Charles Manson Updates; Is KTVU Spying on Staff Legal?; Newsroom Tranquility No Longer Evident; Miss Ex-ND Hahn; Kristen Sze Tough and Sturdy on KGO Anchor Desk; Castaneda and Wayne Mystery; 415 Media Monday Coffee

I WAS SO STRESSED out; anxieties aplenty and just so thoroughly depressed over the death of Charles Manson; thanks for all the updates.

Cause of death is unknown but rumor had it Chuck, even at 83, was forced to listen to the KNBR Morning Show as punishment.

Dude!

*A number of KTVU staffers asked (quietly) if the use of 50 cameras --with audio equipment enabling management to listen in on their conversation at will-- was an invasion of privacy? I'm not a lawyer but me thinks there's something fishy there; maybe it can be addressed on "The Verdict."

*Speaking of KTVU...where once the newsroom was a sea of tranquility; dedicated staff of reporters; anchors; writers and producers; had a sense of unity and camaraderie; is now the unofficial centerpiece of paranoia central. You could only imagine if they were sucking in the ratings but are beating most of the competition --in the time slots that count. Yes, true, KTVU and its FOX underbelly is tantamount to membership in the "The Firm." Where's the Principal's office when you need it?

*Add KTVU: Oh, and this is very real: the troops miss ex-ND, Dana Hahn. She was a steady presence around the newsroom and gained trust among the older guard and newer faces too. Hahn did indeed leave because of family reasons back east but that's not the real story. Her departure was hastened by a moody, quirky wild card named Gregg Kelley, the GM who likes the leave the office at 3 PM so he can be a team leader.

*KTVU chaos: if you notice rampant anchor placement all over the time slots you aren't alone; the weekend night has been transformed into "Who's working tonight?" ---and ongoing issues with primetime anchors who are becoming more mysterious day after day.

*My initial thoughts about KGO anchor, Kristen Sze, were of someone who was not very genuine; extremely guarded; a perfectionist who demanded the utmost in professionalism and protocol; tough, bossy and slightly aggressive. If she were a man there'd be no issues; she's a woman, Asian, and expects a lot from her co-workers. Oh, well, now she's a "bitch." It's unfair. She is a hard worker; she is a relentless journalist and she is dedicated. That bothers a lot of people around 900 Front.

*ANCHOR MYSTERY: Ken Wayne is as solid as ever but needs to lighten up and be happy. He's seemingly distressed and disturbed; we hope whatever it is that's bothering him can be swiftly abated and Ken can be the lovable anchor he's noted for.

So Too, Traffic guru, Sal Castaneda, who seems a little more maudlin on the set; an Insider tells me Sal might be upset over some internal issues involving a friend from years back who has been shunned by the traffic superstar.
Go figure.



**THANKSGIVING is one of my favorite holidays; a time when family and friends, no matter what denomination, meet, greet, eat and enjoy the big meal. Hearty time, togetherness, the beginning of the holidays...

This year and last has been a constant struggle for yours truly and I want to remind you all the importance of family. Don't be ashamed to tell a loved one how much you love them. Friends are great but family is special. Don't rush away and BE THERE for someone who you never know might need you at a moments notice. Don't assume anything. Because life and fate can become unpredictable. 

Believe me, I know from first hand.