'Kathy and Judy' show canceled by WGN
When Jennifer Fredrickson first started her life as a stay-at-home mom, it was the "Kathy & Judy Show" on the radio that kept her feeling connected to the outside world.
"I could actually listen to adults talking about things that were going on," the 44-year-old St. Charles resident said. "I didn't feel closed off, even though I was staying at home. They made me think and always, always made me laugh."
The talk and the laughter ended Friday, when WGN 720 AM announced that the popular midmorning talk show would not continue after the day's broadcast. In a prepared statement, WGN leaders referred to the cancellation as "a business decision."
Fans like Fredrickson are crushed.
"There's nothing else like them on the radio, on television, or anywhere," she said. "I really feel like I lost a friend."
Kathy O'Malley and Judy Markey, former Chicago journalists who were known to their fans as "the Girlfriends," have been a mainstay of WGN since 1989. Their show revolved around relaxed, witty discussion of topics such as aging, parenting, sex, current events and pop culture.
Tom Langmyer, vice president/general manger of WGN Radio, said O'Malley and Markey have been "a phenomenal chapter in WGN Radio's rich history," but it's time for the station to move in a new direction.
"The media business and the Chicago radio market have changed dramatically in the last few years, including a new method of ratings measurement," Langmyer said in WGN's statement. "WGN needs to respond to these changes."
A replacement show will be announced in the coming weeks. WGN representatives would offer no further comment Friday.
Fans of the show spent all day Friday calling, e-mailing and texting each other about the news. An official Kathy & Judy fan page on Facebook was overflowing with posts from saddened (and angry) fans on Friday morning, but was taken down by WGN later in the day (comments are still being accepted at wgnradio.com).
"They made my day, every time I listened," said Aileen Haslett, a 38-year-old Wheaton resident. "They're two women who are very intelligent and so funny. I would laugh out loud all the time."
Bronwyn Russell, a 46-year-old Des Plaines resident, said via e-mail that it's hard to imagine life without her daily dose of Kathy & Judy.
"I've quoted them, yelled at them, laughed with them, learned from them, cried with them," Russell said. "I think I speak for everyone when I say we wish them the best and most of all, thank you for all you've done for us."
Adam Waterbury, a former Schaumburg resident who now lives in California, listened to the show on the Internet even after moving from the area.
"I didn't cry when I lost my job last month due to the economic downturn, but I did this morning when I learned that this was their last show," he said via e-mail.
Fans questioned WGN's motives in removing the show, particularly in light of other recent changes at the station, such as the hiring last month of veteran Chicago broadcaster Garry Meier, known for his popular runs as partner to Steve Dahl and, later, Roe Conn.
"Maybe they're trying to be edgier or something," Fredrickson said. "To me, WGN is just another radio station now."
O'Malley and Markey devoted Friday's show to looking back on their 20 years together. Neither could be reached for comment, but they assured listeners during their show that they will be all right.
"We're all going to be OK," O'Malley said at the start of the show. "We're all going to put on our big-girl panties and deal with this."
<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Stories</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=295685">A 'Girlfriend' says farewell <span class="date">[05/22/09]</span></a></li> </ul> <h2>Related links</h2> <ul class="moreWeb"> <li><a href="http://www.wgnradio.com/shows/kathyjudy/">Kathy and Judy page</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>