Scratch and sniff: A wag of the tail to salute Steve Dale
Robservations on the media beat:
Anyone who devotes his life to the welfare of animals is a good guy in my book. So it’s nice to know that Chicago’s ambassador to the dog and cat world, Steve Dale, just signed on for five more years as nationally syndicated pet columnist with Tribune Media Services. In addition, Dale’s weekly radio show, which ran for 12 years on Tribune Co.-owned news/talk WGN-AM (720), moved last June to Citadel Broadcasting news/talk WLS-AM (890). “Steve Dale’s Pet World” now airs at 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays. He’s also a certified animal behavior consultant and a blogger for ChicagoNow.com. In an updated Chicago Radio Spotlight profile, Dale told Rick Kaempfer:
“My favorite moments are always when a listener calls and says, ‘You helped me and made my day. That’s why I didn’t give up the dog or cat to the shelter.’ Those are always my favorite moments.”
- Another sign that all’s right with the world is when Rick O’Dell is playing smooth jazz. Since January, the Chicago radio veteran has been back in his familiar midday slot — from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. — on Venture Technologies Group’s WLFM-FM (87.7). “Those who know I’m here have made it a wonderfully soft landing back on the midday show,” he said. “Now it’s up to us to give them what they expect musically while throwing them a few surprises along the way.” In his additional role as program director, O’Dell announced the debut of “Paul Wertico’s Wild World of Jazz,” a locally produced traditional jazz show hosted by the Grammy-winning drummer and Chicago native. It’ll air at 9 p.m. Sundays, starting this weekend.
- Jeff Reisman, director of sales at news/talk WIND-AM (560) and Christian talk WYLL-AM (1160), officially was promoted Monday to general manager of the two Salem Communications stations. He succeeds Dave Santrella, who moved up to president of Salem’s radio division on Dec. 15. One of Reisman’s first tasks is to name a replacement for Cisco Cotto as co-host of Big John Howell’s morning show on WIND. Cotto left to join WLS as Roe Conn’s afternoon partner at the end of last year.
- Mark Bieganski, who created a popular blog on Oprah Winfrey when he was a Web editor at the Sun-Times, has joined Time Out Chicago as a senior online producer. Among his duties will be tracking Oprah’s final season in Chicago for the magazine’s website. He most recently was an online producer for Fox Chicago News. Of Bieganski’s new Oprah blog, Time Out editor in chief Frank Sennett said:
“As her Super Bowl spot with Dave and Jay showed, it only takes Oprah 15 seconds to spark a national conversation, so we think it’ll be fun to help readers follow her closely as she winds up her tenure in Chicago.”
- Tony Arnold, who’s been a temporary reporter and producer on the news desk at Chicago Public Radio WBEZ-FM (91.5) since 2008, has been hired as a full-time general assignment reporter. He previously was a reporter for Northern Illinois University’s WNIJ-FM (89.5).
- The late, great Richard Pegue will be remembered at a Dusty Record Convention celebrating “The Best Music of Your Life” March 6 at St. Elizabeth Church, 50 E. 41st St. Doors open at 7 p.m. The dance will be hosted by his widow, Savina Pegue. The legendary Chicago radio personality, producer, songwriter and musician died of heart failure last March at 64.
Tags: Big John Howell, Cisco Cotto, Dusty Record Convention, Oprah Winfrey, Richard Pegue, Rick O'Dell, Steve Dale
09
02 2010
blogs.vocalo.org
Steve Dale has America’s #1 pet show. We wish him the best.
Steve Dale’s show is for the dogs. bah-DUMB-pah.
Steve Dale’s show is a real morning zoo. bah-DUMB-pah-pah.
Steve Dale’s show encourages heavy petting. cricket, cricket.
hoover sucks (in-a-gadda-da-vida drum solo)
Steve Dale has done so much for pet owners locally and across the country. The vast pet community has a definite Chicago Treasure in Steve, his Saturday shows and all of his publications…we are so glad that WLS has recognized his worth. I no longer listen to WGN and am now back enjoying WLS once again. Thank you. And THANK YOU STEVE.
What about Bruce?
He must have dogs…or be living in a home with 100 cats, or some other situation that would lead one to listen to WGN on a Saturday night.
where do you have to be located to get this WLFM 87.7? I’d like to hear this jazz show but can’t seem to get it in the western suburbs. What is it a low power college station or something?
Animals are going extinct at 1000x’s the rate of natural progression.
The world’s 6th great extinction event is underway due to human activities.
If the media is so liberal, how come virtually nobody knows about this?
Would it be asking too much for some of the corporate media, who we allow to use our public airwaves, to devote time to environmental issues?
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jan2010/2010-01-04-01.asp
Steve Dale’s show gets him a lot of tail.
Note to goodoldnumbernine: Not as good as your mom.
Steve Dale is genuinely kind and caring in a business that, more and more, sees those traits as weakness.
In his own way, he’s a throwback to those radio hosts of yesteryear (Wally Phillip, Bob Collins, Roy Leonard) who always asked “What can we do for the listener?” rather than “How can we best annoy everyone so they’ll talk about us around the water cooler and maybe buy spots?”
Gee, “kind and caring.” Makes me wonder if that will ever beat “edgy” again?
Steve Dale’s show is fantastic and a great service to all. You don’t have to be a pet owner to appreciate his value. If you can’t tune in when it airs, download the podcast from iTunes for free. His farewell at WGN was sincere and emotional for him and you can tell how much he loves what he does. Pure selflessness. What was WGN thinking? WLS just needs to give his show a quality air time.
Mr. Feder, many thanks for your “shout-out” to Steve Dale. When it comes to the world of pets, Steve is a true renaissance man, uniquely qualified to offer information, advice, and entertainment to all of us who cherish our companion animals. WLS was smart to pick him up. I’m a loyal listener, and know many others who are as well.
Four lame jokes and an uncalled-for insult.
Thanks for the contribution Jeffie.
I LOVE Steve Dales show! I have been a fan for at least a dozen years, he is a treasured resource in the pet community.
Steve gives a high energy, fun, informative view of pet ownership, and all the information that goes with it.
Thanks WLS!
md -
Please take the time re-read the thread.
I believe you’ll see that I was insulted first with something more tired than my lame jokes.
Also, I encourage all posters to use your real names in your posts.
Here’s another lame joke for you “md”…
Steve Dale and Cesar Millan are walking down an alley when they spot a dog laying down licking his nether region. Cesar says, “Boy, don’t you wish you could do that.”
Steve says, “I’d bet he’d let you if you pet him nice.”
Steve Dale’s show is not only entertaining but very educational. If you love pets, as most of us do, this show is a must. Need help in behavior? Steve can help. Have a medical question? Steve will ask the professionals. Want to discuss welfare issues? Steve is there to listen and get listener comments. Steve is all about Chicago and its pets. Congatulations on the contract and we all look forward to continue reading your columns and listening to you on WLS AM (890).
Dr. Shelly Rubin
Past President
Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association
Steve Dale has been a powerful and invaluable ally to all who work so hard to preserve the rights of pet owners in the state of Illinois. He has worked tirelessly to ensure your continued right to own the pet of your choice now and in the future. Thank you Steve for you years of service to the companion animal loving public. THANK YOU WLS/AM for allowing Steve to continue to help and guide pet owners!
It saddens me, Jeff, whenever I hear people downing animals and the people who help them. It only tells me what they must think of people. Steve has done more for the animals of Chicago, in particular, and the U.S., in general, than anyone I can think of. And he’s a genuine person! He doesn’t just put on a show. He believes everything he says, and is not afraid to continue learning about his passion, the animals, and teaching us, the animal lovers, what he’s learned. I’ll bet you think Betty White is a dumb ol’ broad also. Soooo wrong! Keep up the good work, Steve.
Steve is the grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreatest friend pets could have. What’s good for Steve is good for our animals.
Dayle,
I love animals.
Especially that cougar, Betty White.
Well, maybe she isn’t a cougar.
At her age, maybe she’s considered to be an endangered species?
Or a saber tooth tiger?
But seriously folks, try the veal.
Oh, wait. On second thought, nevermind.
Hoover sucks. Jeff…. yawn. LAYYYYDEEEEEE! You should be on stage… the next one out of town! wakka wakka wakka
In Chicago, as in every city in America, everyone has the right to speak an opinion. Steve Dale has addressed issues for dogs and their owners on the airwaves for decades. He has sorted through the issues of health, behavior, and even the world of politics as it has been applied to dogs. He has done so with class, with knowledge, and with the consumate style that bespeaks his professionalism. I wish I could say the same for everyone who speaks out.
Hmm. A replacement for Cisco Cotto on WIND. Maybe they could find a few 80-something German-speaking guys still hiding out in South America? I believe they would be ideologically suited for WIND.
Orphie — the media isn’t liberal, that’s just the fascists’ favourite whine — it’s called “working the ref”.
I’m amazed I’ve never heard of Steve Dale, I will have to hunt down his podcast since it would be too painful for me to tune my radio into the once-great frequency of 890 AM. My two cats (one of whom is named Oprah) and 12 birds (they keep reproducing and the wife and I haven’t the heart to part with any) will probably enjoy listening to the show with me. We would love to have a dog too, but my other cat, Kerry, informed me that he would kill me in my sleep if I allowed one of those smelly beasts into the house. Bribing him with catnip has not helped. Seriously, you have never seen a sweet, cuddly little furball turn batshit crazy until you have seen Kerry when he gets anywhere near a dog. I discovered this when my wife brought her mum’s new bichon/shih-tzu puppy to our house, and I happened to be holding Kerry, and he left deep claw marks in my chest — I’m talking deep claw scratches that bled! You wouldn’t believe that, seeing the two of them curled up sleeping next to me as I type this, but it’s true. The vet can’t even trim Kerry’s claws, he becomes uncontrollable (even to the vet techs) the moment he smells dog at the vet’s office! Maybe I should give Steve Dale a call.
Boy, that’s one I haven’t heard…
Oh, since 9:10 this morning anyway.
(Nice moniker. Do you live in your parent’s basement?)
Jeff Hoover, if that is your real name, it’s none of your beeswax what screen name people use. I for one don’t need an insecure psycho knowing who and where I am because they don’t like what I say.
“I was insulted first…” What are you, 5 years old?
‘Hoover sucks’ was an obvious joke. ZOOOOOM.
Betty White is a comedic genius and I love that she has such a big heart for animals. Pam Anderson is also a great advocate for animals. Drew Barrymore, too. So are Pink!, Edie Falco, Ellen DeGeneres, Mary Tyler Moore, Bernadette Peters, Alicia Silverstone, Darryl Hannah and Sarah McLachlan. Moral of the story: if you want to bag a hot babe, be an animal lover!
Hey Jeffy, my parent’s live in my attic. And Steve Dale is giving me tips on how to take care of them.
Of course you’ve heard that stupid joke I used… because all of your jokes are old. You’re used to spewing bad humor so I thought I’d feed you some.
Glad you like the moniker because I don’t really care for my real name, Charles Montgomery Burns.
Keep milking the Jerry Lewis stuff, it’s killer. A million other hacks doing that crap can’t be wrong.
Northbrook Karen enjoying WLS? So you must be a dittohead or listening exclusively to Steve Dale’s show.
Hoover is just trying to add a bit of (lame) laughter to a good story. Dale has a good show and he is a likable guy, so get over Hoover’s jokes. I doubt he is trying to down Dale. In fact all you people (that’s right YOU PEOPLE) bitching probably need some pet’s to show some love to.
Kent/Montgomery -
Sticks and stones may break my bones…
uh-oh, I said bones and now one of Steve Dale’s dogs thinks he’s getting a treat.
Seriously, I mean no harm to any of you. I like Steve. I like animals.
I was just trying to have some fun here.
I mean, Feder had to lead his blog this morning with a pet-themed radio show story.
I saw an opportunity to make a joke and you didn’t like them.
So what? Life is too short to worry about it.
Now, how do know if a girl is ticklish?
give her a testicle.
Ok Jeff… truce. But you got me laughing with the testicle joke, man.
LAAAAYYYY-DEEEEEEEE!!!!!
How about Teri O’Brien joining as Big John’s “handler” on the show.
In a world full of fringe, divisiveness and cynicism, Steve Dale is a wonderful, refreshing voice. He has done so much more than devote the airwaves and now the web to helping all animals. He is a voice of reason who spearheads fundraising to improve their health, provides expert behavioral advice that has kept many animals out of shelters and in their homes, and explained to lawmakers in Chicago and elsewhere the facts of sensible legislation. Even amongst the good guys Steve is a good guy and I’m thrilled to see that recognized!
I have worked with many pet reporters over the years as both publisher of goodnewsforpets.com and owner of a public relations agency that handles animal health issues. Steve is the best bar none. I met him 15 years ago when I launched Pets Need Dental Care, Too and more recently when we launched the CATalyst Council and the Top 10 Cat-Friendly Cities. He is without a doubt the most knowledgeable pet reporter on so many issues — and he cares. Congratulations Tribune Media Services on getting Steve for another 5 years. Lea-Ann
Steve is not only is very knowledgeable, but the voice of reason. He is truly an asset to Chicago, and has helped many pet owners with all sorts of problems. We would be lost without him, and are very lucky he is on the side of the pets. Thanks much for all you do, Steve.
I WAS WONDERING WHERE HE WENT. THANKS FOR THE INFO. ANOTHER WGN MISTAKE LETTING HIM GO. ANOTHER WGN LISTENER ON THE WAY TO WLS.
Hey Rob! Instead of the readers having to click on the “Comments” link, why not just have the comments on the screen as we scroll through your articles?
Thx. Luv U 2.
Someone needs to tell Mark Biegnaksi and Frank Sennett that we are SICK of OPRAH! She is not ending her show!
She is moving it to OWN! All is publicity and she seems to need her 15 minutes of fame EVERY
DAY. Her photo os on the cover of her magazine (somewhat slimmed down!!) And what does OWN stand for?!?!?
Oh yes, OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK!!! Why add to all the conceit! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!! What a bloody bore!!!
Cannot TIME OUT find something better to do with their space????
I’ve been a member of the animal welfare community in Chicago for more than 12 years. Steve Dale is a highly regarded pet expert who has done and continues to do everything he can to improve the lives of pets through legislation as an expert witness at the State and local level and on down to the one on one behavioral help provided in the Q&A portion of his radio show, now so smartly taken up by WLS AM Radio 890.
His depth of knowledge is as astonishing as his list of professional accolades is long, yet he never brings this up on his show, instead showcasing others talents and bringing new voices to his loyal audience. It’s all about the listener experience for him. His show is lively, fast-paced, funny,informative and uniquely timely, often scooping others as with his recent live report from American Humane in Haiti. I’m very happy to hear he’s got a 5 year contract!
I met Steve Dale this past November at a fundraiser for an animal shelter in Chicago. He was bright, articulate, humorous, and a true joy to be around. I have listened to his show and followed his career since moving back to the Chicago area in 2007. He knows his stuff, but above all he genuinely cares about the welfare of pet and the people who love them. Keep doing what you do, Steve. You do it so well.