News Bites for April 28…
iHeartMedia urban contemporary WGCI Chicago (107.5) is launching the inaugural “Tone Kapone Day,” a live event honoring longtime afternoon host Tone Kapone, set for May 29 at House of Blues Chicago. Designed to reflect Kapone’s on-air energy and deep connection with listeners, the celebration will feature DJs, surprise guests, and a performance by R&B artist Jacquees. Hosted by Kapone, the event will also include appearances from his “What More Can I Say” podcast co-hosts Keke and Zach Boog. “Tone Kapone Day will celebrate music, culture and community while honoring a radio legend who is integral to not only WGCI, but the entire city of Chicago,” said Kashon Powell, Vice President of Programming.
University of Pennsylvania adult alternative WXPN Philadelphia (88.5) is rolling out a slate of music-driven initiatives to mark America’s 250th anniversary, positioning the station as a cultural centerpiece of the celebration. Highlights include “The Philly 250,” a July countdown of songs tied to the city, and “Philly Anthems,” a commissioning project featuring artists such as Christian McBride and Devon Gilfillian alongside emerging talent. The station is also launching a 24-Hour Song Challenge tied to the project, offering a $5,000 prize and festival performance slots. Additional programming includes a Philadelphia-focused installment of World Cafe’s “Sense of Place” series and “Sound of History,” a collaboration debuting new works on Juneteenth at the Museum of the American Revolution.Late night TV talk host Stephen Colbert has just weeks left hosting “The Late Show” on CBS-TV, and that has led to speculation that he will make the leap to podcasting. In an interview with The New York Times, Colbert isn’t ruling it out. Colbert says he now spends “more time with podcasts than any form of entertainment.” But he tells the Times he hasn’t made any firm decisions, saying the TV show requires “95% of his brain.” CBS-TV’s new owners canceled the show last year for what it says are financial reasons.