WGN-TV

In Memoriam: Merri Dee, Chicago Broadcasting Legend, Dies at 85

Merri Dee, photo by Joe Arce

CHICAGO – She was a pioneer in a broadcasting business at a time when it was mostly white and male. The incomparable Merri Dee was a fixture in Chicago media beginning in the 1960s, breaking barriers as a black woman TV personality and newscaster. She passed away in Chicago on March 16th, 2022, at age 85.

Podtalk: Director Jacob Gentry on ‘Broadcast Signal Intrusion’

Jacob Gentry, photo by Joe Arce.

CHICAGO – In 1987, one of the oddest incidents in broadcast history took place in Chicago, when a local news sports segment and an episode of “Dr. Who” on PBS was interrupted by a bizarre video sequence featuring a man in a Max Headroom mask. This infamous event was the inspiration for the new film “Broadcast Signal Intrusion” – directed by Jacob Gentry – which was release to theaters and through Video-On-Demand on October 22nd, 2021, after playing at the 57th Chicago International Film Festival.

Podtalk: Harry Shum Jr., Kelley Mack on ‘Broadcast Signal Intrusion’

Harry Shum Jr, Kelley Mack photo by Joe Arce

CHICAGO – In 1987, one of the oddest incidents in broadcast history took place in Chicago, when a local news sports segment and an episode of “Dr. Who” on PBS was interrupted by a bizarre video sequence featuring a man in a Max Headroom mask. This infamous event was the inspiration for the new film “Broadcast Signal Intrusion,” which was release to theaters and through Video-On-Demand on October 22nd, 2021, after playing at the 57th Chicago International Film Festival.

Interview: ‘Weekend Workbench’ Host Ryan Salzwedel’s Do-it-Yourself Fix

Ryan Salzwedel, 'Weekend Workbench"

CHICAGO – Locally produced TV shows are old school, but WGN-TV in Chicago has had a long tradition of that type of show and hosts. Tapping into the legacy of Ray Rayner and Bozo the Clown, local programming is making a comeback, and one of the newest WGN-TV hosts is Ryan Salzwedel of “Weekend Workbench.”

Exclusive Portrait: Raquel Welch Honored By Women in Film Chicago

CHICAGO – Women in Film Chicago held their Focus Awards on October 14th, 2010, at the Chicago Mart Plaza, honoring three outstanding women in the media. Hollywood legend Raquel Welch, local Chicago TV icon Merri Dee and television producer Jamie Ceaser basked in the acclaim at the event.

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  • Manhunt

    CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on March 21st, 2024, reviewing the new streaming series “Manhunt” – based on the bestseller by James L. Swanson – currently streaming on Apple TV+.

  • Topdog/Underdog, Invictus Theatre

    CHICAGO – When two brothers confront the sins of each other and it expands into a psychology of an entire race, it’s at a stage play found in Chicago’s Invictus Theatre Company production of “Topdog/Underdog,” now at their new home at the Windy City Playhouse through March 31st, 2024. Click TD/UD for tickets/info.

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