What to watch in Chicago media in 2024
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Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios
All this week, we'll pull out our crystal ball and preview some of the storylines that could emerge in Chicago this year, spanning everything from politics to sports to food. First up: Media.
Ownership
In late 2023, Disney reportedly was looking to sell ABC News, which would include local ABC affiliates like WLS-TV. Axios reported that Disney discussed selling the behemoth news operation to Texas-based Nexstar.
Yes, but: Nexstar already owns WGN-TV and has significantly invested in creating the national cable news station NewsNation out of its North Side studios.
- The company would have to divest if it bought ABC, which could put either WLS or WGN under new management.
National productions
Since "Judge Mathis" was canceled, there are no national talk shows produced out of NBC Tower.
- Meanwhile, NewsNation has quietly moved most of its big national shows out of town.
The bottom line: This year may be the first in decades in which no national shows are produced here.
Local news
A new study predicts the U.S. will lose a third of the newspapers it had as of 2005 by the end of this year.
Zoom in: The Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times seem relatively healthy, but there are fears from the union that Tribune owner Alden Capital may be gearing up for cuts. The union hasn't had a contract since the investment firm took over in 2021.
- And the Sun-Times/WBEZ are currently in a period of leadership transition with Matt Moog stepping down early this year.
Local broadcast
Tom Skilling is set to retire in February. Let the parades begin immediately.
- Also in 2024, it may not be about who helms the 10pm newsdesk but instead who delivers the news on streaming apps. Local streaming audiences are bigger than ever, thanks to changing consumer habits.
Radio
WLIT-FM absolutely dominated in 2023, winning all but one month in local ratings.
Yes, but: Here comes a big election cycle, which should play well for news talk stations like WGN-AM, WBBM-AM, WLS-AM and WBEZ-FM.