| Type | Monthly newspaper |
|---|---|
| Format | Broadsheet |
| Publisher | George Lutfallah |
| Founded | February, 2002 |
| Headquarters | 2341 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60618 |
| Official website | chicagodispatcher.com |
Chicago Dispatcher is a monthly newspaper in Chicago, Illinois [1] that focuses on news and features that affect taxi drivers and the taxi industry as a whole. Chicago Dispatcher was founded in February 2002 and is published by Chicago entrepreneur George Lutfallah.
The publication is produced by independent taxicab drivers and other business professionals with an interest in the industry. Chicago Dispatcher was founded with the help of former Chicago Taxi Times editor Kenneth Cooper, who "helped Lutfallah envision his venture.[2]" In addition to reporting news of the taxicab industry, the Chicago Dispatcher provides a lost & found service for taxicab passengers who have forgotten belongings in taxicabs. Chicago Dispatcher also covers taxi medallion prices and a calendar of events.
The paper is distributed throughout the city and suburbs at taxicab garages and other locations frequented by drivers. Drivers have the option to take additional copies to provide for their passengers.
Previous projects helmed by the Chicago Dispatcher include Taxicab Times, a newspaper for national taxi news, and Are You Talkin' to Me?, a radio show hosted by Lutfallah on WSBC (1240 AM). The radio show gained a spike in listeners after cab driver Mohammed Haroon was killed and the show dedicated an entire hour to him.[3]