The Reader Paved the Way for Alt-Weeklies. What About its Future?
The future of the Chicago Reader is in question. After years of money troubles and ownership changes, the 50-year-old paper is set to become a nonprofit to gain financial stability. But the transition has been delayed because of a dispute between the Reader’s current owners over its leadership. The Reader has been an essential part of Chicago’s media landscape — at one point, its classifieds were so coveted that people would steal copies from the printing press before they were distributed — and longtime journalist Mark Jacob argues the Reader’s owners should come to an agreement to save the storied paper. Jacob has written about the dispute and the Reader’s 50th anniversary, and he talks with host Jacoby Cochran about why the Reader is so important in Chicago.
Guest: Mark Jacob — Freelance writer and editor
Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago
Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm
Call or text us: (773) 780-0246
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Did Mayor's ICE Order Actually Do Anything? Plus, 1,000 Teens Downtown
Today, a City Council committee will question the details and effectiveness of the Mayor’s “ICE on Notice” executive order as ICE sightin...
Harold’s Chicken Battle, Ford City Suitors, and Next Great Food Fest
In January, longtime Harold’s Chicken Shack CEO Kristen Pierce-Sherrod passed away. Now, a legal battle between her five children and her...
Influential Priest Accused of Abuse, Beware Raw Lettuce, and All-Star Weekend
The Rev. Michael Pfleger, the St. Sabina parish leader for 45 years, has been removed from his position as the Archdiocese of Chicago inv...
Tips For Second Heat Wave. Also, Can the Onion Make Infowars Funny?
Another heat wave is hitting Chicago. Here's what to expect. Also on today's podcast, we talk to Onion executive editor Jordan LaFlure ab...
City’s Street Vendor Crackdown, Mayoral Quiz, and Belugas at Shedd
Chicago is seeing a rise in enforcement against immigrant street vendors. Over the last few months the Street Vendors Association of Chic...
Is Chicago Still Broke? Plus, ICE Arrests Increasing
What have we learned in the last week about the city’s financial position, and what does that mean for the growing field of mayoral candi...
Mayor’s Transit and Public Health Picks. Plus, ‘Love Island’ Mania and Chicago’s Next Hit Show
Today we’re talking about some new appointments coming out of the Johnson administration, including a new Public Health Commissioner and...
Is Chuy Garcia Controlling Congressional Race? Plus, a Visit to Feld
U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (4th) has been accused of thumbing the political scales in favor of his chosen successor. In November, Garc...
Why Massage Parlors Are Getting Raided in the 12th Ward
Two illicit massage parlors on Archer Avenue were raided within weeks of each other — including one next door to 12th Ward Ald. Julia Ram...
Who Will Replace Retiring Police Chief? Plus, Chicago's New Gayborhood?
The Chicago Police Department will be without a permanent police superintendent starting July 15, as current superintendent Larry Snellin...