Some of the best news in Chicago is not shown on TV.
But that doesn't mean local affiliates are slipping. In fact, a lot of TV reporters and producers look to independent media outlets for guidance when producing a story.
Just 2 weeks ago, NBC 5 Chicago (WMAQ-TV) announced that it would be partnering with The Chicago Reporter--a well known independent news agency. It is part of a new program developed by Comcast/NBC Universal to improve news gathering in 4 markets: Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia and Chicago.
This made me wonder about other independent news organizations not getting enough due.
GAPER'S BLOCK
(http://www.gapersblock.com)
Since 2003, Andrew Huff has been at the helm of this successful web publication.
It follows a theme relating to a car stuck in Chicago's traffic. For instance, one section is called A/C which functions as a double entendre concerning "air conditioning" and "arts & culture". And what Huff does best is give media coverage to the overlooked "little guys"--maybe because he can relate to how that feels.
Recently, his publication got its just due when CBS 2 Chicago (WBBM-TV) selected Gaper's Block as one of Chicago's best blogs.
In 2012, I expect Gaper's Block to grow in ways never seen before.
BEAN SOUP TIMES
(http://www.beansouptimes.com)
Toure ("Tory") Muhammad has been giving African-American consumers a "bird's eye view" of all the entertainment events in the city for 10 years.
As the creator of Bean Soup Times, he provides ad-supported news coverage focusing on entertainment, health, and social justice. In addition to that, he gives his advertising clients a way to reach a large audience of 16,000 subscribers who are most likely to do business with them.
But having the Muhammad last name can be controversial. In addition to that, his focus on such a niche market could alienate a larger audience. However, he has realized that his strength is in focusing on black consumers.
Hopefully, he will be able to branch out and target Latinos, Asians, and Native Americans in the coming years. There is nothing wrong with targeting multicultural people. It's just that black people aren't the only folks who are classified in that category.
(Full disclosure: I worked for him last year.)
CHICAGO NEWS COOPERATIVE
(http://www.chicagonewscoop.org)
If you want "hard news"--Chicago News Cooperative is your web destination.
One of their best reporters is Dan Mihalopoulos. He is the kind of investigative reporter who should work beside Pam Zekman (WBBM-TV) or Chuck Goudie (WLS-TV).
But the Chicago News Cooperative is made up of more than just one reporter.
Most of their stories deal with City Hall, the school board, and how the two entities are interconnected. Every once in a while, you will get a nice feature story concerning arts and culture. But for the most part, it is the kind of news you are likely to see on the WTTW flagship program "Chicago Tonight".
Closing thoughts
There are many independent news outlets in the city that I may have overlooked.
But that's what the comments section is for. :)
Filed under: Online News
Tags: andrew huff, bean soup times, Chicago, chicago reporter, gaper's block, independent, Media, toure muhammad
Based on what I have seen on Chicago Now, I guess there is one more reason not to watch NBC Chicago News.
Besides that, the regular media has become too bloggy. I guess that's a reaction to not doing any real reporting. Maybe it will just become like radio and have 22 minutes of commercials in a 35 minute newscast. Wonder how they get the same newscast to fit within 30 minutes on 5.2?