Veteran (seasoned?) Chicago journalist Charlie Meyerson (currently of Chicago Public Square & Rivet, ex- of Chicago Tribune, WGN, WNUA and WXRT) joins me for subs and news talk at Submarine Tender (200 Desplaines Ave, Forest Park, IL 60130.) Just to get it out of the way, the restaurant's name isn't "Submarine Tenders," as wrongly stated early in the episode by your intrepid host.
Chicago Public Square has become an indispensable part of my day. Go sign up for the daily newsletter right now. I'll wait. Discussed this week:
The rampant misuse of the word "legendary": "There need to be actual legends about you." The harrowing experience of parking at Submarine Tender. Charlie's brand is "bland." Charlie was a latchkey kid, which informs his dining decisions. For the first time ever, this podcast includes a flute performance. The impact of the current political administration on journalism. When Charlie got the news bug, dating back to Watergate. "Journalists are there to make sure the government does the right thing." Journalists' commitment to the truth: "If I were threatened with jail for doing my job, that'd be kinda cool." Charlie's broadcast news history, including 10 years at WXRT and work at the late WNUA (he even sings the station's theme to jog your memory). Charlie and I hooked up on Tinder. Kinda. Well, not really. The senses-shattering origin story of Chicago Public Square! Charlie offers (real and helpful) advice to aspiring media people. Does bias exist in the news? And how does Charlie feel about it? This might be a better time to break into journalism that it seems on the surface. Starting Chicago Public Square, and the pros & cons of creating a startup media model. We "rightsize" the podcast for your enjoyment. Are Americans more tribal now? This isn't a music podcast! "Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull came to visit WXRT... " "Of course he did." ROM: SPACEKNIGHT gets a mention! Charlie met his wife in a traffic accident. Charlie treats us to a flute performance! Junior high jokes commence!