Chicago Tonight; Cokely Follow-up

WTTW (Television station : Chicago, Ill.) · May 4, 1988

This episode is "No.5176, Cokely Follow-up." The episode begins with Mayor Eugene Sawyer's thoughts about Cokely and Cokely's anti-Sematic comments. John Callaway then questions Lu Palmer about his thoughts on Cokely, and Palmer talks about what is happening in his Chicago community. Michael Kotzin talks about what Lu Palmer is saying, and is upset about how the interview is going. Alderman Kathy Osterman shares her opinion on Cokely's remarks, and what should happen as a result. Panelists define anti-Semitism and racism. Next, the panel discusses whether or not Mayor Sawyer should fire Cokely, President Reagan's actions regarding the issue (and other issues), release of the tape to Mayor Sawyer, Louis Farrakhan, and if Cokely is a scholar, or needs to and can be rehabilitated. "When a local story breaks or the nation's attention is focused on Washington D.C. or abroad, Chicago Tonight is ready with a Chicago perspective. Chicago Tonight has built a large, loyal following of people hungry for the 'second half' of the news by providing 30 minutes of provocative interviews, on-location reports, lively debate, and analysis of local, national, and international news of importance to Chicagoans. "On May 16, 1988, host John Callaway investigated the issues of censorship raised when Chicago aldermen stormed a private exhibit at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and removed a painting that some said disrespectfully depicted recently deceased Mayor Harold Washington. The incident made national headlines and prompted an ACLU suit naming Chicago police officers and aldermen as defendants. Callaway moderates an impassioned discourse that debates whether or not unwritten laws of decency transcend the First Amendment. His panel includes a constitutional scholar, an art critic, and one of the aldermen who confiscated the painting. "On May 4, 1988, Chicago Tonight focused on the furor caused by mayoral aide Steve Cokely's anti-Semitic remarks. Cokely, who asserted that Jewish doctors were infecting black children with the AIDS virus, is defended on the program by Lu Palmer, Chairman of the Chicago Black United Communities. A representative from the Anti-Defamation League and an alderman object to Palmer's defense and demand Cokely's resignation. "These episodes illustrate Chicago Tonight's dedication to delivering in-depth coverage of important issues to the more than half a million homes it reaches weekly."--1988 Peabody Awards entry form.