Roger Ebert and six other Chicago TV veterans will be inducted into the Silver Circle of the Chicago/Midwest cheaper of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Ebert, a Pulitzer Prize?winning writer, and co-host of nationally syndicated “Ebert & Roeper,” is also movie critic for Ch. 7.
The awards dinner will be held April 29 at the Drake Hotel.
Other honorees are: Linda Yu, a Ch. 7 news anchor since 1984 after five years at Ch. 5 ? Chicago native and sports veteran Greg Gumbel, host of CBS’ “The NFL Today,” who began his career as a Ch. 5 sports anchor/reporter ? Children’s show host/puppeteer Bill Jackson of such early popular shows as “B.J. & Dirty Dragon,” “Here Comes Freckles” and “Gigglesnort Hotel,” airing on Ch. 32, Ch. 2 and Ch. 7 in syndication.
Veteran director, cameraman and production engineer Michael Torchia at Ch. 7, Ch. 44 and ESPN ? Peter Nunoz, 35-year long host of Ch. 9’s weekly “Charlando” Spanish-language public affairs talk show ? The late Winnetka native Linda Mancuso, who started as a Ch. 5 unpaid intern and rose to SVP/head of ABC Family Channel Programming, after 20 years at NBC in various executive positions.
NATAS established the Silver Circle to recognize outstanding individuals who have devoted 25 years or more to the television industry and made a significant contribution to Chicago broadcasting.
For reservations, call NATAS at 312/435-1825.
EXTRA?Upcoming NATAS events:
March 12, Career Day discussion by a panel of TV professionals and Q&A, moderated by former WGN producer/director Al Hall. At WCIU, 26 N. Halsted, 9 a.m.-noon. Not a Job Fair, so applications won’t be accepted. Free to Academy members and students, $5 others.
March 22, The Making of a Documentary Workshop, a doc producers’ panel on their craft, offering insight on production and ways to sell docs, and screenings. Produced by Ch. 11’s executive producer V.J. McAleer, an experienced doc producer. At Ch. 11, 5400 N. St. Louis, 7-8:30 p.m. Non-members, $10.
RSVP to 312/435-1825 or Email infonatas@aol.com.
