Phil Matier and Andy Ross, the Chronicle's Investigative dynamic duo, "Matier and Ross", are the most powerful figures in Bay Area media.One of the town's leading PR figures, (the person asked for anonymity), noted Matier in particular with his multiple platforms, (KPIX, KCBS), carries huge cachet in SF media circles and beyond.
"On the BART strike and its aftermath alone, both the unions and management felt the wrath of their, (M&R), reporting. I'm sure BART was just thrilled the public got wind of the $3 grand cost of sandwiches.", offered the PR person.
Beyond the BART imbroglio, Matier and Ross were all over the new Bay Bridge fiasco and its continuing issues involving safety.
More than just having name access to some of the biggest and most influential politicians in both the city and Sacramento, the pair can often set the tone of the day's biggest news story and subsequent pick-up by newspapers and TV and radio.
Sometimes this access can be problematic particularly when it involves Willie Brown who is a frequent mention in Matier and Ross' column and appears regularly every Friday morning with Matier on KCBS and KPIX too. Then again, stories like this tend to lend credence to the notion that Brown tries diligently not to appear overly cozy with SF's Woodward and Bernstein. Skeptics wonder what would happen if Brown were to become the target of an investigation, how would Matier and Ross cover it, or would they? Of course they would.
*Whoever is responsible for the PR over at KGO-TV must be asleep at the wheel or severely incapable of doing their job. The ABC O and O station at 900 Front continues not to even acknowledge the situation affecting one of its longest-tenured reporters, Heather Ishimaru, who recently suffered a stroke and is unable to speak. Presumably, KGO is sensitive to possible pending litigation involving Ishimaru and management. That's understandable but saying nothing is both insulting and insensitive, not only to its viewers but employees too.
We hope this policy might be altered soon.
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Common for media outlets to clam up during pending litigation. What 's unique here is very nature of Heather's claim. In essence, I am sick. My boss made me sick. Big trouble for ND Tracey Watkowski. Disney can and will clean out middle managers like Tracey for negative publicity. The newsroom must be a mess!
ReplyDeleteOne would hope, one would pray, but Tracey, like any other savage cat, always seems to land on her feet.
DeleteOne of the reasons I left the business is that after 15 years, I noted the really awful people tend to survive and even thrive, and the able, talented people who just want to make good TV get squashed. They eventually leave. Most of the people I respected are gone. Most of the ones I loathed are still there, many (like Tracey) more powerful than they were when I split.
It's truly an industry full of sickos.
At 10:38 AM, don't for a second think your former media employer is unique. This Peter Principle technique is rampant in almost every business sector. I've survived some and been squashed by some. They are everywhere. Don't we all wonder at times how someone ever got to be where they are?
DeleteWhat is there for them to acknowledge?
ReplyDeleteThat a lawyer claims that Ishamu was planning to file a lawsuit against her employer? So far, no lawsuit has been filed. Where's the story?
Matier and Ross, unlike Rich Lieberman, report real, confirmed stories.
Hey, bozo, read the post.
DeleteThis has ZERO to do with legal matters.
Ms. Ishimaru suffered a serious medical issue. KGO-TV has not acknowledged this. Ms. Ishimaru is one of their reporters and is on their AIR. Normally, this is simple common sense. You obviously have none of that or maybe you're a KGO mgt. troll.
This has ZERO to do with legal matters?
DeleteLieberman is the one who breathlessly reported, immediately after her reported stroke [in a Lieberman "exclusive"] that Ishimaru was planning to file a lawsuit against KGO.
For someone who is so concerned about common decency, one can question Lieberman's eagerness to publish his story about possible litigation so soon after Ms. Ishamaru had been stricken.
"Breathlessly?" Hardly. It was a simple post.
DeleteAfter learning through her attorney, Angela Alioto, that she was intending to file suit, I then reported that as an "exclusive", yes because it is/was "news." Not all news is pleasant, like this, but thanks for noting it.
The poster at 10:02 makes a legitimate point, yet there is Lieberman name calling. Like the petty little man that he is.
DeleteHey Lieberman, read the room.
Didn't Gene Burns suffer a stroke on the day KGO radio fired him and escorted him out of Front Street? From which he never recovered? I hope someone plans to sue them.
ReplyDeleteI'm no fan of the new KGO, considering the fired my favorite hosts, Gene and John Rothman, even liked Gil back then. I'm pretty sure Gene had a stroke a few weeks after he was fired,(early Dec. 2011) although I read the day of the firing he was so distraught someone had to help him to his car. 910 signed a contract for him to start a show in Jan 2012, however he was never on the radio again, because of the stroke, and later he had an even more severe stroke. I don't think he would have grounds for suing, due to the fact, that he was in ill health before he had the stroke, he had diabetes, and had a history of falling all of sudden, which suggest mini strokes.
DeleteListen idiot,
ReplyDeleteThe Heather Ishimaru issue at ABC7 is an in-house issue. Her colleagues are broken up about it but what is there to say? The information in your post is exactly what is going on. You've already said it. What more do you want? An on-air acknowledgment? Not gonna happen. If that's what you are looking for, then you are more stupid than I thought you were.
You are fishing in an empty pond.
As for Matier, that guy is a grad-A pompous asshole. He's also a helicopter parent who butts his nose into his kids' school affairs constantly. Just ask the teachers at PHS.
Of course you have every right to be so brave behind the safety of your keyboard.
DeleteAnd you also have a right to be an asshole too.
Go kiss up to the other brown noses at 900 Front, you imbecile.
10:27 has to be Tracey! Keep digging she's the Chris Christie of SF TV news!
Delete@10:27 is entirely right, this is an in-house matter and at this point is no more than a he says/she says dispute. Lieberman has repeatedly tried to suggest that Ms. Ishimaru's health problems were caused by her work problems at KGO which is no more than irresponsible speculation on his part.
DeleteIt is also possible that Ms. Ishimaru's health problems created problems in the work place. I don't have any real facts but neither does Lieberman.
It's laughable that Rich creates stories based on things other people (people at KGO) haven't done.
I did NOT "try to suggest" Heather's medical issue was caused by her work problems at KGO! Ironically, I simply called her bosses to inquire of her whereabouts since I hadn't seen her on air...it was then I was informed by three separate sources that she'd been having issues at the station and that days before she planned on filing a lawsuit, she suffered a stroke. I make no connection between those events and have never written as such. It's YOU that make that assertion not me.
DeleteAnd by the way, I have no issues with most of the fine people at KGO--it's still a great operation. It's the news director and news managers that I might have issues with and, apparently, many others in the TV newsroom there.
Dear Mr. Lieberman,
DeleteIt is disappointing that you pretend to have had no intention to link Ms. Ishamaru's work place dispute with her health problems. Here are your own words:
Days before she suffered a serious stroke, KGO-TV reporter, Heather Ishimaru, was about to file a hostile work-environment lawsuit against the station, according to well-placed broadcast sources close to Channel 7.
The same piece also included the following:
"She, (Ishimaru), wrote three letters to management, (News Director, Tracey Watkowski and Assistant ND, Stephainie Adrouney), about some work-related issues then suddenly she had her medical setback," Alioto said.
Anyone who reads your piece understands the reason you repeatedly mention Ishamura's serious health problems in the context of her work place problems, to suggest a direct nexus between the two. That's the message you created and to pretend otherwise is foolish and unconvincing.
Hey Bumphead, the quote you attribute comes from Angela Alioto, Ms. Ishimaru's attorney! It's a direct quote.
DeleteYou, bozo brain, are the person "suggesting" the nexus--maybe all of this would be cleared up if KGO were to clarify, but oh wait...
Rich, you absolutely tried to imply that Heather Ishimaru's stroke was a result of stress caused by KGO management.
DeleteAfter my father had a heart operation, he was driven up the wall by people calling and visiting him. He just wanted to be left alone to recover. Let Heather Ishimaru do the same.
Oh, please.
DeleteRich, what's missing here is an important fact that you and others seem to miss. KGO-TV, like any other reputable business, is NOT in any position to release or acknowledge a private and personal medical matter. It's also the law. Last year who often wrote about a radio person, or persons, with personal medical problems and you wouldn't divulge specifics because of privacy concerns. What's different here? Did Heather personally ask you to write about her private medical issues or did you choose to out her condition yourself?
ReplyDeleteBy virtue of her job, Heather is a public person.
DeleteAnd no, she did not "ask" me to report her medical issue--it was told to me, privately, by a concerned co-worker.
Add to that she's one of the station's most recognizable reporters. I reported her issue(s) and subsequent situation because I believe, (as do others) that it's fair game and there is genuine concern about her status now and in the future.
Lieberman's claim that "Heather is a public person," has no bearing on the fact that KGO-TV, like any other reputable business, is NOT in any position to release or acknowledge a private and personal medical matter. It would be illegal for them to do so, regardless of how Rich Lieberman happens to feel about it.
DeleteYou mean then it was "illegal" for Rush Limbaugh's employer to acknowledge he had suffered a heart attack a few years back in Hawaii?
DeleteWhat's really missing here is no HEART for a 15-year employee. Its all about feeding the news beast with Tracey at the helm. Russ Coughlin must be rolling over in his grave!
DeleteI don't know the facts concerning Limbaugh's heart attack but clearly Lieberman is unaware of the legal responsibility of employers to protect the privacy of their employee's personal health information.
DeleteWhat makes this any different than you respecting Jennifer Jones-Lee's privacy (a "medical" condition you learned only because a co-worker dimed) and this thing with Heather Ishimaru? They're both "public people"
DeleteThis is the reason Matier and Ross are widely respected print journalists while Rich Lieberman writes a little blog that spews his personal opinions about everything that's wrong in the world today.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the plug about the "little" blog that you took the time to write to.
DeleteDelicious irony, mate.
Great points, Rich. Good column.
ReplyDeleteImpressed Mr. Lieberman..this is my first time checking out your blog after you suggested last evening. You seem to know what your talking about and your articles have substance. I'll be checking you out more often.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mrs. Lieberman.
DeleteUh, I wish.
DeleteThat is quite a stank eye Matier is working in that picture.
ReplyDeleteLike all has said = NOTHING on Heather but M and R jumped all over the Woodside HS Basketball hazing issue even tho THAT too has elements that should be held inside. Smh
ReplyDeleteSomeone explain the legal liability of acknowledging the illness of a long time reporter. By staying silent, it looks nasty and like they have something to hide. I'd like to know if the silence is being dictated by local management or The Mouse.
ReplyDeleteMost likely The Mouse and The Mouse will most likely settle.
DeleteBy staying silent, management avoids violating HIPAA and incurring extremely onerous penalties. Since you obviously know nothing about HIPPA, you'd be well advised to learn about it before concocting conspiracy theories:
Deletehttp://www.ama-assn.org//ama/pub/physician-resources/solutions-managing-your-practice/coding-billing-insurance/hipaahealth-insurance-portability-accountability-act/hipaa-violations-enforcement.page
Be sure to notice that the penalty for " violation due to willful neglect" can be as much as $50,000 for a single violation.
1:59: It's not private if the employee's lawyer announces to the world she had a stroke. When we hear about public figures private business it's usually because the person makes a direct statement or through their rep. Get a clue. KGO doesn't need to give a status update or say what the illness is, just an acknowedgment that one of their own is out I'll and they ish them well. Otherwise t looks really small, petty and really bad.
Delete1:57: I suspect you are correct because this makes them look awful and The Mouse hates mess.
> Someone explain the legal liability of acknowledging the illness of a long time reporter.
DeleteI'm a lawyer, and seriously, I could, and there's lots, but I don't feel like doing that much typing.
Suffice it to say it's the equivalent of a cop telling you "You have the right to remain silent." Even if you can say something you think exonerates you, keep your gap shut. They will find a way to screw you with it, it's their job. It funds their summer homes in Key West.
4:17: Ridiculous. It costs them nothing to wish her a speedy recovery, period. They don't have to give a health update, specifics about the illness, or any other personal info. Ignoring it is uncivilized but then you are an attorney.
DeleteApparently everyone is asleep at the wheel on Rich's favorite story, the Asiana crash and burn. One of the three who got tossed to the curb just did a big investigative report on the Bay Bridge mess--guess he recovered nicely. And apparently the guy who got shoved out over a Tweet sent out a Tweet earlier this week saying he got hired full-time.
ReplyDeleteYeah, at PIX.
DeleteIf I'm asked to comment on some employee who is about to sue me I'm not saying shit.
ReplyDeleteMuch of this crap is now on NewsBlues, and the 900 Front troops read Uncle Richie. Has anyone stated Tracey is professional? Admired? A motivator? Ok, how about just a decent human being? The silence sums it up.
DeleteRichie- I know this is off-topic, but why are you giving fat-face Raddy a pass these days? His Las Vegas lounge act wore thin many years ago. He does nothing but crack but bad one-liners, talk vacantly about cross culture BS, and take backhanded shots at any and all radio and TV talent in the bay area. Why does he have to be so insecure? What does he have to be insecure about? He's worked at TV station for 30 years, and at the top sports radio station for 20 plus! What the F is he worried about? And I really get tired of his nonsensical reply to any sports event he doesn't like: NOBODY CARES! Actually Gary, YOU don't care. The rest of us would like to hear something about sports rather than the nonsense you delve into.
ReplyDeleteYour're just another one who does not get his act. Your the one in charge. If you do not like what you are hearing, you have 2 buttons, change the station or turn it off.
DeleteI agree with 5:25. I can't stand Radnich either but I just stopped listening. It's really easy to do!
DeleteWas Bozo on the website today?
ReplyDeleteWhose Bozo? I'm late to the party!
DeleteI used to work with Phil. Not only is he smart, he's really just an overall nice guy. He's always upbeat and just a pleasure to work with. I learned a lot from him. Hardest working reporter in the Bay Area, hands down.
ReplyDeleteListening to Phil Matier on KCBS is a highlight of the morning and evening commutes except when Willie Brown is on. Ick. He is a politician, not a public servant. Ick.
ReplyDeleteI don't get all the Rich-bashing on this thread. I don't think Rich is suggesting that KGO as a LEGAL...or even MORAL responsibility to mention Heather's situation.
ReplyDeletethink all he's asking/suggesting is that KGO lacks the professional courtesy to mention her. After all, don't all stations brag about everyone being "family?" Hell, anytime a reporter or anchor is pregnant...or has a baby....or celebrates an annviversary...stations typically run a quick VO at the end of the cast--or on the mornings/weekends. Anytime someone suffers a medical condition, stations typically run a quick VO "We want to let you know about Joe Schmoe....he had a minor stroke...but we're happy to say he's recovering nicely. We wish him a speedy recovery from all of us here at KKKK" etc.
I think THIS is what Rich is wondering about.
It's what I'M wondering about myself.
Considering lawyers are probably already involved, the last the KGO-TV wants to add to the list is a HIPAA violation. That by no means does them any good and Ishimaru could turn around and hit them for causing emotional distress and who knows what else.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a lawyer but I believe the HIPPA law only prohibits medical personnel from disclosing specific details about a patient's condition without that person's permission or that of a guardian if the person is incapacitated.
ReplyDeleteNothing prohibits family from calling some one to say John Doe had a stroke or heart attack... John was injured in a car crash and needs a blood transfusion, prayers, visits etc. The person who finds that out isn't prohibited from passing the news on to friends and co-workers.
I don't think a station or employer is prohibited from saying someone was injured. If that was true professional sports teams could never say things like a player was taken to a hospital for an MRI and will be out for three weeks after everyone in the stadium or TV audience saw the incident.
Frequently doctors hold news conferences to discuss a person's condition and they're never punished. Hospitals often facilitate those events
Again, people. Ishimaru's lawyer has already made her client's condition public. There is NOTHING preventing KGO from wishing her a speedy recovery on the air. Nothing except a complete lack of class and concern..
ReplyDeleteI respect Matier and Ross but I think Willie Brown would somehow get a pass. He's probably got pix of one them and a farm animal. The guy is SO slimey and corrupt - if he hasn't been caught by now he'll get away with his life of crime disguised as public service.
ReplyDeleteIn order for a doctor to release or discuss the medical circumstances of a patient, the patient has to explicitly waive privilege.see HIPAA
ReplyDelete