Programming
WCPT's weekday radio format is based on broadcast syndication of nationally-produced liberal and progressive talk radio personalities, mixed with AP 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.
On April 29, 2012, WCPT reduced the Thom Hartmann show and the Norman Goldman show by an hour each to squeeze in a new 2 hour show by Jeff Santos. This changed the Thom Hartmann show hours to 2:00 - 4:00 - PM and Norman Goldman show hours to 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Listeners have been complaining to the station via social media and telephone since the switch, but as of May 11, 2012, the Thom Hartmann and Norman Goldman shows have not been restored to their previous 3 hour formats.
On September 17, 2012 WCPT restored the Thom Hartmann show and the Norman Goldman show back to their 3 hour formats and cancelled Jeff Santos.
Read more about this topic: WCPT (AM)
Famous quotes containing the word programming:
“If there is a price to pay for the privilege of spending the early years of child rearing in the driver’s seat, it is our reluctance, our inability, to tolerate being demoted to the backseat. Spurred by our success in programming our children during the preschool years, we may find it difficult to forgo in later states the level of control that once afforded us so much satisfaction.”
—Melinda M. Marshall (20th century)