Mark Ibanez is close to signing a three-year re-up at KTVU where the veteran sports anchor has been since 1979. That's 35 years. That's a lot of staying power --if you're a fan of Ibanez, (like me) don't celebrate just yet.
A source close to the Bay Area native told me nothing is official yet. As a matter of fact, the source told 415 Media that another station in the Bay Area has flirted with Ibanez about coming over across the bay. I was asked not to name the station in exchange for the information but I can tell you the outlet is sincere about courting Ibanez.
My gut says that Ibanez would prefer to stay at KTVU even though KTVU's ownership, (Fox), has changed and management is new. That's not an issue. In fact, Ibanez is said to have a "great" relationship with hard-nosed GM, Gregg Kelley, who came from Boston's WFXT.
"Right now, it's 80-20 that Mark stays", said the source. "He lives in Napa and has a very comfortable lifestyle and the thought of him leaving Channel 2 would mean the other station would really have to make him an offer he couldn't refuse."
Ibanez' contract is up April 1.
Stay tuned. We should know in about a week or so.
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He's a good dude. And staying at KTVU means he doesn't have to deal with the Bay Bridge during his commute.
ReplyDeleteIf it is another Bay Area station what does living in Napa have to do with anything?
ReplyDeleteIf he went to KNTV, that'd make for a long commute, other then that, it does seem like it makes no difference, since KGO and PIX aren't far travel wise from KTVU.
Delete9:58 - what a stuped question. It's just part of the story.
Delete9:58 AM - lots, if you compare the commute to Oakland from Napa, as opposed to, say KNTV in San Jose. That's easily another 30 minutes without traffic. And going over the Bay Bridge into the city from 80 is always a madhouse, seven days a week.
ReplyDeleteRich, you already blogged that KGO-TV wanted to hire him so why the big secrecy all of a sudden? Jeez. You sound silly.
ReplyDeleteKTVU is a sinking ship. Get the f*** out while you can. Once in everyone's lives, you get courted. Take advantage of the situation and since it's late in your career, you can leave on a high note. If you stay any longer at KTVU, you'll be promoting "The Simpsons" on your sportscasts because there's a sports angle on an upcoming show. Doh!
ReplyDeleteKTVU a sinking ship, only in Rich Lieberman's dreams. All the local stations are more or less in the same boat.
DeleteKTVU has been a strong #1 for over a decade. With the changes Fox is making they will be middle of the pack in 2 years.
DeleteNapa .... to Jack London square .... is not an easy commute.
ReplyDeleteGridlocked 80 freeway. Easily over an hour plus.
No BART options.
He probably doesn't have to commute during peak times.
DeleteGary Radnich #1!
ReplyDeleteGary Radnich #1, at spewing a bunch of #2.
DeleteNo. 1 jackass.
Delete247 must be a KNBR kiss-ass or a KRON shoe shiner.
DeleteSince good ole Rich reported Wenger and Griego from PIX will have baby bumps, why does he report Ibanez and Griffith were together at one time?
ReplyDeleteYawn!! who cares, he's a guy who reads a teleprompter for 2 minutes, then goes home.
ReplyDeleteIn today's reality, I don't know why any local station would bother with sports. I watch ESPN, and then Comcast Sports whatever-it-is-called for more in-depth, non-east coast bias, local sports news.
ReplyDeleteTwo more signs of "Foxification" at KTVU: (1) a promo is now running about KTVU News over the years -- they work "Fox 2" into the montage -- this must be a signal that "KTVU Channel 2 News" soon will become "Fox 2 News". (2) Sat. 1/17/15 - "Ten o'clock News" - ran a 1-2 minute piece before 10:30 p.m.about some East Coast police office who sings along to popular music on his dashboard camera. How the heck is a funny YouTube video "news"? Am I missing the point -- or does KTVU Channel 2 Fox News aspire to be a local version of "Right This Minute"? How is a police office 3,000 miles away who sings along to popular music newsworthy?! Or is this weekend edition going to be re-titled "The Ken & Heather Show"? KTVU seem to be auditioning for a parody of a news broadcast -- in other words it's becoming an interchangeable, vapid local American newscast of 2015.
ReplyDelete