Friday, September 16, 2016

Ask Rich Lieberman

Image result for TV Radio microphones at news conference415 Media -- Answering your questions about Bay Area TV/Radio/Internet ...I'll be here for a few hours because it's time to ask Rich Lieberman.












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99 comments:

  1. Rich that hate crime in Antioch how nobody noticed that the swastika was backwards. Or should I not know that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, Ass monkey, you should know that the perpetrator was probably a dumb bigot, that's all.

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    2. Ass Monkey...great name for a rock band..."Buttonwillow, are you ready to ROCK?!?"

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  2. What's up with KTVU's sound issues? Their bumper music is ridiculously loud (especially weather), Julie Haener's microphine fails almost nightly, and weather often sounds like it's coming from a barrel. I've seen better high school newscasts. All from the former "news leader" of the Bay Area.

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    Replies
    1. The entire KTVU News operation is a joke; it's mostly FOX for being cheap and hiring younger staff who put up misspelled graphics and engineers who don't know what the hell they're doing. I could go on but you get my point ..you get what you pay for.

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  3. Why can't the corporate people at Fox realize that they are ruining the reputation of KTVU? Can't they realize that they had a pretty good thing going before they took over and all they had to do was maybe make some minor tweaks. But no, Fox management had to make sweeping changes and look at FOX2 now, on-air staff is a mess im guessing behind the scenes people are not happy. I'm also guessing that Fox management are deflecting blame by pointing the finger to the KTVU staff. If that's the case that sucks.
    I used to be an avid viewer to the KTVU news and now I just check it here and there and watching more of the ABC7 news(Dan Ashley is the man!!)

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    Replies
    1. Because FOX doesn't care about legacy stations and their heritage, it's insanely foolish logic but it's no different in TV than in other businesses. Corporate feels the need to stamp their own brand on their assets even if that means wrecking something that isn't broken and that's what's going on at KTVU. It is also the reason everyone is paranoid over there because FOX is trimming and slashing, a great way to spark up morale.

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    2. Gee I can think of a scumulus like "radio" company that follows that same model. Aren't we all such a better informed and enlightened citizenry with these two brilliant companies guiding the way!

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  4. How much longer will viewers have to suffer thru the Roqui experiment before KPIX cans her?

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    Replies
    1. They've invested a lot in her; they've been running promos nonstop plus they won't want to admit to making a mistake so they're going to give her all the time she needs.

      That said, she's improved --she's no longer a total nincompoop and she's very attractive --if she can maintain this period she's probably safe for the immediate future.

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    2. Who is on your shortlist for talent they should have tapped for that role instead?

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    3. I don't know about "should have..." but could have? Erica Kato, George Rask, Sue Hall, just to name a few off the top of my head...clearly, PIX producer wanted to hire a younger woman of color (I reported that); it's just too bad in their hurry to get that hire on the air, they didn't bother to adequately train her, but that's PIX for you.

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    4. Erica is stunning and the clear pick... George is very smart

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  5. How has Radnich been able to keep his position on KRON? They are bad but he is far worse. Any thoughts?

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    Replies
    1. Because he's KRON's MVP and he still draws some eyes but clearly, he's mailing it in, he's even said as much. He mocks the very TV station he works for; I said a few weeks back I wouldn't be surprised if his days are numbered because of both his and KRON's status.

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    2. Mailing? More like carrier pigeon...for the better part of a decade. Still think he's trying to get fired or daring them to fire him...

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  6. Best weekday host in KGO Radio?

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    Replies
    1. None, although I like Rothmann (duh) and Pat Thurston.

      The weekday hosts I don't listen to that much only if Owens is doing a politics interview.

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  7. The "TV, Radio, Internet." is hidden against the dark background on the blogs header.

    Other then that, do you think broadcast radio will be around in 10 years, possibility in a worst state then it is now?

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    Replies
    1. Broadcast radio will be around simply because I don't think you can kill radio, it already exists--it's just that everything by then will be further marginalized.

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  8. Is it true? LARGE hands?

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  9. Do you feel Don Ohlmeyer fired you from Weekend Update due to your relentless O.J. Simpson jokes? It is well known Don and OJ were golfing buddies.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, Don would never do that, he's a good Christian man.

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    2. Your farewell appearance on Letterman was quite touching

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  10. Could Ralph ever come back 2 radio like 95.7 or is he done?

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    Replies
    1. In theory, Ralph is enjoying retirement and raising a son in Marin..so no, and 95.7 probably wouldn't try to bring him back, even on a scaled-down basis, but it would sure be fun.

      Say what you want about Ralph, he was always entertaining to listen to and the last of the real meaty sports-talk hosts here, I miss him.

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    2. I miss him too. I wish he'd come back and do a weekly 2 hour show on the weekends.

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  11. If given a choice to be stuck on an island with Radnich, Darya, or Pero, who and why?

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    Replies
    1. Probably Darya --get her opinion on the new Dunkin' Doughnuts in the Bay Area.

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    2. If I was older without much of a sex drive anymore I'd go with Radnich for the stories and conversation.

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    3. Of the three I bet Pero's better in the sack then the other two because, you know, practice...

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  12. What watering holes do local (KRON/KNTV/KTVU/KPIX/KGO) broadcasters favor?

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    Replies
    1. KRON/KGO, probably Grumpy's due to its proximity and Kokkari since I've seen Vicki Liviakis there...KTVU: I'm guessing Fat Lady and Kincaid's...KPIX used to maroon Hunan before their hours changed, but Old Ship is a good standby...KNTV, I don't know of any good bars where KNTV is but I'm sure some San Jose reader will chime in.

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    2. Some good places downtown are Britanna Arms, Scotty's, Fairmont Hotel and Original Joe's.

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  13. What was the infamous size listed on the infamous resume submitted by the KGO female talker?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That was a very, very long time ago and believe me, it didn't hurt. I don't know the numbers --I'll take the fifth too because I'm a respected media blogger.

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  14. I seem to remember a couple of years ago Pam Cook quit for a few months then returned. I don't remember any explanation for the event. Am I remembering correctly?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't believe you're correct but I wouldn't bet the toilet seat on it.

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  15. Have you considered renaming the comments section in honor of Ronnnnnnn Owen's 40 years at KGO?

    Perhaps something with the tagline, "Live from the Ronnnnnnn Owens comments section at 415 MEDIA".

    ReplyDelete
  16. What's the deal with Henry Tenenbaum and Mr. Russell from Russell's furniture jumping from KRON to KGO? Low KRON ratings? Impending KRON doom?

    They have been broadcasting their Saturday morning half hour for years on KRON and now you can find them doing the show on both KGO and KRON. Henry on 2 stations!! Show me another local media personality that can pull that off!

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    Replies
    1. Hank has that cornered, you are correct sir.
      KRON situation isn't related though.

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  17. What do you enjoy most about writing this blog?

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    Replies
    1. Well, for one, I'm a media consumer. I watch TV, listen to radio (even as drecky as it is) and having worked in media, I'm hungry for media news. I also like to give commentary and opinion because I know the Bay Area has a need and thirst for that subject. Nobody covers the media, at least fulltime, and I like to think I can fill a void.

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    2. Of course you can fill a void Mr. Large Hands. So modest.

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  18. I have thought that if KRON crumbles, Stanley Roberts gig would make a decent You Tube channel with a few adjustments. What do you think?

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    Replies
    1. Yeah, but then he'd have to fund it, and that's no easy task; just ask Rich...

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  19. 2 questions,

    What was the last autobiography Rich Lieberman read?

    Favorite comedian?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 1. I read the Kitty Kelly unauthorized bio on Frank Sinatra simply because at the time she was threatened by Sinatra and his people...I also read the Jackie O book since she was such an iconic figure of the 60's and 70's.

      Favorite comedian: well, when he was alive, George Carlin. Chris Rock makes me laugh now. Don Rickles in his hey day put me in tears...Robin Williams was my favorite contemporary comic --a genius, especially when he was on Carson.

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    2. Carlin and Carson were classics and are missed. Loved Carlin's take on the news when he was alive. He would had a ball with the current candidates!

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  20. I googled your twitter handle one time and found some fake accounts, who do you think is busting you up on this? You must be hitting a nerve. Keep it up. Thanks

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    Replies
    1. The Internet is home to Neanderthals and yes, even they have infected yours truly, but it's part of the territory --just as long as they spell my name right.

      Thanks for the thumbs-up.

      Delete
  21. Darya, Roberta and Veronica are sitting at a bar having a drink. Which one does Larry Biel try to take home for a one night stand?

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    Replies
    1. Well, I don't know Larry's peccadillos (if any) and I'm quite certain his wife would object but maybe I'm not in this rodeo, someone enlighten me ...or not.

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  22. some tv stations mottos are... our practice is your air product.. assign it to the station of your choice...

    ReplyDelete
  23. Gary Radnich today denied everything you ever wrote about him. He says in 35 years at KRON,NOT ONCE have they ever told him a thing or complained about what he said.
    He also says he and Kathy have no problems and will be doing New Years.
    What do you think of his recent many denials ?
    Me? I once heard him say somebody was "A close friend" seriously while at the very same time that "friend" was so angry at Radnich he thought of suing him.
    Or- the time he went on KNBR and said I threatened him. Another lie of his without a blink.
    What do you say?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stan, he also said he never reads blogs and has never set foot in the Tenderloin. I rest my case.

      Radnich is in denial and he exaggerates what's going on behind closed doors, maybe he just can't grasp Amy McCombs doesn't run KRON anymore and Herb Dudnick the same. Just like he says, "Buster Brown" gig.

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    2. Easy: Radnich has Trump Hands...enough said...

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    3. "Kathy" has told me she isn't even thinking about him anymore and just avoids him. She will do New Years if asked because it's part of the job and she likes being employed, but that's a far cry from "nothing's wrong."

      Oh, and she hates being called Kathy. She's Catherine. With a "C."

      Delete
  24. If I had a super juicy piece of gossip, what's the best way to get a hold of you? Say this gossip requires a sit down or phone conversation in order to parse through the scandalous details, could something like that be arranged?

    I know you've said in the past that you won't post certain information. What kind of things won't you publish? Because this will bring a lot of attention to you and you'd be in the spotlight. Would you protect your source (me)?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. E-mail me: Rich.Lieberman@Gmail.com

      I protect all my sources --all.

      Yes, we can arrange things/meetings/conversation.
      Your move, maestro.

      Delete
  25. What is the current state of satellite radio? Is it successful, or did it turn out to be a dud like the skeptics thought?

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    Replies
    1. Sirius has about 11.5M paid subscribers and is doing very well by all Industry standards.
      I don't think it was ever a dud but it did have its issues during the downturn in the auto industry in 2008 and 09.

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    2. It is not doing well. It has so many "paid subscribers" because they play games like not letting you out of your subscription even when they promise they will, until you go to your state attorney general. They also re-sign you up and bill you and claim you asked for it. They have been banned from doing business in several states and there's a movement to do this in California, only we don't really have an AG and haven't in a long time. Otherwise they'd be toast.

      Google them some time if you don't believe me. Their service reps actually keep your account active even when you cancel because they are dinged personally if anyone closes out an account on their name. Sort of like the reps at Wells Fargo creating phone accounts just so they look better to the public, because the analysts don't look deeply into the stats, they just look at subscriptions/sales, numbers which are easy to game.

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    3. Oh God yes.This happenend to me when I tried to get out of one their contracts.They renewed and billed me twice.I couldn't get them to refund my money,and then they got a collection agency to "go after" me.Never again!!!

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    4. I love my XM radio. Everything from Fantasy Football to Sinatra.

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  26. Why was Greg Poppa co-broadcasting the Giants game last night - don't tell me they are trying him out for a permanent gig - that would be terrible - he doesn't have a radio voice.

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    1. Because Jon Miller took the night off and Dave Flemming was on "assignment" for ESPN. Announcers needed, Papa has done baseball pbp before with the A's and Giants.

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    2. "Pence hits a line drive..the Giants are on the board". THAT was Greg Papa's HR call!..weak!! What next for a HR call?.."And,that will be an additional run for the Giants" ? Oh,the excitement!
      Papa as the saying goes, should not give up his day job. Or Sunday job.

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    3. Jon Miller did NOT "take the night off" -- he was attending a funeral. and yes Flemming was calling college football. Papa on TV was pretty good but Affeldt on the radio with Kuip was funny, astute comments on the pitchers and game and just a bit outside the pro lines. rich - why are you always so critical of the giants broadcasters ???

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    4. Correction about Miller noted; you're gonna hate Saturday's column as I take Miller to task.

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  27. Is it me or is Ama Daetz looking even more gorgeous in front of the new ABC7 backdrop?

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  28. Who do you think will be the heir to Julie Haener's position as the top news anchor for KTVU? Are they really grooming Heather Holmes for this position someday, or will they bring in someone new someday?

    What do you think will become of Rosemary Orozco whom you've made mention of in the past? Will she remain as eye candy for KTVU as it appears she been for the past few years, or perhaps something more?

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    Replies
    1. Haener's not the top now.

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    2. It better be Heather.

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    3. She is definitely eye candy..but if you really listen to her you can tell she's no Steve Paulson or even Mark Tomayo...she's boring..There no personality there..but considering FOXification she probably has a secure gig.

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    4. Holmes thinks she's a star, I think she's a lightweight. KTVU thinks more the former I guess because she's clearly pegged for Haener's gig whenever that happens ...Orozco is an up-and-comer even though she has work to accomplish.

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    5. Haener > holmes

      Orozco > holmes

      Haener and Orozco? Put your hands together!

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  29. Wow, just watching KGO7 News @ 5 and they had a report from Oakland Schools and I see John Sasaki being interviewed. Now I know why...

    Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) announces the hiring of John Sasaki as Director of Communications, effective Monday, August 8.

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    Replies
    1. He's not alone, the GG Bridge spokesperson is Priya David, formerly of KTVU and Rachel Gordon, SF PWD PR Person used to write for the Chronicle. The pay is better and more security. Media is no fun anymore.

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    2. Don't forget Ann Notorangelo is now spokesperson for evil Shell refinery.
      I wondered what happened to her job as spokesperson for Contra Costa County? That lasted only 7 months.
      Radnich soon to be up as spokes person for "Overpriced Cars of European descent" Where you show off by paying 10x the cost of a brake job for yer braggart car. Plenty like Radnich to relate too...

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  30. Rich, what ever happened to creativity in commercial advertising these days? I understand ads and even station promotion are done on the cheap these days but that said, it still doesn't account for dull commercials and mediocre station promotion. Even recent super bowl commercials just aren't that good..Am I missing something?

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    Replies
    1. No, you're not. I just think it's a sign of the times; almost everything is on the cheap now, there's no creativity and a lot of mediocrity --welcome to the new world.

      Delete
  31. At the height of his powers, say 10 yrs ago, why didn't Papa get a national gig? A poor man's Bill King. His charming personality hold him back? Still the smartest sportscaster in the area. I know, not saying much.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like Greg Papa but the networks thinks he's too regional.

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  32. Greg Papa? Giants? What? Please tell me I'm waking up from a bad...nap.

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  33. Remember KTVU reporter/weekend anchor John Susaki? He's working for the Oakland School District as spokesperson and what not.

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  34. Rich in your heart of hearts...Do you think that the Raiders might leave for Las Vegas???

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    1. I'll believe it when I see the $750M on the table; there's been a lot of talk so far, no cattle. That said, Las Vegas could certainly support an NFL team and the Raiders national appeal would mean tickets would sell out and attendance wouldn't be an issue (at least initially); again, there's loads of hurdles like, uh, public resistance to subsidizing billionaire stadiums and NFL owners approving the move with the gambling issue.

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