Andy Friedman Becomes A Magician

Randy Michaels hires former Trib VP for Merlin Media

When Randy Michaels came to Tribune Co. as CEO, he brought a lot of his radio colleagues with him. He is tapping the same talent pool for his imminent return to the radio business, according to a story by Robert Channick at The Chicago Tribune.

Merlin Media, a company formed to acquire WKQX-FM and WLUP-FM in Chicago, and WRXP-FM New York, announced Wednesday that Andy Friedman, a former Tribune Co. and Clear Channel executive, will head up internet initiatives for the new venture.

Prior to his role as vice president of interactive content at Tribune Co., which owns the Chicago Tribune, Friedman oversaw online news, talk and sports at Clear Channel Communications for eight years.

His background may offer some insight into rumored format changes for at least one of the two Chicago rock stations.  Widespread industry speculation has WKQX, Q101, switching to news/talk.

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