Smoke and Mirrors at KTVU/Fox 2

*A Longtime KTVU reporter who requested anonymity because they feared reprisal from the idiots running the Jack London Square asylum:

"we're a sad-sack news operation--we've reached the journalistic abyss. It's really bad around here. The worst I've seen in some time."

It's one thing to blame the FOX miscreants for turning KTVU into a TV News house of ill repute; they have. But senior staff, including those who work on the air are the biggest station sellouts --they have gone out of their way to sell out and kiss major ass to the suits working upstairs, more so some of those who have major influence at the Fox station.





 

Idiotic and Mentallly Challenged KTVU 'MO2' Spends Ten Minutes on the fact It's February 29; Whoa Nelli

 "Mornings on 2" --KTVU/Fox 2's program for people with serious mental disorders--took another turn for the worse on Monday. Yahoo anchors, Dave Clark and house diva Gasia Mikaelian performed their usual camera mugging-- standard operating procedure for the gruesome twosome.

Then they did one better. Gabby Gasia and her partner-in-crime, OJ Simpson buddy, Dave Clark devoted a ten-minute bit to the fact it's FEB. 29!

Yeah, you see, a leap year, whoa boy, that's rare. I mean, it only happens once every four years! Just a phenomena folks, what? Does KTVU think you guys are a bunch of idiots? Why yes, they do.

Devote 10 minutes to Feb. 29 day; Talk like pirates; speak to a ventriloquist --No wonder Paulson wants to get the hell out of town, FOX2 has officially entered into Napa State hospital.

Call the doctors--MORON ALERT!

Oscars? Not Really

 OSCARS SNOOZE

So, here's the deal. Before recent history I would make it a point to watch the Oscars; not because I'm a regular film goer; I'm not. On average, I'll go to the movies to see some off-beat films but even those are infrequent because, frankly, the quality of movies has declined and the whole, see-it-on-the big screen has become a hassle. Too much heavy lifting.

Plus, I was never much into award shows. First, in the case of Hollywood, there's hardly any real movie stars that exist today. Maybe Jack Nicholson but even Jack doesn't do the Oscars anymore and Meryl Streep is in the twilight of her career.

The diversity issue and hullabaloo over that will have a central them on Sunday night and that's why my viewing with be confined to Chris Rock's opening monologue. I will watch that, because, like everyone else, I expect Rock to really trash the Oscars.

After Rock, it's switcheroo --and I have a feeling I won't be the only one.

415 Media Expansion Plans

 YOU ARE READING 415 MEDIA IN RECORD NUMBERS--DOCUMENTED RECORD NUMBERS ...Now, in the coming months, you'll be rewarded with the onset of 'Rich Lieberman 415 Media TV' ...or something like that, we haven't formalized the name but we continue to plan for something awesome and unique down the road.

It'll be raw, live, and original and it'll tackle things you will NEVER see or explored on traditional media.

The HOTTEST INSIDE material; the behind-the-scenes info; all the major celebrities not just here but everywhere else--we GO NATIONAL too.

I will keep you informed of the launch.

As they say, stay tuned.

Have a Great and Easy Weekend

{LIONEL RICHIE}

Thank You for supporting 415 Media

72 Hours Of Angst at KGO Radio

 *Angst in the KGO Radio newsroom; senior level reporters and PM news anchors are especially weary of something happening

*New PD Anthony rumored to begin his game plan (whatever that is)

*Source: Anthony doesn't want an "old KGO"--meaning, hiring some of the old talk hosts isn't part of the playbook, for now

*Anthony vs. Lee Hammer; Anthony is PD, but Hammer is Opps MGR. No power struggle but its known Hammer has final say on most personnel moves

*Ronn Owens future ever more murkier as health issues surface

*Cumulus last day of the month is notorious for surprises --especially Feb. 29.

*Developing...

I Wonder What Trump Would Say About KGO Radio

This is The Donald skewering rightist talk-show host, Hugh Hewitt, during Thursday night's GOP debate in Houston.

Geez, I'd love to hear what he'd (Trump) say about KGO. Ronnnnn? The Dreck Show --"JJ", the morning news giggler.

YUGE!

Marco Rubio and Donald Trump; Unscripted

{CNN}

By far, the most entertaining Hollywood production ever.

Dave Brubeck's Take the A Train; Thursday PM 415 Media Video Finale

About as good as it gets.

Get out the bottle of cab and turn up the speakers.

And thank you for supporting 415 Media.

Now enjoy.

This is Quintessential San Francisco

THIS IS QUINTESSENTIAL SAN FRANCISCO.

Not the urban mush that is today. Not the TV/Radio permanent dark cloud that hovers over Sutro Tower; not the crap they call news people; not the rank amateur "reporters" who troll the Chronicle looking for stories and do not dare walk into City Hall and question the mayor; not the lightweight anchors who pretend to be extraordinary TV News journalists but are nothing more than extraordinarily ordinary news readers; I'm beginning to set a tone.

This city has quickly lost its soul. Its rigor, its presence, its magic, if it had any anyway; if it did, it was back in the 70's when real restaurants existed; real people and real places were evident. The bad boys wore suit and ties and ate at some of the finest Italian restaurants in town; you know the places? Where you walked into the joint and it was dank and dark with a beautiful dame and sat at the bar with a fat guy bartender dressed in a white shirt with a black bow tie and Sinatra was singing on the jukebox and a whiff of spaghetti and meatballs permeated the room.

Those were the days my friend. Not today's leftover canned sardines run by the poser crowd like I've talked about before.

Now, back to your goddamned latte.

*Follow me on Twitter

Bill Martin Gets Chummy With Ex-Radnich Flame Janice Huff

 ..."So Janice, tell me about the Radnich days!..."

Sexy Sacramento CBS Reporter Has Quiet Dinner With Married SF TV News Exec; John Kessler And Sydney Kohara Would Make Great KPIX Morning Anchors But...; Three Dopey News Directors; CNN About To Make Offer To KTVU's Paulson; I Like Liz Cook; Raddy And Brittney Shipp Steam Machine; Thursday 415 Media Deli

 A very prominent female reporter from the CBS Sacramento TV station scheduled an evening dinner with a certain married male executive from a local station in town. They had quite a lovey-dovey at Tadich Grill and I'm not at all convinced it was the filet of sole they both shared that was the instigator --YEAH BABY!

*Of course it would have been heresy had KPIX hired back John Kessler and Sydney Kohara, I mean the gall, the nerve, the lunacy! Yeah, I know--the ratings would be off the chart and a total publicity bonanza for the pixies but just like Dana King, CBS-SF has no creativity. They just hire retreads from Hawaii and think wonder bread is a culinary treat. Just keep the mediocrity, it does you wonders, don't it?

*Lovely market: a certified diva news director who plays favorites and is out of control and despised at KGO-TV; a bully, boor and jackass at KRON who must have pictures; an arrogant, smarmy, schmuck at PIX who thinks that drinking with the sports guy is good for morale; a rank amateur at KTVU who has a divided newsroom full of people who talk like a pirate and whose lead anchor has become Mother Teresa on Facebook.

*KGO Radio's Chip Franklin is selling toilet paper today--along with financial business, loans, pillows, artichoke dip, solar power windows, nuts, men's and women's underwear, car tips, peanut butter, cherries, dog food, umbrellas, Mexican food, beige wallpaper, Walgreen watches, tomato paste, Marin credit unions...and THIS IS JUST IN THE FIRST HOUR.

*I hope for Chip's sake that he doesn't dare hawk used Mercedes --mattress man Ronnnnnnnnnnnnnnn would kick him square in the nuts.

*I actually think Elizabeth Cook is a capable newsreader --and that's the only thing that matters. Of course now that I mention that, Cook will probably get 86ed and destined for Houston. Wait a minute, dad will have nothing of that.

*Any day now CNN execs will sit down with KTVU's weatherman minion, Steve Paulson --ostensibly to offer him green acres in Atlanta. But Steve loves his gig in Oakland. Translation: CNN will have to offer Wolf Blitzer coin for any consideration.

*I see the morning yahoos at KGO-TV were doing a dance routine on the air to a Prince is coming to Oakland news alert. These bozos sure know how to piss off 98% of the newsroom.

*Eric Thomas: you can laugh and smile every now and then.

*Jana Katsuyama: cute and perky and chock full of self-promotion --well, at least she doesn't talk like a pirate.

*"The Four on Two" in one word: sucks.

*I couldn't make the Santa Clara County court appearance involving the domestic violence charge against Brent Cannon and his estranged wife, Laura Garcia-Cannon on Monday but I'll keep you informed of any significant developments since apparently it is only me who is covering it.

*Yes, you get all the INSIDE info here at 415 Media --nobody breaks news like el Ricardo.

*Props for Eastbay Express which broke the Oakland Police scandal involving an alleged home invasion by four of its officers.

*The faux look of concern by anchors in this town now that February has been largely rainless. Back to the shaking-the-head and going to weatherman with thoughts that are about as genuine and sincere as a Concord IHOP.

*The natives at KGO-TV are none-too-thrilled that Trixie has no use for Black talent. (There's only three on-air Black anchors and not one reporter. Maybe it's appropriate that the Oscars are on KGO this Sunday.

*God forbid the world comes to an end Sunday night and there's mass calamity; Ronnnnnnnnnn will still be "trashing the Oscars" and talking about his gadgets.

*Hey Ronnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn, by the way, when you had that lunch with Jack Swanson a few months back, word has it that Jack told you "everyone reads him (me)" --including Ronnnnn, last seen getting his 6756th manicure on Union Street. One thing, Mr. Lowenstein, you had the audacity not to invite Copie?

*Copie was so pissed he had to call off his two-man show starring Byron Allen.

*The Radnich-Brittney Shipp rumors is picking up steam. That's why she ducks out right away from 900 Front. Even free rides in the Bentley have been TDed.

*Michael Krasny of KQED Radio "Forum" will be interviewing Dr. Horace MjJohnson about why men who listen to public radio tend to have enlarged prostates.

*Follow me on Twitter

415 Media Exclu: Kessler Shoots Back at KPIX; 'Shame To See They're Still In The Gutter'; 'It's Not You, Frank' (Mallicoat)

 I CONTACTED JOHN KESSLER (pictured with Sydnie Kohara) to get a reaction on his replacement, Frank Mallicoat, being let go by KPIX.

It's a decision that still haunts the CBS-SF suits; based on the regular e-mail I get, literally hundreds of viewers never forgave PIX and to this day, refuse to watch in the morning.

Kessler, who is now out of TV and is a financial advisor in upstate NY, had this reaction about the latest PIX transaction--as usual, he didn't pull any punches.

"You come into a job hoping you’ll make a difference.  If it doesn’t happen, sometimes it’s your fault.  Sometimes it’s not.  I hope Frank doesn’t take it personally.

 

When I left (shown the door), I was given an analogy.  They told me: “our ratings are on the curb right now, what do we have to lose by stepping off?”

  

Shame to see they’re still in the gutter.  It’s not you, Frank."

This Is the Guy Replacing Frank Mallicoat on KPIX Morning Show; Kenny Choi

This is Kenny Choi--coming to KPIX from KITV in Hawaii in April as its "Morning Show" anchor --Choi will replace Frank Mallicoat, who couldn't move the needle.

Not sure, based on these type of fluffy beignets, he's going to make waves in the Bay Area, but oh well, he looks like an anchor, right? So perfectly PIXie.

Mallicoat Didn't Have Griego/KPIX Back; Continued Fluttering at 855 Battery; KGO-TV Staff Grumbling Over Latest Watkowski Rule; Now Gender And Sexual Orientation In The Mix; Tuesday 415 Media Opener



Michelle Griego

 LOST AMID THE KPIX 86ING of FRANK MALLICOAT: Behind the scenes, co-anchor, Michelle Griego, apparently didn't have Mallicoat's back. I'm not saying it was Griego who was responsible for Mallicoat's ouster; the ratings (or lack thereof) sealed his fate, but make no mistake, Griego is not crying an ounce over the move.

Let's face it, it was Mallicoat who drove the car and Griego was simply along for the ride.

Mallicoat was never going to have an easy ride here; he replaced the extremely popular John Kessler and Sydney Kohara.

In order to have a successful news program, especially in the highly competitive morning news platform, you have to have, first and foremost, some luck. Then to have a complete buy-in from the players, including both staff and management --that goes without saying. Only Mallicoat, who is beloved in the newsroom and respected as a "team player" never had complete backing and support, most especially from Griego. One alarming first reaction from a prominent PIX staffer: "Not a fan of her (Griego)--she's just a reader and she's not the answer."

And here's the problem, I don't think Kenny Choi, (coming from Hawaii) is the answer either. I've never heard of the guy, but I can't imagine he's suddenly going to move the needle for PIX and improve the numbers. The viewers simply have turned off KPIX5 and given them a big thumbs down.

It didn't help matters that Mallicoat was making pretty big bucks (about $300K a year) all the while the ratings were getting worse. Combine that with Griego's lack of support and a disconnect from the bosses and you have the fateful outcome.

And don't look for anything even remotely more rosier on the horizon.

*Meanwhile, across the street at KGO-TV, the mood is not that much more happier; ND, Tracey Watkowski, is not a very beloved woman in the newsroom. KGO continues to lose good people to KNTV (NBC Bay Area); senior sports producer and fill-in, Colin Resch is off to San Jose.

This latest move, (another steal from former KGO ND, Kevin Keeshan and now involved high up at NBC in NY) has the KGO staff grumbling about Watkowski's reign and what portends for the future. "Future? What future? She's ruining this place, " said a disgruntled staffer. "Everyone hates her guts."

By my conservative estimate, about 23 people have left KGO since Watty took over in 2012. And while KGO enjoys fairly strong ratings in most time slots, Watty's penchant for playing favorites is the subject of derision inside 900 Front. Most ominously for Trixie is her latest habit of hiring mostly "women and non-heterosexual men"--those last words weren't mine. Yes, some in news are beginning to get royally pissed off and Trixie is at the forefront.

*Follow me on Twitter

415 Media Flash! Frank Mallicoat OUT at KPIX



 

Veteran KPIX Morning News anchor, Frank Mallicoat, is OUT.

Several PIX sources have confirmed to me that Mallicoat was informed by CBS-SF suits that his contract won't be renewed --and that a new anchor from Hawaii, Kenny Choi, has already been hired. Choi anchored the 10 PM News at KITV. (ABC aff)

Mallicoat will stay on at PIX until Choi arrives next month.

KPIX's "Morning News" program has seen a steady ratings decline in the last few years despite the CBS Morning Show vastly improved ratings.

That apparently didn't translate over to PIX.

A source at 855 Battery said newsroom staff is "extremely sad" for Mallicoat.  "Really, a good guy, a real team player."

KGO-TV Loses Another Staffer to KNTV; Colin Resch; Sports Producer/Fill-In Anchor Headed to NBC Bay Area; Monday Open

Colin Resch on his way to KNTV

 MY ABC7 spy has informed 415 Media of news that KGO-TV has lost another senior staffer to KNTV (NBC Bay Area); top sports producer and lead fill-in anchor, Colin Resch is on his way to San Jose.

There's a back story to this development.  By my conservative count, at least 23 KGO staffers have left 900 Front since ND, Tracey Watkowski's arrival in early 2012.

23!

And most left because of various feuds and hassling with Trixie's mercurial managing--its no coincidence that Resch was often mistreated by a director who has a knack for playing favorites--her favorites.

KTVU/Fox 2: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

"Figi" ?

Maybe Fiji wasn't in the KTVU style book, at least on Sunday's Afternoon News.

How phooey.

Today's Leah Garchik Chronicle Column

 JUST OVERHEARD at John's Grill : an Italian couple from Fremont: "You know, honey, that Lee Housekeeper guy is such an asshole!"

*The Berkeley chapter of Hillel is having a luncheon next Monday with special guest, Jan Wahl. Jan will speak for 4 hours straight on why the Barbara Streisand film, "Yentl", was very underrated.

*Nathan Plotkin checks in from Marin with news that Marsha Pipka, of the Humane Society, will be donating the contents of her garage to be auctioned off. For details, call Heshie Borsht, 555-555-5555.

*THIS IS EXCITING: KQED's Michael Krasny just celebrated his 100,000th interview with Philip Roth. To celebrate the occasion, KQED will have a special Forum Show, this Friday. Michael will interview special guest, Philip Roth!

*Dr. Frieda Meeskite, a renowned gynecologist who lives in Ross, will be the keynote speaker next Wednesday at the Commonwealth Club. Meeskite will touch upon issues of women's oral hygiene, flossing after intercourse, and the Giants 2016 prospects.

*OVERHEARD AT BALBOA CAFE: 30-someting girlfriend to 50-something man (with ring on): "You are so totally amazing, I'm lucky to have you."

*Baldy McFuckface sends me an e-mail from the Belvedere Men's club: "Dear Leah, why do women's hair cuts cost 100 bucks and men's only 10?" Because, Baldy, we are special. So, so special.

*LARRY BAER and the GIANTS are having a special lunch at AT&T Park, April 1, to commemorate the 50 anniversary of Zodiac; a statue will be unveiled next to McCovey Cove. Cost is $5000 per ticket to the Giants community fund.

*Berkeley Rep's Tonda Shumalasky calls me with this cute nugget: "My son, Bugsy La Pinsky is having his bar-mitzvah at the Rep next Saturday. Please feel free to stop by and blow the shofar.

*Laura Pendleton e-mails from Pleasanton that a giant lizard invaded her bathroom and left an ungodly stench. Authorities were called in and arrested a suspect, Chip Franklin, who was later released and recorded a commercial to celebrate his innocence.

*BREAKING NEWS: Will Durst will be the subject of a new documentary from Marin director, Joe Esterhaus, titled "How did I become the unfunniest comedian in the Bay Area?"

*The Eastbay Anal Women's Society of Toastmasters will have their annual Easter luncheon on March 20 at the Buttafusco Club. Emcee is Liam Mayclam.

Chip Franklin and Ronn Owens Are On Each Other's Shit List; Owens Pissed Over Franklin No-Show Plug

 TWO of KGO Radio's current morning and midday talkers, Ronn Owens and Chip Franklin, are NOT SPEAKING TO EACH OTHER, it's like fire and ice.

Owens, according to a few of my KGO spies, became irate when Franklin was late on several occasions to come into the studio and do his customary plug. It became so volatile Owens and Franklin were almost ready to duke it out.

Now the two not only don't talk--Owens doesn't even refer to Franklin and Franklin never mentions Owens.

Ah, the love at the 810 radio albatross.

High Priestess Folsom at KRON Wants More Moolah; Even Ally Radnich Can't Help; He Wants More Too; 'I Have a lot of Overhead'

 DOUBLE-DOWN DARYA FLEXES MUSCLE AT KRON; WANTS MORE $; RADNICH TOO

Sure, KRON and its infantile corporate owner, are in a state of flux.

The local 4 independent albatross--with some underrated reporters and anchors and a feisty news staff--despite its total commitment to limited news-gathering, somehow manages along...moolaw

IN SPITE of, well THIS, for example:

Its "Morning News" performer, good-old Gee Whiz breathless, Darya Folsom, has once again asked, maybe firmly requested, MO MONEY MO MONEY MO MONEY! Seems the high priestess is fed up working long hours in the early-morning hours with Toledo compensation --that's sort of interesting because her boyfriend, who runs the news operation, you would think, could get the ear of management and get a decent raise for Princess Darya... She has to rely on $200G a year, for now.

MEANWHILE, Darya's unlikely ally, the Bentley man himself, Gary Radnich, is also kvetching about lack of money at 900 Front. "I have a lot of overhead!", he keeps on repeating to staff. So far, management isn't exactly feeling sorry for Raddy: He's making about $200G at what he calls his "Buster Brown" gig. Not great dough but when you combine his KNBR salary and "family money", Raddy isn't destined for homelessness anytime soon.

KRONvicts refer to the plight of Gary and Darya as a sort of 2016 "Gary's World."


Excuse me while the world grieves.

K-101, KSFO Big Up Arrow; KCBS Holds Serve; KOIT Nosedive But Still Second; Jan '16 SF Radio Ratings

 We always say these are beauty contest ratings; not what advertisers use to buy time, but the OVERALL 6+ SF Jan/'16 Full Numbers are here

Rothmann is ThisClose to being back on KGO Radio

 Lee Hammer really likes John Rothmann...that doesn't necessarily mean Rothmann is close to landing a seat at KGO Radio, but word is that Rothmann is thisclose to being back. In what time slot, in what capacity, who knows. I do know there's an election and that KGO --if it wants any sort of small redemption, they'd hire one of the very best political analysts in the biz: enter Rothmann.

We'll see.

El Rey Del Timbal; Wednesday PM 415 Media Video Finale

{TITO PUENTE,SHEILA E, AND PETE ESCOVEDO}

Public People in High-Profile Positions; KGO's Thurston Fills in for Ailing Owens; KGO: De Facto Warehouse for Cumulus SF; Wednesday Opener

 PUBLIC PEOPLE in high profile positions like TV NEWS most often have to relinquish their privacy...especially if they're married and boning other men and women.

*KGO Radio's Pat Thurston will be filling in for Ronn Owens this (Wednesday) morning--Owens is sick (a nasty chest cold) In fact, Thurston had to fill in on Tuesday right after the first hour as Owens tried to do a full show but sounded so awful and was so sick, management told him to go home.

Owens health is a question of great concern at KGO and other lingering medical issues have made a lot of things difficult of late. Even though we disagree with his past issues and present-day peccadilloes we wish him a speedy recovery.

*The State of Cumulus-SF stations: KSFO is under the radar with more-than-average numbers and performing profitable work for an operation with only 4 people on the staff; KNBR, Cumulus' cash cow, essentially pays for the FM stations and KGO, as it's presently constituted. Which is sad.

KGO Radio has essentially become Cumulus' warehouse --picking up Cal and Stanford sports broadcasts; home of taped real estate and health shows plus a god-awful local travel show. Don't forget, NO NEWS now on the weekend. Updates? Gone.

Do Bay Area Media TV/Radio People Cheat on Their Spouses?

 415 MEDIA Investigates ...

Coming Soon.

LA Is My Lady

 Barely a month into the gig, Brittney Shipp has LA calling; a number of stations have already inquired about the current KRON 4 weather woman extraordinaire; wow, that's a big itinerary: Philly, SF and now, LA beckoning--lady has to be tired.


*Follow me on Twitter

Former KRON Weather Maven Thompson 'Itching' To Come Back to Bay Area; LA Hot TV News Anchors to SF Hot TV News Anchors: 'Don't Mess With Out Turf'; KTVU/Fox Union Disgust with Schmuck Ross Palombo; My Advice to Roberta Gonzales; Heather Holmes 'Pumps' De Luxe

 FORMER KRON Weather maven and LA TV/Radio star, Mark Thompson is "itching" to come back to the Bay Area. Says an Insider: "He loves the LA action but he misses San Francisco, a lot really." Thompson would fit in at KTVU, a certified FOXified property now. Thompson knows Fox.

*THE BIG LA TV MEDIA story involves the "heavy amount" of some SoCal TV female women trying hard, really hard, to stop the mass migration of Bay Area TV women ending up in Ell-Lay: "It has come down to the point where the powerful LA women anchor society have formed a 'secret bond': Do anything necessary to protect our turf!" Uh, that's some resolve if I've ever seen it and I've seen a lot.

*KTVU rank and file union guys are in the dumps --with FOX as a whole because of its union strategy and good, old morning schmucko himself, in particular --Ross Palombo: said my 2 Insider:

"With the union agreements basically ignored the minute Fox took over, it has been a hard 16 months in lost wages for all union techs...

The latest salvo and more proof that Fox has no desire to deal in good faith whatsoever is in the exams of Ross Palombo editing a piece for air. Fox is stalling and wants there to be no jurisdiction, therefore no work for union workers. The latest douchebaggery by Fox, and Jack London Squares main douchenozzle, Ross himself."

My add: Is there anyone more phonier and transparent than the dim-witted Palombo? Every day this schmuck appears on the KTVU screen means Channel 2/Fox has lost all forms of credibility. What a complete waste of energy.

*ROBERTA GONZALES --my advice to you: I have been your ally and have always said you are the main cog at KPIX. I've also called you out lately, Roby, for becoming way, way too cheery. Roby, I know you are having personal issues but you're a PROFESSIONAL! Be YOU. Don't give your adversaries more ammo--they'll cream your ass! In other words, Roberta, do your thing --just cut all the drama and phoniness out. You still have it. But please, 86 all the other histrionics --it's distracting and unbecoming -be good and you still have my back, cool? OK now.

*Heather Holmes of KTVU: The newsroom calls this "pumps deluxe"

Savage to America on Scalia Death: 'We Need a 'Warren Commission Investigation'; 'This is Serious Business'; Asks 'Was He Murdered?'

 WITH NOW CONFIRMED WORD that Supreme Court Justice, Antonin Scalia, was found dead with a pillow over his head and his bed clothes unwrinkled, among other discrepancies, national talk-show host, Michael Savage, (heard here on KSFO) asked listeners, "Was {Antonin Scalia} 'murdered?" Savage went further: "We need a 'Warren Commission'-like federal investigation. "This is serious business."

Savage was so suspicious of the news of Scalia's demise that he even asked GOP Presidential candidate, Donald Trump (on a later phone interview) about the peculiarities of the Scalia death. Trump himself said he was just aware that the 79 year-old was found in a remote Texas hotel "with a pillow over his head." Trump seemed perplexed. "Pretty bizarre", he said.

Adding to the mystery, which Savage pointed out incredulously on his Monday show, was news that no autopsy was performed on the body and that conflicting death reports have surfaced.

*Follow me on Twitter

KGO Radio 86's Weekend News Updates (In Addition to Morning News)

All weekend news updates have been eliminated. And Sunday saw the end of the morning news from 5-9 AM.

Now we're hearing (again) that news block 3-7 PM will be a goner but that the Weekday Morning News is safe, for now.

Bern Your Enthusiasm

{SNL}

Love Connections

 *Allie Rasmus/KTVU: For not only being a good reporter; tenacious, relentless, probing; but also, so easy on the eyes. (So easy)

*Anne Makovec/KPIX: Underrated Sunday anchor; straightforward, precise, crisp and steady, consistent too. That's sexy.

*Melanie Woodrow/KGO: You have grown on me, Mel. If you took the tough face off when in public, you'd be even better than you are. Superficiality beckons, be careful.

*Juliette Goodrich/KPIX: Elegant and smooth, like a perfect beef burgundy --you have the Utopian formula down: beautiful and commanding --just watch the ego and maintain the Princess Grace persona and you'll be a Monday/Friday anchor, which you should be anyway.

*Christin Ayers/KPIX: You are better than I thought; a bit "soft" every now and then but then again, if you were a grunter, you wouldn't probably get the interviews and inside. Love the jeans look and Atlanta, "Hello" buddy deal, it's a keeper.  Speaking of Atlanta, I wish you'd stay here. Wait out CNN, you're only 32.

*Kira Klapper/KNTV: You have that LA buzz and enthusiasm --cheery and eternally happy. The professional sexy look has a sort of KCAL badge, might be best to check out SoCal real estate.

*Ama Daetz/KGO: You have come full circle. You are truly an amazing, beautiful, graceful and yes, sexy, news reader with Halle Berry looks and Sara Sidner pizazz --a younger Dana King. Lose some of the office gossip that you're sort of hard to get along and you'll be sniffing NY sooner rather than later.

*Rosemary Orozco/KTVU: Rosy, you're getting major face (and body) time --you're bigger than KTVU, that's not saying much but even I have to admit, yes, you're one, damn, great-looking broad. You can be my high-pressure-system any day. By the way, you can even talk like a pirate.

*Brittney Shipp/KRON: It's your wardrobe; the blue dresses, the black belts, the shoes--you look great! Philly loss, SF gain. I like the personality, the visual flair and strong delivery. I suggest we have some fondue and crackers with a glass of cab at the Fisherman's Wharf Holiday Inn. (Oh, I repeat, careful with the Bentley guy)

*Jan Wahl/KCBS: Just kidding.

*Vicki Liviakis/KRON: Vickster, you are a certified star. The best Greek asset since Frosene Phillips --you're better looking now then you were at KFRC --thank god for teleprompters too, you read so well.

*Cheryl Hurd/KNTV: My favorite NBC Bay Area reporter. It's not just the tough reporter, the go-get-'em appearance and rapid response --it's the allure of you and me sipping Mickey Rooney's at the Van Ness Avenue Holiday Inn.

*Follow me on Twitter

Death of Justice Antonin Scalia; KCBS' Marc Sandalow Provides Astute Analysis; 415 Media Saturday Breaker

Justice Antonin Scalia dead at age 79

 IMMEDIATELY upon hearing the breaking news of the death of Supreme Court justice, Antonin Scalia, I turned on CNN and listened to analysis by legal pundit, Jeffrey Toobin, political adviser, David Gergen. Both had spot-on takes and provided a quick summation of Scalia's reach and power on the court and predictions on what lies ahead. (Both Toobin and Gergen said it would be highly unlikely President Obama could appoint a justice in this election year--he doesn't have the votes, for one)

 

After watching CNN and perusing Fox News Channel, I switched locally to KCBS and astute political analyst, Marc Sandalow, who offered keen insight on Scalia's legacy and influence on the court. He (Sandalow) also said it would be nearly impossible for Obama to get a more liberal appointee --given the timing --Sandalow offered the opinion that the next president would pick the justice.

 

Marc Sandalow/KCBS Political Analyst

It's news like this (breaking on a late Saturday afternoon) that we're fortunate enough to have KCBS' elite Washington political insider on the air.

Bay Area Media People That Make Me Reach For the Barf Bag

 Jan Wahl/KCBS: hands-down winner; the movie yenta and mass sickness instigator; irritating as all get go; obnoxious, pretentious; about as sincere, serene and genuine as a Yuba City 7-11.

*Liam Mayclem/KCBS: The "Foodie chap" --Every time I hear this moron I want to barf out loud.



Foodie chap? Maybe foolie chap would be better. This pretentious butthead with an astounding amount of bull excrement needs to be permanently muted, quick!

*Mike Sugerman/KCBS: When I hear this obnoxious "About the Bay" pillock I immediately become sickened and nauseated.

Just a moronic prick.

*Susan Leigh Taylor: The KCBS morning news yenta insists on informing us, EVERY DAY!, about her ride in from Pacifica. "There was a lot of fog and sprinkles on the trip ..BLAH, BLAH, BLAH...Leigh Taylor 's repetitious dog doo, I'm sure, is cause for divine intervention from God: "Hey, you, girl? Shut the hell up!"

Jan Wahl: Even Hadassah wouldn't let her in

  *KPIX: Brian Hackney: Hackney, the proverbial schmuck who thinks his poop doesn't stink; Hey, Hack Man? Take your verbal mush to an outhouse in Tulsa. They'd love you there.



Allen Martin: chronic colonoscopy look

*Allen Martin: Seriously, this TV maven needs a reality check. Maybe a video colonoscopy --which, by the way, every time I watch Martin, I think of just that. Dude, your chronic, "I'm God" demeanor is tantamount to severe head-up-ass disease. Get a beer, have a shot--Look, man, I knew Walter Cronkite, you're NO Walter Cronkite.



Julie Watts: You're no Diane Sawyer

*Julie Watts: OK, so the eye candy-look is appealing...until you speak and do your live shots and weather shit. After that, you tend to get irritating, no wonder the cameramen think you're a bitch. Jules? Some advice: lighten up. Practice a little humility --maybe hit Grumpy's and get a tuna melt and Guinness --you're not that great, not even close; quit pretending you're Diane Sawyer.



Da Lin: Scary and Arrogant

*Da Lin: A crass, insulting, spectacularly arrogant misfit, maybe the biggest jerk in SF TV News history. Be careful of Da Lin, he could poke your eyes out!

*KGO Morning News: Jennifer Jones-Lee and Jon Bristow: The morning gigglers give new meaning to puke control. Especially irritating is their Ronnnnnnnnnn Owens daily ass-kissing, enough for 810 barf bags alone.




"JJ and Bristow" --Induce vomiting

*Jason Middleton: The moment I heard this dweebish South Bay retread I immediately wanted to throw up my bagel and Peets. This dorky, asswipe cad has all the on-air comfort of a Texas root canal performed by a blind dentist. I think he needs to have an affair! Wait a minute...




Ryan Scott: get out the Raid

*Chef Ryan Scott: easily the most disgusting person on local radio. Another Ronnnnnnn ass-kisser too. Immediate audio hemorrhoids --if I was forced to eat this prick's food, I'd call Dr. Kevorkian in heaven and see if there was any room left.



Jason Middleton: Pass the Maalox

415 Media Breaking: KGO Radio Eliminates Weekend 5-9 AM News; Updated: Last Newscasts This Saturday/Sunday

 KGO RADIO "Weekend News" has been eliminated, I've been told by multiple sources.

Last Sunday was the final 5-9 AM newscast. (Actually, the final newscasts are this Saturday and Sunday)

Not confirmed but on the hit list: ALL local news updates on KGO during the weekend are a goner.

So, if you like a lot of  canned real estate and financial shows, you're in heaven now.

The Cumulus  CUT is in.

*415 MEDIA Breaking...





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