newsweb to move the station to Addison, Illinois
.
On November 26, 2007, WCPT moved its format from 850 AM
to 820 AM, doubling its power and providing coverage to all of Chicago. The WCPT call letters moved along with the format to 820 AM, and the WAIT call letters returned to 850 AM.
Newsweb's owner, Fred Eychaner, is a significant donor to Democratic Party
causes.
As of October 17, 2007, WCPT did not appear among Arbitron's top 30 Chicago stations and was beaten out by other competing high-profile Chicago talk radio
stations, WGN
, WLS
, WIND
, and WCKG
. WCPT ratings have gone from 0.4 share in Fall 2007 to a 0.8 share in Winter 2008 to a 0.2 share for March 2009, according to Arbitron. It was the 46th most popular commercial station in Chicago. In November 2009 it had a 0.3 share and had climbed to be tied for the 42nd most popular commercial station in Chicago.
is based on broadcast syndication of nationally-produced liberal and progressive talk radio
personalities, mixed with CNN news-on-the-hour, and top- and bottom-of-the-hour station-produced news and weather with rush hour traffic reports. Until recently, weekend radio programming
included few progressive weekly syndicated shows and relied upon investing, real estate, health supplement, motivational, fertilizer, and other packaged infomercials to fill the time. The station has reduced (but not eliminated) weekend infomercials by adding Air America weekly shows and local programming. Following the departure of popular host Randi Rhodes
from Air America, the only weekday programming it receives from the network is "Ron Reagan
," although "The Lionel Show" can be heard over the station's 24-hour Internet stream. Its four major shows — "Bill Press
," "The Stephanie Miller Show
, "The Ed Schultz Show
," and "The Thom Hartmann Program" — are syndicated by the Jones Radio Network.
In early March 2008, the station added its first locally originated, locally oriented regular program — a three-hour program hosted by former WMAQ-TV channel 5
political editor Dick Kay. After nearly four decades of television news reporting and analysis, Dick Kay takes caller comments and questions on his show "Back on the Beat" starting at 1:00 pm Central Time
on Saturdays.
On March 29, WCPT added another locally popular on-air talk personality, Jake Hartford
(formerly on WLS-AM
radio), and popular locally-produced show "Awake With Jake" from 7-11 a.m. Central Time on Saturdays. On May 31, 2008, Chicago radio veteran Linda Mitry joined Jake's show as newscaster and co-host. The station further strengthened its Saturday line-up by adding Michael Feldman's Whad'Ya Know created by host Michael Feldman
and produced by Wisconsin Public Radio
and distributed weekly by Public Radio International
. The show broadcasts right after Hartford at 11:00 a.m. Following Feldman's show, WCPT airs "Back on the Beat" (see above).
In April 2008, Mike Nowak's locally-produced weekly gardening show came to WCPT at noon Sundays. Mike Nowak is a Master Gardener, and a certified Treekeeper from the Openlands Project. The show takes calls from listeners about gardening and answers their questions based upon conservation, the environment, and recycling issues. Also on Sundays, the station now broadcasts "Uncommon Law," a call-in show with Chicago divorce and family law attorney Kurt Muller and frequent special guests.
On January 21, 2010, WCPT's affiliate Air America Media has filed for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
and has ceased live programming the same night. Despite Air America's bankruptcy filing, WCPT quickly filled in Ron Reagan's programming slot with radio host Norman Goldman
. Norman has filled in and continues to fill in for Ed Schultz
whenever necessary. "The Norman Goldman Show" can be heard weekdays between the hours of 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
in Denver. With the move to 820 AM, they sign off at sunset to protect WBAP in Fort Worth, Texas. WCPT is also simulcast on FM: WCPY 92.5 (De Kalb), WCPT-FM 92.7 (Arlington Heights), and WCPQ 99.9 (Park Forest), enabling 24-hour broadcasting.
WCPT later made the following announcement:
"WCPT is pleased to announce that our 820 AM Signal was approved by the FCC for 24 Hour Operation, which began Thursday, April 29, 2010. FCC rules still say we have to reduce power at night, so it won't be quite as strong as our daytime signal, but we know that every little bit helps. Our nighttime signal will be strongest in the southwest suburbs.
"Our nighttime programming is available on our stream at ChicagosProgressiveTalk.com for those outside of the signal coverage area. To listen to our live stream."
The station has continued to do periodic local events including a live broadcast by Ed Schultz and a "Great Debate" between progressive talker Thom Hartmann
and WIND
's conservative talker Michael Medved
. Video and audio of the debate are available on the WCPT website.
Progressivism
Progressivism is an umbrella term for a political ideology advocating or favoring social, political, and economic reform or changes. Progressivism is often viewed by some conservatives, constitutionalists, and libertarians to be in opposition to conservative or reactionary ideologies.The...
talk radio station
Radio station
Radio broadcasting is a one-way wireless transmission over radio waves intended to reach a wide audience. Stations can be linked in radio networks to broadcast a common radio format, either in broadcast syndication or simulcast or both...
licensed to Willow Springs, Illinois
Willow Springs, Illinois
Willow Springs is a village in Cook and DuPage Counties, Illinois, United States. The population was 5,027 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Willow Springs is located at ....
, and serving the Chicago area. The station carries programming from Dial Global
Dial Global
Dial Global is a radio syndication company. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Triton Media Group and is a sister company to Townsquare Media, both of which are owned by Oaktree Capital Management....
. WCPT is owned by Newsweb Corporation
Newsweb Corporation
Newsweb Corporation is a publisher of ethnic and alternative newspapers in the United States, based in Chicago, Illinois. The company also owns several radio stations in the Chicago area and a television station in Sterling, Colorado....
.
Because WCPT shares the same frequency as clear channel station WBAP in Fort Worth, Texas
Fort Worth, Texas
Fort Worth is the 16th-largest city in the United States of America and the fifth-largest city in the state of Texas. Located in North Central Texas, just southeast of the Texas Panhandle, the city is a cultural gateway into the American West and covers nearly in Tarrant, Parker, Denton, and...
, it broadcasts only during the daytime hours
Daytime (astronomy)
On Earth, daytime is roughly the period on any given point of the planet's surface during which it experiences natural illumination from indirect or direct sunlight....
. However, WCPT has a construction permit and has erected 6 towers near Joliet, IL to offer nighttime operation at 1.5 kW.
On October 20, 2008, WCPT began simulcasting its programming from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the three co-owned FM stations formerly known as Nine FM
Nine FM
Nine FM is a radio station broadcasting on WKIF , located in Kankakee, Illinois with an adult hits format. The signal reaches the far southern suburbs of the Chicago area....
. The FM frequencies continue to carry the separately programmed "Dance Factory" music format after 9 p.m.
In April 2010, the FCC finally allowed the station to begin transmitting 24 hours a day, albeit at reduced power after sunset in order not to interfere with KOA in Denver. WCPT's post-sunset programming is mirrored directly over their internet stream.
History
For many years this station played Adult StandardsAdult standards
Adult standards is a North American radio format heard primarily on AM or class A FM stations.Adult standards is aimed at "mature" adults, meaning mainly those persons over 50 years of age, but it is mostly targeted for senior citizens...
as WAIT. It was originally owned by Gene Dyer and was known as WCBD prior to 1942. In the early 1990s, this station, on 820 AM, was WSCR
WSCR
WSCR is a sports radio station in the Chicago, Illinois radio market. The station is owned by CBS Radio and transmits on 670 kHz on the AM dial. Its transmitter is located just off Army Trail Road in Bloomingdale, which is a western suburb of Chicago. It is known as "The Score," and has been on...
, an all-sports station
Sports radio
Sports radio is a radio format devoted entirely to discussion and broadcasting of sporting events. A popular format with an almost exclusively male demographic in most areas, sports radio is characterized by an often-boisterous on-air style and extensive debate and analysis by both hosts and...
and affiliate of Sporting News Radio
Sporting News Radio
Yahoo! Sports Radio, formerly Sporting News Radio is a United States sports radio network that broadcasts sports news, talk, scores, and highlights 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. On August 1, 2011, it was announced the network would change its name to Yahoo! Sports Radio, effective...
.
In February 2005, a column by Robert Feder
Robert Feder
Robert Feder is a noted Chicago media blogger who was the TV and radio columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times from 1980 until 2008 and a blogger for Vocalo.org from 2009 until 2010...
in the Chicago Sun-Times
Chicago Sun-Times
The Chicago Sun-Times is an American daily newspaper published in Chicago, Illinois. It is the flagship paper of the Sun-Times Media Group.-History:The Chicago Sun-Times is the oldest continuously published daily newspaper in the city...
sparked speculation that a progressive talk format could end up on a station in Chicago. The article said that the station was rumored to change formats by March 31, the one year anniversary of Air America's original launch in Chicago on their original affiliate, WNTD
WNTD
WNTD is an AM radio station in Chicago, Illinois. It is owned by Sovereign City Radio Services LLC. Its frequency is 950 AM and has separate day-time and night-time transmitter locations. It is currently one of three stations in the Chicago market that airs Relevant Radio, a Catholic talk...
. Air America's affiliation with WNTD was interrupted after only a few weeks, due to conflicts with the station's owner.
Many thought that WRLL
WRLL
WRLL is a regional Mexican radio station licensed to Cicero, Illinois, and serving the greater Chicago area. It shares time with WCEV, which broadcasts over the same facilities.-The Original WRLL: Real Oldies 1690:...
1690-AM would switch to the format, as its owner, Clear Channel Communications
Clear Channel Communications
Clear Channel Communications, Inc. is an American media conglomerate company headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. It was founded in 1972 by Lowry Mays and Red McCombs, and was taken private by Bain Capital LLC and Thomas H. Lee Partners LP in a leveraged buyout in 2008...
, had rolled out progressive talk on quite a few of their struggling radio stations across the country. However, WRLL decided to continue with their oldies
Oldies
Oldies is a term commonly used to describe a radio format that concentrates on music from a period of about 15 to 55 years before the present day....
format, and on May 5, 2005, AM 850 launched progressive talk with the new call letters WCPT. The WAIT
WAIT (AM)
WAIT is a radio station located near Crystal Lake, Illinois. It was purchased by Newsweb Corporation in 2004. Original call letters were WIVS....
call letters were moved to 820 AM.
Federal Communications Commission
The Federal Communications Commission is an independent agency of the United States government, created, Congressional statute , and with the majority of its commissioners appointed by the current President. The FCC works towards six goals in the areas of broadband, competition, the spectrum, the...
(FCC) denied an application by Newsweb to move the station to Addison, Illinois
Addison, Illinois
Addison is a village located west of the Chicago Metropolitan Area, in DuPage County, Illinois, United States. The population was 35,914 at the 2000 census. The estimated population was 36,378 as of 2002.The Village of Addison lies on Salt Creek...
.
On November 26, 2007, WCPT moved its format from 850 AM
WAIT (AM)
WAIT is a radio station located near Crystal Lake, Illinois. It was purchased by Newsweb Corporation in 2004. Original call letters were WIVS....
to 820 AM, doubling its power and providing coverage to all of Chicago. The WCPT call letters moved along with the format to 820 AM, and the WAIT call letters returned to 850 AM.
Newsweb's owner, Fred Eychaner, is a significant donor to Democratic Party
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
causes.
As of October 17, 2007, WCPT did not appear among Arbitron's top 30 Chicago stations and was beaten out by other competing high-profile Chicago talk radio
Talk radio
Talk radio is a radio format containing discussion about topical issues. Most shows are regularly hosted by a single individual, and often feature interviews with a number of different guests. Talk radio typically includes an element of listener participation, usually by broadcasting live...
stations, WGN
WGN (AM)
WGN is a radio station in Chicago, Illinois, USA. It is the only radio station owned by the Tribune Company, which also owns the flagship television station WGN-TV, the Chicago Tribune newspaper and Chicago magazine locally. WGN's transmitter is located in Elk Grove Village, Illinois...
, WLS
WLS (AM)
WLS is a Chicago clear-channel AM station on 890 kHz. It uses C-QUAM AM stereo and transmits with 50,000 watts from transmitter and towers on the south edge of Tinley Park, Illinois....
, WIND
WIND (AM)
WIND "AM 560" is a radio station based in Chicago, Illinois, broadcasting its talk radio format on 560 kHz.Its current owner is Salem Media, a company specializing primarily in Christian radio...
, and WCKG
WCKG
WCFS-FM , known on-air as "WBBM Newsradio 780 & 105.9", is a radio station licensed to Elmwood Park, Illinois and serving the Chicago, Illinois market...
. WCPT ratings have gone from 0.4 share in Fall 2007 to a 0.8 share in Winter 2008 to a 0.2 share for March 2009, according to Arbitron. It was the 46th most popular commercial station in Chicago. In November 2009 it had a 0.3 share and had climbed to be tied for the 42nd most popular commercial station in Chicago.
Programming
WCPT's weekday radio formatRadio format
A radio format or programming format not to be confused with broadcast programming describes the overall content broadcast on a radio station. Radio formats are frequently employed as a marketing tool, and constantly evolve...
is based on broadcast syndication of nationally-produced liberal and progressive talk radio
Talk radio
Talk radio is a radio format containing discussion about topical issues. Most shows are regularly hosted by a single individual, and often feature interviews with a number of different guests. Talk radio typically includes an element of listener participation, usually by broadcasting live...
personalities, mixed with CNN news-on-the-hour, and top- and bottom-of-the-hour station-produced news and weather with rush hour traffic reports. Until recently, weekend radio programming
Radio programming
Radio programming is the Broadcast programming of a Radio format or content that is organized for Commercial broadcasting and Public broadcasting radio stations....
included few progressive weekly syndicated shows and relied upon investing, real estate, health supplement, motivational, fertilizer, and other packaged infomercials to fill the time. The station has reduced (but not eliminated) weekend infomercials by adding Air America weekly shows and local programming. Following the departure of popular host Randi Rhodes
Randi Rhodes
Randi Rhodes is an American progressive talk radio personality, formerly featured on Air America Radio and Nova M Radio and now on Premiere Radio Networks. Her eponymous program, The Randi Rhodes Show, airs live Monday through Friday from 3 pm to 6 pm Eastern Time.-Early life:Rhodes was born in...
from Air America, the only weekday programming it receives from the network is "Ron Reagan
Ron Reagan
Ronald Prescott "Ron" Reagan sometimes known as Ronald Reagan, Jr., is a former talk radio host and chief political analyst for KIRO radio in Seattle until his show was canceled on August 8, 2007...
," although "The Lionel Show" can be heard over the station's 24-hour Internet stream. Its four major shows — "Bill Press
Bill Press
William "Bill" Press is a US talk radio host, political commentator and author.-Career:Press has a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from Niagara University and Bachelor of Sacred Theology from the University of Fribourg. He started his broadcasting career in Los Angeles for TV stations KABC-TV and...
," "The Stephanie Miller Show
The Stephanie Miller Show
The Stephanie Miller Show is a syndicated progressive talk radio program that discusses politics, current events, and pop culture using a fast-paced, impromptu style. The three-hour show is hosted by comedienne Stephanie Miller along with voice artist Jim Ward and the show's engineer and executive...
, "The Ed Schultz Show
The Ed Schultz Show
The Ed Schultz Show is a radio program hosted by Ed Schultz. It was formerly broadcast from KFGO in Fargo, North Dakota. It is heard on a network of over 100 stations , including seven of the 10 largest radio markets...
," and "The Thom Hartmann Program" — are syndicated by the Jones Radio Network.
In early March 2008, the station added its first locally originated, locally oriented regular program — a three-hour program hosted by former WMAQ-TV channel 5
WMAQ-TV
WMAQ-TV, channel 5, is an owned-and-operated television station of the NBC Television Network, located in Chicago, Illinois. WMAQ-TV's main studios and offices are located within the NBC Tower in the Streeterville neighborhood, with an auxiliary street-level studio on the Magnificent Mile at 401...
political editor Dick Kay. After nearly four decades of television news reporting and analysis, Dick Kay takes caller comments and questions on his show "Back on the Beat" starting at 1:00 pm Central Time
Central time
Central time can refer to:*North American Central Time Zone*Central European Time*Central Standard Time Australia...
on Saturdays.
On March 29, WCPT added another locally popular on-air talk personality, Jake Hartford
Jake Hartford
Jake Hartford , is a talk radio host whose show airs from 5 to 8 A.M. Saturdays on WLS-AM 890. Hartford had been a host from 1991 to 2008 at WLS-AM, but moved his show to WCPT-AM from 2008 to 2010 after being laid off...
(formerly on WLS-AM
WLS (AM)
WLS is a Chicago clear-channel AM station on 890 kHz. It uses C-QUAM AM stereo and transmits with 50,000 watts from transmitter and towers on the south edge of Tinley Park, Illinois....
radio), and popular locally-produced show "Awake With Jake" from 7-11 a.m. Central Time on Saturdays. On May 31, 2008, Chicago radio veteran Linda Mitry joined Jake's show as newscaster and co-host. The station further strengthened its Saturday line-up by adding Michael Feldman's Whad'Ya Know created by host Michael Feldman
Michael Feldman
Michael Feldman is an American radio personality. He is the host of Michael Feldman's Whad'Ya Know?, a radio program distributed by Public Radio International...
and produced by Wisconsin Public Radio
Wisconsin Public Radio
Wisconsin Public Radio is a network of 32 radio stations in the state of Wisconsin. WPR's network is divided into two distinct analog services, the Ideas Network and the NPR News and Classical Network, as well as the "HD2 Classical Service," a digital-only, full-time classical music service.-Ideas...
and distributed weekly by Public Radio International
Public Radio International
Public Radio International is a Minneapolis-based American public radio organization, with locations in Boston, New York, London and Beijing. PRI's tagline is "Hear a different voice." PRI is a major public media content creator and also distributes programs from many sources...
. The show broadcasts right after Hartford at 11:00 a.m. Following Feldman's show, WCPT airs "Back on the Beat" (see above).
In April 2008, Mike Nowak's locally-produced weekly gardening show came to WCPT at noon Sundays. Mike Nowak is a Master Gardener, and a certified Treekeeper from the Openlands Project. The show takes calls from listeners about gardening and answers their questions based upon conservation, the environment, and recycling issues. Also on Sundays, the station now broadcasts "Uncommon Law," a call-in show with Chicago divorce and family law attorney Kurt Muller and frequent special guests.
On January 21, 2010, WCPT's affiliate Air America Media has filed for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7, Title 11, United States Code
Chapter 7 of the Title 11 of the United States Code governs the process of liquidation under the bankruptcy laws of the United States...
and has ceased live programming the same night. Despite Air America's bankruptcy filing, WCPT quickly filled in Ron Reagan's programming slot with radio host Norman Goldman
Norman Goldman
Norman Maurice Goldman is a Los Angeles-based attorney and hosts a popular national talk radio program.Goldman first broadcast nationally as a fill-in host for The Ed Schultz Show in 2006, as well as creating colorful segments as the show's Senior Legal Analyst, —responsibilities that he...
. Norman has filled in and continues to fill in for Ed Schultz
Ed Schultz
Edward Andrew "Ed" Schultz Is an American television and radio host and a liberal political commentator . He is the host of The Ed Show, a daily news talk program on MSNBC, and The Ed Schultz Show, a talk radio show, nationally syndicated by Dial Global, promising "straight talk."-Early...
whenever necessary. "The Norman Goldman Show" can be heard weekdays between the hours of 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Criticism
The most common complaints about WCPT relate to the AM station's status as a daytimer. As the station explains on its website, it is a situation that is out of their control, due to FCC mandates. WCPT doubled its signal power when it moved from 850 kHz to 820 kHz. While on 850, WCPT signed off from sunset to sunrise to protect the signal of KOAKOA (AM)
KOA is a clear channel, news/talk radio station serving the Denver-Boulder and Colorado Springs, Colorado markets. It is owned by Clear Channel Communications and is nicknamed "the Blowtorch of the West" for its 50,000 watt signal.KOA was originally owned by General Electric and began...
in Denver. With the move to 820 AM, they sign off at sunset to protect WBAP in Fort Worth, Texas. WCPT is also simulcast on FM: WCPY 92.5 (De Kalb), WCPT-FM 92.7 (Arlington Heights), and WCPQ 99.9 (Park Forest), enabling 24-hour broadcasting.
WCPT later made the following announcement:
"WCPT is pleased to announce that our 820 AM Signal was approved by the FCC for 24 Hour Operation, which began Thursday, April 29, 2010. FCC rules still say we have to reduce power at night, so it won't be quite as strong as our daytime signal, but we know that every little bit helps. Our nighttime signal will be strongest in the southwest suburbs.
"Our nighttime programming is available on our stream at ChicagosProgressiveTalk.com for those outside of the signal coverage area. To listen to our live stream."
Station events
- The station hosted its first event on December 9, 2005, when Al FrankenAl FrankenAlan Stuart "Al" Franken is the junior United States Senator from Minnesota. He is a member of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, which affiliates with the national Democratic Party....
did a live broadcast of The Al Franken ShowThe Al Franken ShowThe Al Franken Show was the flagship talk show of the former talk radio network, Air America Radio. Hosted by Al Franken, it featured commentary and interviews arguing for left-wing positions on the issues of the day, and comically poking fun at the George W. Bush Administration. The show began as...
from the Steppenwolf Theatre in ChicagoChicagoChicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
. Al's guests were Senator Barack ObamaBarack ObamaBarack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
, Congressman Rahm EmanuelRahm EmanuelRahm Israel Emanuel is an American politician and the 55th and current Mayor of Chicago. He was formerly White House Chief of Staff to President Barack Obama...
, Amnesty InternationalAmnesty InternationalAmnesty International is an international non-governmental organisation whose stated mission is "to conduct research and generate action to prevent and end grave abuses of human rights, and to demand justice for those whose rights have been violated."Following a publication of Peter Benenson's...
Midwest director Dori Dinsmore, writer Studs TerkelStuds TerkelLouis "Studs" Terkel was an American author, historian, actor, and broadcaster. He received the Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction in 1985 for The Good War, and is best remembered for his oral histories of common Americans, and for hosting a long-running radio show in Chicago.-Early...
, and a 13-year-old "Wait, Wait, Don't Lie To Me" contestant named Mike.
- The station's second event was when Jerry SpringerJerry SpringerGerald Norman "Jerry" Springer is a British-born American television presenter, best known as host of the tabloid talk show The Jerry Springer Show since its debut in 1991...
did a live broadcast of Springer on the RadioSpringer on the RadioSpringer on the Radio was an American radio program broadcast from WCKY and later WSAI in Cincinnati from January 17, 2005 to December 5, 2006 and syndicated nationally on the Air America Radio network from April 1, 2005 to September 18, 2006 when it moved to Air America syndication, meaning that...
in front of a live audience from the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts on March 27, 2006. Topics included immigration, the Iraq war, abortion, and topics from the audience.
- Al Franken returned for another live broadcast from the Steppenwolf Theatre on Monday, May 8, 2006. His guests were Senator Dick Durbin, executive director of the Death Penalty Education Project Edwin Colfax, Congressional candidates John Laesch (IL-14) and Dan Seals (IL-10), universal health care advocates Dr. Quentin YoungQuentin YoungQuentin Young is Chicago-based physician who is recognized for his efforts in advocating for single-payer health care in the United States...
and Ajitha Reddy, and Cass SunsteinCass SunsteinCass R. Sunstein is an American legal scholar, particularly in the fields of constitutional law, administrative law, environmental law, and law and behavioral economics, who currently is the Administrator of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs in the Obama administration...
.
The station has continued to do periodic local events including a live broadcast by Ed Schultz and a "Great Debate" between progressive talker Thom Hartmann
Thom Hartmann
Thom Hartmann is an American radio host, author, former psychotherapist and entrepreneur, and progressive political commentator. His nationally-syndicated radio show, The Thom Hartmann Program, airs in the United States and has 2.75 million listeners a week...
and WIND
WIND (AM)
WIND "AM 560" is a radio station based in Chicago, Illinois, broadcasting its talk radio format on 560 kHz.Its current owner is Salem Media, a company specializing primarily in Christian radio...
's conservative talker Michael Medved
Michael Medved
Michael Medved is an American radio host, author, political commentator and film critic. His Seattle, Washington-based nationally syndicated talk show, The Michael Medved Show, airs throughout the U.S...
. Video and audio of the debate are available on the WCPT website.