Why? Because I had an epiphany. I believe KRON has made a lot of strides of late and they deserve some recognition.
KRON is doing what it can do best: become a sort of local newsy operation devoid of gimmicks and unnecessary chit-chat. Is it perfect? No, of course not, not even close, but what it does do well, and that is to present the news in almost an avalanche of time, it has done so and should get its props.
Over the years I have kicked KRON, (as have others--viewers too), but they seem to have taken on a missive of knowing what they are, what they aren't, and are growing leaps and bounds with a new look, meaner and leaner graphics, and a healthy dose of good, cogent reporting and relatively solid, if not spectacular anchors.
Pam Moore continues to provide very capable anchoring; Catherine Heenan is like a rock--a classy rock of news Gibraltar who is the station's EverReady battery. Mark Danon has earned his stripes in the morning and deserves props for his steady and no-nonsense delivery. And while i have derided Darya Folsom numerous times for her, sometimes, over-the-top, gushy, gee-whiz, disposition, she too seems to have improved and provides a welcome dose of morning content.
KRON still has issues but like everyone else in this ever-changing TV news media landscape, is doing its best under the circumstances. I'd like to see less infomercials but I understand the dictum. I like Stanley Robert's "People behaving Badly" and even though I'm uber-critical, at times, of Mr. Radnich on radio, there's no denying he can still churn out a healthy five or so minutes a night doing his sports report and other duties.
Even weather reports have become surprisingly solid and worthy of paying attention to. Jacqueline Bennett is quite adept of giving viewers accurate forecasts without drawing attention to herself, but forgive me, it's always pleasant to watch Ms. Bennett. (OK, so I'm human, sue me.)
All in all, KRON has become a go-to venue for all the latest breaking news in the Bay Area. It isn't the old KRON by any stretch but then again it's not 1999 anymore either. And so long as Vicki Liviakis continues to read the news and grace the airwaves, I'll continue to watch KRON. Some individual loyalty is un-yielding.
*Follow me on Twitter and listen to me Monday-Friday, 1-4 PM on KSCO/KOMY. Today's special guest at 1 PM: The Jersey Boys!
*Tips/E-Mail: Rich.Lieberman@Gmail.com
Rich,
ReplyDeleteSurprised you have no info on Rudy's absence from some warrior broadcast and the obvious ISDN broadcasts even when the warriors are on a home stand
Actually you're wrong, I do know.
DeleteIt's a private family matter that I will leave as such.
He went to Notre Dame. It might be an imaginary illness.
DeleteInteresting observation, Rich. KRON's owners have screwed up so thoroughly in the past that it is impossible for me to believe the station has become watchable due to any affirmative management decisions. It may just be that KRON has cut staff so deeply that the remaining managers simply do not have the time to mess things up with their bright ideas. Newsroom workers, forced to operate without "benefit" of management control, instinctively default to basic professionalism. It's similar to why the other stations in town always look their best on holidays: managers have the day off.
ReplyDeleteAgreed Rich... I used to LOVE KRON back in the Wilson/Moore/Raleigh/Radnich days... heck even going back to the lovely Janice Huff. I stopped watching when KRON went all cheap and the talent left. I recently tuned in a couple of times and while there is still something missing (The broadcast "sounds" empty), I was surprised to see myself watching the entire newscast. The likes of Dan Kerman and Haziiq M. maturing into decent reporters. I remember in Haziiq (can't spell his first or last name sorry) did only voice over reports- never appearing on screen. He still has no bio though on the MUCH improved website. Point- NBC needs to go and buy KRON and re-build it as their northern CA flagship. KNTV ain't it.
ReplyDeleteI agree 100% about KNTV.
Delete@ 3/8/13 12:33PM...I Totally agree with U! But since "every" Media minded numb-scull believes that Santa Clara County is "where its at," due to their population, the NBC Affiliate will remain in San Jose. This was the worse move made by NBC evah...
DeleteNBC tried to buy KRON. Young outbid them. They bought KNTV instead. What makes you think that if NBC were running KRON, things would be any different than they are at KNTV, now?
DeleteI think that Comcast NBC's new owner would like to have their O&O located in SF. I wouldn't be a bit surprised that we may hear some news soon of a change on either KNTV or KRON involving a new studio and operations center. NBC4 Bay Area may be
Deletecoming to the airways someday soon...
Why? NBC has sunk millions of dollars into KNTV since purchasing them. They currently share a facility with another NBC property, KSTS. How would that work if NBC sold KNTV but still owned KSTS? San Jose is the most populous west coast city north of LA, the 10th largest in the U.S., and well more than 1/2 of the Bay Area population lives south of San Francisco. Not even taking into account what would be the purchase price for KRON and lower selling price for KNTV because of independent status, it would probably cost millions to effect such a change. For what? To buy a station that is usually a blip in the ratings but happens to have an SF address? Sure, they would probably like to have another "NBC4", but of the stations they own, only New York, Los Angeles, and DC are "NBC4". All others are on different channels, including Chicago, Dallas, and Philadelphia (all larger markets than the Bay Area).
DeleteYou gave the good side- so why should I repeat that? I just will list some problem areas: Radnich's vain ego. Its obvious that Radnich is a bully in "I love you "clothing. Just once,I would like to see him not on his own turf,and see what he's got. Nobody seems to get him to come out of his safety zones.
ReplyDeleteRoberts: Obvious too he is willing to make a buck off of others miserable lives. They behave poorly because they are poor. They aren't con artists with the new car at home while they pretend or be homeless and "uncouth" And Roberts really has a hate for dogs. It shows.
Lousy lighting on the news set. Is that to blur wrinkles? And the other day I saw Vern on KPIX..he was waay darker skinned then he ever looked on KRON. Like a different person.
The infomercials..just horrid placement in the newscasts...that just makes KRON look like cable access. "We will have more of that terrible tragedy after this.." And then the Hypnotist with the lava lamps does his thing. It pays the bills...but so egregiously ?
Well,gotta go...
Thanks for the heads up. The last time I watched anything on KRON was after the San Bruno explosion. I'll have to give them a try. JW
ReplyDeleteNewscasts do seem a bit tighter these days, but it's still very clear no one has the gumption or position to tell Radnich to knock it off with the ill-timed and sleazy chatter to his fellow workers when they have no idea where he is coming from, what he might say next, and it has a terrible tone to it...somebody tell Gary no, it's not all just in fun, knock that jive off and everyone will appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteI've always been a KRON fan. I had to laugh the other morning when Darya had one of her "full body standing in front of the screen" moments. The camera cut away to the reporter on site, he talked for a bit, then the camera cut back to Darya, who was bemt over somewhat leaning forward (looked to be reading something or looking down at a monitor). As soon as she realized the camera was back on her, she stood up instantaneously, arched that back and pushed her chest forward with a quickness. To each their own, but to me she's the most attractive Bay Area newswoman. BIG Darya fan. Not in an Anna Chavez way mind you (ha, ha).
ReplyDeleteI agree and I'm glad you mentioned this. KRON is the only thing I've watched in the morning the past year. They have improved quite a bit. KTVU, on the other hand, seems like they probably don't hang out with each other off air. Tori Campbell is cold as ice while Dave Clark and Sal Castaneda are two of the biggest nerds.
ReplyDeleteHas KRON (or certain female rock) bribed you lately, Rich?
ReplyDeleteRight off the top of my head I can think of eight good reasons to watch: Liviakis, Kato, Bennett & Folsom....
ReplyDeleteLast night KRON drew hash marks in the ratings for their 11 pm news. Enough said.
ReplyDeleteKRON used to be my go to station for news back in the 90s. Then when I noticed all of their best reporters starting to migrate away to other local stations, I migrated too. I started to go back to KRON a couple years ago just for Stanley Roberts. I think his product is great. I know KRON isn't as good as when it was with NBC, but they got me back as a loyal follower.
ReplyDeleteKRON is a hard working station that delivers no nonsense news. Nevermind that they have some of the best and most experienced anchors (decades there alone) plus the beautiful Erica Kato, Justine Waldman and Jacline Bennet
ReplyDeleteSomeone mentioned the ages of a few anchors who have been there for decades added up to 500.That tells what a great station it must be.LOL
DeleteI'm a morning local news person, while dressing for work. KRON has been my station, In the evenings I watch the national cable news. Always have.
ReplyDeleteThe reason I watch KRON is that I don't care to see the morning network shows anymore, and I'm up after 7:00AM, so KRON it is.
I go back to the days of Susan Blake in the morning. I remember when Blake retired the first time, and KRON replaced her with an exact look-alike Beth Ruyak from Sacramento. She lasted one month before the commute from Sacramento got to her, and they replaced her with Darya Folsom who has been there ever since.
Jackie Bennett has my full attention..
ReplyDeleteAfter Thursday's debacle between Jackie and Pam Moore and Radnich,the two ladies weren't there for Fridays broadcast. Cathy wasn't there either to fill in..connect the dots.
ReplyDeleteCould you elaborate as to what happened?
DeleteBeware, it's one of Stan's observations. He imagines things that never happened.
DeleteOh it happened,and your his paid apologist?. Today Radnich didn't do his thing with Darya. And at KNBR,he walked out for ten minutes claiming he was sweaty. Could be withdrawals from the Vicodan?. He never once said he had a cold or flu. I mean,since last month,he's been really strange at KRON. Thursday saying that Pam Moore looked like she saw "The Devil" when Radnich mentioned the KRON bosses name. And claiming that she's a "little version of me" ! and that "She knows I speak for her because she thanks me later" and to that Pam Moore sat up straight,put her palms on the desk and said "I'VE NEVER SAID THAT"...And Radnich just about called her a liar.
DeleteI wonder what Rich's mole's are hearing at the separation of Radnich and the KRON females on air? A suspension of some type?
I might not be right on what it means..but I sure as hell am right at what his recent conversations have been about.
Then,there was the one where he told the Valentines day guest "It's ok you love me(she had joked of course) it means we aren't gay."..HUH???
Radnich on his best behavior today at KRON. Up,down,up,down, something wrong with that guy..
DeleteMaybe he begged for forgiveness from KRON honchos...
I missed the first hour of Radnich..but the first thing I heard at 10:10? "I was sick on Vicodin"..and then Kate Scott tells him to take another because she didn't get his point.
DeleteSo now its schtick he abuses drugs?
Its really does make sense how Raddy so many times denied he got weird was due to being drunk. What he always left out at laughing at "Myrtle,who writes the producer," was the Vicodin.
Hey Rich I hit the Raddy trifecta today. Three references to my writings. 1. The Vicodon 2 "I know who won the Super Bowl"...3 "Krukow's Giants are like a religion to him (My Krukow is a Giantologist posts)
DeleteNooooo,he and KNBR don't read blog posts..ALL just coincidence..lol.
KRON used to be a credible, big market TV station with a news product that was first rate. Anchors such as Bob Jimenez and Suzanne Shaw, weekend sports anchors such as Vern Glenn, local coverage of the bay area that was second to none. Now it's a sad shadow of what it once was, as the station was ruined when it lost it's NBC affiliation and some clueless nitwits bought it and ran it into the ground. It's amazing that Pam Moore, Katherine Heenan and Gary Radnich haven't been scooped up by a competitor in the bay area. RIP KRON! You once were a very good station.
ReplyDeleteThey do they (Moore, Heenan, Radnich) stick around? They would have fled years ago if they have ever been asked by competitors. Go figure why that have never happened. Now they must count on KRON for their imminent retirement packages.
DeleteRadnich is the worst thing about kron.despite the cutbacks which we can see,his endless needling of the junior announcers comes across as bullying and boring.he seems as if he does not have a sports producer as well as seeming as if he knows what viewers want from a sports broadcast.endless mistakes such as mispronouncing names and personal comments to stories that are factually incorrect.hes mister been there done that stories during the forty niners run at the superbowl was an example,the media coverage has changed since1981and its passed him by.a boorish blowhard kron should let him go and with the money they save get someone more competent.
ReplyDeleteAt least Radnich knows how to punctuate and capitalize.
Delete345,That was a sarcasm post to Stan probably. Not subtle. A KRON sports producer at work.
DeleteAnother point in favor of KRON channel 4. KRON's channel 4.2 weather channel offers a great public service to those of us who can't afford cable tv, and who instead watch broadcast tv over the air with an antenna and a digital tv converter box (which is an excellent way to watch almost perfect image quality high def'n tv in my opinion, with over 60 free channels to choose from). Channel 4.2 is must-see-tv for the rest of us; those who -- shame of shame --- have not the opportunity to watch cable's Snookie .. lol.
ReplyDeleteOne question I'd pose for the folks at KRON though. Why is it exactly that you leave off a day in your forecasts? If you watch ch 4.2 today, on Sunday, you'll see along the bottom of the screen that the forecast for Sunday is followed by the forecast for Tuesday. Tuesday follows Sunday? Monday's forecast doesn't appear at all. Seems a little weird, no? Especially since most folks on Sunday -- they already know the weather on Sunday by looking outside -- most folks therefore are interested in Monday's forecast, but it is missing????
Anyone that knows anything about journalism and the state of the Bay Area media knows that the people working at KRON do more with less than many of the other journalists in this market. Many stations rely on stringers to do the dirty work and simply throw money around in order to cloud questionable news judgement. Honestly, KRON does a lot of things wrong, but the people over there clearly have to work twice as hard as most others in the business in the Bay Area. The fact that they compete shows that they are on to something and they are only going to get more relevant moving forward. Get used to it. You are stuck with a resourceful and increasingly impressive KRON.
ReplyDeleteI only watch KRON 4 for Erica's weather segments
ReplyDeleteErica Kato is a wanna be sexy weather gal who apparently has been in trouble with management recently (she got caught doing something bad to another female co-worker)... insecurity at its best. Word is KRON is trying to push her out because she gets a lot of viewer complaints and lacks credibility. Wait & see.
DeleteErica and Janu are the only reason I (and probably a lot of other people) watch this low rent news station - both gorgeous. And what "trouble" has she been in recently? don't post anonymous slurs without anything to back it up.
DeleteGood! She is weak and has no talent.
ReplyDeleteKRON's newscasts can blow out everyone else in the market-- if tech problems don't get in the way.
ReplyDeleteReporter/Producers/Mangers work hard to deliver the big stories to viewers.
They think in terms of clear writing, best visuals and how to best tell a story. They're not held back by traditional formats that don't work, anymore.
Ratings for their 8 p.m. show are solid.
They also rate well at 5/6 p.m.-- especially in 25-54 demo.
In the morning, they're consistently #2 or #3 in demos.
They have a great system in place for someone to buy the station and give them the funding they need to be #1 again.
This post finally drove me to watch KRON last night for years. What can I say. To be blunt and not to offend anyone, it was quite lackluster. Catherine Heenan, after all these years, looked jaded and tired. She also seemed to struggle with her voice quite a bit? Randich was awkward, although he tried to be funny. Jackie Benett was the only one that seemed motivated and watchable.
ReplyDeleteCathy you might have noticed stares at Radnich like a Sheppard dog looking at her owners body language. She's trying to tell if he's joking or not. I guess if he winks-or not-,she's still not sure.
DeleteAnd it is funny also..she's like the kind baby sitter who will change her mind just to agree and make the spoiled kid happy. Heard her do that many a time to satisfy Raddy..
Kato is a fake anyway. She's not a true weather woman and seems to hung up on being on tv. She try's way to hard to be sexy with her fake anchor voice. I prefer seeing Annie.
ReplyDeleteAnd who's real? the dyed blondes? like Pam Moore?I don't think that's her real hair color. Or Radnich? 63 and not gray? He's not letting those implants fade away to gray.
DeleteCatherine Heenan is a fake blonde as well. A hair dresser dyes her grey + brown hair every month.
DeleteBig deal! The vets of the industry do what they have to in order to stay relevant. Wannabes like Kato ( who suddenly changes the way she pronounces her last name) will stab you in the back and do whatever to be on tv. I wonder who the female co-worker is at the station she was busted perpetrating wrong doing? Hmmmm......
DeleteNow if we are talking fakes, let's not forget Jacqueline Bennett. Fake blonde, fake voice, fake breast, the works! Now she's making the most of her enhancements but let's be real here if we are discussing fakes at dear ole' KRON.
DeleteErica and Janu are my favorite weather girls...HOT!
ReplyDeleteI second that.
DeleteIt's your comments that are trashy. I love Erica.
DeleteSounds like KRON hired a bunch of catty women, old and young.
ReplyDeleteSure does seem that way. All that's required to work there is large breast, stay out of Darya's way, laugh at Gary's weak jokes, act as if you know nothing about the boss co-habitating with on air talent and all is well.
ReplyDeleteErica Kato and the other fake weather wannabes appeal to the lowest common denominator... the low income trashy male demographic (or just getting out of jail)- an audience advertisers DON'T care about.
ReplyDeleteyes, because we all know that the only people interested in looking at pretty girls are men coming out of jail. right ...
Deleteerica kato is the *only* reason i turn on kron 4 in the morning. i can get weather literally anywhere. i'm going to watch where there's a pretty girl delivering it. kron 4 has a good formula IMHO. keep it up.
as far as anny hong ... they couldn't of found a more standard, stereotypical asian news reporter. from the same mold as every other. not at all a draw for me.
as to all of this other office gossip ... is that really supposed to influence a real viewer? do we care who said what to who in the break room or have any way to even validate if this isn't just sour grapes? (no). hence - ignore.
I like kron great morning wood I mean news.
ReplyDelete