The Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago recently acquired the set of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” The set, which includes the desk, chairs, and other pieces, traveled from a New Jersey warehouse to Chicago. This journey took a day and a half and the set is now permanently displayed at the Randolph Street museum, marking it as an important piece of television history.
David Plier, who oversees the museum, described the acquisition as significant. He noted that “The Late Show” was end-of-line when it ended, with a finale watched by 6.74 million viewers. The set enhances the museum’s collection, which previously focused on Chicago broadcast history, and aims to become a hub for late-night TV memorabilia.
Although there were uncertainties about obtaining the complete set due to a memorable episode where chairs were thrown from the Ed Sullivan Theater, the key pieces survived. The set now forms a centerpiece in the “Evolution of Late Night Television” exhibit. Colbert himself played a role in bringing the set to Chicago, where it will be displayed indefinitely.
The museum, launched in 1987 by Bruce Dumont, has had a turbulent history. After a series of relocations and financial struggles, it now resides at a pop-up space at 440 W. Randolph St. Plier hopes to secure its future with financial support and rebranding efforts. The museum aims to reach a national audience while retaining its Chicago roots.
The late-night TV exhibit includes other significant pieces, such as Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show” set and Bill Clinton’s saxophone from “The Arsenio Hall Show.” Chicago’s own broadcast history is also featured through exhibits like “Bozo’s Circus” and “Svengoolie.”
CBS canceled “The Late Show” last July due to financial losses, sparking rumors of corporate motivations related to a merger approved soon after. The exhibit is expected to attract many visitors, and there are plans for Colbert to participate in the exhibition’s opening.
In legal news, a class action lawsuit was filed against WGN-TV and others for featuring Brandon Ellington, known as “Mr. Finance,” in a fraudulent investment scheme. The lawsuit claims the endorsements by media hosts misled hundreds of individuals.
Ellington, previously convicted of mortgage fraud, promoted a fake investment program, now labeled a Ponzi-like scheme by authorities. This legal action highlights issues of accountability for broadcasters in financial promotions.
Chicago mourns Stacey King, a major figure in sports broadcasting, known for his dynamic commentary style with the Bulls. King’s charismatic approach and deep understanding of basketball made him a beloved sports commentator.
Ryan Baker, a long-serving sports and news anchor at CBS 2, is transitioning to a nonprofit role with First Tee-Greater Chicago. This organization focuses on mentoring youth through golf. Baker’s career spanned nearly two decades at WBBM-Ch. 2, making a significant impact on Chicago’s sports journalism scene.