There’s a new online media site on the scene in Chicago. Watch312.com, the self-proclaimed “Best Emerging Network,” had its launch party at the classy James Hotel last night, and chicago3media got the scoop. We spoke to party attendees, sponsors, and hosts to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the newest online media network in the Windy City.

Running live interviews which were projected onto multiple screens throughout the party, Candace Jordan was the star of the evening. Jordan, former top model and Playboy Bunny of the Year in 1976, writes a weekly column in Sunday’s Chicago Tribune Magazine. Her new show on Watch312.com, Candid Candace Chicago, “allows viewers to catch a glimpse of what “Chicago who’s who” will be doing every week.”

Chicago native singer/songwriter and entrepreneur Charlie Kam just couldn’t say enough about Jordan, telling us that Watch312.com will “turn out well because she’s great at everything she does.” Andrea Schwartz, VP of Media Relations and Cause Marketing for Macy’s, shared similar praise for the Candid Candace host. “She puts so much energy into everything that she touches,” said Schwartz. “I know 312 will be super successful because of that.” Steve Starr of Steve Starr Studios fame shared his infectious laugh with Jordan, saying “I don’t know how you do so much, and it’s great that you do. And you love it, and that’s why you can do it.”

We asked Jordan to tell us more about Watch312.com, and she explained that it’s “all access to all things Chicago,” and that “every show is about Chicago and for Chicago.” She even said she’s going to share some “secret tips” with viewers, so it’s a good thing that “you can watch all this fantastic programming 24/7 online.”

Also attending the party were some four-legged friends: dogs and cats from the Anti-Cruelty Society. The nonprofit’s President, Dr. Robyn Barbiers, along with their ambassador cat Guy Read His Blog Here explained that one of the Society’s employees, Tatiana Garrett, will be hosting Chicago Tails on the new network. Garrett’s show “will take viewers on an exploration of all things pertaining to pets in Chicago each week.” Other shows on Watch312.com include Chicago Unplugged, “all things notable and new” with host D.C. Crenshaw; 4x4, a weekly “trending now” show with David Martin; dish IT! with Amanda Puck, a Dear Abby-style show for foodies, and more.