In this very special edition of the INBA Podcast, Margaret Larkin interviews John Drummond. Drummond is a legendary TV journalist who spent three decades reporting for CBS2 Chicago. Drummond earned the nickname “Bulldog” for his tenacious reporting. He is known for his coverage of crime, corruption, and the mob in the windy city. He still returns to what he calls “the magic lantern,” every now and then to provide expert analysis and context to stories on CBS2.

But Drummond didn’t start in the big city. He’s from Eau Claire, Wisconsin and he got his first news job doing radio in Iowa.

He said the first time he watched TV was in 1948 and remembers it was “fascinating.” Despite that, it’s not the career he originally wanted.

Drummond was enthralled by the radio broadcasts of WWII and joined the Air Force for four years. He even considered a career in Navy intelligence. After his service he contemplated getting a law degree because of his interest in high school debate.

Ultimately, he got his start in radio and made the transition into TV for a better paycheck; he had a family of three children to support. Drummond said he welcomed the change, adding you have to be “a ham” to work in TV. He had aspired to work in the Twin Cities, but found an opportunity in Chicago and jumped at the chance.

The “Bulldog” gave us some insight on his favorite stories he’s covered in Chicago, including the mob. He said in his career, Chicago had the most powerful mob faction in the country.

If you love history and perspective, this is an episode you can’t miss.

CLICK HERE to register. You have the option of attending the whole weekend, or just Saturday.

Small Market Radio

Large Market Radio

Small Market Television

Large Market Television

ROCKFORD (INBA) – The Illinois News Broadcaster’s Association is pleased to announce its first in-person event since the pandemic.

“INBA members remained active and connected during the pandemic, but we know there is simply no substitute for the networking and lively engagement of an in-person convention. We are thrilled to gather safely in Rockford for a weekend to remember,” said INBA President and WNIJ News Director, Jenna Dooley.

Our fall convention will be in Rockford from Sept. 24-26 at the Embassy Suites.

REGISTER FOR CONVENTION HERE.

RESERVE HOTEL ROOM AT SPECIAL RATE HERE:

Details about our workshops, panels, and speakers are coming soon. On top of reconnecting with broadcast journalists across the state, there will be a ceremony for our first ever INBA Crystal Mic Awards.

The INBA Crystal Mic Awards will be presented at Saturday night’s banquet. Here are the award categories:

• Station of the Year
• Digital Presentation of the Year
• Reporter of the Year
• Weather Operation of the Year (TV Only)
• Radio Newscast of the Year and the Paul Davis TV Newscast of the Year

To enter to win, CLICK HERE.

We can’t wait to see you and catch up!

COVID-19 Precautions

We are asking all attendees to follow current CDC and IDPH guidelines for COVID-19.

Right now that means we’re asking unvaccinated attendees to wear a face mask during INBA gatherings.

Masks are not required for vaccinated individuals.

Morgan, who has been at WREX since 2013, has accepted the role of Director of Digital Media at CBS46 (WGCL). Morgan’s wife, former WREX evening anchor Kristin Crowley, recently accepted an investigative reporter position at 11Alive (WXIA) in Atlanta last month.

“While I am so sorry to see my time at WREX come to an end, I am so proud of what we were able to accomplish together,” Morgan said. “Rockford will forever have a large piece of my heart.”

Morgan served as news director from 2013 through 2019, before becoming station manager, followed by his promotion to VP/GM in 2020.

During his time at WREX, the 13 News team won more than 150 state, regional and national awards, including 21 Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards, two National Murrow Awards and a dozen Regional Emmy Awards, among several others.

Morgan has been on the INBA board since 2016 and served as president from 2018-2020. During his time he helped coordinate judging for the SINBA awards and the awards presentation. He also organized INBA’s Spring 2020 convention in Rockford, which was postponed to Fall 2021 due to the pandemic.

“INBA is an organization every journalist in the state of Illinois should be a part of,” Morgan said. “The people, the resources and opportunity to grow is unmatched by other professional organizations out there.”

Morgan will be replaced by Ed Reams, the current news director at WKOW in Madison, a sister station of WREX. Reams has been the news director at 27 News since 2014. Reams is an industry veteran, having worked at several stations across the country, including, WISN in Milwaukee, WHSV in Harrisonburg, Virginia and WDSU in New Orleans, among several others.

WREX and WKOW, who are both owned by Quincy Media, were recently purchased by Allen Media. The close of that acquisition is expected sometime later this year.

Morgan’s last day at WREX will be May 21.

Do you know an Illinois journalist who has been promoted, published great work, or just deserves recognition? Email INBA board member, Molly Jirasek, to submit story suggestions for our website: molly.jirasek@gmail.com.

Illinois competes in Region 7, made up of radio and television stations in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan.  The awards are broken up in to “Large Market” and “Small Market.”

Broadcasters from across the state took home a total of 25 Regional Murrows, with two stations, WBBM-TV and WBBM Newsradio in Chicago, winning the top honor of Overall Excellence.

The Edward R. Murrow Awards recognize outstanding achievement in electronic journalism are among the most respected journalism honors in the world.

All 25 awards will now advance to the national competition.  Winners from that competition will be announced later this summer.

Here’s a breakdown of the awards won by stations in Illinois:

Large Market Television

Overall Excellence
WBBM-TV
WBBM, Chicago

Digital
WBBM
WBBM, Chicago

Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Beyond the Numbers: Chicago’s Deadly Disparities
WBBM, Chicago

Excellence in Innovation
Left in the Dark
WBBM, Chicago

Excellence in Writing
Edwards’ Writing Composite
WBBM, Chicago

Hard News
Eviction Protections Leaving Landlords Homeless
WBBM, Chicago

Investigative Reporting
My Name is Anjanette Young
WBBM, Chicago

Newscast
CBS 2 News at Six: My Names is Anjanette Young
WBBM, Chicago 

Large Market Radio

Overall Excellence
WBBM Newsradio
WBBM, Chicago

Digital
COVID-19 Coverage
WBEZ, Chicago

Excellence in Writing
How the Green Line, A Pink House and 12 Cents Changed How | See My City
WBEZ & City Bureau, Chicago

News Documentary
Starting College Behind
Chicago Public Media, Chicago

Newscast
WBBM Newscast
WBBM, Chicago

Podcast
Motive Season 3
WBEZ, Chicago

Small Market Television

Breaking News Coverage
Rockford protests the death of George Floyd, racial injustices
WREX, Rockford

Continuing Coverage
Belvidere Police accused of systematic abuse of power, excessive force
WREX, Rockford

Digital
Severe weather education saves lives
WREX, Rockford

Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Together We Rise: A WMBD/WYZZ Town Hall Special
WMBD/WYZZ, Peoria/Bloomington

Excellence in Video
Who killed Dalton Mesarchik?
Heart of Illinois ABC, East Peoria

Excellence in Writing
James Stratton Composite
WREX, Rockford

Hard News
Fear on 500 Webster Avenue
WREX, Rockford

Investigative Reporting
Belvidere Police accused of systematic abuse of power, excessive force
WREX, Rockford

Small Market Radio

Continuing Coverage
University of Illinois COVID-19 Testing
WILL/Illinois Public Media, Champaign-Urbana

Digital
Illinois Newsroom
WILL/Illinois Public Media, Champaign-Urbana

Hard News
No Wiggle Room
WILL/Illinois Public Media, Champaign-Urbana

The bill is sponsored by a Rockford Senator and former WTVO anchor-reporter, Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford). In a news release he said, “I’ve dedicated years of my life to journalism, so I understand the importance of having access to local news.” and “Illinoisans deserve to know what’s happening in their communities, regardless of where they live.”

The task force would consist of ten people representing print and broadcast media, journalism schools, and state and local government.

The INBA requested to have a seat at the table shortly after the bill’s announcement. In response Stadelman said, “I will include INBA in the list of groups required to be part of a task force to study local journalism challenges and issues. I look forward to working with your organization following passage of the legislation.”

The bill moves to the state House of Representatives for further consideration. If it’s ultimately signed into law, the task force will have to share the findings of its study with the governor’s office and General Assembly no later than Jan. 1, 2023.

An Illinois state senator hopes to create a task force, “to ensure local journalism survives in Illinois’ small towns and mid-sized cities.”

State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) announced the Local Journalism Task Force (Senate Bill 134) in a news release March 25, which he said would consist of ten people representing print and broadcast media, journalism schools, plus state and local government. Stadelman’s release said the group will conduct a study on Illinois communities which might not have enough journalists to cover local issues. The goal is to “preserve and restore news coverage in those areas.”

The INBA reached out to Stadelman’s office to make sure our organization had a seat at the table on this task force and ensure transparency of process.

In response, he said, “I will include INBA in the list of groups required to be part of a task force to study local journalism challenges and issues. I look forward to working with your organization following passage of the legislation.”

Stadelman, a former TV anchor-reporter at WTVO in Rockford, cited declines in ad revenue and circulation as causes for the loss of local journalists. In a news release, he said, “People deserve to know what’s happening in their communities, regardless of where they live.”

The task force (SB 134), if approved, would be required to send the findings from its study to the Governor JB Pritzker’s office and the General Assembly no later than Jan. 1, 2023. The legislation will go to the Senate floor for consideration.

You can read the INBA’s letter to Stadelman’s office below.

March 24, 2021

Senator Steve Stadelman, 34th District

The Illinois News Broadcasters Association, formed January 22, 1955, is one of the largest statewide broadcast news associations in the nation. The organization is made up of about 200 members from throughout Illinois and surrounding states. The goals of the organization are to preserve and protect the public’s right to know, to ensure the free flow of information, to provide scholarships and to exchange information among members.

Pursuant to Senate Bill 0134, we believe INBA should have a representative included on the Local Journalism Task Force if the legislature plans to involve itself in matters of journalism. We believe our presence would promote government transparency of process and give INBA an opportunity to provide insight about how local newsrooms work and what they need to succeed.

We will continue to advocate for a free press dedicated to serving the needs of people living in Illinois and request our presence in development of these recommendations in collaboration with other press entities in Illinois.

Sincerely,

Jenna Dooley, President, on behalf of the INBA Board

We’ll have several sessions throughout the day including a FOIA Tips and Tools workshop, a “Write Like You Talk” lesson, and our general business meeting. Though we will miss clinking our glasses in person, the convention wouldn’t be complete without a virtual happy hour (you don’t even have to tip the bartender!). We will also present our 2020 scholarship winners and SINBA award winners. This year, we’re ecstatic to present our largest scholarship checks in INBA history at $2,200 each. Scholarship finalists are being determined now and will be interviewed before four winners will be chosen. 

Whether you want to log in for a few minutes, an hour or two, or the whole day, INBA welcomes you! Stay tuned for a schedule of events. 

During our Spring Convention we usually have an awards ceremony for Illinois AP award winners. However, the AP Broadcasting Awards were discontinued. The good news is the INBA is launching its own contest: INBA Crystal Mic Awards. The INBA is excited to launch this prestigious celebration of the best broadcast journalists in Illinois. Our first awards will be presented at the INBA Fall Convention in Rockford. You can read more about the awards here. 

This convention is free for INBA members. Non-members can attend and become an INBA member for $25 through our virtual convention this spring. Our usual member dues are $35. 

You can register online now by clicking here.

MORE ABOUT OUR WORKSHOPS 

Write Like You Talk! 

Award winning TV journalist Jeff Butera will lead this session. Butera has worked at ABC7 in Fort Meyers, FL. since 2012. He’s earned four Emmy Awards, an Edward R. Murrow Award, and was named Best Reporter twice by the AP. Butera is known for being one of the authors of the latest edition of “Write Like You Talk”; a book to help broadcasters improve their writing. While he grew up in Florida, we’ll welcome him with open arms in Illinois since his station bio says he’s a Chicago Cubs fan! 

Like Butera’s book, this session is aimed at helping you finesse your writing and give you a chance to ask questions. 

FOIA Tips and Tools 

Jessica Huseman from Votebeat will lead this session. Votebeat is a non-profit newsroom covering voting rights, election administration, and redistricting. She is also an analyst for CNN and a former lead reporter for ProPublica’s Electionland project. Huseman will join us from Dallas, TX. to answer your FOIA questions and teach you new skills. In her LinkedIn bio she says, “I’m interested in boosting local journalism, making collaboration between newsrooms work and helping new reporters realize their potential.”

WXIA, better known as “11Alive” in the local news business, is an NBC-affiliate in Atlanta, Ga., the seventh-largest market in the country. It’s known nationally for its dedication to investigative reporting.

“I’m incredibly honored to join the investigative team at 11Alive,” Crowley said. “Their unrelenting work to find justice and truth is what journalism is all about and it’s exactly what I want to be a part of.”

Crowley will also contribute to 11Alive’s award-winning, and nationally recognized, weekly program, The Reveal. The Reveal is an investigative show exposing inequality, injustice and ineptitude created by people in power throughout Georgia and across the country.

Crowley is no stranger to investigative reporting, helping launch Rockford’s only investigative reporting team back in 2018, 13 Investigates. Since that time, Crowley, her co-anchor James Stratton and investigative reporter Mary Sugden, have revealed major stories to the Rockford area.

“From exposing unfair billing practices to shedding light on police misconduct, working on these stories with our talented team at 13 WREX has truly been the opportunity of a lifetime,” Crowley said. “13 Investigates will never stop fighting for justice.”

Crowley, who has been an INBA member for several years, has received numerous awards for her investigative work, including a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award, six Illinois Silver Dome Awards and five Illinois Associated Press Awards. She has also won five Regional Emmy Awards, dozens of other statewide awards, and had her work recognized as part of
13 WREX’s National Edward R. Murrow Award in 2018.

“Kristin has helped transform the way we do news here at 13 WREX,” said News Director, Audrey Moon. “We have undertaken several significant changes to our editorial process over the years and she has been a leader in making those changes impactful and meaningful to our viewers. Her expertise and ambition will be sorely missed.”

Crowley says working at a small market television station is like working with family. A family she has grown close to and relied on for support several times over the years.

“The people I work with are more than colleagues, they’re family,” Crowley said. “Their support, and genuine care, is what makes our team so special. I will miss them more than they will ever know.”

Crowley will join 13 WREX alumnus, and Chief Investigator at 11Alive, Brendan Keefe. Keefe began his broadcast career at 13 WREX back in 1991.

“Brendan is someone I’ve admired as a journalist for years,” Crowley added. “He has helped mentor me and has challenged me to reach new heights. Our shared connection of 13 WREX just goes to show what a small world, and small business, this really is!”

Crowley’s last day on the air at 13 WREX will be Wednesday, Mar. 31.