Gary Deeb, a notable media columnist who impacted the Chicago media landscape from 1973 to 1983, passed away on May 17 in Charlotte, N.C., at the age of 79 due to natural causes.
Deeb’s influence extended beyond city limits during a time when newspapers, radio, and television dominated media consumption before the digital age took over.
He provided readers with an insightful and sometimes ruthless look behind the curtain of the media industry, revealing the actions and errors of executives and on-air personalities in a refreshingly candid style.
Known for his sharp wit, Deeb was unafraid to label celebrities with scathing nicknames, referring to Donny and Marie Osmond as “twerps” and calling Shaun Cassidy a “slack-jawed wimp.”
One of his most memorable jabs included an anonymous quote from a television executive criticizing famed news anchor Jane Pauley, labeling her as possessing “the IQ of a cantaloupe.”
Before making his mark in Chicago, Deeb was an ambitious media columnist in Buffalo, New York, drawing attention for his engaging writing style and strong sources.
In 1973, Deeb joined the Chicago Tribune, the same year he was dubbed the “terror of the tube” by Time magazine.
His reputation quickly grew, and in 1980, he made headlines again by moving to the Chicago Sun-Times, lured by a significant pay boost and perks that included a secretary and a legman.
His assistant was none other than Robert Feder, who later became a prominent media columnist himself.
Deeb’s impact was felt not only through print but also in the burgeoning radio scene.
Chuck Swirsky, now known for his play-by-play announcing for the Chicago Bulls, reminisced about his early career struggles hosting a sports talk radio show when Deeb’s praise acted as a crucial turning point.
Swirsky described how one of his listeners—who had initially misdialed for pizza—continued to stay on the line for 20 minutes as a reflection of how desperate the show’s situation was before Deeb’s comments brought in more listeners and established credibility for Swirsky as a sportscaster.
“Every program director and news director in town and beyond, they read his column, and trust me, that column spoke volumes of importance in our little world of media,” said Swirsky, underlining Deeb’s far-reaching influence.
One of Deeb’s columns in 1975 profoundly affected the Chicago Bears’ broadcasting team.
He criticized sportscaster Jack Brickhouse and columnist Irv Kupcinet, dubbing them “affable simpletons of the airwaves” and hinting that their banter was more of a distraction than anything else.
This scathing critique helped usher changes in the Bears’ broadcast booth shortly thereafter, showcasing the power of Deeb’s words.
The outline of the influential column was crafted by 20-year-old George Castle, a Tribune copy boy who Deeb occasionally enlisted for article ideas in exchange for cash.
“It was a hilarious column,” Castle later remarked, acknowledging Deeb’s talent for engaging storytelling.
Phil Rosenthal, a former Chicago Tribune media columnist, reflected on Deeb’s legacy, indicating that his impact resonated with readers of all ages.
“If you’re of a certain age, you have a very strong opinion of him, and if you’re a little younger, you have no idea, but I’m telling you this guy was a big deal,” Rosenthal stated, highlighting Deeb’s stature within the industry.
However, in 1983, following years of holding WLS-TV Channel 7 as a primary target in his columns, Deeb took an unexpected turn by accepting a position at the station itself.
Many were left bewildered, questioning if the move was genuine or a covert effort to criticize the organization from within.
Deeb maintained his role at WLS-TV until 1996 before returning to Buffalo, marking a dramatic chapter in his career.
In 2003, Deeb garnered controversy when he auctioned off personal letters that he claimed were written by prominent figures in Chicago radio history.
This decision led to backlash from several former colleagues, who were frustrated by his decision to make private correspondences public.
Born on October 23, 1945, in Buffalo, New York, to Michael and Elvira Deeb, Gary grew up with a truck driver father and a mother who worked at Sears, Roebuck and Co.
Deeb began his career in radio and television before shifting to print journalism as a reporter for the Buffalo Evening News.
Despite briefly attending the University of Buffalo, it was evident that the education system was not for him.
As his sister, Elaine Lamb, noted, “He just loved his job… writing was his forte.”
Gary Deeb has left a lasting mark on media commentary, challenging norms and illuminating the industry for readers through his unmistakable voice and sharp insights.
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