The day that pisses off a lot of news editors; No April Fools

AP editors are on high alert. Ditto Reuters and CNN and virtually all the mainstream media.

April 1 is beckoning. The usual "fools" items and fake press releases are pretty easy to spot, but you'd be surprised how so much false info gets out.

The pranksters have become more sophisticated.

So, be advised if you hear some wacky item on the radio, its that day.

KTRB/Comerica overplayed their Hand; Ex-A's Flagship is now 'Toast'

A veteran radio manager in town told me Thursday that "KTRB is 'toast now."

And indeed, who would argue. After a remarkably incompetent set of negotiations went south with the A's, the bank receiver, Comerica, now finds itself without its chief content provider, running about a quarter of its 50,000 watts and potentially a multitude of lawsuits with vendors and past sponsors.

Oh, yeah, and did I mention, again, without the A's?

Now the station is in a real no-man's land, in a position of severe weakness with a few incidental, accidental programs and and a flailing sports network that will no doubt disappear into the darkness. Someone, some company will probably scoop up the 860 AM frequency, which is now virtually worthless.

The poker game is over and the A's didn't blink.

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Flash! A's sign deal wth 95. 7 FM 'The Wolf' to broadcast 2011 Season

The Oakland Athletics and Entercom’s 95.7 The Wolf (“KBWF-FM”) have agreed to terms for the station to acquire the radio broadcasts as the Flagship station of the Oakland A’s Radio Network for the upcoming 2011-14 seasons.

 95.7 The Wolf, a San Francisco-based FM country music station, owned by Entercom, is the exclusive country music station servicing the entire nine-county Bay Area and will broadcast all 162 regular season and all post-season games.

...Developing Story...

UPDATE: Check back later in the day for complete analysis.

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KNBR's Dibley ignores Zito accident in News blocks

The news that Giants pitcher, Barry Zito, was involved in an auto accident, is not a huge story, but when you're the flagship station of the franchise, you'd figure Zito's Wednesday night car fracas would at least garner attention in the sports news blocks.

Not.

KNBR's sports reader, Dan Dibley, failed to mention the Zito accident during the "Morning Show", instead giving top billing to a meaningless late March Warriors game against Memphis. A second story read was Santa Clara's victory in a lower- tier college basketball tourney. (I didn't listen to any of the show after 7.)

The Morning Show performers referenced it after about fifteen minutes after going on the air.

A few things: It's not so much that KNBR didn't report the Zito accident--it was a relatively minor incident and Zito appears to have not been seriously injured. It's the fact that Dibley didn't even include it in his hourly updates. Both KGO and KCBS had it in their opening five minutes--in fact, Rich Walcoff had it for the KGO lead at 5: 05, (it IS, after all, Opening Day, and a prominent Giants player is affected.)

This type of insulation from the so-called "Sports Leader" and how it regards legitimate news is a prime example of KNBR's abysmal reputation. It essentially is a promotional tool for the Giants and any non-baseball news is merely thrown under the rug, without the approval of Giants top brass.

I'm not suggesting the Zito accident was that huge as to garner gavel-to-gavel coverage, but not even mentioning it is a joke. Even Giants' fans deserve to know the goings-on off the field and KNBR and/or Dibley ignored it.

I shouldn't be shocked nor surprised anymore, but this latest beauty deserves special attention.

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If Barry Bonds is found Guilty, I'll...

I'll kiss the front steps of the KRON Building and run in my black speedo from 6th and Market to the Embarcadero.

Promise.

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Wednesday One-Liners

*Quite a bit of unintentional hilarity about the so-called "sports leader" station "covering" the Bonds trial by having one of the tools read twitter accounts. At least they're consistent.

*The Bonds show taking place down at the Federal courthouse and the girlfriend, Ms Bell testimony about shrunken johnsons can only mean one thing: Bonds failed to reach first base.

*Must be just thrilling in the back offices at AT&T/ATM Park where "La Barry" has overshadowed the beginning of the lovefest at 24 Willie Mays Plaza. Oh well, maybe Baer can organize another statue ceremony.

*Weird Comcast promo on A's-Giants Tuesday night: an "NBC Sports" logo. Comcast, yes, now owns a controlling interest of NBC.

*Two major local TV stations in NY, (WPIX the biggie,) have completely done away with sports. That's a trend that's being looked at everywhere, including here in 415ville.

*Scott Reiss-impersonating-Jim Nantz update: Reiss even tweets like Nance and is humming the Masters theme song.

*"Rich, where's Darrya Folsom?" e-mail questions: Maybe she's studying to become a brain surgeon.

*Underrated to the 20th power: KPIX/CBS5's weather predictor, Lawrence Karnow.

*"Today on '7Live', host Brian Copeland will saunter into the studio audience and ask guests if they facebook and tweet in the nude." Later on, Jennifer Jolly will conduct a poll, via Facebook and Twitter, on how many of the 23 viewers watching voted.

*Karel and KGO Radio: Just a gosh-darn lovefest brought forth by the heroic Jack Swanson. (Nice move Jack, maybe you can bring Brad Kava back too.)

*Underrated Part 2: KCBS' Washington bureau chief, Mark Sandalow. What a concept: five minutes of well-done, uninterrupted, informative NEWS without TMZ shit and Britney Spears, ahem, ahem.

*On the other hand, Narsai David jumped the shark about 10 years ago.

*Speaking of "Jumped the Shark", the Bruno/Radnich segment, which long ago was very good and has now been kidnapped by hyper over-talk, ill-advised sound "drops", and thoroughly dumb industry chatter that four people know.

*Question: Seriously now, does anyone, anyone....really actually "read" the printed SF Examiner? It makes the East Bay Express look like The Guardian.

*I love it....Sports writers and bloggers covering the Bonds trial. This is really NOT a sports story. It's a legal story that involves a huge figure in sports. When sports reporters try to act legal, they look generally foolish, particularly when they concentrate on the "shrunken testicles" aspect--then again, I know, I'm naive, here I am trying to wax philosophical.

*Brian Copeland: poor man's Byron Allen.

*KGO Radio's new talk tonsil Stacy Taylor: sounds like the late Tom Snyder.

*Fitz and Brooks: I'd rather get water-boarded at Gitmo.

*Damon Bruce: falling faster than a speeding bullet.

*Eric Byrnes: I don't listen, but I'm told he's already gone to the surfing card.

*Stan Bunger: Stan, was it the fact that I was mildly critical of the Eyewitness 'Blues band?'

*Kevin the Rat: The password is "zoloft."

*Greg Papa: See what happens to you when you won't let me get in a word edgewise?

*Brian Banmiller: God.

*"Special Ed" Chapuis: "Care for some after-dinner mints?"

*Steven Moskowitz update: Just bought Dave Benz.

*"Tonight on Chronicle Live": Bruce Jenkins and Susan Slusser break down Bob Geren's hit-and-run strategy.

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A's Radio mess and Ken Korach; Latest developments; KFRC 1550 AM might be the Closer; Tuesday AM Pulse

A few ancillary issues to go over regarding the status of A's baseball broadcasts on radio, be they KTRB or more likely, KFRC, 1550 AM...

The broadcast brohaha has to be mind-numbing to A's lead play-by-play man, Ken Korach, one of the vesy BEST in the business, not just here in the Bay Area, but nationally too. Korach, as I've said so many times, is about as good a broadcaster as they come. He's sharp, funny, gives the score relentlessly, and is not a homer. Just a terrific voice and consummate professional.

The fact that this current radio standoff puts him in an awkard position is a massive disservice to both A's fans and baseball fans in general. That's not good.

*Speaking of the A's radio situation, what I'm hearing:

From the A's side: KTRB's bank receiver, (Comerica,) is trying to get more money out of the franchise, in essence holding the A's radio broadcasts as hostage while negotiations continue. That may or may not be true, depending on who you listen to. In addition, Comerica is floating the spectre of another bidder/suitor. But I doubt there's any substance to that. Is this a ploy? Probably, but more on that later.

From the KTRB/Comerica side: Simple business. The bank is trying to get maximum dollar for an admitedly distressed property, but at what price and how reasonable are they acting? If this is simply a negotiating ploy, its probably not going to work.

Bottom line: The A's, even if they're being squeezed, (and from every indication, they just might be) could have and should have avoided all of this. It further erodes any smidgen of good will between the fan base and Lew Wolff and company. And it only reinforces the notion that Wolff's mindset is squarely on San Jose as a future destination for his team, and damn the Eastbay and Oakland fans.

Some conspiracy theorists on AthleticsNation have even speculated that this whole radio mess is being orchestrated by Wolff to make his case easier for a potential SJ move. I doubt that, but nothing would surprise me.

The radio matter is an embarrassment to the A's, their fans, Korach, the franchise's sponsors and vendors. No matter who or what is the bad guy, this whole thing should have been handled well before the season.

*KFRC 1550 AM: Although it's not 100% certain, the likelihood of the entire season's broadcasts on KFRC is now formidable, according to a well-placed source. The source indicated that there's a lot more to the whole mess, with lawyers, contractual obligations, and potential lawsuits in the play. Its not simply a case of the A's and KTRB negotiating over the cost of buying a radio station. As I said Monday, "the devil is in the details."

This, of course, may all be window-dressing and on Opening night, 860 AM will be doing the games, but that now remains doubtful, according to the source. We'll see...and hear more later in the week. KFRC, even at the worst dial position on the map, (1550 AM) is a clear channel and is heard fairly easily throughout the Bay Area. KTRB, while at a better dial position, has tower issues that require a whole lot of heavy lifting, (metaphorically speaking)...maybe all of this, from a listening standpoint, may be a blessing in disguise.

Stay tuned on this site; we'll post periodic updates when we obtain more information...Developing Story.

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Flash!--A's Radio 2011--KFRC 1550 AM

KFRC 1550 AM for the rest of the season.

Too many "the devil is in the details" stuff for KTRB/Comerica and the A's. Not 100% certain, but close.

We'll update when we get all the facts.

Flash: A's broadcasts switch to KFRC 1550 from KTRB for Giants Games; UPDATE 3: KTRB/Comerica plays hardball--A's say no--on 1550 AM rest of season?

The A's have announced that the Bay Bridge Series games will air on KFRC 1550 AM. In addition, the team said regular season broadcast plans will be set later this week.

The A's games have been broadcast on KTRB, 860 AM.

Developing story...

UPDATE: Both the pre-and post-game shows will also air on KFRC...A source close to the situation speculates that this move may be permanent...or that the A's might be playing a leverage game with KTRB/Comerica.

Stay tuned.

UPDATE 2-- 2: 01 PM: I've heard from a few in the know that the KFRC 1550 move is a leverage/power move by the A's and that in the end, KTRB will air the games come Opening night, (Friday)...Not 100% certain, but a good hunch. ...On the other hand, the bank that owns the station, (Comerica), may be playing hardball and the A's have essentially said screw you.

The temp. move to KFRC AM for the Giants series is not that unusual as production on the broadcasts comes from that domain so this development isn't that unusual. Embarrassing? Yes. Lack of respect to fans and the few sponsors? Of course. But since when did both sides use a little common sense here? This should have been handled a long time ago.

Stay tuned for further developments.

UPDATE 3-- 2: 36: Now, an A's source says Comerica is playing its hand here--in essence saying to the A's, "pony up" and the A's have said no. Again, we're getting multiple stories, but the idea of KFRC 1550 AM as a permanent radio site is looking more likely.

NY Times: All the New$ that's Fit to Pay

 

You want Maureen Dowd and David Brooks, Tyler Kepner and AO Scott on-line, it's gonna cost you now.

Vince Young and KRON; How a Bay Area TV Heavyweight went Downhill; the Monday Pulse

Vince Young, CEO of Young Broadcasting, who resigned last week, managed to do the impossible: After vastly overpaying a record $823 million in 2000 for KRON, the station went downhill, and so did Young's empire.

Sure, it didn't help that NBC pulled its network affiliation the following year, but given the profitability and general positive revenue stream of a clear channel, strong-signal, reputable outlet like KRON in the country's #4, (at the time) market, it would be pretty difficult to screw things up. Somehow, Young found a way.

At the time, KRON was one of the most prominent local TV outlets in the Bay Area. Its news department was on par with KTVU's and it was guided by renowned talent like Pete Wilson, Bob Jimenez and Tom Sinkovitz. Belva Davis and Pam Moore too.  And it possessed great street reporters like Vic Lee and Karl Sonkin. Wayne Freedman too.

Channel 4 boasted a 100-man-and-woman newsroom staff with award-winning reporters, writers, editors, run by the late, great news director, Herb Dudnick.

Soon after Young added KRON to his holdings, the station went into a freefall. Although many of the anchors and news staff stayed on, several prominent figures left. The ratings began to tumble and viewers abandoned soon after.

In retrospect, both NBC and Young hurt each other. KRON's refusal to pay NBC more dollars for its coveted network sponsorship hurt the station and marginalized its news and local content; conversely, NBC's refusal to negotiate and hardline tactic going with a Southbay outlet, (KNTV) cost it a strong station in a large market.

To this day, NBC, (and now NBC-owned KNTV) has a weaker-signaled station with an identity crisis, (Are we San Jose or SF?)

Then again, "Independent" KRON, even without NBC programming and clearance, was a massively profitable TV outlet with a big building and news operation situated on a prime piece of real estate in the heart of the city, (1001 Van Ness.)

Even as cable news proliferated and local competition grew stiffer, KRON's new owners began chipping away at successful operations. The news dept. suffered. Cheaper, out-of-market talent began replacing local stalwarts. Programming was trimmed. The captain of the ship departed.

And the topper: Young Broadcasting's February 2009 bankruptcy.

Today, KRON is a vastly different operation, (no shit, Sherlock!) It has managed to begin a relatively successful venture out of bankruptcy. It's even making a little money now, but its content and most staff is but a thimble of what it once was and represented in the local SF market.

Most of that we can thank Vince Young for.

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A's Radio daze with KTRB; As Season nears uncertainty looms, but deal will probably get done; Inside story

The A's and KTRB, (really, the bank that owns the station, Comerica,) are in a last-minute standoff as the season nears and broadcasts of the teams games are in limbo.

But are they really? Probably not, but the situation has escalated to the point where there remains considerable doubt and very little information has surfaced.

Bottom line: I think a deal will get done before the start of the season in spite of total mismanagement on BOTH sides. The A's broadcasting hierarchy, (and those who run that part of the business in the upper food chain of the org.,) should be embarrassed that it's reached this point. They have dragged their feet and allowed something as simple and necessary as a legitimate broadcast entity reach crisis stage. Yeah, it's a money deal, but its still part of business. You want to be respected and not made to look foolish? Then you need to get this done. Period. End of story.

Without knowing the entirety of the negotiations, this much can be deduced: both sides, (Comerica and the A's) thought the other would blink. The bank has more leverage at this point than the A's realized. Another thing: the A's may have reached a point where they don't necessarily want to throw a huge chunk of money at a distressed property, even one that broadcasts their baseball games.

On the other hand, it would figure that a team that is "major league" would not want to be without a radio station. What to do?

The A's could stall and try to work out a temporary deal while negotiating a deal to buy the station, (about $4-5 million, but in doing so, have to assume all the debt that has piled up with the acquisition--that could end up becoming millions and millions of dollars.)

They could also do an "LMA", and essentially pay for the time to run broadcasts and continue all  programming. But the bank may not want that deal and continue to play hardball.

Keep in mind that there's really no incentive, (other than getting dimes on the dollar) for the bank to acquiesce with the A's. The station as it currently broadcasts is severely dilapidated with tower maintenance issues, (it costs $25-$30,000 monthly alone to make sure the signal gets out.) In fact, as it now, KTRB is broadcasting at about 20,000 watts of its 50,000-watt capability. Beyond that, at night, it is barely audible in most parts of the Bay Area and that's when its on the air.

None of this could have and should haves reached this point. Exhibition games have been cancelled. The fan base is up in arms and the whole quagmire is another black mark for minority owner Lew Wolff.

In the end, I still believe a deal will get done, but I wouldn't be totally shocked if the A's were without a deal come opening night.

Said a source familiar with the dealings: "They both deserve each other."

That pretty much sums it up at this point.

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Vince Young out at Young Broadcasting

Vince Young is out. Gonno...from Young Broadcasting.

There's a lot to chew on here. I'm sure a lot of 'KRONvicts' are happy. (We'll comment down the line)

Here's the story from Mike Malone of Broadcasting and Cable.

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A salute to 'Stan' the Commenter

He is relentless.

He's consistent.

He can be very funny. Sometimes very, very funny. Quite a belly-laugh on occasion.

He's "Stan"...or sometimes, "Stano." He's a frequent commenter on my site and he likes to hit up Kawakami and Cohn too. (So I'm a bit humbled.)

Stan usually has a point. Several. He's a pro-union guy. Loves his sports. Likes the Warriors and Giants. Oh...and he calls out several times the 9-Nooner. And he regularly calls out knibber on its lack of people of color. That much I know about Stan, but I know there's probably a lot more--I don't need to know that much.

Yeah, Saturday is a slow day. But I wanted Stan to get recognition. He's a loyal bird and damn, I do love loyalty.

I suppose I could post some innocuous tidbit, (Vince Young, the KRON/Young Broadcasting blob resigned--good riddance), but who cares.

Stan the Man.

This is for you.

Friday Liners from the 415 Media File

*The fella in the upper-management TV news dept. that likes to show his appreciation for the ladies--married or not, has quite a reputation. The word "creepy" is making the rounds.

*The vibe across the bay in Oakland at KTVU's newsroom is still emitting loads of high pressure and it has nothing to do with weather.

*Does it ever occur to the radio traffic mavens that commuters seeking information don't have to be updated 1400x about a stall on the Bay Bridge? Stan Burford, by the way, from KGO is the BEST traffic reporter in the market, bar none, but I didn't have to tell you that, did I?

*The 9-Nooner on Knibber is best without daffy duck and the ex-marine. Of course when you're as insecure as he is, reliance on the two company tools is a commodity, (to him at least.) On the other hand, when left alone, he's actually fluid, can do a good interview, and is bereft of the utterly sophomoric sound bites that are more nauseating than a dinner at the Modesto IHOP.

*Dear Damon Bruce: We still like your buffet, but its time to reshuffle the meatloaf and look for fresher vegetables.

*Ann Killion: Comcast mystery.

*KUSF: Sorry, but frankly, outside the 20 or so listeners, who gives a damn?

*"Today on the 860 AM Press Box Show: 'Leading off, Wikie Buttafalooer, ex-KRUP sportscaster who will talk about the art of bunting---'batting second, Baldie McFuckface, who'll opine on the 10th hole at Harding Park...and hitting third, 'Stella Lugosi from Channel 69, who will talk about cooking Italian for ex-sportscasters!"

*Britney Spears in SF Sunday: Every guy's volunteering for the live shot.

*Tonight on "Chronicle Live:" Greg Papa will do a sit-down 1-on-1 with Milt Kahn!

*THIS JUST IN: MIA from the KRON Newsroom: Da Lin.

*Meanwhile, over at PIX, nobody's been let go or fired. Party on at Hunan baby!

*John Sasaki and Thomas Peele: Two and a Half men.

*Stanley Roberts, a la, "People behaving Badly" on KRON: Just park your car with camera in tow at 5th and Harrison and you'll have a month worth of material...some of which has nothing to do with traffic gadflys.

*Karel's broadcasting his debut live show, (Part 2) on KGO Saturday night from the Hard Rock. Joe the Plumber asked for tix, but was forcibly threatened by Len Tillem.

*Justine Waldman early prognosis: A year, give or take a few months.

*KNBR Giants promo # 14,768 and counting.....

*Speaking of Knibber, Lew Dickey, boys and girls, likes his coffee black.

*KGO Radio trying to go real, really young again--contemplating a "Justin Bieber 'Shop-A-Thon" at the Petuluma Safeway.

*Memo to Bob "Giggles" Fitzgerald: You couldn't and shouldn't try to "act black." I mean, stick to the Notre Dame/Rudy stuff --right now you're sort of like a short Charlie Pride. At best.

*I'm not "obsessed" with anyone, but Monica Bellucci? Yeah, I'm flexible and negotiable.

*Kawakami? I should have heeded your "Chron Live" policy. Blew it. (But at least I got the free after-dinner mints and Henry Wofford's coffee cup.)

*Eric Byrnes and FP Santangelo "dude" count references, theoretically: roughly about 200 more than the Morning Show dudes.

*Jan Wahl: Try the Costco dog, just leave a few for me.

*KQED-TV is contemplating the idea of Carol Doda hosting a late-night talk show...I'm just kidding, but the more I think about it, why not? (Post Charlie Rose, it's a winner)

*Tom Sinkovitz: Seriously, Tommy, you're way better than all of 'em and they know it too.

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Newspaper Guild calls out Arianna Huffington

Bernie Lunzer of the Newspaper Guild fired a letter off to Arianna Huffington, (who just sold the Huffington Post to AOL for $315 million) asking for a meeting with the mighty one who's been supremely ripped for ripping off freelance writers and bloggers, (many of whom write for free.)

Among other things, Lunzer chides Huffington with a pretty good shot: "New technology should not make a worker’s paycheck obsolete."

And this: "You have championed the plight of workers in this country, which is why we are calling on you to demonstrate that commitment by meeting with us."

So far, Huffington has not been heard and is officially mum on the subject...I mean, what's she gonna say? "Yeah, I just pocketed $315 mill and did so without having to pay any of you suckers!" Not to mention sucker #1, AOL, which many industry people agree vastly overpaid for the site.

Hey, it's only money, right?

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Hey, Mike Pechner: When's this crappy weather gonna end?

Mike Pechner is a  meteorologist with Golden West Meteorology and formerly KCBS. Pechner looks and sounds like he knows what the hell he's talking about...plus, he's a frequent Giants balldude, which adds extra cachet---so, yo, Miko, give me the rundown on this crappy weather and when it's splitting...

The Bay Region might see some semblance of Spring weather next week after being put on hold by Mother  Nature for the last few days.  The Jet Stream, a core of high velocity winds 6 miles up and the steering mechanism for winter storms coming out of the breeding area in the Gulf of Alaska will shift northward into Oregon next week giving us a respite from one of the storminess Marchs' in recent memory.  Rainfall this month is is 200% of normal with much below normal temperatures.  In fact, except for the South Bay, most of the Bay Area has not recorded a 70 degree temperature so far this month, oddly  enough, something we did do in January, normally our coldest month. It is a wonder that the Bay Area did not suffer more damage from natures fury during this period, however, the storms were spaced far enough apart to allow rivers, creeks and streams to recede before the new rains moved in. There is no doubt that the ground is super saturated and with more showers and thunderstorms Friday and a new but weaker storm with rain Saturday and Sunday-- the Bay Area could still have some more minor flooding and slides.

Next week holds the promise of at least four days of dry weather, maybe more and the prospect of seeing the mercury edge past 70 for the first time in a month. Looking into April rains will return around the 4th or 5th but it looks sunny and mild for opening day between the Giants and the Bums. 

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KNBR 86's 'racy' drops; KTVU/Sasaki/BANG-Peele blow-up part of Print/Electronic feud; Thursday Pulse

A listener, fed up with KNBR's occasionally "racy", (according to the listener,) sound bites threatened the station with legal action if they continued to play the controversial drops. One drop, played during the Gary Radnich show, ('stick that 'bracket up your ass!') was the major source of the unidentified listener's ire, but whoever it was, their timing couldn't have been any better. (At least from the listener's standpoint.)

KNBR, owned by Cumulus, (which is in the midst of buying Citadel Broadcasting, who owns KGO/KSFO) and any potential lawsuit, however frivolous and baseless, could potentially delay the acquisition. So, if you listen to his highness from 9-Noon and notice the lack of drop-central theatre, you now know why.

*KTVU's John Sasaki, (pictured) and Bay Area Newsgroup Investigative reporter, Thomas Peele's confrontation at the Chauncey Bailey murder trial in Oakland, (as reported by the Chron's Matier and Ross) is nothing new. There's always been friction between print and electronic reporters, the main source of irritation stemming from TV guys making a lot more money than their print brethren.

I recall many feuds between the TV/radio guys and newspaper scribblers covering sports and news for K-101 in the 90's. Making matters worse is the fact that with newspapers becoming ever more scarce, the feuds have become more frequent and will probably not go away soon.

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When it rains, it pours ...Traffic and Weather, but News?; Wednesday pulse, (RIP Liz Taylor)

When it rains here, there's a few constants...most people can't drive, (even in good weather,) big rigs on 880 jackknife, and oh yes, local TV assignment editors launch the "stormwatch" coverage. KRON and KTVU are especially fond of sending reporters out to the Bay Bridge to make sure to tell us what we already know: there's accidents, wind and its backed up past the MacArthur maze. Back to weather.

It dawned on me between the traffic and weather segments, virtually half if not more of any given hour is concentrated on traffic and weather. What happened to news? Yeah, I know many viewers look forward to the traffic/weather info, but some of us tuned in to watch, uh, news. Is that OK?

*Karel's return to the KGO airwaves may be short-lived. After Cumulus takes over the Citadel-owned station, (and about 237 others) its common knowledge that the Dickey brothers will use the hatchet on most weekend programming, (the Karel move was consummated before the Cumulus acquisition) and Karel is no different from the others. As I said here before, expect a ton of syndicated, non-local, taped content on both KGO and KSFO because that's the Lew "Trickey Dickie" business model.

*News Item: KNBR hires Eric Byrnes to do the SportsPhone 7-10 PM show. Quick math: KNBR has exactly 1 Black/minority on-air person. One....Is that a problem? Yes, and if the FCC had any real juice these days, there'd be an inquiry, but the FCC long ago became irrelevant.

*Quick early Barry Bonds trial coverage summation: too many sports media guys and gals "reporting" on legal matters they have no expertise on. Not that the lawyers are great, but at least they know what the hell they're talking about as apposed to the "Twitterers" posting 140-characters as if they're Peter Keane. NOT.

*OFF TOPIC: She was a bona-fide movie STAR...as opposed to the posers of today, RIP Liz Taylor.



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LA Times goes bullish on Oakland; Yes, There is a 'There There'; Tuesday AM Pulse

The LA Times, once a dominant and uber-respected daily back in the Otis Chandler days, (and still is despite its onerous corporate owner) has discovered Oakland is chic.

As if we didn't know that already. (I'm a native--Go Skyline Titans!)

The Times piece is a welcome acknowledgment of the Eastbay's biggest city, but the sub-headline uses the usual banal Oakland stereotypes.

 Oakland, once known for grit, crime and the Raiders, has changed.

"Grit," code word for: minority. "Crime?" as if no crime exists in any other city with a population of 400,000. (Have you ever been to Newark, NJ?) ...oh, and the "Raiders?" Too easy. Lazy too.

But hey, we won't complain. As a matter of fact, we may just head over to Bakesale Betty's and have a fried-chicken sandwich.


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February 2011 SF Radio Ratings; KCBS dominates; KGO stagnant; KNBR really needs the Giants

Yes, this is a beauty contest, (advertisers only care about demos,) but some trends: KNBR really does DEPEND on the Giants...KGO, once the king of the hill, is stagnant now at best, (up, mildly), and KCBS is the big winner, (again) in the February ratings.

KGO Note: It's up 30% in 25-54 since November, but still at a miserable 16th. #1 in that demo is KQED, followed by KBRG and the KCBS AM and FM simulcast.

The full breakdown is here.

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An avalanche of Bonds Trial coverage local and national; Monday pulse

So, you want Barry Bonds perjury trial coverage? You're in heaven then. Or maybe not. Or you don't care. Well...

You're going to get bombarded with it. About 756 live shots from the federal courthouse just this morning alone, (756, wink, wink)

Truth is, whether you give a damn or not, whether you think baseball should be refered to as basebore, Bonds and his legal business is topic A not just here, but nationally too.

The usual local outlets will have staffers en mass, along with several national newsies, like CNN, Fox Sports, SI, ESPN, (legal guru, Lester Munson); I'm told Bryant Gumbel's HBO staff is floating the idea of doing a live segment of "Real Sports"; ditto ESPN's "The Sports Reporters."

The big question: will Bonds take the stand? Probably not, but if he does, that should portend for an avalanche of material later in the trial. Can't wait for the potential spin and analysis.

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NCAA, Bombs in Libya, Japanese Radiation and Spaghetti TV

Have you enjoyed watching the NCAA basketball tournament?

Did you wander around the tube fixated on Butler beating Pittsburgh while at the same time noticing that in between your hoops sensation, war erupted in Libya? Nothing like rockets, bombs, bloodshed and Jim Nantz inter-connected with CNN and Don Lemon.

Where's Geraldo?

Oh wait, forgot to mention Japan. They're digging out more bodies, but two of the nuclear reactors are supposedly on the mend. The other four? "Meltdown" is still in the equation, but the "experts" are encouraged. The radiation is like, uh, 1000x more than normal in the area around Fukishima. Oh well. At least the "plume" that reached California is not harmful, say the "experts." At least for now, they say.

On the other hand, how's your bracket?

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Byrnes choice: Safe; KNBR/Giants 'kinda guy; Saturday pulse

In the end, the choice of Eric Byrnes as KNBR's 7-10 PM/Giants post-game host came down to one word: safe.

Certainly, the Giants are happy. They get a baseball guy with a little bit of a curve who won't rattle the fan base, be just critical enough as to not outwardly agitate Larry Baer, and more importantly, create, (by KNBR standards,) the correct amount of buzz that makes for pizazz and keeps advertisers happy.

And that's your Giants replay.

The post-game show has become a source of much ado here in this market. Now that the Giants have World Series champion cachet to their resume, the guys in the suits have more editorial control, (hence the move of Damon Bruce to the vast outer oasis of 1050)

The Giants don't want an outright homer, but they also don't want a hostile lout, therefore Byrnes is a perfectly acceptable suitor to their needs--namely, credibility, an ability not to rock the boat simply for the sake of rocking the boat, ("Lincecum will get his act together, don't worry, Bobby from South City--be patient.")

And KNBR should be happy.After all, with Marty Lurie and Brynes, I'm thinking a 10-hour post-game show on Saturday may just be on the drawing board.

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KNBR hires Eric Byrnes as 7-10 PM host; Will also do Giants' Post-game; RL 415 Exclusive

Eric Byrnes, ex-Oakland Athletic and most recently, an Arizona Diamondback and Seattle Mariner, has been hired as KNBR's 7-10 PM talk host, according to a station source.

An official announcement is due sometime soon. He begins his chores March 23. It is presumed that Brynes will do most pre and post-game Giants shows.

Byrnes has been doing various broadcast assignments from MLB Network to Comcast SportsNet Bay Area. His style should work well within the post-game format that both the Giants and KNBR expect.

His baseball career was cut short early by a rash of injuries, but he did cash in on a 3-year, $30M contract.

Byrnes lives in Half Moon Bay.

UPDATE: 4: 01 PDT: KNBR has now officially announced the Byrnes hire on its website.

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KTVU source: Richmond would have stayed on another year; RL 415 Media Exclusive

It'll be three years in May since Dennis Richmond retired from KTVU News after 40 years at the Oakland Fox affiliate.

A person familiar with the station tells me that Richmond would gladly have stayed on another year or two, but that management didn't exactly go out of their way to encourage him to stay on.

"The ratings were great, the spots were sold out and the station was humming--'Dennis was ready to leave, but he surely would have stayed had people at the top asked him--they didn't.," said the source.

"Was he essentially pushed out?, I asked the source. "You can say that, absolutely."

A few things to consider: Richmond isn't the type of man to rip his ex-bosses and company. I'm quite certain he left on his own terms, but indeed, I had heard stories that he was willing to listen to any "suggestion" that may have dealt with him staying on at KTVU for a few more years. He'd also been dealing with a serious medical issue, (which we're glad to know he seems to have beaten.)

In addition, Frank Somerville, currently the lead anchor at the outlet, was ready to assume the position once Richmond left. Perhaps the thought of Somerville leaving for somewhere else may have hastened the decision.

Either way, Richmond's departure, behind the scenes, was not a 100% fait accompli.

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New KRON anchor Waldman; 'Dr Bill--'Nuclear Reactor Expert'; Goldman to Green 960 to take Karel's spot; KTVU morale

*KRON has hired a new morning news anchor, Justine Waldman, formerly of '7News' in Boston....interesting that Waldman will now go head to head with KPIX' Frank Mallicoat, another ex Boston TV tonsil.

*'Dr Bill' Wattenburg, everybody's "expert" on the Nuclear reactor abyss in Japan. The notion that Wattenburg is everyone's "expert" on this topic A issue is pretty accurate--my problem is that the worse this gets, the more stubborn he gets.

Again, as I have stated before, Wattenburg knows what he's talking about, but even he'd have to admit that it looks as if the situation in Japan is getting more dire, so now what?

And for every "expert" that I've heard that says the public here shouldn't worry, other "experts" said "we don't know yet--'we're in uncharted territory." And that's just my point...the unknown factor. Maybe if Dr Bill were to open up to the fact that indeed, we don't know a lot here, but after all, Dr. Bill knows everything, right?

*Norman Goldman, a Seattle-based radio talk host will bring his show to Green 960 live from 3-6 PM to replace the bong show known as Karel, (who's going back to KGO on weekends.) Goldman is funny, informative, and talks about the issues of the day. He'll be a welcome addition as opposed to the all-encompassing bore known as Karel who is nauseatingly bad and jumped the shark many moons ago. The Goldman show begins March 28.

*From an KTVU staffer:  "I was not there the day Ed and Bill Martin had that blow out.. but I certainly heard about it. I've been at KTVU for more than 10 years and while there are always complaints here and there about management.. I've seen a drastic drop in morale amongst employees over the last 6 months. There is almost a sense of mean spiritedness toward workers from management (not executive producers) and upper management. KTVU is certainly not the place it used to be (most local stations aren't) .. but it's sad to watch the decline of a once venerable Bay Area local news station."

*Speaking of Karel...This line from a reader of the SF Peninsula Press Club web site speaking of the decision to let go of Marty Nemko in place of Karel:

"California has one of the highest unemployment rates in the United States. KGO executives clearly wondered why anyone would want to listen to a career coach when they could hear a barely stable, always irrational, over-the-top circus act throw tantrums on the air for three hours at a time..."

Amen.

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Reporters on the Scene; Fear and Loathing in Japan; KTVU/NBC BA pull reporters from scene

ABC Radio correspondent, Alex Stone, told the KGO Radio Morning News on Wednesday that he plans on trying to move south of Tokyo. Asked by Ed Baxter if he was beginning to worry about his own safety, Stone said, yes, he was concerned. (Hell, I'd be, wouldn't you?)

Events at the scene and close by get more dire and disturbing, reporters, many of them American and foreign correspondents, are beginning to think about splitting...assuming of course, they can find a way out of Japan.

Conditions are difficult. The threat of a nuclear meltdown makes even the most hardened reporter feel overwhelmed. You can imagine how the natives feel.

LOCAL NOTE: Both KTVU and KNTV, (NBC BA) are pulling their reporters from Japan.




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'Dr Bill KGO and Japan'; Chapuis; The Radio Station that doesn't have a clue; Bay Area media notes

BAY AREA MEDIA NOTES...

*Nobody disputes the fact that KGO's "Dr Bill" Wattenburg is a smart guy and knows what he's talking about. We gather that.

It's the fact that given the increasingly worrisome details coming out of Japan regarding the status of the Nuclear reactor, leaves Wattenburg's words about how full proof the safety net is a bit, well, less credible.

I'm not an anti-nuke power guy necessarily--like most people, I don't really have a clue what's going on there in Japan other than what I read and see, and yes, frankly, its a bit scary and disturbing. And I'd wish Wattenburg would at least take those of us who feel as such into account without his usual arrogant play, that's all. I don't think that's unreasonable and I'm not even an "eco-fraud."

*ADD Wattenburg: A caller on the John Rothmann KGO show Monday night, rightfully complained that 'Dr Bill's' past association with Lawrence Livermore Lab was not fully disclosed during his recent run of appearances on news and talk shows. In fact, Wattenburg has openly talked about his LLL work, but conflict of interest questions?, you betcha.

*I've never met Ed Chapuis and don't have any personal issues with the KTVU News director. But I do hear that the harmony that was a constant at Channel 2 is not so much the case anymore. And its not from one of two various people, but several. That speaks volumes.

*Speaking of KGO, a media wag asked me if the pending Cumulus acquisition of Citadel might allow KGO, (owned by Citadel,) to get a Cumulus FM property here? Like, say KFOG? Not likely, as KFOG still has cachet and "bills very well", according to an ad guy, but "The Bone", (107.7) maybe...Everything's in flux right now and this transaction is still six months away from fruition.

No doubt an FM outpost for KGO would help them against their rival, KCBS, which has 106.9 FM ...but KGO needs a lot more than mere FM stations.

*A big station in town with call letters that include "N" and "R" has barely mentioned the catastrophe in Japan, thereby confirming the fact that outside of the sports playground, they don't have a pulse nor clue when real important things in the world take place.

Better they concentrate on fanfests and 10,000 Giants' promos. (Note: All-sports WFAN in NY made numerous mentions of the events in Japan and added hourly updates; sometimes reality and news trumps the toy dept.)

*Tim Goodman, TV critic, late of the Chronicle and now with the Hollywood Reporter, was unceremoniously booted from his 10-year gig on KFOG...Uptown Conversations is producing "Talking Baseball" with Mark Ibanez, Jon Miller and friends.  The date is March 23rd at the Uptown Theatre in Napa--tix: 707 337 5275...ABC Radio's Alex Stone reports from Tokyo are really quite good, ditto CBS Radio's ace Steve Futterman. Both have excelled at getting the info out without any disingenuous chatter in the background...Japan Upside: No Charlie Sheen/Lindsay Lohan drivel and banal TMZ crappola...Irony 101A: Marty Nemko, career coach, informing KGO listeners that he's been let go to make way for that all-time savior, Karel. Yeah, Karel. I can hardly wait. Society will never be the same....

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While Japan's Nuclear facility situation worsens, Wattenburg spiels on KGO's Owens show

While the guy on KGO Radio who refers to detractors as "eco-frauds" and "nincompoops" was again busy drinking the nuclear-power is nirvana on Ronn Owens show Monday, Japan was experiencing more ominous news.

Maybe the genius needs a bit of self-imposed cranial cleansing.

Speaking of KTVU, (Your Japan Quake/Tsunami Station); NBC Bay Area Too

KTVU has Jana Katsuyama doing phoners from Japan describing what she was seeing on... TV      Super lame.

KNTV, (NBC Bay Area) has George Kiriyama doing phoners about how he might get to experience a power outage in Tokyo...  Really George???

Reaching....

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KTVU's Martin says no to ND 'Special Ed'; Shouting match inside the Channel 2 Newsroom

KTVU lead weatherman, Bill Martin, regarded in the biz as a total pro and consummate professional, wanted no part of a "hype-the-weather" order from controversial news director, Ed Chapuis, according to a knowledgeable source familiar with the Fox Oakland affiliate.

During the late February sweeps, Chapuis, (known in the industry as "Special Ed", derisively,) according to the source, met with Martin and wanted some "weather theatre." Martin, who is a straight shooter, an honest broker, and a no-nonsense, honest-to-god meteorologist refused.

That's when things got interesting.

From the source:  "Bill is a PRO, Ed has NO BUSINESS being the news director. He's been over his head since he arrived. Anyway, a shouting match ensued."

"Even 'Special Ed' violated a memo he sent out a few weeks before, telling people about being civil and not swearing in the news room.," said the source.

KTVU is a perennial award-winning, ratings-leader, news dynasty in the Bay Area and its vaunted "10 o'clock News" has been #1 for years, but there's been a considerable amount of friction since Chapuis arrived, and not just rank-and file newsroom personnel. Indeed, a few of Channel 2's notable on-air talent have had run-ins with Chapuis.

This latest incident with the respected Martin has raised a few eyebrows not only in the newsroom, but in the KTVU management dept., which could portend for something not that "special" for "Special Ed."

RL 415 MEDIA EXCLUSIVE

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Cumulus Takover of Citadel; More Syndicated, Less Local Programming for KGO Radio

Cumulus' acquisition of Citadel Broadcasting means a whole lot of new changes at KGO/KSFO, the Citadel-owned local stations here in San Francisco.

Lew Dickey, Cumulus' notorious, penny-pinching CEO, views "listeners" much in the same way as Walmart views labor unions. Ditto outgoing Citadel leader, Farid Suleman--although, to some degree, Suleman makes Dickey look like a modern day Walter Haas.

Take this statement from Dickey on his company's pending takeover of Citadel: "The acquisition should give our company 'the national scope and financial strength necessary to make critical investments in content and technology necessary to compete in today's rapidly evolving media landscape.'"

How nice.

And this statement, from Suleman, perhaps giddy that his flailing broadcast empire was overpaid by a cut-throat, soulless megalomaniac like Dickey.

"Citadel's board of directors has been focused on maximizing stockholder value--'We believe this transaction appropriately reflects the value of the company's assets and is in the best interests of Citadel stockholders.'"

In. the. best. interests of. Citadel. stockholders. That pretty much explains how these guys view business. Damn the local community, the listeners, programming--gotta take hold of our stockholders.

What does this mean here?

As I have said repeatedly, expect wholesale changes at KGO. KSFO too, but to a lesser extent. Get used to the advent of a ton of non-local, mostly syndicated programming that is cheaper and more 'bottom-line' friendly to the corporate goons like a Lew Dickey.

Think KGO's cancellation of its "Cure-a-Thon" is bad? That's only the beginning. Although that move was made before the Cumulus purge, it had all of Lew Dickey's finger prints all over it. "And that's only the beginning, " said a local broadcast media veteran. "They're going to cut a lot more."

The changes will be incremental. It'll take about six months for this deal to be completed, what with FCC approval and other peripheral issues to be dealt with, but gradually you'll begin hearing the changes.

News, talk, community-minded programming and content--everything's on the board. Which means damn the public, take care of the stockholders and maintain the bottom line. Listeners? Who are they?

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Burns calls into KGO Radio

Gene Burns, battling a series of medical problems and off the air for almost two months, made a much-anticipated call into his own KGO Radio program Friday night, (hosted by Pat Thurston.)

Burns voice sounded noticeably slurred, (probably due to medication) but his mind was succinct and he managed to update listeners on his condition with several moments of humor and irreverance.

He spelled out the specifics of his health issues and said he's ready to come back to work...maybe, if things work out, from a make-shift home studio at the start, ("I'll have to talk to Jack Swanson, (KGO Opps Mgr) about that."

While it was encouraging to hear that Burns is feeling better and that he seems to be on the mend, its highly doubtful, based on Friday's night's conversation, that Burns will be back on KGO's airwaves anytime soon.

We wish him well and a speedy recovery.

Saturday in the Park

Go out and enjoy the day.

Bay Area Media and the "Tsunami Event'; Overblown coverage didn't warrant the attention; But haven't we been down that road before?; Friday PM Pulse

In the end, the massive coverage--the deluge of satellite trucks, radio cars, chopper reports, didn't warrant the enormous attention.

The Bay Area largely survived the tsunami/11 coming out of Japan, (where the real story develops,) and I'm not the only one who feels this way.

This story really is about 7000 miles away.

The local connection, (and isn't there always a local connection?) was indeed potentially big at the start. But didn't we all get a clue when nothing of significance took place in Hawaii? Hello!

And don't get me started with boats playing bumper cars in Santa Cruz or evacuations in Crescent City. Please. Valid sidebar? Yes. But the relentless nonstop "team coverage" shit, (which will continue on the evening news) is not worthy of the blasts. When you have to resort to talking about some guy wandering out to the ocean to "see the tsunami" up north, you're, pardon the pun, searchin'.

I'm going to give high marks to a frequent target: KGO Radio, (not the news dept.) but to hosts Ronn Owens and Gil Gross who made the right call and went about their shows without any mention of the local tsunami charade. KGO News? We'll, that's another story. Ditto KCBS. Way, way too much time boys and girls.

And TV was just plain out of hand. Coverage of a "might-be happening" is rather ridiculous--sort of like the 30 minutes of seeing unmanned boats meandering about Santa Cruz harbor. (But hey, nice shot of the Boardwalk.)

Tell you what, stations and outlets--for the amount of money you spent with all that equipment and manpower via the live shots, do this: take half of that money, get reporter A and producer B with Skype on a direct flight into Tokyo where there's a real story.

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KGO Radio News extends 30 minutes to report on wandering boats; Ronn Owens delayed

KGO Radio News delayed the beginning of the Ronn Owens show for 30 minutes to provide "live", "in-depth", and reporter on the street updates direct from Santa Cruz where wandering boats have been playing bumper boats. Nobody was in any of the boats.

Meanwhile, across the globe, 300 bodies were just found amid the rubble in Japan...

Your reactions in 3-2-1...

Bay Area 'Tsunami' coverage; 'Stay off the beaches!' 'Tidal Wave!', (We'll not really)

The "gush" factor has been seen and heard all over the Bay Area airwaves involving the tsunami warnings emanating from the massive earthquake in Japan.
As usual, the coverage was way over the top, (as usual when "events" like this bring out the worst.)

First things first: The only real "news:" the sight of a lot of folks leaving coastal areas off Santa Cruz, San Mateo, and up near Crescent City. Fine. They heeded the warnings from the Office of Emergency Services, (and heard media reports no doubt.)

Now what? Is the sky falling? No. Has there been noticeable waves near Santa Cruz? Yes, after a massive quake like the one in Japan, this type of activity tends to happen and you don't have to be a marine biologist to figure it out.

I'm not going to single out anyone/anybody in particular because all of the usual TV/radio suspects were guilty as usual. They live for this. This is their ballet. And its a big story, with "LIVE" overhead chopper shots! We'll wait. It really isn't.

It IS in Japan. It was in Hawaii, but things seemed to have calmed down. Of course things can change and "we'll have 'team coverage' the rest of the day with several 'special reports' at 6."

I'm going fishing.

UPDATE: Several boats have been bumping into each other in the Santa Cruz harbor. Nobody is in these boats. I know this because several choppers are overhead and showing us this "breaking news event." OK, this is the best you got?

Off to go fishing.

Christina Loren to Brian Wilson: I don't Fear The Beard or You

This is what happens when very pretty people and professional athletes linger.

I'm sure the fact that Brian Wilson makes about $7 million has nothing to do with this love call from High Priestess Christina Loren, but damn, I just couldn't resist.

Yo, Ms. Loren, if The Beard balks, I'm a player.

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Cumulus takeover of Citadel official; KGO/KNBR peeps 'should be nervous': Industry source; Burns Update

A broadcast veteran in the radio biz tells me that the coming days for Citadel employees, (KGO/KSFO here in SF) will be cause for "major concern" now that it appears that the Cumulus acquisition of Citadel is complete, (pending FCC approval which is almost guaranteed.)

More so, says the source, for KGO/KSFO people than KNBR. "I'd be nervous if I were them. You don't know these guys."

He's referring of course to the Dickey brothers, and one Lew Dickey, (known in the biz as "Tricky Dickey") the chief head of Cumulus known for uh, his, uh, "fiscal watchfulness." Hey, does cheap come to mind? Bingo!

Try to envision a mass decrease of everything...EVERYTHING, including all non-discretionary spending and that includes on-air, off-air, expenses that are deemed unnecessary, the works. And it hits every dept. from the ground floor to the sales dept. to the programming division--nothing, no one, nobody is immune.

The people, according to the source, who should really feel the pinch are the mid-to-high-level management folks, no one in particular. For example, the marketing head of KNBR could be theoretically given the position of running ALL the stations--i.e., KGO, KNBR, KFOG, The Bone, etc.

"They don't need multiple managers to run each station. You don't know these guys--they're 120% bottom line--they're going to pillage these people."

Other things to envision: the possibility of KGO/KSFO Radio leaving the ABC Broadcast Center in the Embarcadero, (which both share with KGO-TV--KGO-TV is of course owned by Disney which owns the plush property at 900 Front St.)

Could KNBR staff be supplanted to go over to KGO? And vice-versa? I asked the source. "Sure...maybe Gary Radnich goes to KGO...maybe 1050, (KNBR's sister station) becomes a secondary source for KGO's news division, (much like KCBS' FM outlet, 106.9)...Everything's on the table."

One thing's for sure: A lot of nervous radio people in the city today. Should be quite a night at the Old Ship bar on Battery.

*Gene Burns will call in to Pat Thurston tomorrow night, (Friday;) give the listeners an update on his condition. Someone in the know says he'd be "shocked" if Burns were to announce his retirement. As I said earlier, I wish Burns well, but I'd be shocked myself if he's on the long-term KGO radar.

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Gene Burns back on KGO Friday, but...

This is one that I really hope I'm wrong.

I wrote a few weeks back that "Gene Burns is all but done" at KGO due to "a myriad of health issues".

Now comes word that he he'll be back on Friday night. For about 15 minutes. That's great news and good for Burns and his loyal listeners and friends and colleagues. Its been a laborious and lengthy battle with GB and although I don't think he's so great, (on the air), I'm happy to hear he's coming back.

But wait.

We've been down this road before. I hope that for Gene's sake that this is not a tease, but a regular return. Keep in mind that Pat Thurston will host the show and word is that Burns may say goodbye and retire. We'll have to wait and see.

It pains me to even remotely try to imagine what Burns has been through the past few months. Personally, I hope his return to the airwaves is permanent, but I have doubts.

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Why Bay Area Guys Watch Bay Area Weather/Traffic Chicks

Talk about high-pressure systems.

But we're guys and we watch. We have to. It's our duty.

They want us to. They do. And we oblige. Because we have eyes.

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As Economy gets better, station revenue increases; More $pots, less content

One sure sign that we've escaped the economic abyss is the increasing amount of spots on radio and TV, not just locally, but nationally too.

There's a fine line on just how much time to devote to spots and actual programming and content. Take a listen to Ronn Owens on KGO, for example. It was brought to my attention that out of the 60 minutes each hour Owens broadcasts, roughly 29 of those minutes are commercial spots and news. That leaves a mere 31 minutes of actual programming. Wow. Granted, Owens show makes considerable money for KGO, but at the cost of driving away listeners, how much is too much?

Same thing at KNBR and KCBS too, although KCBS' ad lineage is far more spread out, partially due to its FM sister station, 106.9, (which simulcasts all of AM)

KNBR, which has been running ad clusters up the ying-yang, (particularly PM drive and on the "Razor and Mr. T" program,) will be chock full of extra spots and you can thank your World-Champion SF Giants for that; to Knibber's defense, most outlets would do the same--hey, the Giants are gold and we want to profit off of it, nobody can argue that position, and unlike other non-sports stations in the market, I doubt many of the hardcore baseball fans are going to suddenly switch from listening to Jon Miller and company because there's too many spots.

Bottom line is that the industry buys are back in full force. The car dealers, (which spend the bulk of dough on radio) are back en mass as are the usual box retail, (i.e, Sleeptrain, Hotels, Dot.coms, food outlets, etc) The so-called "remnants" spots are back too, but far less lucrative--either way, the money pit is back and the ad guys are loving it.

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Sinkovitz: Style, Substance, and Grace; Attn--KTVU/KGO-TV

Maybe its because I'm old-school.

Tom Sinkovitz is one helluva newsman. Great anchor too. Has the pipes, the knowledge, the background...hell, I think he'd make for a great addition at one of the local stations, (Sink didn't pay me to say that--matter of fact, I think he'll be slightly pissed that I posted this)

Truth is, Sinkovitz has utter cachet. It didn't work out down in San Jose and NBC Bay Area wanted to go in a different direction and Sink wanted nothing of it. He won't come out and say it because he's a total pro and non-shit disturber.

On the other hand, there's a few stations here that could use a BIG name...a game-changer. Presence comes to mind, not to mention a guy who has journalistic girth, a solid reputation, and damn good political acumen to boot.

That's known in any business as a commodity. Tom Sinkovitz is that guy. And I'm not the only one who believes that--ask around.

Warriors' Lacob, Bloggers, and the Usual Suspects

I've been asked to comment on Warriors co-owner, Joe Lacob's now well-pubbed remarks about bloggers and the subsequent fallout.

I've never met Lacob, but I don't think he set out to go on a diatribe against the Warriors fans that didn't have season tickets. Nor do I think he has any agenda against on-line commenters and various Warriors-related fan forums.

Like anything else, some are good and enlightening. Some provide quality information. And yes, some are nothing more than Internet gutter nonsense where trolls rule the formula and spew out hate and venom for no apparent reason. Hey, it happens. It's the Internet, sort of a product of modern 2.5 communications.

I find it somewhat ironic that one of KNBR's prime tonsils from Noon-4 PM on 1050 chose to talk about "bloggers" and the Lacob matter in a well. call it, "interesting" manner.

He referred to some bloggers as "civilian journalists" without mentioning that much of his most favorite press was provided courtesy of the Internet. (Wonder when his last print interview happened?)

But back to Lacob.

I think he was trying to make a point and it got lost in the shuffle. If he truly wants to know what struck a nerve, he may, ironically have opened up the gates to a source of major gripes from fans about his prime TV tonsil, known in cyberville as "Giggles." (Read the comments.)

Lacob didn't become a multi-millionaire because he's stupid. Whether or not that translates to the basketball court remains to be seen. I think the last thing on his mind was to wake up in Boston some day and intend to piss off a sizable chunk of the fan base.

Bloggers? Some are good. Some are great. Some are a piece of garbage. Depends on your pallate. And yes, I know my trolls are getting ready to grease up, but I'm cool with that--part of the gig.

Part of 21st century media. The so-called "legitimate" "journalists" have been so wrong lately I'd love to compare notes. We all have our days.

I know Peter King and love his work, but he was recently called out by Deadspin for his utter ass-kissing of Roger Goodell. And Bruce Jenkins of the SF Chronicle was taken to task recently by not only me, but a respected veteran journalist, (paywall) over his Giants' writings, (how 'disturbing.)

Have a blogulous day.

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Hangin' with Mike Sugerman; CBS5/KCBS Vet had a Dance with Death; Tuesday pulse

Mike Sugerman is a Bay Area media veteran, having worked at the old KFRC in the 80's and for the past twenty years, a voice at KCBS and now, four days a week at KPIX/CBS5. (His wife is KCBS anchor/reporter, Janice Wright.)

Sugerman has 8 Edward R. Murrow awards and 14 Emmys in his trophy case and plays in the "Eyewitness Blues Band" (Dude!)

I asked "Sugey" how his day was going...He packs a busy schedule. Plus a story at the end that few people know...until now.

STORY: An ad in the Chron is selling a dog sniffing bed bug detective service. I've been scratching lately so I gave him a call and did a story about how dogs can sniff out bugs. Mo the dog came out, with his human Mike (turns out I don't have bed bugs)

LUNCH: Salad from Lee's Deli. It's usually a sandwich shoved down in the news van, either in motion or not (it's a glamorous business). I usually eat very healthy but once a week I go for a big pastrami or brisket from Moishe's Pipic Deli on Hayes St, my favorite.

WAITING FOR LIVE SHOT: Graded my class from the Academy of Art. I teach in Enterprise Reporting in the Graduate School once a week. Checked on the Giants, glad to see Brian Wilson finally threw and that Cain's elbow is feeling better. Dealt with some drama in the Eyewitness Blues Band (the band I started with other CBS5 and KCBS reporters)---we are grown up but like most rock and roll band there is always some fire to put out.

GLAD TO BE ALIVE: In a few days it will be the 10th anniversary of a near death experience when my aorta split apart. My doctor says it was one of the toughest  surgeries he has ever done and for a time thought about giving up, because whatever he was doing didn't work. He finally sewed up the split and I've been fine ever since, and it gave me an incredible view of life. I had too much stress in my life and over ten years have been able to let most of it brush off my back (there are days I slip but nothing like before). It doesn't feel like 10 years but it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me.

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Jerry Del Colliano on Cumulus takeover of Citadel; KGO angle

"Cumulus will not be able to generate adequate profits from their moneymaking ABC stations because the small market company only knows how to voice track and syndicate programming.  Major markets require more attention because Dickey’s competitors will be paying more attention to their stations.  KGO legend Mickey Luckoff got out in time when he had it up to the gills with Fagreed Suleman.  One of the uglier side effects of handing successful ABC stations over to a man who has never really run radio stations is that they will lose audience and under perform."

Jerry Del Colliano writes about radio and broadcasting in "Inside Music Media."

NBC Bay Area's identity problem; San Jose or SF?; Sinkovitz fallout; Monday pulse

As is sifts through yet another big name leaving its plush studios in the Southbay, NBC Bay Area has an identity issue.

Is it a San Jose station or a Bay Area outlet in the SF market that happens to be headquartered in Silicon Valley? Seems NBC-BA wants it both ways and clearly, that strategy hasn't worked with viewers.

KNTV's ratings in the recent February 11 PM news Arbitron's were meager; they were fourth barely above flailing KRON and the CW Network, (KTVU's vaunted "10 o'clock News" was #1.)

Clearly, a glance at NBC-BA's news programs reveal a decidedly San Jose-oriented broadcast. But as one prominent Bay Area media observer put it, "I live in SF, work in SF and want to know what's going on here and in the region--I could care less about San Jose."

And that's just the problem. San Jose is the most populated city in the Bay Area, with over a million people, but mostly everyone will tell you that San Francisco, like it or not, is both the media and cultural center. While San Jose is a bustling city that continues to grow daily, its still considered the second fiddle by most people here and outside the Bay Area.

Whatever the case, NBC-BA has to figure out a new plan that will translate to more viewers for its news shows. The decision to phase out Tom Sinkovitz as its chief anchor with up and comer, Raj Mathai is a calculated move.

Personally, I don't like the decision.

Granted, Sinkovitz' high-profile, (and considerable salary,) didn't amount to the kind of numbers NBC-BA upper brass were counting on, but the move to go all out with Mathai, (a former sports anchor) is a risky maneuver.

Mathai is a dedicated trooper and works hard. He gets a bum rap because of his boyish looks and perceived arrogance, but in time, I think Mathai will develop into a solid anchor. I like his work and news prep. It's not Mathai's fault that he looks like a GQ model.

That's the least of NBC-BA problems right now. As a news veteran in town told me, "They just haven't figured out a successful formula to attract North Bay viewers. They can't be all-in-one. They have to figure out what they wanna be and right now, that's not working."

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Talk Radio pioneer Joel A. Spivak dead at 75; had stints in LA and SF

Joel A. Spivak, a pioneer in both the talk-radio and TV biz has died. He was 75.

Spivak had a brief stint at the old KNBR in the mid 80's with his program, "Joel A. Spivak, Reporting."

Here's the obit from Radio-Info

Keeping 'abreast' of things at KRON

How titillating, indeed.

Flash! Sinkovitz leaves NBC Bay Area; UPDATE: Sinkovitz Responds

NBC Bay Area, (KNTV) veteran news anchor, Tom Sinkovitz, worked his last show on the station Friday night in an abrupt departure.

Sinkovitz, a former KRON anchor, spent almost three years at the NBC Southbay o and o.

Sinkovitz' departure coincides with ex-sports anchor, Raj Mathai, ascent to the position of news anchor at NBC Bay Area, which no doubt played a part in Sinkovitz' decision.

We have contacted Sinkovitz and hope to get a more detailed decision soon.

UPDATE 2: 05 PM: Sinkovitz just responded to me via e-mail:

"I agreed a couple months ago to anchor the five only through the end of February.  In a few weeks time, the station and I will be discussing other avenues.  For now, I'm looking forward to life without the daily commute.

 

I felt the time was right to do other things and no single factor led to that decision. 

 

I have only admiration and good wishes for my co-workers at NBC Bay Area.  They are some of the most professional people in the market.  I know.  I've been around. 

 

I know what you're thinking.  There's really no separation agreement to protect."

RL 415 MEDIA EXCLUSIVE
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KTVU Wins Big at 10; KPIX #1 at 11; February Numbers

KGO should give 7-10 PM slot to Peter B. Collins

KGO Radio is going to have to make an eventual decision on the 7-10 PM time slot as Gene Burns is leaving due to lingering medical issues.

I'm hoping Peter B. Collins gets the gig.

Collins has been filling in on the weekends for Pat Thurston, (who's been filling in for Burns); while I like Thurston, I think she's better at her former 1-5 AM post.

Collins is a Bay Area radio veteran, having worked at the old KNBR and most recently, Green 960 AM. His political leanings are far-left, but he's very apt at giving the other side plenty of time to make their case. He's also a very adept interviewer and possesses big names on his Rolodex. He'd be a great fit.

What I like most about Collins is his civility. He does interesting radio without dumbing down the audience and resorting to the usual baseless, personal attacks you hear often on commercial radio. See, you can be entertaining without being as ass--Collins' broadcast is both lucid and informative.

He'd be a great voice and just the right person at 7 PM.

PS: Get well soon, Gene Burns.

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Gene Burns all but done at KGO Radio

Gene Burns, KGO Radio's 7-10 PM host, who has been on medical leave for at least six weeks, is doubtful to return to the airwaves, according to a reliable broadcast source.

Burns has been battling a myriad of health issues; he recently had an extended hospital stay after breaking his back and suffering from multiple falls.

Pat Thurston has been filling in for Burns and figures to be the first choice as permanent replacement, but that decision has not been made yet.

Burns has been at KGO since 1995.

Thursday One-Liners; '7Live' Unfinished Biz; The Media Notes

*Good of the host of KGO-TV's '7Live' and/or his followers to note that yes, indeed, I did request an appearance on the show, (well before its debut last year) and yes, I already acknowledged as much.

What the host and his yes men didn't note: that the host himself asked me for Rachel Maddow's people so he might attempt to get on that show. Coincidence? Perhaps, you be the judge.

*By the way, '7Live' peeps: at least I don't hide behind my PC. Unlike your trolls, I'm very open about why I think the show sucks, as opposed to your "anonymous" legion of 15 people.

*The loud media guy making noise all over North Beach? Why didn't I name him? Because that would take away the fun of guessing who he is, keep 'em coming though, that's the whole point.

*Lots of fear near the 55 Hawthorne address and 900 Front, where D day is coming. Assuming of course, "the transaction" closes and it's close. Can you say "pink-slip central?"

*Comcast SportsNet Bay Area's "SportsNet Central" ran a bold "Breaking News" crawl and logo on Wednesday night on the DUI arrest of A's outfielder, Coco Crisp...a full 24 hours AFTER it occurred.

*Kawakami and Cohn have no fear, which is great because all the rest have no balls. But Lowell, don't get bogged down with movie reviews and nepotism. Stick to sports where you rule, King Cohn.

*No, readers, I have not written about knibber's open 7-10 PM Larry Baer-to-be-approved- slot because whoever gets it will be, a. someone who will kiss a lot of Giants ass, b. work cheap, c. and have to answer to Lee Hammer, the most over-hyped, powerless "GM" in the history of radio who really doesn't run the show over there, but oh hell, what do I know.

*KUSF: zzzzzzz.

*My apologies to the "Burlingame housewives." Add Millbrae, South City, San Leandro to the list.

*Scientific breakdown on '7Live' studio audience according to my Twitter and Facebook correspondents: lots of bad teeth, big fat asses, guys named "Boris", the San Lorenzo AARP chapter and current members of the Barbara Simpson fan club.

*"Tonight on "Chronicle Live:" Cam Inman and Carl Steward will break down Jeremy Lin's perimeter play.

*Meanwhile, Amy G is getting ready for the regular season...just left the Giants dugout store and on her way to interview Fritz Gubermandogle, usher in section 14, just back from Scottsdale with a new hip!

*Brown toilet paper dept.: "The Dibber!" (Better watch the old man-- when he feels insecure, which these days is pretty much 24/7)

*KPIX Press Dept: No matter how many times you tell the big shots not to schmooze, they still schmooze...and somehow, they all tend to schmooze to me. Amazing. (But, in a serious note, congrats on being #1 at 11 PM. I'm sure Hunan will be swamped.)

*Today at KGO-TV, Dan Ashley will comb his hair before a live studio audience. Twitter and Facebook followers are welcome. Janelle Wang will anchor and provide complimentary tuna sandwiches courtesy of Grumpy's and Supercuts.

*Radio Rubic's Cube: Bob Agnew, Tony Rhein, Larry Krueger, Tony Salvadore...(talk about a LOL)

*Yo, Cumulus and Citadel employees: Lew Dickey will be in SF in the near future. Might be time to hide the bottled water.

*Jack Swanson and Karel: The Eagle has landed!

*Karel post-mortem: MC Hammer was too expensive.

*"KGO Radio, Facebook, Twitter, TMZ, Yahoo!, SF, Oakland, San Jose"!

*Meanwhile, over at 1001 Van Ness in the morning, there's new meaning to the term, "boob tube."

*Scott Reiss daily workout regimen: comb hair, read Jim Nance horoscope.

*Jan Wahl just ate an entire Sleeptrain mattress!

*Ray Ratto just smiled! Details tonight on SportsNet Central.

*The Warriors beat the Wizards. Rudy will now proclaim that, "when healthy, this team has a chance to be special." (And the angry man will belatedly concur.)

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And So Why Do I Hate '7Live'?; Wednesday Wash

KGO-TV's artificially-enhanced, uber-superficially program, '7Live", (weekdays 3-4PM) is a supposed "local", interactive show. Really?

I have seen just enough of the program to make sure I hate it, but I wanted to try to be fair and watch a full show. Truly, I was adamant that if there was a there there, I wanted to see it.

I watched Tuesday's show, (well, at least 10 minutes at the top,) and then realized why I have ripped this pathetic piece of garbage, and it is garbage.

The opening segment began with a, get this, Charlie Sheen bit. A bit. Oh, and yes, the obligatory Facebook/Twitter conduit and a lame poll. "Local?" My ass. "Interactive?" Give me a break. Try forced and contrived, and I'm being kind.

It was pretty much standard fare. Artificially-enhanced "content" with absolutely NO local connection whatsoever...and host, Brian Copeland, with several attempts to induce "jokes" before a studio audience that reeked of a bunch of Burlingame housewives.

First off, I have no issues with a local station trying to be original and offer something up new. But '7Live' is nothing new and has all the authenticity of a fillet-o-fish at House of Prime Rib. The host and hostesses rely upon gimmicks and tried-and-trued formula, 2.0 visual spam including Facebook and Twitter. That's not innovative nor enlightening. It's a hodgepodge of crap with very little substance relying upon so-called "social-engineering" sites that wants to be seen as hip and technologically up-to-date. It is neither.

Copeland can be occasionally funny and knows how to steer a ship, but the "topics" are transparent wonder bread. There is nothing original there and his co-hosts, Jennifer Jolly and Lizzie Bermudez, add nothing. Its like a lame local "Entertainment Tonight" with very little variety and substance. Certainly, nothing at all worthy of watching at 3 PM either on the tube or on-line.

Combine that with the fact that the word from several sources is that the show is on borrowed time and KGO already has a judge show in place and is only honoring its commitment to the program until its ready to pull the plug when Oprah splits in September.

So, yeah, I had enough of '7Live' and really didn't need to see anymore what I already knew and imagined. Put that on your Facebook update and tweet it.

*TIPS/E-Mail: Rich.Lieberman@Gmail.com

Moonves in SF for CBS Investors conference

CBS honcho Les Moonves is in SF attending an investors conference. Wonder what else could be occupying his time?

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The 'Big Shot' TV Guy hovering in North Beach

They see you every other night. You're hard to miss and ignore. Louder than even me...and that's pretty damn difficult.

You're a self-proclaimed TV "big shot." (The guys at Geno&Carlo heard you say that 3 or 4x just the other night)

You drive a big car and apparently live hard. (Again, I can relate to that, but...)

Oh, here's the "but."...They like the fact that your female eye candy is quite pleasant, but you're not heeding their wink that too many commotions can cause a bad stir. I mean, hell, you're not Charlie Sheen for gawds sake, get a clue.

They've warned you once.