Steve Scott's Blog

On Thursday, I've been asked to do something than can make a newsman a little uncomfortable.

I've been asked to "represent" my radio station at an event that may also generate some news coverage.

WLS is a co-sponsor of a promotion at a local supermarket chain in which shoppers will be asked to "round up" their bills to the nearest dollar...with the extra change going to support our troops and their families. Illinois Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn - whom I've known for years - is leading the charge.

A worthy cause? Absolutely. The timing is great, heading into the 4th of July holiday weekend. And, WLS (We Love Soldiers?) is well known for its flag-waving, patriotic tenor.

The bosses at WLS asked me to attend...and say a few words about how pleased we are to participate in this promotion.

Now, this is an event that may (or may not) generate some local news coverage. It would actually make a nice little TV or radio story. Newspeople don't like to be on "that side" of the story. We're not used to it. It makes us a bit uneasy. After all, purists would say...what if that newsperson has to report a story critical of that same supermarket chain next week? Could he possibly be fair and objective...after sitting on the stage and speaking in support of that promotion?

Well, yeah...he can.

The bosses gave me every opportunity to say no. They said they would understand if I - as a newsperson - chose not to "represent" (I don't know why I keep putting that in quotes!) the station at an event where there may be news coverage.

In the end, I said I would be happy to do it.

As frequent Steve-readers know, I try very hard not to opine or make political statements. So, I'll just say this...if some one can find me something at that supermarket that costs $1.03 or $2.06 or $3.04 or $10.01 or $35.11 or whatever...I'll be happy to "round up" to the next dollar.

As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day, I can't think of a better cause than supporting the troops (and their families) who are protecting our freedom.

Will you please just be quiet?

Thank you.

That is all.

NEWS BROADCASTERS DISAPPOINTED BY SUPREME COURT RULING ON CIA LEAK/CONFIDENTIAL SOURCES

Illinois News Broadcasters Association (INBA) President Steve Scott released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the appeals of two journalists (Judith Miller and Matthew Cooper) who refused to testify before a grand jury about the leak of a CIA agent’s identity:

“The Supreme Court’s ruling in this case is very disappointing, and is a setback for journalists across the country. A reporter must be able to assure his or her confidential sources that their names will not be revealed…period. Matt Cooper and Judy Miller now face possible jail time. Their only crimes: Doing their jobs and keeping their word.

Think about the many important stories that would never have come to light, had reporters not been able to assure confidential sources that their name(s) would not be revealed.

Today’s ruling by the Supreme Court further illustrates the need for a National Shield Law that would protect journalists who protect their confidential sources.”

###

The Illinois News Broadcasters Association, founded in 1955, is made up of broadcast journalists from across Illinois, and serves as a watchdog for the First Amendment and other press freedoms.

Last night, a small group of us from the RTNDF seminar walked over to the Oklahoma City National Memorial. It's at the site of the Murrah Federal Building, which was bombed by Timothy McVeigh on April 19, 1995, killing 168 people.

The Memorial is very moving. The fact that we went at night - with the Memorial's almost haunting lighting - made the visit even more emotional.

Thank you to Sean Saied of News 9 here in Oklahoma City for his informative tour of the Memorial site.

I was going to write an account of our group's walk through OKC's very vibrant Bricktown area - with it's restaurants, riverwalk and baseball stadium - but, with the exception of this Bricktown link, I think I'll leave this post soley to the Memorial.

Home later today.

"Tell me the stuff! Tell me the stuff! Tell me who to be mad at, so I can write them a letter!"

That was just one of the opinions expressed, at a fascinating television and radio news focus group I attended tonight here in Oklahoma City (where, strangely, it was cooler than in Chicago!). This was the first night of a weekend session sponsored by the Radio-Television News Directors Foundation (RTNDF) and hosted by Poynter Institute facilitator Al Tompkins.

The feedback from this group of "average Joes and Janes" from Oklahoma City was very interesting. For instance, you should have seen the looks on the faces of the TV news folks when the citizen panel agreed - almost unanimously - that live shots mean nothing to them. In fact, they find the trumpeting and chest-beating that some stations do about live shots to be annoying to the point that they will change the channel!

At the end of the evening, Al asked each citzen panelist to give one sentence of advice to the thirty or forty broadcast journalists who were in the room. Here are some of the highlights:

* Be thorough, direct and in-depth. Give me meat and potatoes!

* You don't need fancy graphics and dramatic music to give me the news.

* Skip the flowery "poetic" writing. Just give me the facts.

* Some of your news teases insult my intelligence!

* Please, no "pseudo news"...news stories that are thinly failed promo pieces for your networks shows or advertisers.

* Do fewer stories about animals. If I see another water-skiing squirrel or cute kitten that was rescued from a sewer...Grrr!

* Do more investigative stories that affect my life and the lives of my kids.

* But, when you do those investigative stories, don't over-dramatize them!

* Please cut the celebrity news. Did we need to see daily progress reports about the Michael Jackson case?

* Reality TV is not news. Please don't insult me by treating it as news!

* The commercials that air during your newscasts affect my viewing habits. I will switch away during annoying commercials...and I may not come back to your channel!

* Cut the crap!

How's that for advice?

The Aurora, IL, home of WGN Radio morning host Spike O'Dell burned down this morning. No one was hurt...but, my understanding is the home was gutted. I've been told that Spike is currently out of town...on an Alaska cruise with some of his listeners.

Spike is a very nice man. I first met him in 1987, while working at the ill-fated and long-forgotten WRXR-FM here in Chicago. Spike had just arrived to do afternoons at WGN, after Bob Collins moved to mornings when Wally Phillips retired. Spike then segued seemlessly to mornings, following Bob's tragic death in a plane crash in Zion in February of 2000.

While no humans were hurt in the fire, there was one real life loss for Spike and his wife, Karen. Their beloved dog, Otis, whom Spike often mentioned on the air, apparently died in the fire. Yes, that is an actual picture of the real Otis. I'm sure he will be missed by Spike, Karen and their family.

Just a quick update...

I was saddened to learned today that my former WCKG-FM co-worker Eleanor Mondale has been diagnosed with brain cancer. Eleanor and I worked together at 'CKG back in the late '80s when it was a classic rock station. I was the newsman on the show she co-hosted with John Fisher. I still remember her bringing her Rottweilers to work with her!

I dropped Eleanor a note today to wish her well. She was just married last week.

After being gone on business for the better part of two weeks, Jeanne came home last night. I sure did miss her...and I'm very glad she's home!

Her suitcase left on an earlier flight from LAX (Jeanne tried, but could not get on the flight)...and Jeanne found her suitcase sitting alone in the middle of a construction area in the AA terminal at ORD. I told her I should have taken the suitcase...and then she should have put up a big (fake) stink about her "lost" bag. But, she was tired and glad to be home, so we just took the suitcase and left.

Speaking of the AA terminal at ORD...will they ever finish the construction? It really is embarrassing to think that the first - or last - impression that visitors to our great city have is that ugly, UGLY American Airlines terminal area. I sure hope they get it done soon.

While waiting for Jeanne last night, I ran into none other than former Bears' coach Mike Ditka in the men's room. Our coversation was brief and inconsequential...before "Da Coach" waddled on his way. I noticed he was wearing a "Ditka" shirt of some sort...just in case no one knew who he was.

Any one who works in radio knows that engineers can be an on-air person's best friend. We're lucky to have an engineering staff at WLS that is not only very competent...but also friendly and responsive to the needs of the staff.

Some background...

I now use a Marantz PMD660 Recorder for field reporting. It's a state of the art compact flash card recording unit that has become the new industry standard for radio field reporting...rendering most other formats (minidisc, DAT, etc.) obsolete. You may be familiar with compact flash cards from your digital camera.

I bought the unit at the Radio-Television News Directors Foundation auction in Las Vegas in April. So, I got a great piece of equipment...made a donation to an excellent educational foundation...and, got a tax write-off out of the deal. Who could ask for more!

But, I digress...

Any way, the PMD660 is a great unit...but I had been having some problems reconciling the record levels. In laymen's terms, I speak too loudly - without even trying - and my voice was overpowering the unit a bit, making for a "rougher" sound than it should have had.

Enter WLS Chief Engineer Warren Shulz and staff engineer Andy Weiss. Warren and Andy spent about a half hour with me today...reviewing every one of the many pre-set programs in the machine. We finally reached a series of settings that, along with a -10db "pad" (don't ask) attached to my microphone, have the machine recording pristine audio. I knew all along that it wasn't the machine's fault I was just overpowering it - and, I was right. It just took Warren and Andy's help to get all of the settings right. Thanks Warren and Andy!

Jeanne comes home tomorrow. Because of her travels - two business trips - that overlapped with my trip to Peoria last week, we haven't seen each other for two weeks. Even when I was off covering Bosnia, the Kosovo war and Cuba, we were never apart for this long. I'll be very glad to see her! : )

Congratulations to Jeanne...who today experienced her very first earthquake! She rode out the 4.9-magnitude quake in El Segundo, California, where she's been on business for the past week. That's about 80 miles west of the earthquake's epicenter near Yucaipa, CA. She says it sounded like the rumbling of an "El" train. She felt it in her equilibrium - very common in an earthquake - and also heard her building creaking somewhat. But, she seems to have emerged none the worse for wear.

Having spent the first 24 years of my life in California, I told Jeanne to multiply her earthquake experience by around 300...and she would get my lifetime total. Most of the ones I felt were minor to moderate...but there were certainly exceptions. I remember as a young kid riding out a 6+ quake in Watsonville, CA. It pushed a piano across the doorway of the bedroom where I was sleeping - on my side or the door! I was too little to move it alone. I remember it took the adults a while to figure out how to get into the room and move that piano. Another one - when I was in high school - rolled me out of my waterbed at home! When I was a sophomore at San Jose State, a 6.5-magnitude quake hit while I was in the shower at my fraternity house! It knocked the house off its foundation...and we had to move out. Remember that great line from Animal House..."Sophomore Dies in Kiln Explosion?" (Alas, poor Fawn Leibowitz...) Any way...for a moment, I thought I might become "Sophomore Suffers Soapy Death in Quake." Another one...I was working at KLIV Radio in San Jose when a 6.4-magnitude quake hit. I remember that one dumping stuff all over the floor of the newsroom. At least I didn't miss the story!

There have been two (maybe three) very minor quakes in the Chicago area in the nearly 20 years I've lived here. I know I slept through one...and was awake for the other one, but didn't feel it (that's how minor it was). I can't say I miss the earthquakes at all...

It's been a pretty active week for earthquakes in and around California. Hopefully the Golden State can hold off on breaking loose from the mainland and sliding into the Pacific Ocean until after Saturday...when Jeanne comes home from her trip!

A couple other notes...

My good friends Ali Kawa and Craig Tiley are moving from Champaign, Illinois...to Australia! Craig has been the men's tennis coach at the University of Illinois for the past twelve years. He led the Illini to the national championship in 2003. Now, he's taking a job as Director of Player Development for Tennis Australia. Hey, it only makes sense that a South African who's been working in the U.S. would be picked to develop the next generation of great Australian tennis players! I'm sure Craig will do a fantastic job! I've known Ali since she was getting her Master's in Public Affairs Reporting at the University of Illinois at Springfield. She was an outstanding anchor/reporter at public radio station WILL-AM in Urbana, IL, for a few years...before taking a job at a hospital last fall. I'll miss them both!

And, congratulations to pal Chris Sedlacek...who was on ABC7 News today, doing a segment on her charm business. Chris and her business partner, Patty Mowbray, own My Charmed Life. Charms are really popular these days...and Chris and Patty have a great selection. You should check out their site! WLS-AM is on the 9th floor in the fashionable ABC Building at State and Lake...the ABC7 newsroom is on the 3rd floor. So, I went downstairs and watched the segment featuring Chris. She had her own posse...Patty, their good friend Erin, and me! Chris did a great job!

That's all for now! : )

Quickly...good news on the Rantoul/Open Meetings front. Here's the INBA press release:


NEWS BROADCASTERS APPLAUD DECISION TO KEEP RANTOUL MEETINGS OPEN

At INBA’s urging, Mayor withdraws proposal to exclude press, public from Economic Development Commission meetings

The Illinois News Broadcasters Association (INBA) is applauding Rantoul Mayor Neal Williams’ decision to withdraw his proposal to restructure the village’s Economic Development Commission for the sole purpose of excluding the press and public from Commission meetings.

Williams announced at Tuesday’s Rantoul Village Board meeting that he would keep the Commission in its current form, which allows the media and general public to attend meetings. He had earlier proposed restructuring the Commission, telling the Champaign News-Gazette that Commission members might “speak a little more freely” if reporters were excluded from meetings.

INBA President Steve Scott, who spoke at the board meeting, calls Williams’ decision to withdraw his proposal a good one.

“Mayor Williams did the right thing,” Scott said. “Perhaps his original intentions were misunderstood. But, whatever his reasons were for wanting to restructure the Commission, the bottom line is it would have resulted in closed meetings. And, that would have sent the wrong message. The people’s business must be done before the people.”

“The real winners here,” Scott said, “are the citizens of Rantoul. They will continue to be able to participate in all levels of the public process.”

I can't say I was surprised at all by the verdict in the Michael Jackson trial. I was not in the courtroom every day, but based on news reports from Santa Maria, it sure didn't seem like the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

And, while some thought the deliberations were dragging on...in actuality, the jury spent only around 24 hours deliberating. For an indictment as complex as the one against Jackson, 24 hours really isn't all that long.

I thought the Roe Conn Show did a great job handling the Jackson verdict today. Rather than listen to our ABC anchors try to tap dance their way through the pre-verdict buildup, Roe, Jim and Christina gave play-by-play as only they could...then stepped aside for the live audio from inside the courtroom when the verdicts were read. It had all of the hard info...and was entertaining, too. Good radio!

All in all, it was a great first day on the job for new WLS Program Director Kipper McGee. Hmmm...I wonder what he'll do for an encore on day two?

More tomorrow...

Today is Jeanne's birthday! Unfortunately, she's currently on a lengthy business trip on the west coast.

So, she's spending her birthday working 2000 miles from home. :(

If you know her - or, even if you don't - why not drop her an email to wish her a happy birthday!

Happy birthday, Hon!

I really thought I had been around long enough that no Open Meetings Act cases could surprise me any more.

Enter the central Illinois community of Rantoul.

Surprise!

Rantoul Mayor Neal Williams wants to restructure the way the village's Economic Development Commission is appointed, for the apparent sole and expressed purpose of hiding from the news media and the general public.

Please see this article from the Champaign, IL, News-Gazette.

This is truly one of the most blatant efforts to skirt the Open Meetings Act that I can recall.

In my role as president of the Illinois News Broadcasters Association, I have written the following letter to the editor to the News-Gazette. I also plan to contact Mayor Williams and other village board members directly...and, I may even attend Tuesday night's board meeting in Rantoul to speak against this proposal on behalf of INBA.

RANTOUL MAYOR: WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO HIDE?

Dear Editor:
I was shocked to read in the News-Gazette that Rantoul Mayor Neal Williams wants to restructure the village's Economic Development Commission for the sole purpose of keeping the news media - and the rest of the general public - out of the Commission's meetings.

And, he's not even being shy about it.

The mayor told the News-Gazette that perhaps Commission members will "speak a little more freely" if the press and public are excluded from meetings. "Without the press being there, the dialogue would flow instead of being guarded," he said.

Excuse me, Mayor Williams...but what are you trying to hide from the citizens of Rantoul?

This is one of the most blatant attempts to skirt the Illinois Open Meetings Act that I can recall. The Act is in place for exactly this reason...to prevent public bodies from resorting to closed-door shenanigans when shaping policy.

Why, Mr. Mayor, can Commission members speak "more freely" when the press is not in the room? Are you suggesting, sir, that Commission members will use the absence of the press and public to covertly discuss things they should NOT be discussing behind closed doors? I hope that's not what you're suggesting...but it sure sounds like it.

The only people who should ever be the least bit concerned about the Open Meetings Act are those who not playing by the rules. Public officials who adhere to the law have absolutely nothing to fear.

The Illinois News Broadcasters Association, which represents broadcast journalists across the state and serves as a watchdog for free and open government, urges the citizens of Rantoul - and all others who find this idea reprehensible - to come to the Village Board meeting on Tuesday. And, if you see Mayor Williams, go ahead and ask him:

"What ARE you trying to hide, Mayor?"

Steve Scott, President
Illinois News Broadcasters Association

(contact info provided)

Now, if you don't think this is a really big deal - and that it's no one's business outside of Rantoul - I beg to differ. If we - the press and the public - let Rantoul get away with it, other, larger cities are certain to try the same thing. Before you know it, all of the people's business will be taking place behind closed doors...with no accountability.

I'll be keeping an eye on this issue, and will keep you posted.

A couple quick notes before I head back to Chicago...after participating in what has been a very successful Illinois Broadcasters Association convention in East Peoria.

No Silver Dome awards for WLS last night. We were finalists in a couple of news categories, but did not win. That's okay...I'm still proud of the product our news staff puts on the table every day. Awards are very subjective...of course, much more so when you don't win! Haha : )

There were two highlights for me at the Silver Dome banquet...

One was to see my good friend Dave Dahl of WMBD-AM in Peoria win for best newscast in his radio division. Besides being one of the nicest people on the planet, Dave is also one of the hardest working broadcast journalists I know. He often makes the rest of us look like slackers. With as hard as he works, I think Dave could fill 59 minutes of every hour with news...and still have some left over! Dave also has an excellent blog, on which he talks about work, family and life in general.

One more kudo for Dave...his station, WMBD-AM, won Station of the Year honors in its division from the IBA. Congrats to Dave and WMBD!

I was also thrilled to see Lisa Miller of WMBD-TV in Peoria win a reporting award at the Silver Domes. I first met Lisa when she was a student at the University of Illinois. It was obvious, even then, that she would be an excellent broadcast journalist. To see the pure joy and excitement on Lisa's face when her name was announced as the winner - she was still glowing two hours later - was a real high for me. As INBA president, it's always a thrill to see some one who started in our organization as a student achieve success at the professional level. Way to go, Lisa!

On a somewhat related note...the home of WMBD-TV anchor Amy Paul was struck by lightning during yesterday's violent storms. The lightning strike started a fire, which caused some damage to Amy's home. Thankfully, Amy - who was home at the time - was not hurt. Amy was scheduled to emcee the Sliver Dome awards...but had to cancel for obvious reasons.

That's all for now. Jeanne is on her way to Los Angeles...and I need to head back to Chicago. I'll be "batching it" for the next week and a half. Blah.

Jeanne is on a business trip in Minnesota...and won't return to Chicago until after I've left for East Peoria (for the Illinois Broadcasters Association convention). I'll return to Chicago Thursday...but not until after Jeanne has left for another trip - this one for 10-days - to California. So, that means we'll go the better part of two weeks without seeing each other. Blah. : (

Ironically, Jeanne will be able to visit with my brother, Bob, who lives in California...and will fly south this weekend to meet up with Jeanne.

Eating alone is no fun...but I made the best of it last night, going to one of my favorite local haunts, Sushi Samba Rio. The Unagi/Tomago roll is to die for! I would say it's probably a safe bet that I will return there at least once before Jeanne comes home.

One highlight of the convention in East Peoria will be tonight's induction of actor Jim Belushi into the IBA Hall of Fame. Belushi is a Chicago area guy - and a fellow ABC/Disney "cast member" - so it will be good to see him.

WLS-AM is up for a couple of IBA Silver Dome Awards...including my on-the-scene coverage of last year's deadly tornado in Utica. We'll see how that goes...

I'm also looking forward to seeing my pal Dave Dahl at the convention. Dave is News Director at WMBD-AM in Peoria...so we'll be on his home turf.

Bad news for Bulls fans. Both the Tribune and the Sun-Times report today that contract talks between coach Scott Skiles and the Bulls have broken off. The Bulls hold the option to bring Skiles back next season...but now, even that is starting to look unlikely. I hope things can be worked out...Scott did a nice job turning around the team last year.

Disney CEO Michael Eisner on with Don & Roma right now. WLS is owned by ABC, which is owned by Disney. How convenient! Mr. Eisner took some pretty good swipes at Roy Disney and the other Disney board members who are, for the most part, forcing him into retirement. It was very interesting.

Jeanne and I were at Starved Rock Lodge near Utica, IL, on Friday...for The Roe Conn Show remote broadcast. Roe, Jim and Christina put on a great show for the more than 500 people who packed the lodge.

Entertainment was provided by the classic Chicago rock band The Ides of March. Ater more than 40 years together - with the same band members - the Ides can still still rock! Lead singer Jim Peterik went on to front the band Survivor...and he's written dozens of other hits. They kept the crowd entertained during the show breaks...and when they went into Vehicle (recently made popular again by Bo Bice on American Idol) the place went crazy. The Ides' horn section is still one of the tightest in all of rock & roll.

A note about Utica...the town has - at least physically - bounced back almost completely from the horrific tornado that killed eight people in March of 2004. Most of the buildings that were destroyed back been rebuilt...and the town is definitely open for business!

We stayed at a B&B operated by our friend Dorelle Denman in Utica. Landers House is located kitty-corner from the site of the Milestone Tavern, where the eight people were killed in the tornado. You could literally throw a baseball from Landers House to the Milestone. Yet, amazingly, Dorelle's property survived the tornado. While I am certainly not a paid endorser, I would highly recommend Landers House for any one headed to Utica. By the way...there's been a makeshift memorial up at the site of the Milestone since shortly after the tornado...and plans are being discussed for a more permanent memorial.

More later...

It appears the latest in a string of scandals at Chicago City Hall has touched the extended family of Mayor Richard M. Daley (although, I must stress, it does not implicate the mayor or his immediate family).

Read all about it in this excellent article by the outstanding Sun-Times City Hall reporter, Fran Spielman.

As mentioned in an earlier post, Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) has signed on as a co-sponsor of a bill that would allow cameras and microphones in the federal courts.

Senator Durbin was at WLS last night, and talked with political editor Bill Cameron about the Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2005.

Below is a verbatim of their conversation:

Cameron: I see you're the co-sponsor of a bill to allow cameras in federal courtrooms. Is this going to see the light of day?

Durbin: I'm not sure it will. I think it's a valuable thing, because I think we need to de-mystify government. And, we also have to let people know that some of the popular television shows with judges on them don't reflect the reality of a courtroom. Now, it can be abused. The OJ Simpson trial was an example. It was clear that every one in the courtroom was playing to the camera...and, I'm not sure that served justice. But, if it's handled in a fair way - if it's supervised well - I think de-mystifying our judicial process is a good thing. I think people ought to understand how decisions are made by judges and juries.

Cameron: But, it won't pass, will it?

Durbin: I doubt it. It's too controversial. I think there are a lot of people who believe that having a camera in the courtroom is somehow going to diminish the outcome...that judges and perhaps attorneys will be playing to the camera...as many people do in Congress today. And, so, it will take something away from the process.


The Illinois News Broadcasters Association, of which I am president, supports the Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2005...and hopes Senator Durbin will continue to fight for its passage.

If you're a fan of Illinois politics, you'll want to check out Rich Miller's Capitol Fax blog.

Rich is a veteran Springfield-based political observer. His Capitol Fax has long been a must-read for politicians and journalists alike. Capitol Fax often features scoops that make the papers, radio and TV the next day...and, it's always entertaining.

Check it out!

Here's one that will leave you scratching your head...

The San Francisco 49ers' PR Director is in hot water...after he produced a video featuring racial slurs, topless women and soft-core lesbian porn. And, here's the topper...the video was designed to help train 49ers players to deal with the news media.

Click here to see the story...including a link to the video.