I asked, a few posts ago, if KPIX should be more transparent with its viewers about its relationship with Caltrans and the new eastern span of the Bay Bridge.
KPIX has been doing a lot of bridge opening programming. They're also running a program on the bridge's much-publicized safety issues on Saturday night, all well and good, but how credible can PIX be when its also pubbing the Bay Bridge's scheduled Labor Day opening, which now, given the numerous reports about bad bolts and rods, seems pretty dubious at best.
I asked the PR person at KPIX5 to comment. I explained that the response to my initial post last week drew a considerable amount of response. Readers, journalists, many of you thought it was a legitimate question.
After repeated requests for comment, KPIX5 said nothing. Maybe they think everything is OK and it may be the case. But I'm not one of those. I think it would better if the station were to acknowledge their relationship with Caltrans, sort of like a disclaimer, but we haven't seen that and I find that inappropriate at best.
How can KPIX be working with Caltrans, whose contractors and subcontractors are building the bridge; a bridge that has lots of bad bolts and rods; a bridge that has come under considerable scrutiny as to its overall safety and more importantly, the safety of the public.
KPIX chose to ignore this whole matter and its arrangement with Caltrans. I think that's pretty lame but maybe it's just me. You all have spoken. Too bad KPIX doesn't think this is a big deal and has snubbed many of its viewers.
*Former KGO Radio legal minion, Len Tillem, the loyah, is guesting today, from 11-Noon on the Ronn Owens show. That's pretty interesting but there's a multitude of back stories here.
First off, insiders tell me that Owens would like to have Tillem back in his 12-1PM time slot. So too does advertising honcho, Deidra Lieberman, (no relation). Only logical since Tillem still has a hefty following and, god forbid, something relevant to listen to on KGO.
Another story: I was told by an insider that a few folks at KGO are worried that callers might ask on the air why Tillem was let go in the first place. Expect a lot of heavy screening by Lord Jared and be weary of potential house calls when The Loyah does his thing on KGO at 11.
*Follow me on Twitter and listen to my radio show every Monday-Friday from 1-4 PM PT on KSCO/KOMY Newstalk.
I will be listening with great interest. Ronn had another lawyer on once in awhile after Len was fired, but he was very boring, cut and dry, no personality. It is getting harder and harder to find something interesting to listen to these days. I think 910 are really missing the boat, Gil is the same old, tons of stories,and experts, but no callers. He is more like a one man news show. Many of this stories I have no interest in, some are quite good and would lend itself to callers. Who on earth thinks that a 4 hour monolog, is something that will hold the publics attention? Gene Burns could probably have pulled it off, but even that might be a stretch. Frosty (the new guy at 910 am) seem to be following that format. Rich do you have any insight into the strategy behind this format for talk radio? Is it being done in other markets? Does this format improve ratings?
ReplyDeleteSomebody please explain, because I'm totally clueless.
Gil the worst on bay area radio.
DeleteI don't get it either. Now there are 7 consecutive hours of pretty much the same programming on 910, just a different host. Every once in awhile, Gil or Frosty will take a call or two, but that, to me, isn't what most of us are talking about when we say we want to hear from callers. In the old talk radio format, an "expert" might be interviewed about a subject, and then the phones would be open for questions and comments from listeners, not just the host. Also, we used to hear from authors or musicians or lawyers about their recent books, projects, cases etc. and hear from them for an hour, not 10 or 15 minutes.
DeleteKQED Forum seems to be about the only program left now that's a truly interesting talk show. But that's only 2 hours a day. Since most of talk (local or syndicated) has now morphed into host-driven monologues, you would think someone would go back to the previous format because they'd be about the only game in town.
I just don't understand the programmers' mindset of doing what everybody else is doing and hoping listeners will chooose their station. And for the most part, it doesn't seem to be working. Compete with something different, not more of the same. I listened regularly to Tom Sullivan, but mostly ignore Frosty.
I posted the comments at 9:47 a.m., I have been a loyal listener to talk radio for about 16-17 years. Gene and John Rothman was always my favorites. I also liked the late Pete Wilson a lot, when he died I was hoping John would get his time slot. Gil and Bill Press use to fill in a lot for Ronn, I liked them both, but preferred Bill Press, however I did listen to Gil when he got Pete's time slot, but he often had subjects I didn't have any interest in, never the less, I often would listen the full 2 hours, and he did take calls. I like Tom Sullivan even though he is on the other side of the political spectrum from me, I found him entertaining and he could engage the caller. Gil can do the "old fashion" talk format, but doesn't. Don't know if it is his idea or the stations, but it is a very bad idea, and for some reason Gil's voice (let's not even bring his wife into it) really grates on me after an hour or so. His comments, when he tries to say out loud whatever he thinks his listeners are thinking (i.e. you would think, well not really and endless yep, yep)just drives me crazy, and I change the station or switch to music. Frosty's voice is easier on the ears, but he is not all that interesting, although better than Montemayor (another voice that grates nerves after awhile) at least Monte takes calls, but don't really know how to engage the callers.
DeleteI suspect that many of us long time fans of talk radio think back to the "good old days", when a host really had to have talents and get ratings. Does anyone know what Montemayor ratings is? Or Gil's and Frosty's?
Montemayor has no ratings. No one listens to his jibberish.
DeleteI am disgusted, but not surprised, that so many Americans still listen to that arrogant, bloviating windbag hate-monger Rush Limbaugh. He's an angry, overpaid, egotistical purveyor of half truths, innuendo and garbage, who would make the likes of Joe McCarthy proud. But then, look how we've been conditioned to become an 'attention-deficit' society, and you can see why the 'Rush-Bo' is so popular with his fawning 'ditto-heads.'
ReplyDeleteyou mean 'dildo-heads', no?
DeleteYou're a clueless person completely duped by the two-party/two-ideologue scam. Be that as it may, when you have a criminal in the White House, you will get some truth from the opposition.
DeleteSuch as it was during Bush's tenure, such as it is now with the current criminal in the oval office. That's why folks still listen to Rush Limbaugh. I didn't bother much with him when Bush was in office because of the overt political blindness to that admins criminality. I would listen to some on the left to try to get some info from 00 to 08.
But Rush is on point with Obama while the left is in a serious state of idol worship that rivals the nimrods who would still kiss a statue of Lenin.
This is f**ing sick. I hate this kind of face-saving concern. Own up to it and move on. "might ask on the air why..."
ReplyDeleteF, F, F! If there was ever an appropriate time to the the F-word it is in cases like this. Sick!
"I was told by an insider that a few folks at KGO are worried that callers might ask on the air why Tillem was let go in the first place."
These two items smell of the stench that comes from the "unbiased" media these days.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, media outlets with news coverage should be impartial about situations like the Bay Bridge. This bolt and safety business is pretty serious crap. KPIX shouldn't be putting positive spins or being a shrill for something that has to do with public safety and health. This isn't the place to lie. If things are f+++ed up, say so. If the bridge opening has to be delayed, so be it. Take some accountability.
Second, the comments about KGO reek of money. And that's what the KPIX business is all about.
America the Greediest.
Rich,
ReplyDeleteCould you please be more specific about KPIX's connection to the new bridge.
You say that "KPIX has been doing a lot of bridge opening programming" but that's vague and doesn't say anything about whether they are covering it any more or less than other media outlets.
You previously said something about KPIX being the official bay bridge station and that doesn't to be correct.
Thanks.
Just go on their web site and see for yourself: http://www.cbs5.com
DeleteWhy has Tom Sullivan disappeared? I changed stations when all the best people were fired at KGO... I followed my favorite loyah...Len....Then, for some ridiculous reason he was gone; he was the funniest person on radio. Now Tom Sullivan? Frostie is OK, but not Tom...Gil is OK, but his slow conversation..and hmmmsss goooooood toooooo have youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu on...Then Rhoda...well, I won't even bother discussing her, with the exception, that is when I change stations again..
ReplyDeleteI'd be more excited about the KPIX Bay Bridge link if you'd clear up exactly what it is. As usual with you, we get insinuation, but I fail to see what PIX gets--free crossings for all its news vans? Aside from the embarrassment of hawking something that turns out to be a dud, I don't see the point. I also didn't see the point of hyping it in the first place--does anyone really care that much about the opening, other than being glad that all the stupid construction and delays are over? The only reason PIX is covering this is it's an easy way to fill air time instead of seeking real, difficult-to-get news. The only reason Leiberman is beating this dead horse is it's an easy way to fill a blog and podcast instead of seeking real, difficult-to-get news. Same disease, in other words. Pot calling kettle black. Ooooh, and did you know Brian Hackney still isn't employed as a regular anchor anywhere??? Speaks volumes about...something. (Maybe it's that he has no tolerance for this very kind of faux news BS that both PIX and Mr. L engage in. But nah, that doesn't have enough innuendo.)
ReplyDeleteI've switched to KBFK 1530am at noon to hear Tom Sullivan. Frosty reminds me of Spencer Hughes who I couldn't stand to listen to. (Frosty might be a tad better than Spencer, but both offer very little to the listeners) Monty on the hand keeps the topics interesting. It is very sad to see 910 go downhill. I thought they world hire Rothmann and become great radio, I was obviously very wrong.
ReplyDelete@anon 1:45,
ReplyDeleteI think you just expressed how many, many listeners feel.
910 is going downhill rapidly.
ReplyDeleteFirst they fired Len, who was funny and informative. Then they expanded Gil by one more hour. Watching paint dry is more entertaining esp. on Fridays. His wife is probably a very nice person but definately not someone who belongs on radio. Gil could improve his show tremendously by actually taking callers. That is why Alan Colmes program is entertaining. As for Frosty. They lost me with the name. Another SoCal transplant. It seems all SoCal transplants ( Karel, Monty, Frosty) are the bottom of the barrel. They really should split up Gils program get John Rothman or someone else. It is just really sad that there is nothing anymore worth listening to. RIP Bay Area Talk Radio.
Frosty is no Gene Burns, but he is better than Monty, not that is saying much. I would like to hear him take calls, to see if can engage the callers, then he might be worth listening to. I was very disappointed when the chose Gil over John, and when they gave Gil another hour and he didn't take callers they lost me. I posted the first comments at 9:47, it seems from reading this blog that John still have quite a bit of following in the Bay Area. I know some people like fluff, but Gil is not that, he is trying to jam a lot of what he thinks is interesting and serious into his program, but I am interested in the opinion of other listeners, not just Gil's or some experts opinion. When Ronn discusses a subject that I'm interested, he had several this week, and takes calls, he is better than Gil. Perhaps Gil spend too many years as a newsman and filling in for Paul Harvey to be comfortable being a talk show hosts. As I written before I'm at a loss, if anyone likes this format, I would like to see your comments on this blog. Frankly Gil's new talk is not much better than listening to the new KGO afternoon news, a little, but not much.
ReplyDeleteWhen a media outlet sponsors something, and part of that sponsorship is "news" coverage, it can lessen the credibility of said station (or newspaper or radio station or Internet news site) in the eyes of many journalists and news consumers.
ReplyDeleteHowever, if such a station's news department makes a credible effort to legitimately report on any issues related to whatever is being sponsored (such as safety concerns related to the bridge as in KPIX's case), then such concerns can be alleviated.
However, they will not be completely eliminated.
Sponsorships should never interfere with news coverage, and I have confidence the professional journalists at KPIX understand this basic journalistic ethic and will uphold it.
That said, Rich brought up legitimate points that deserve an airing out and consideration; not only by KPIX, but by its listenership. He did what KPIX should have done.
Glenn, well said. I would add that not only is it essential to avoid a sponsorship conflict, the *appearance* of conflict also needs to be avoided. The news special airs tonight, so we will not need to speculate much longer. Like you, I tend to trust the station's basic understanding of journalism ethics. Credibility is the only real value that news people and organizations hold. If they lose their credibility, they lose their value. Besides, there are some obvious programming decisions at work in this situation. The station would run a sponsored or promotional tie-in special at 7 p.m. on a weekday, when viewership and advertising rates are higher. Saturday night is where good television goes to die.
DeleteBring Len back, KGO and go back to talk.
ReplyDeleteAnd if KGO goes back to mostly talk, keep Karel and Thurston, as well as some others.
Although I feel Karel gets a bit personal at times, that's his thing, and if you don't like it, you don't have to listen to him. That said, Karel has some of the best info on tech, Apple, etc., of anyone in the industry.
Karel also has kept on the mortgage debacle, highlighting how banks have unfairly treated so many homeowners, including himself. He is one of the very, very few who has continually focused on it and unemployment.
He's also kept up on drones and other issues that call into question our nation's moral credibility, or lack thereof.
An addendum to my comments about Karel. KGO ought to put him on five days a week and pay him more. When I listen to other hosts on other stations, at least Karel has topics that make you think, whether you agree with him or not. Put him on at better times, and I'll bet the ratings for his show would improve. I'd like to hear more about tech and Karel is tuned into the tech world, and not only Apple.
ReplyDeleteWhy do I get the Feeling Lord Jared rides a Bike to work?
ReplyDeleteAre we talking about the same Len Tillem who after getting canned by 910am said he was done working for a corporate entity!? Didn't he start some podcast? I guess it didn't go too well. I'd lose lots of respect for him if he went back to KGOne. I guess his ego and big mouth need a radio outlet. Count your shekles and be done Lenny!
ReplyDelete910 has been very confusing. Too many changes.
ReplyDeleteGil gets terrific guests on the phone but he wastes them for his annoying shtick rather than ask appropriate follow up questions.
Frankly, I don't think he listens to his guests when he's on the air. He must be briefed by his guests, and then Gil prepares his "funny" take on their topic. I can't tell you how many times his guests were interrupted by Gil for his "joke" then suddenly "...thanks for talking with us!"
Huh? 910 has been very confusing. Too many changes.
Gil gets terrific guests on the phone but he wastes them for his annoying shtick rather than ask appropriate follow up questions.
Frankly, I don't think he listens to them when he's on the air. He must be briefed by his guests, and then Gil prepares his "funny" take on their topic. I can't tell you how many times his guests were interrupted by Gil for his joke then suddenly "...thanks for talking with us!"
Huh? Ugh. Major annoying. I was very interested in the topic ...then *poof*.
What happened to Tom Sullivan on 910?
ReplyDeleteHe was replaced by Frosty, I gather from 910 own advertisement, to provide the Bay Area with "local" hosts. Local hosts rather than syndicated hosts is what made KGO so successful, but the old KGO had exceptional talented, intelligent hosts, this part 910 has not gotten yet.
ReplyDeleteI have been listeing to Bay Are radio for more than 20 years. I am grief stricken and in mourning. And I shall not be comforted, because talk radio is no more.(paraphrased form Mathew 2).
ReplyDeleteHow majorly dumb was it to give Gil a show and let a man with great knowledge, skill and personality (John Rothman) go by the wayside. That IS the height of stupidity!!
Rhoda was the final nail in my talk radio coffin. I do not listen to anymore radio , but on occasion a podcast of an interesting topic on C2C. I find my mind now focused on thought, prayer and observation.
I must admit the withdrawal lasted only 3 days. This 20 year cohabiting relationship with radio in my car, at the gym, at home and in the Doctors office has split and not to amiably.
I have discarded by black attire and have moved on.
I'm not sure why Gil was chosen over John Rothman, maybe he was willing to work for less, I know John has many followers in the Bay Area. However, it seems to me Gil's show took a serious downtown several months after he got his own show (other than bringing Rhoda on). Many programmer seem hell bent on giving us the worst of the worst. Montemayor (KGO) is an idiot, his vocabulary is so mundane, every story is "amaaaazing" and he constantly use the phrase "wait there is more". His take on the pit bull attack, who killed a 6 year boy recently, was so flawed. I agreed generally with his stand on pit bulls, but then he suggested, that because you can't tell a 6 year old to not ride the dog like a pony, you have to ban the breed. What, how idiotic is that, you tell all children to not ever ride a dog (any breed) like a pony, poke their eyes etc. His statement, which I have heard more than once, that the US constitution is irrelevant and has probably never been relevant, is so over the top of being idiotic I can't even describe it. How can he have 6 hours in a major market like San Francisco. It makes it easy for 910 to have Gil on 4 hours 5 days a week, there is not much to compete with.
ReplyDelete