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."
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Bill's got my vote as one of the all-time best in the business!
ReplyDeleteJohn Evans
I second the previous poster. Bill is the absolute best. I'll take him any day over the big breasted weather bimbo's on the other stations. What the hell does special ed want from Bill? He wants him to show some cleavage? What does "weather-theatre" mean?
ReplyDeleteBill is a great weatherman. "Special Ed" better not screw up a good thing they have at ktvu.
ReplyDeleteBill Martin is the main reason I watch Channel 2 News. This has to be one of those "You can't be serious?" moments.
ReplyDeleteI think special Ed,wanted Martin to claim IT WOULD SNOW in San Francisco for one. And as I posted here last about that(before its forecast arrival)none of the "name" weather people said it would with certainty. Except some beautiful newbys who posted forecasted lows that were considerably colder then what happened.
ReplyDeleteThen,you have the "Tsunami" of the west coast,no doubt he talked of 1' waves as were the early talk. I doubt he didnt stir up the pot..although Rich,it did take people by surprise how the waves would build up in harbors that did funnel that energy. THAT could have been the other shouting match cause.
So,Ed was grumpy in total is my guess.
Ed is in no way 'over his head'. Ed is a well respected news director with years of experience. Since taking over at KTVU the station has maintained its dominance. Ed was in Sacramento for years as well as many other stations.
ReplyDeleteEmployment History
KTBC
KCRA-TV
WJBK
WJBK
KTNV
KAAL
Education
Master's degree , Broadcast Journalism
This is not good for Bill or Ch. 2. The station lost its soul many years ago and is now barely able to sustain itself on its diminished reputation.
ReplyDeleteEd uploaded his resume!
ReplyDeleteGuess Ed wants another Loyd L Young.
ReplyDeleteWow, I have no experience whatsoever in television news, but I own a tv set. I'd like a high profile, well-paid job. Maybe I'll start looking for a job in television or radio. It sounds like I'm as well-qualified as any of the other morons who are running these places. The one real disadvantage that I think I'd have is that most people think that I'm really sweet-natured!
ReplyDeleteAny moron can be a weather guesser and a news director. Just look at what's going on at KRON. But it takes a real pro to be a respected weather person such as Martin. Hang in there Bill.
ReplyDeleteIn these turbulent times, kudos to Mr Martin for standing up to Mr Ed.
ReplyDeleteA horse is a horse...
LOL @ the Loyd L Young comment! So true.
ReplyDeleteI turned the television off a few years ago and one of the (very) few things I miss is KTVU. Bill Martin is the man!
LOL -- "Special Ed". What a perfect name!
ReplyDeleteMartin is no stranger to his own brand of bad behavior, some caught on tape. While Ed certainly is what this article suggests he is, Martin is reluctant to do anything he is asked to do and complains loudly and like a child when he is forced to perform easy, simple tasks. Watching him misbehave in the newsroom and in studio for years is enough to see this grudge match as the pot calling the kettle black. Also there are behind the scenes people not mentioned here likely as responsible for the "weather theater" as Chapuis, maybe even directly responsible. Ed may simply have been the messenger, but either way, he is a bit of a stooge. Looking at the Creative Services Director will likely find you the catalyst for the weather histrionics request. KTVU is a sinking ship, slowly but surely. Sad to say, but true. That 10pm slot is shrinking audience-wise. Mr. Martin may soon be looking at doing his weather from another market should management see that the weather team needs more "sizzle" - isn't that what the "weather theater" request was all about? Bill gets the weather wrong more than any single meteorologist in the Bay Area. Maybe they were hoping for better results if he went out on a limb a bit. Regardless, they are all to blame, shouting matches are nothing new with Martin, he loves them.
ReplyDeleteI notice the GUY on ch11 weather,is willing to amp up for "disasters",Rich's post sort of gives me the why's of that guy's behavior.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't this really date the old "Mad as hell,etc"? I mean,now news GM's WANT news people to be over the top..
YES - news GMs, NDs and CEOs want their weather folks to create HYPE - or "weather theater" - in the name of ratings. Ratings ARE the game. HYPE is not. That's for sports pre-game shows.
ReplyDeleteIt does happen.
Wonder why Special Ed had so many jobs? Think maybe because he was fired from some of them? Ask folks at some of those stations. The true KTVU greats stayed there for years, if not decades. The station was known for its stability in a volatile business. Not any more. No one respects Special Ed. He picks stories to boost ratings, not to educate his audience with the stories poeple need to hear. He must go.
ReplyDelete