FRANK SOMERVILLE is the topic of conversation around the Bay Area TV News scene: why? Somerville's contract is up. No big deal he will automatically be renewed would be the logical thinking so what's all the commotion?The word on the street is that, yes, Fox/KTVU will re-up the veteran Monday-Friday anchor --but at virtually no raise and perhaps even a cut. Somerville's annual salary is among the highest in the Bay Area at roughly $630K a year. It's a lot of money for an anchor even one as popular as Somerville but KTVU is awash in cash and still has record ratings particularly at nighttime where Frank leads the way at 6 and 10 PM. He's been at Channel 2 for over two decades.
Making matters more interesting is possible interest from other stations should Somerville want to jump ship if he doesn't get a contract that's suitable for his standing. A source close to the situation tells me one outlet that might pounce on Somerville: KPIX, CBS-owned and operated has lots of money and KPIX needs a face of the station. At the very least, a PIX offer would provide much leverage to Somerville who, I believe, would prefer to stay at KTVU and finish out his career in Oakland.
I would bet he get's a deal done --a new contract somewhere in the $700K a year frame is likely. Then again, these days nothing shocks me.
I will be on this and report back to you when there's news, or not.
Speaking of KPIX, what happened to Traffic Reporter Jaclyn Dunn? She's been gone for weeks. What's the mystery?
ReplyDeleteKTVU will re-sign him, especially considering he's the most well-known male anchor in the Bay Area. (Quick, name another! —Exactly.) Fox is dumb, but not that dumb.
ReplyDeleteDan Ashley
DeleteJessica Aguirre
Frank Somerville would be the second most well-known male anchor in the Bay Area. Dan Ashley, of course, would be the most well-known, and the best.
ReplyDeleteIs Dan Ashley married??? I could not anything about him.
ReplyDeleteWord is Sze has desperately been trying to get in his pants...poor girl.
DeleteBesides, at another station he'd need to find a new polola, and that could cause a whole world of hurt (both for liability at a different station, and maybe at home, too. "What, Frank, one extra wasn't enough?")
ReplyDeleteStay with KTVU who wants to work with Veronica De La Cruz doing the news when she wants to and not showing up dealing with personal issues.
ReplyDeleteAshley for sure...
ReplyDeletePam Moore
Gary Radnich
Pam Moore isn't a male and Gary Radnich 1) is out of the TV biz, and 2) isn't qualified to be a NEWS anchor. Pay attention.
DeleteWhat would be the non-compete for Somerville? Six months?
ReplyDeleteNon-compete clauses are illegal in California. He could jump to a new station the next day.
DeleteThis Dan Ashley, what station is he on? Perhaps I should check him out.....bet he’s no John Weston. Or Wanda Ramey on KPIX.....
ReplyDelete