We all know why Melanie Morgan has split from KSFO.
You read it here first.
Morgan's abrupt departure from the station has been brewing for months and eventually got to a point where the Bay Area radio/TV veteran was ready to leave. A source close to Morgan said it was a combination of both professional and personal reasons.
The source indicated to me that Morgan had no personal animosity toward traffic reporter, Katie Green; in fact, Morgan has mentored many younger female personalities in the biz. Clearly, though it was well known that Morgan felt that Green was over her head and was misplaced in her increasing role on the program.
Morgan, according to the source, was not as impressed with Brian Sussman. The Morning Show had become a "morning zoo" lately and much of its antics; the ludicrous-sounding "app of the day", the hideous "hang up on myself" bit which has turned off many listeners came directly from Sussman. Moreover, it was Sussman who began to take over the program and in essence, push Morgan out the door. Morgan was not happy and missed most of last week and began working diligently with her agent to leave the program.
Morgan clearly was unhappy with the show's direction and it was that aspect that hastened her decision to get out of dodge. The ratings seem to indicate she picked the right time.
Morgan and her reps have negotiated an "out" clause with KSFO. It remains to be seen if KSFO adds a partner for Sussman, but clearly Green's future, (and possibly Sussman too), will be evaluated given this move.
Morgan is said to be going on a long vacation and don't be surprised if she is picked up by another station in the market.
*Rich Lieberman 415 Media Exclusive
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What is it with Bay Area radio shows lately? Are hosts competing to be the worst of the worst. I was never a fan of Brian Sussman, however I use to listen to him off and on. I gather from reading this blog that he has become worse and worse with time, isn't it suppose to work the other way. The same for Gil Gross, although I still think he is a nice man, (can't say the same for Sussman) his show has gotten worse over time, he is nothing like he use to be on KGO, he was never my favorite, but he had some very good shows, no so anymore.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of Ms Morgan's political views, but I think she is a good radio personality, and when she was on with Lee Rodgers you didn't have to like their politics, to listen to their show, they talked about different things, and had a sense of humor. If Sussman has a sense of humor it is far removed from mine, I don't ever find him funny. I don't blame Melanie for wanted to get away from that zoo.
I'm too distracted by KTVU's annoying use of "BREAKING NEWS" graphics to shed tears for Melanie. I knew the crash was only the beginning of this crap tactic.
ReplyDeleteJust how exactly did Brian Sussman rise to the level he has? Not only does he have a morning show in a #4 market, but he often fills in for Mark Levin on his nationally syndicated show. I've heard of the casting couch in Hollywood, but is there such a thing for radio? There must be because that is the only way I can explain Brian Sussman's meteoric success.
ReplyDeletePictures. No other answer.
DeleteOn melaniemorgan.com, Ms. Morgan writes about her departure from KSFO. She mentions the great times she had with Lee Rodgers and Officer Vic, but she makes absolutely no mention of Brian Sussman and Katie Green. I think that tells you everything.
ReplyDeleteI saw that too. I kept looking all over the website to discern, when was this written? It had such a generic, polished feel about it. Twas as though the last few YEARS never even happened. I can imagine though, that while Mel wants to respond to her fans, she doesn't want to fan the flames during contract negotiations. That wouldn't be polite or even productive. Many of us say nasty jagged things when cornered in the ring. All essential points have been already made by the major players. Let the dust settle for a few months, is the mature attitude.
DeleteRe: Hasselback coming to Fox. Much of her individual appeal is visual. She's a beautiful lady, animated and argumentative as needed, which works well on tv. She likes a battle, so she may miss her role as the Token Contrarian though.
All competing to be the dumbest blond in media...
DeleteMaybe there's a slot now for Hasselback if things don't work out with Faux News.
ReplyDeleteThe morning show certainly isn't what it used to be. I would check in only occasionally after Lee Rodgers left because I like Melanie, and couldn't believe the middle school humor, repetition, and lack of real news. Boring! I don't blame Melanie for leaving now. Katie isn't so bad - she is so young I think she just needs some guidance. Sussman just eggs her on with the twelve-year-old humor. It's too bad he couldn't appreciate what Melanie could bring to the show. She is smart, funny and has such a solid background in journalism and radio. Maybe his manhood was threatened.
ReplyDeleteAs critical as I have been of Brian (and no doubt will continue to be), I look at the facts that he has written a couple of books disputing Global Warming. This is one of the ways he gained a new level of fame. Brian is at his best when in the role of a Zealot/Savior/Sleuth. Brian is good as 'a man of reference', a consultant of sorts (Meteorologist material). Brian is most joyful when he embraces his natural nerdiness, and his romance with extraneous detail, however arcane.
ReplyDeleteThere is a place for every type of person, but most people never find that place. Some folks are lucky or bold or interesting enough to create and define their own niche. Brian would be a good person on a lecture tour, or a mission to motivate, or maybe serving in a seminar curriculum at Stanford. I don't dislike him, I just think he's sitting in the wrong swiveling chair.
Katie's manner of on air communication is not my favorite, but, even still, I must say, that girl is one of the most articulate people I have ever heard on any station, anywhere. The child does not get toungue tied. Not Katie. That clarity and directness in speech may come from her family connection, I think her dad is or was a policeman. I was so, so glad though, when she stopped that commercial that had her loudly screaming about how bad her hair looked.Under the right kind of direction and guidance, Katie could flower into something quite special media wise. She has strength and humor. All she needs is the right sort of Henry Higgins to bring out a latter day My Fair Lady. But for now, her motto seems to be "Resist We Much".
ReplyDeleteTo 1:05 AM: I used to work with Katie. Her dad is or was a very conservative judge.
ReplyDeleteKatie Green is OK but at times she was a bit overbearing.
ReplyDeleteThe person who needs to leave is Brian Sussman. Him and his childish grade-school humor and false bravado.
I say team up Melanie Morgan and Greg Gory for a new KSFO morning show.
I will actually miss Melanie Morgan. Especially when she starts cracking up at something. Once you tickle her funny bone, she's off to the races.
ReplyDeleteGood riddance to one more of the ultra-conservative 'carnival-barkers.' Melanie 'the Meanie' was mean spirited, pig headed, and politically out of step. We don't need to listen to her ridiculous nonsense anymore! The low point in her local radio career may have been when she was stupid enough to debate that veteran from the Iraq War who was courageous enough to come out against the war. She pretty much called him a traitor, and I wish he could have had her in a room alone and slapped her a few times in the face for her stupid, insensitive, insulting remarks.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad she's gone. It's so much easier to listen to the show without hearing the ridiculous stuff that comes out of her mouth.
ReplyDeleteI agree...she wasn't right for the show
DeleteI personally like the show. I think Katie is a breath of fresh YOUNG air to a stoggy political environment. I perfer KSFO over all the other disgusting morning shows (107.7). I have also noticed that what Brain and Katie talk about, Rush and Sean will talk about 3, 6 hours later. Yes, I think Brian can get over the top sometimes, but, I think it is a great show. I liked Melanie for the most part, but to be honest, I felt she was trying to act younger than she was to keep up with Katie. I only wish her the best of luck in whatever she does.
ReplyDeleteThe KSFO Morning Show with Melanie, Lee Rodgers, and Officer Vic was VASTLY superior to the sadly pathetic current offering. You know a radio show is dying when the hosts pepper the content with "Woohoo!" and acid rock snippets are used as the bumper music.
ReplyDeleteI think it ironic that Melanie was the figurehead for some type of support services for veterans of the wars when she was one of the biggest war hawks in the media. She pushed all out for the war but then maybe out of subconscious remorse (as her consciousness is non-existent) she is active in helping the same soldiers for whom her actions were responsible for having their limbs and lives blown away. She's the worst image of an arrogant, super-military state heading for its own moral and financial bankruptcy. She is also a true, passionate "meany" unless it's about benefit to someone or something she personally has an interest in.
ReplyDeleteI can remember when Melanie first joined Lee many years ago, she was a terrible addition but in time she grew on me and I came to enjoy the morning show on KSFO. When I first heard Katie I could tell she had promise for radio and I suspected she or Melanie would not be there for long. I know Katie is young but the childish humor has got to stop, she needs to mature up before she is taken seriously. As for Brian, well let's just say that I REALLY miss Lee Rodgers.
ReplyDeleteI think Sussman is a profund weatherman with great political views - perhaps was better in front of a camera than behind the mike for 3 hours.
ReplyDeleteA lot of what he does seems forced, plus he has giant shoes to fill - coming in after Lee Rogers. The traffic chick is a bit over bearing and I find myself often going to A&G now.
If you really listened, MM could barely get through reading the news without getting tongue tied. I used to listen just to count her flubs. For one thing, she tried to read too fast. Had she not been married to the GM of KSFO, she would have been gone long ago.
ReplyDeleteI liked Melanie, especially with Lee, as there was some chemistry. I don't think that same chemistry developed between her and Brian. I used to listen to Brian on his evening show, but was not a huge fan then. I think he has gotten a lot better, but is sometimes a bit too hyperbolic. Katie is a fun addition to the show, and has the chemistry with Brian that was missing with Melanie. I enjoy the rough edges and spontaneity of Katie. Perhaps three people is just too many, though it worked with Lee, Melanie and Officer Vic. I listen to the radio a lot, mostly the KSFO Morning show and the master, Rush.
ReplyDeleteLee Rodgers and Melanie Morgan was just pure magic. Lee rules the show with an iron fist (I remember many times Lee unloaded on a show "guest" that didn't answer Lee's questions and just wanted to give monologues regardless of what they were asked).
ReplyDeleteMelanie sounded slightly afraid of Lee when he went off, but it was always awesome. He didn;t go off just for the sake of yelling on the radio. When Lee went off, it was because something really was up.
I like Katie, but do think she needs more seasoning. I agree with the person who praised her articulateness. Brian seems like a nice guy but I frequently dial to KNEW...he's too hokey for me.
ReplyDeleteI miss the Lee-Melanie-Vic show...it'll be noted in radio history along with the Mike Clary & Don Sherwood show.
My only bone to pick with Melanie was, I feel, responsible for California getting Arnold after Gray Davis was ousted.
Melanie needs to co-anchor with a strong intelligent personality like Lee Rodgers. Brian seems to have over stayed his fill-in status.
I personally did not care for Mel... too loud... She has great causes and a drive to fight, but he voice turned me off. Brian is OK.. I've know him outside radio.. he is a genuine guy.
ReplyDeleteWake up. We are all on the same side against a terrible enemy.
ReplyDeleteThere is room for everybody.
With Melanie Morgan, Hannity and Huckabee gone from this radio station, my favorite dial 560 had gone back to 810 and 740. No more 560 for me except on weekends with Barbara Simpson.
ReplyDeleteWhere is Barbara Simpson?
ReplyDeleteWhat happened?
The 'hang up on yourself' is crude and adds nothing to the show. Better to ax it. As for Melanie, well she was never a stand-alone host and always required a fill-in host whenever Sussman was absent....same when on a previous show.
ReplyDeleteThe reason Brian Sussman and Katie (I have a terrible voice for radio) Green are still on the air is the fact that there is no competition. Katie Green has a voice that makes me want to turn off my radio forever. Not only is she sophomoric and juvenile but now she's regularly using profanity during thier idiotic traffic reports. The show is truly catering to a demographic which is just above the Beavis, and Butthead crowd. Someone should send Katie Green to elocution class. She speaks like a mush mouthed mall rat. If you want good quality radio just wait for Rush. That's what I do.
ReplyDeleteI actually got blocked from posting on KSFO's Facebook page about a year ago (presumably by Katie Green, who has the task of maintaining it) for repeatedly posting on there to complain about Sussman and Green's downright juvenile, ignorant and obnoxious antics. I if I recall, especially singled Green out for her inability to speak in little more than an overtly perky, loud, shrill, valley girl tone of voice. So in effect, you can suggest that Katie Green can "dish it out but she can exactly take it." Just about every time that I posted I must have immediately gotten my message deleted. I suppose that KSFO doesn't appreciate any decidedly different points of view or anything that's remotely negative towards whatever Brian Sussman and/or Katie Green had to say is allowed. That's in itself, flat out censorship and a message that I interpreted as being "Well, why are you listening in the first place if you don't agree with us!?" The funny thing is that Katie Green herself took the time to "apologize" after my first post on Facebook in regards to my not being entirely satisfied with KSFO's morning show tomfoolery.
DeleteEvery time Katie Green talks I switch the station. Her voice is grating. Too load and obnoxious. As if she is competing with Sussman.
ReplyDelete