CBS-SF TV and Radio reporter, Mike Sugerman told his fans that he was retiring from the company after 37 years and headed to NY."I'm going away," Sugerman said on Facebook.
I didn't buy it. Sugerman's reason, that is.
Still don't.
The fact of the matter was that Sugerman's move was hastened by CBS, like a lot of media companies, doesn't like paying top dollar to those people in the twilight of their career. It's unfortunate, sometimes, but it's true.
Any doubt? Ask these people.
I knew that but in Sugerman's case, I was tipped off by a source, who told me it was "100 percent' certain" that the CBS honchoes were not about to offer a new contract to the veteran SF reporter. And even if they did, it would contain a significant financial cutback.
So, yes, while Sugerman publically is "retiring" he's really reacting to CBS' missive.
CORRECTION: In that same piece on Friday, I speculated that Sugerman didn't inform his wife, KCBS anchor, Janice Wright, about his decision --I was wrong. In fact, Wright is headed back east with Sugerman.
But that doesn't change the dynamics. The Sugerman move was accelerated by money and time. Those are the issues I laid out Friday. Might be tough for Mike's amen corner and the trades, but it's the truth.
He had a unique style, which I'll kinda miss. If he leaves the business for good, I wonder if he'll go full (post-retirement David) Letterman with the facial hair? Sugerman never seemed to have a cozy relationship with his razor!
ReplyDeleteWell I wish him and his wife the best either way. Off topic I'm dying to know when you think the Chronicle print edition will cease. Not only will Chronicle employees lose their jobs but I've heard the company that prints it will lose over 90% of their business. It'd be nice to give the employees some warning.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you... I've enjoyed Mikes reporting and he has always been a gentleman in my interactions with him. Mike for me is a slice of old SF which gave Ch 5 some class - let's face it class has drained out of SF's broadcast vanes for a long time now...
DeleteI don't think the Chronicle will survive solely on line - let's face it is already dead...
Considering the lack of reporting the Chron is just supporting the old timers with a paycheck until it fails totally. I'm more curious as to how Walgreens is gong to handle their spiel there is a discount coupon in most weekend papers (oh really what papers) so Walgreens needs to get off their behind and make other arrangements. I never would pay $3 for a nothing paper to get a $1 off coupon.
The Chron might be worth it if you are crazy enough to want to move to SF to find over priced housing but most of us here would not be in that category...
It's derisively called The Comical for good reason. Some of their writers are very talented. Some should consider driving for Lyft or Uber
DeleteSugerman doesn't like the fact of KCBS hiring all the ex-KGO'er's to come work for them, especially Bristow. I know this for a fact.
ReplyDelete.... and why would he take issue with this???
DeleteDo tell.
People still have to pay the rent.
DeleteI call BS on this, Rich. You seemed okay with Mike until he took you to task for some stuff in your column. Typical trajectory. Now you write a column that suggests he's moving WITHOUT his wife (then gallantly cross it off) PLUS infer that he has some major problems of some kind, indicative of gossipy dirt. NOW you backpedal and say CBS didn't want to spend big bucks on his contract. Gee, not very juicy now is it? In point of fact, his new grandbaby is out in the world and it's time for a change. Did his contract force that decision? Maybe, but it's none of our god damn business frankly. I'm quite confident that it has nothing to do with the assertions of the "staffer"; regarding the current hiring practices of KCBS (which is really only a sidebar to his main job at KPIX) "Gee whiz, I sure don't like that they hired Bristow to fill-in once in awhile. I know, I'll quit and move to New York!" Fact: he's a fantastic human being. Like him or not, he's uniquely talented at what he does and will be missed. Just not by you I guess.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to Sugerman where ever he goes.
ReplyDeleteHey Rich,please consider doing another Q & A....we had a real blast last time,who knows the "genuine man" from 810 may just chime in. As of late he's had quite a bit to say.
Speaking of local news.have you heard rumors that KRON's couple of recent big exclusives- including the Hooker of dozens of cops interviews are paid for? I wonder how little KRON got the drop? If talent- great. But was she slipped a few $100 bills?
ReplyDeleteWhat a bunch of bullshit. Sugerman may have come off as swarmy, but what's wrong with veteran broadcasters? Too much money? What bilge. You want professionals or amateurs? The San Francisco market is looking less and less like a major market. I'll bet that TV news is better in places like Cedar Rapids or Sioux City compared to this place.
ReplyDeleteAs for the Chronicle, it's more and more of a joke every day. Makes one long for the days of the old San Francisco Progress.
Until yesterday, I did not know that Janice Wright was married to Mike S. Mike Sugerman seems like a gentle, nice guy on TV. However, Janice comes across like brute with a mean streak attitude on the radio. I literally tuned out of KCBS radio when she is on air.
ReplyDelete