Channel 20 series to cover local arts

Irma Blanco, news anchor on Mancow Muller's WRCX-FM (103.5)morning show, is branching out on her own as host of a new televisionseries.

While continuing her radio job, Blanco will double as host of"Absolute Artistry," WYCC-Channel 20's behind-the-scenes look at thearts and entertainment scene in Chicago.

In addition to covering local entertainment events from analternative perspective, Blanco and producer Dale Sindt are expectedto explore the process of creating art from the artist's point ofview.

Starting July 17, the half-hour show will air at 7 p.m.Wednesdays and Sundays.

"Absolute Artistry" is one of three new locally produced serieson Channel 20, the public television station owned by the CityColleges of Chicago.

Also joining the prime-time lineup is "Educate!" The half-hourseries, focusing on innovative programs and success stories amongChicago students, parents and educators, will be hosted by CarolDavis Dillard, formerly of WGN-Channel 9 and WEHS-Channel 60.Reporters will be Darryl Dennard, Laura Fine and Michael Isip.

"Educate!" will air at 7 p.m. Fridays and 7:30 p.m. Sundays,starting July 19.

Channel 20's third new entry is "Reel Time," a discussion offilm techniques and a showcase for the work of young video artistsand filmmakers, produced in collaboration with Columbia College.

It will air at 7 p.m. Saturdays and 6 p.m. Sundays, startingJuly 20. Dialing: Peter Dean exits WTMX After two years as afternoon personality, Peter Dean has partedcompany amicably with WTMX-FM (101.9). Although his contract expiresnext week, Dean's last day on the air was Wednesday. No word yet ona permanent replacement.

Dean, who previously worked at the station in various capacitiesfrom 1979 to 1992, said he plans to concentrate on his free-lancevoice-over business. It's official: Doug Banks signs on July 1 as afternoon host atWEJM-AM; FM (950; 106.3). The station will welcome the syndicatedstar's return to the market with a parade and a week of broadcastsfrom Navy Pier, Michael Jordan's Restaurant, Comiskey Park, GreatAmerica and the Regal Theatre. "Private Lives," the top-rated Sunday night talk show on sex andrelationships, is going national. Look for an announcement soon thatWBBM-FM (96.3) will syndicate the show, hosted by Karen Hand and Dr.Kelly Johnson, via SJS Entertainment. Mike Ditka has signed on for another season with WSCR-AM (820). Theformer Bears coach again will host a live, 90-minute talk show atnoon Tuesdays with Dan Jiggetts and Mike North, in addition toturning up at 7:30 a.m. Mondays and Fridays with Tom Shaer and JimMemolo. Tuning in: Darrin double vision WCIU-Channel 26 has hit on a fun promotion for its weeknight rerunsof "Bewitched." Calling it "Darrin to Be Different," the stationairs an episode starring Dick York as husband Darrin Stephens at 6p.m., followed by one starring Dick Sargent as Darrin at 6:30 p.m.Viewers are being asked to pick their favorite.

Also at Channel 26, "Stock Market Observer" anchor Jack Taylorinterviews violinist Rachel Barton at 2:40 p.m. today. In additionto performing, she will discuss a Stradivarius loan program. "Wild Chicago," WTTW-Channel 11's magazine show, moves its secondairing to midnight Fridays. It will continue to air at 10:30 p.m.Sundays. Cathy Ballou, former "Fox Thing in the Morning" weather forecasterat WFLD-Channel 32, has landed at WXIA-TV in Atlanta. This column now appears on the World Wide Web. Internet users canaccess the Chicago Sun-Times Web site at http:// www.suntimes.com