HAVE YOU NOTICED KPIX ANCHOR, KEN BASTIDA, Out In the Field More lately? That's either a good sign or maybe an indication that Bastida's reign as a PIX anchor might be nearing an end?Bastida was on the streets of Downtown Oakland (with Vern Glenn) covering the Warriors victory parade; he seemed very comfortable and at ease describing the festivities and having a fun back and forth with Dennis O' Donnell and Christian Ayers.
It seemed Bastida was in his element especially as he snagged an impromptu interview with gubernatorial candidate, Gavin Newsom, riding solo on a float waving to the crowd. Bastida was in hog-heaven after the exclu, eyes wide and bright. It's amazing what a sunny day and fun can mean leaving the teleprompter. Maybe? Maybe not.
Bastida is nearing a contract extension at KPIX but at what price and will CBS brass necessarily grant him one? Bastida has firm Bay Area/SF roots. He began his primary career at KFRC Radio and moved to TV soon after for nearly three decades. He was once a local news institution and the face for the old "Channel 5" but in recent years, his star power has waned and the little magic he held has virtually evaporated --fueling rumors that Bastida might retire or that CBS would retire him.
Bastida is making in the mid $500K range; not the BIG money that used to be the norm for top-tier anchors but decent enough today in the Bay Area. The question is, given PIX's descent in the ratings will the big suits give him that kind of money again? Highly questionable.
We'll be following as always.
Bastida in or out I dont think really anyone cares either way. PIX does need a face of the station and it is not Allen (frown face) Martin, the Disney Princess, or the never around VLDC. Who can they attract to a dead last news team who moves the needle? i can't see anyone locally jumping there.
ReplyDeleteVeronica De La Cruz is the reporter from KPIX who should be let go including the two morning anchors. For Veronica, she value more personal time then working time when it comes to news delivery and never shows up during BREAKING NEWS like Oakland Warehouse Fire. KPIX news is getting more hard to watch, never been the same when they change reporters like Wendy Takuda, S. Kohara and some reporters in the 90s.
ReplyDeleteBastida was co-anchoring The CW's "Nightbeat" the other night, with Cook. That was a change, as there is usually only one anchor on that newscast.
ReplyDeleteThere was still only one anchor on that newscast: Ken (1) + The Cookie (0) = 1
DeleteI'm a former KPIX photog. Ken was absolutely GREAT to work with out in the field. Great guy...great sense of humor...loved to talk about sports..and he always got his sh*t done in time.
ReplyDeleteI have no doubt he's a solid guy but when your newscasts are all dead last with a strong network programming lead in that means people are changing the channel. The are finishing last with him. They can finish last without him.
DeleteIt is the stories they choose to put on the air, not the anchors who deliver them that brings their ratings down. Largely not of interest to the people watching a very white lineup of anchors and reporters. In example, I don't give a fuck what Oprah is doing. She is a cipher to me, another meaningless Hollywood celebrity who promotes the simple-minded detritus of the mentally deficient. Nothing she does is "news." Why is it on the 6:00 o'clock broadcast?
Deletei really like KB. Last month or thereabouts there was a young lady doing the weather, i think...did not recognize her...but chatting with KB about it she called him Kenny.
ReplyDeleteguess it sounds lame, but i loved that......
Several of the reporters refer to him as Kenny on-air, during the more relaxed moments of their newscasts.
DeleteThere is only one Kenny at KPIX. His name is Choi.. Kenny Choi
DeleteIf he gets a new contract, I hope there is a clause that states, no ad libbing at the end of a newscast. And never revive the "Good Question" segment!!!!
ReplyDeleteI think the energy it takes to anchor a newsroom is more time-consuming than ever. I'm convinced that Bastida has had enough, and when his contract ends in September, he will be ready to move on to more better things, i.e. less ratings concerns.
ReplyDelete