Thursday, September 20, 2018

Major Decisions Loom at Bay Area TV News Stations; Bastida Future Murky at KPIX; Ashley Extension KGO Front Burner; Goodrich MVP Invites Intriguing Speculation; Pam Moore is Looking Around (Sort of) at KRON; KTVU Doom and Gloom; Holmes and Haener: Would Anyone Care or Notice If they Left? Overrated Nothing Yenta, Kate Scott; Cover For Bay Area Sports Horny Male Media Pugs; Thursday Rundown

Image result for Big Decisions BIG DECISIONS LOOM for some Bay Area TV News stations; among them...

* At KPIX, there are a myriad of issues on the plate; the uncertainty; the chaos; the lack of viewing numbers in the morning; those are just trivial in comparison to the future of longtime, Bay Area native and evening anchor, Ken Bastida.

Bastida's status at PIX remains murky at best. He has been at 855 Battery for almost three decades but time has not been gracious to the veteran news reader. Bastida is just average on most nights and when he's not average he can be painful to watch; ad-libbing was never his biggest strongpoint and now, he's almost embarrassingly inadequate. Moreover, CBS isn't in the mood for paying going rate for mid-to-high market money for a guy late in his prime and whose "it" factor long ago left the news screen. In other words, Bastida doesn't generate the buzz he used to albeit in an industry that doesn't possess the status it once held either. That said, local TV News, here and beyond, still garners significant revenue even with declining viewership.

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Ken Bastida: future murky at KPIX
Bastida makes in the mid $500K range, a significant number even today and is under contract until the end of the year. Word is that he might be tempted to take a company buyout and retire. I don't think CBS would extend him such kind of money and even if they did he'd most likely have to take a significant pay cut.

We should know sooner rather then later.

*KGO-TV management hasn't officially begun negotiations with ace veteran news anchor and star reader, Dan Ashley, in spite of his impending contract closure next year. By all indications, a deal will get done simply because KGO needs Ashley more then Ashley needs KGO. That doesn't mean a deal is front and center on the plate of the big suits at ABC7 but it should be. KGO can't afford another Carolyn Johnson embarrassment and lose one of its most valuable anchors. The Johnson loss still haunts KGO today and losing Ashley, who has offers on the table from back east outlets, could make for another departure and leave the ABC O and O in dark waters.

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Dan Ashley: new contract looming at KGO



This much is certain: Ashley, according to sources at 900 Front wants to remain in the Bay Area. He has family here and is comfortable. On some days, he works an astounding 5 shows a night (4,5,6, 9, and 11 PM) He is an extremely hard worker and the face of ABC7. He is mostly well-liked and admired by his peers. He is the highest-paid anchor in the Bay Area and deservedly so. And deservedly so, he would like to be paid in accordance with that status. Disney is not known for lavishing big bucks to even its most prized talent even someone in a larger market but Ashley might be the exception. I've heard a three-year extension somewhere north or south of $2M is destined to be offered to Ashley, probably with a few option years. That sounds just about right.


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Pam Moore
*Mass confusion at KRON: what else is new? Plus, rumors are very strong about Pam Moore leaving and looking for suitors. Moore, my contacts tell me, is still quite comfortable at the lowly albatross in spite of significant departures by key personnel including EPs and anchors like Gary Radnich and Stanley Roberts. Those are not earthshaking developments and the station is not going to hemorrhage but whatever star appeal KRON possessed, it has lost two of its most popular air talents (although with Radnich, it was KRON MGT that gave Raddy an ultimatum he rejected and was summarily dismissed)

Moore could be a valuable asset for someone like a KNTV (maybe) or more prominently, KTVU, which ironically allowed Ken Wayne to trudge to KRON. Moore has a strong Bay Area identity especially with women and women of color at that. She makes in the neighborhood of $300K a-year. She's not actively working the negotiation trail with others but she's made it know through friends that she would definitely listen to offers. Stay tuned.

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Juliette Goodrich: MVP of Bay Area TV News
*MVP on the loose and could be had for the right money: PIX's underrated Juliette Goodrich is quite comfortable reading news on the anchor desk during the weekend and reporting in the field during the week. That said, she is too valuable a commodity in her current role. KPIX seems to take her for granted and I wouldn't be surprised if someone out of the blue swooped in and offered Goodrich a primetime anchor weekday shift. Goodrich is not just a pretty face; she's a damned good news reader and commands the screen. She could easily be a #1 anchor in LA or NY but she has kids here and doesn't want to leave the Bay Area. That said, a Goodrich departure from PIX would not surprise me because she's simply too good to be wasted on the weekend. Watch this closely.

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Holmes (l) and Haener
*KTVU staff manning the daytime computers resenting 415 Media could be better spent laying out the various 4-5 thousand grievances on display (and not on display) at Fox-owned Channel 2 which seems to have a new controversy everyday. The station with revolving anchors and out-of-place reporters somehow, to their credit, carry on in an environment that at best could be called troublesome. There is no mojo at KTVU; there is quite a bit of uncertainty and weary staffers afraid of a management that rules by intimidation and force. (Just the other day, an intern was read the riot act and screamed at in the newsroom because the person was a minute late on getting info from an email to the assignment desk) YOU WANT TO SEE GLOOM? Take a look at KTVU anchors especially at night. Frank Somerville is sullen because he has a bevy of issues off the scenes and is trying his best to squelch rumors; Bill Martin can't wait to leave the station at night and become a kid at Disneyland when he's in his car leaving. Watch him forecast, you'll see. Mark Ibanez just recently signed a three-year extension in March but is sick to death when he enters the studio and reads the sports copy. Julie Haener has now been exposed for the lightweight she is as serving as Somerville's gossip-filled caddy who couldn't ad-lib if her life depended on it. Heather Holmes continues to advance the miniskirt doctrine and shout "hey, I know I'm big here and although I'm sort of out of place, find me a home. Somewhere! Anywhere!"

Holmes and Haener could just as soon be senior saleswomen at the Macys cosmetics counter where they would be more valuable. Shocking? Harsh? You want the truth and you got it. Feel otherwise? Ask yourself this question: if BOTH Holmes and Haener were to vacate KTVU would anyone notice? Would anyone care? I rest my case.

*That angry KCBS sports anchor at night went berserk when he failed to get his copy ready for the 8: 15 sports update. Good news: less of him means peace in the neighborhood hell he SCREAMS every time he reports.

Karma is a bitch: if the guy stopped talking behind people's back (including yours truly) these things may not take place.

*KGO Radio: talk about uncertainty. There is no formal plan evident yet. Same old tired format --basically, they've punted any concrete new idea and haven't a clue as to what they wanna do which is par for the course.

Still trying to find out the ID of the lame brain ditz that turned down a Bob Woodward phone interview.

*Someone at night at KNBR supposedly got the heave-ho which is good news for Uber --more drivers. Maybe had he cut the "what-up" shit he'd be getting his $15 an hour.

*Kristen Sze: so much potential; so much looming large; a mini, bigger-than-market woman; KGO royalty. Sad now because so much is lost. Practice what you preach. Don't offer the world and produce Melba toast. Without any butter no less.

*"I'm Julie Chen-Moonves." Yeah, I'm sure money has not an iota to do with that.

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The GAAS! (l) and Alyana Gomez
*Alyana Gomez and GAASian Mikaelian: birds of a feather...

*There's a rumor at KTVU that Gasia would host the new morning quiz show, "Chirping for dollars." I'm kidding of course but these days, why the hell not?

*Tough night on the street for Amber Lee who actually did her report without looking at notes. Praise the Lord!

*Melanie Woodrow Update: she hasn't stalked any man as of this writing.

*Dennis O'Donnell: Akron is waiting.

*A famous PR woman (she requested anonymity via email) went to KTVU to drop off a packet to one of the station's more higher profile female reporters: PR woman tells me she was flabbergasted when said woman blurted out, "you don't know my name?" Take a wild guess who. Think ex-KGO temptress. Bingo.

*Roberta Gonzales: hey, I'm not the one who posted a picture of myself on social media! And besides, there was nothing wrong with that photo, just all your ass' warped sense of humor so don't give me shit, take a cold shower too.

*Randy Hahn: priceless.

*Duane Kuiper: massively overrated.

*Ray Fosse: too much homer stuff beginning to sound like Monte Moore's ghost. More Dallas Braden, less 'Foss.

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Randy Hahn
*Chris Townsend: lucky to have family money as a back-up.

*Brent Musburger: horndog with a microphone; perfect for Vegas. Just keep him away from the cheerleaders.

*Ted Robinson: I like and appreciate steady over fake theatrics.

*Larry Krueger: the guy is such a poser plus talks out of both sides of his mouth.

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Kate Scott: just why?
*Kate Scott: a nothing-burger with mayo and butter on the seedless bun. What a complete waste of time; she gets points though for exploiting the horny sports guys who she gives cover to: "Gees, she's hot!, she's blond!, she's even gay!" Let's kiss her ass because, well, we have to.

Scott would be better served being the day waitress at a Ruth's Chris, I'll say it again: she adds NOTHING to a broadcast. She is vanilla pudding. She is Wonder Bread with a capital W and she exudes about as much interest as week-old toe fungus.

She's lucky to have enablers like Bruce Jenkins wax poetically about her "greatness", whatever the hell that is and is proof positive of a PC world run amok.

She'd be barely passable in Bakersfield. Wait a minute!

You want the truth, you got the truth.

Image result for Happy faceNow put on a happy face.





56 comments:

  1. Did I read that right? You actually *like* Dallas Braden? Between the ridiculous hipster beard, the man-bun, and the dude-bro delivery, he comes off like a gigantic douche-nozzle. Horrid.

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    1. Thank you, Anonymous. I agree w/you 100%! He's nasty-looking & loud.

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    2. According to the hillarious Dan Le Batard "Looks Like Game":
      - "Dallas Braden looks like the guy who he and his wife own an erotic pottery shop while starring on an episode of HBO's real sex in the 90's"

      -

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  2. Would love to see Juliette Goodrich at the anchor desk Monday-Friday. Great at what she does and is such a sweet person.

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  3. Just of note Mitch Thompson, Ron Cervi, and Alan "Brooks Rogers are now doing "Top of the hour" traffic on KSFO. It had been outsourced for over two years.

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    1. And good for us. At least they know the Bay Area.
      Familar voices.

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    2. Mitch Thompson's high-pitched, screechy voice actually CAUSES traffic jams. True story.

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  4. Who is the "ex-KGO temptress" now working at KTVU?

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    1. If I were to guess, her initials are DV...

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    2. I'd be shocked. 1) She's OLD, and 2) I worked with her at KGO and found her to be all about the news and the story. She's not someone who plays around at work.

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  5. Was Drew Hoffar canned at knbr.....he wasn't very like able to listen to sounded like he had a chip on his shoulder and he didn't like his job

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    1. I never understood how or why he was there to begin with.

      Did he ever play anything? Anywhere? Did he go to college? Always wondered. Its as if my uncle Bob got a sports talk show on a major station just because he has a deep voice.

      Covay and Frandsen said last night that he's on vacation. They sure seem to take alot of vacations over there.

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  6. Juliette Goodrich is WAY overrated. She is past her prime and although she does read the news well, she thinks she is better than she really is. In other words, her snob factor weighs heavily on her. I agree with yu Rich, on just about everything else, but not on this one. Sorry!

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  7. > if BOTH Holmes and Haener were to vacate KTVU
    > would anyone notice? Would anyone care?

    Haener: Ross and Marshalls
    Holmes: Forever 21 and Wet Seal

    ...That's about it.

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  8. Juliette should replace Veronica. And hope to see more Maria Medina. Pam Moore, who wants to hire her, getting close to retirement age and salary too high.

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  9. Where is Kate Scott working these days?

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  10. I WOULD NOTICE IF HEATHER HOLMES WAS GONE!
    And I would not like it very much.

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    Replies
    1. Me too. She is VERY easy on the eyes.

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  11. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  12. All you say about Kate T. Scott is true, but she's STILL better than the total waste of space token female The Commercials Leader has on with the morning frat boys. She's as irrelevant and pointless as the Tony Awards.

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    1. Shes been there what a week? Judge her after 6 months when they actually allow her to participate more.

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  13. > Juliette Goodrich is WAY overrated. She is past
    > her prime and although she does read the news
    > well, she thinks she is better than she really is.
    > In other words, her snob factor weighs heavily...

    I've worked with Juliette and you are so wrong about snob factor. She's very down-to-earth and always 100 percent professional. She leaves the ego out of the newsroom.

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    1. OK, John, I will accept your evaluation of Juliette Goodrich since you have personal knowledge of her. BUT, the PERCEPTION is as I described it, that she is stuck on herself. She can't even put her eyeliner on right, as she always stops it halfway across her lids. Really annoying to look at, as she always looks like she is on the verge of crying. And I just always remember that she and Roberta Gonzalez were two peas in a pod, and as such I just think of them both as milfs past their prime. I mean, compare Juliette Goodrich to Maria Medina, and you will see instantly the difference.

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    2. Well, c'mon, the fact that her eyeliner is only halfway across proves she's not into herself: if she were vain do you think she'd go on the air like that? ;-) ;-)

      Seriously the PIX crew consists largely of good eggs. I've worked with many, though some at other stations. Fine crew. I almost wish I worked there now. :-)

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  14. Can't stand Larry Krueger's constant references to St Ignatius high school.
    Big deal, Krueger. Who cares?
    Can't you leave your high schoold days behind you?
    Aren't you too old for that?
    American Graffiti ened a long time ago.

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    1. rick tittle is another guy who constanly makes references to his school days and nobody knows or cares whats he's talking about either..we know he is an "east bay guy" he reminds you all the time

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  15. Here's hoping the guy who was booted out of KNBR at night was Ryan Covay.
    One less numbskull in America.
    We don't need any more cool guy talk around here.

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    1. seems like it's Hoffar that's gonzo. Wishing they could off Covey too.

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    2. Yesterday I heard Covay and this evening Hoffar is on with Frandsen. Who's gone?

      Is the angry KCBS guy Big Bruce?

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  16. And speaking of that angry voice at KCBS at night (the wannabe sports update guy)
    Worse yet, would be to listen to his stupid Will Clark impression.

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  17. Dan Ashley's Dracula hairstyle and pancake make up scare me!

    I relate to Bastida's take it-or leave it attitude. Goodrich=vapid.

    D O'Donnell is great& has contacts far beyond many reporting sports in this market. Kuiper is good, it's just that his team sux right now. Mussburger should remember he's the play-by-play guy. So what's the formation? What happened during the play? How did the ball get from Carr to another player? He shouldn't be leaving these details to the color guy.

    Amber Lee is one of the best out there. You ever make a mistake on the air?

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    1. > Dan Ashley's Dracula hairstyle and pancake make up scare me!

      What do you think of Da Lin then? :-) I always imagine bats flying behind him when he does a standup.

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  18. Who is the new anchor at Kron4....he was on with Pam Moore at the 6 PM news tonight??

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  19. Just in.....Kenny Choi was spotted actually doing the news and "No" it wasn't his body double.

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  20. When or if ever Veronica Cruz coming back.

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    1. Who cares? And she can take the morning shows of KPIX and KGO with her.

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  21. I like what Iv'e heard from new Raider's play by play announcer. He adequately describes the action and defers to the ex- professional athlete for analysis. Know it all Papa failed to do that.


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    1. Wow....I must be listening to the wrong station. Papa was the best football announcer in the Bay. His football knowledge, Raider knowledge and enthusiasm made Raider football listenable these past few years.

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  22. Rich, Where is Patrick "Pecon" Conner working now?

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  23. Rich, you haven't done a Darya Folsom rant lately. Have you lost your love for her?

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    1. Either her competitors have gotten worse, or Darya has improved. (Can't tell, they're all really bad!) At least there seems to be a few less moments where I wonder if she's smoking crack.

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  24. KRON has lost some major on air talent??? No mention of Steve Aveson?????

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  25. Mike Shumann to KRON????

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  26. actually have to disagree (almost a first!!) rich about fosse, and maybe because i'm biased being an aradent A's fan, but he is better on radio working with ken and vince then on tv, and seems like they are going that way with more braden on tv...he is more critical of the a's then "kruk and kuip"are on the giants plus you don't get dead air or people constantly being "on assignment"

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    1. A's announcers are 100 times better than the Giants...

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  27. If you find yourself, for some reason, listening to Raider football on the radio, Lincoln Kennedy calls Brent Musburger "Partner". more than a dozen times each half. think it's written in his contract he can't call him Brent... Memories of the "Bob" drinking game in college during the original Newhart show. Was hammered before halftime!

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    1. noticed that too, i cant stand any of them "uncle towney" is the worst and now he is on with some guy named the butcher two obnixous guys who giggle and cackle the whole time, almost as bad as derek papa's annoying voices

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    2. Stuntman, I too cannot stand Towney's whiney voice and his conversations always seem to revolve around beer. Butcher Boy needs to dial it back a bit.

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  28. Alex Savidge has done an execelent job stepping in for what's his name. Some people are born to it.

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  29. Great line, re: Julie Chen-Moonves! And I agree that we should see more of Braden.

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  30. Rich, For mentioning Dallas Braden. You should be forced to ride in a Muni bus all weekend with Pam Cook and Gasia!

    P.S> Most A's fans can't stand Braden.

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    1. I'm an A's fan and love Braden, have you taken a poll or maybe you're just lying?

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  31. Goodrich is a lightweight. She always looks awkward at the desk, but perfectly natural covering Girl Scout cookie drives in Pleasanton. Glorified weather girl.

    Did Heather Holmes kick your dog or something?

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  32. the tze tze fly, the dragon lady reborn
    heather the macy cowgirl, send her
    back to texass, along with her
    wardrobe
    keepers daetz, gomez and haener, at
    least they are easy on the eyes

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  33. I think it would be horrible if Haehner and Holmes left. I think the Bay Area still misses Christina Loren - so it's kinda like that. If anything, KTVU needs to pair the two of them up everyday. I think it would solidify their ratings.

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