Chicago Radio Town Hall
In a show of unprecedented collaboration, over 40 Chicago area radio stations spanning all formats will break from normal programming next Monday to simultaneously air a 30-minute conversation with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel about the pressing issues facing the city. The “Chicago Radio Town Hall Meeting,” which involves stations that belong to the Illinois Broadcasters Association (IBA) will air at 6pm CT next Monday, November 14 and will be moderated by IBA Hall of Fame broadcast journalist Bill Kurtis. Programmers from a number of the participating stations are collaborating to produce the program while local GMs have cleared the time to air the show commercial-free.
“I recently asked the leaders of Chicago-area radio stations to utilize their powerful platforms and tremendous reach to motivate Chicagoans to take a more active role in making our city stronger,” said Emanuel. “They answered the call with this unique broadcast opportunity. I look forward to sharing my thoughts with the people of Chicago about how, when we work together, we make our city better for everyone who calls it home.”
Doug Levy, Chairman of the Board of the Illinois Broadcasters Association and Chair of the IBA’s Radio Broadcasters of Chicagoland Committee said, “This project showcases the high value that radio broadcasters have in a media marketplace. My colleagues and I all share a deep sense of responsibility to our audiences. This unprecedented broadcast connects an enormous number of people with their elected leader tasked with making lives better for everyone in Chicago.”
Erica Farber, President & CEO of the Radio Advertising Bureau added, “We’re excited by the Chicago Radio Town Hall event and support the efforts of the Chicago broadcasting community. It’s great to see an entire radio market come together for this innovative, local community event.” In advance of the broadcast, participating radio stations will give listeners a chance to submit questions to the Mayor by visiting the RBC’s designated website ChicagoRadioStations.com or through social media with the hashtag #ChicagoRadio. Kurtis will use some of those questions during the broadcast.
