Watkowski-Silva All But Has New GM Gig at KGO-TV; Daetz Returns To Anchor Desk with Ashley From Maternity Leave; Samantha Mohr Still Kicking in Atlanta; Rothmann and Thurston Broadcast Actual 'News-Talk'; Personal Note; 415 Media Monday

Tracey Watkowski-Silva

MY SPY at 900 FRONT has told me what we reported back not so long ago: Current KGO-TV ND, the less-than-people-friendly, Tracey Watkowski-Silva, is "most likely" getting the GM job.

It's been kind of murky.

The position has been vacant since Bill Burton left to take a network position and has left the station (ABC7) without someone filling the top gig.

Several staffers at KGO were (and still are) "stunned" when told of the news that Watkowski was named the new GM. "No way!" was a common reaction and that may still be the sentiment but a prominent ABC on-air talent (I can't name the person because the spy said so) says "ABC network chatter" was that the job is all but ready for TW to take over.

I've written several times about Watkowski's controversial management style in which she rules by intimidation and fear. She's also got more baggage than the United terminal at SFO. Says who? The majority staff at KGO who routinely tell me (via e-mail and conversations) of her mercurial style; that's not a good recipe for long-term success, most certainly when you're about to become the biggest suit at KGO.

I can just imagine the reaction in the newsroom later in the day.

Dan Ashley and Ama Daetz

*YES, Ama Daetz returned to KGO the other night after four months off from maternity leave and is back on the desk with Dan Ashley.

*Had a chance to say "hi" to former KPIX weatherwoman Samantha Mohr, who's forecasting these days in Atlanta at the NBC station.

"Wild weather here, Rich," says Mohr who looks and sounds great as ever.

*Wasn't so long ago that I said that a few good storms in March would wipe away the frequently-used "D" word (drought) and lo and behold, the weather gods have us lined up for several rain makers this week; the Marin hardware stories and "storm desk" updates are in order along with the usual live shots from downtown Mill Valley.

Samantha Mohr

*No news yet on the Mark Ibanez and Jessica Aguirre contract negotiations (both have expiring deals this month) but I'm betting Ibanez' deal is a near formality and that Aguirre's re-up is close only because both are still significantly popular at their respective stations (KTVU and KNTV/NBC Bay Area)

That said, when it comes to money, throw out common sense.

*The fact that the Bay Area now is devoid (essentially) of a truly "news-talk" radio station is not only sad and embarrassing but dumb too.

Every day, every hour, is a new bizarro emanating from the Trump White House; cable news ratings are off the chart; water-cooler chat in offices centers around "what's happening next?" and "is this for real?" Yeah, it is and the fact there's no outlet here to vent and opine is ridiculous and pathetic.

I was reminded of that last (Sunday Night) listening to a three-hour tapestry of the great political guru, John Rothmann and Pat Thurston on KGO, the former legacy station that has deteriorated into mindless "lifestyle" issues and taped financial show babble.

Rothmann and Thurston had jammed lines and interesting, entertaining, and informative talk radio; timely too and easy on the ears. It was three hours chock full of enlightening and provocative discussion --and not a word about cheesecake recipes.

Amen.

FINALLY...a personal note

Again, thanks to all of you who wrote expressing condolences and support over the passing of my mom and aunt.

I'm still not all there (insert joke) and even writing today has been difficult. To those of you, especially those I have taken shots (professional) who still wrote, thanks for making this very difficult time somewhat bearable.

I'm hurting, emotional and otherwise. I can't bear the pain because I'm still numb and in shock. Your words of encouragement and support are greatly appreciated.

And to those of you who made donations to my site, THANK YOU; as 415 MEDIA relies on donations and contributions to be 100% independent and sustainable.

Pat Thurston

John Rothmann