When pix was PIX and then some.
The thing I rember most about these cool people was how amazingly humble they were OFF the air as they were ON the air. I got to meet and had many experiences with Wayne at the press box or at a few Super Bowls. What an immensely nice man and a cool guy away from the camera. Wendy, I never met but I liked her; sure, she had challenges reading her copy but that's another story. MAC was not only a great TV News journalist but a real nice guy too; a sincere man to the core. Bartlett to this day, a real cool, calm and class act.
Too bad CBS-SF isn't anywhere near the awesome-ness of KPIX not that long ago.
I got to work for many years with Mac and Wendy (mid-late 90s). Both were genuinely nice people. Still FB friends with Wendy. That was in the waning days of KPIX greatness. It's now only a shadow. But aren't they all these days?
ReplyDeleteJoel Bartlett was good but I think Brian Sussman could be included with this group, as well.
ReplyDeleteMan...the Sussman I knew/worked with was a really chill guy...funny, got along with everyone--even the gay guys in the newsroom. What a shock it is to see him today--a TOTALLY different right-wing whacko.
DeleteHey 3:07, I too had the good fortune of working with all these top Journalists; even though Wayne would always remind us all that he was not a journalist, just an ex-athlete who loved telling sports stories. Man, that man loved his Lions! These TV anchors were at the top of their game and always cared about each other. Their collective egos where nowhere near what Giddings was like. They came in, did their job and every now and then, one would crack a joke. Best of all they were nice to everyone they met, couldn't have been a nicer group of people to work alongside. This industry has seen it's glory days come because now, they're forever gone.
ReplyDeleteI'm not 3:07, Anonymous. I put my name down. But who are YOU?
DeleteTo this day, I consider Walker and Bartlett to be the best that I've seen in this market. Mac was certainly up there, too.
ReplyDeleteI remember Walker from his playing days, and he was an oft-Pro Bowl selection. Take into consideration the number of all-time greats, and Hall of Famers, who played at the linebacker position during Walker's NFL career. A well-liked, well-respected, high-achiever on the field, and with the mic.
Walker was a great LB with the Lions, but was overshadowed by Joe Schmidt. Wendy Tokuda was definitely the weakest link in this foursome.
DeleteGood point, 5:48. And when Schmidt became head coach, Mike Lucci received quite a bit of attention as their middle backer.
DeleteThey were giants, and class acts all the way. And I still remember Moore who preceded Wendy. Also, back then CBS NEWS was great back before they made blunder after blunder in choosing talent. These days I keep my dial at Channel 7, and sometimes 9 (PBS).
ReplyDeleteWas Wayne drunk in that picture , getting all grabby with the female anchor?
ReplyDeleteDave McElhatton was such a cool dude. "Mac" was like everyone's favorite nice uncle. Sometimes for dinner breaks he would hang out with the editors or ENG/tape room guys and gals....and just schmooze. He knew which ones of us were into sports...still photography...coffee shops, etc...and would chat you up. I was new at PIX in the early 90's...and was just amazed at how he'd frequently stay in the newsroom for dinner--or just duck out for a quick bite--and come back and schmooze with the editors/tape room/writers. He would of course love to talk about flying/piloting his little plane! Just a really good man.
ReplyDeleteThe Mac Era at PIX - At the beginning, it was Dave by himself, then it was: Larry Moore, Tokuda, Kate Kelly, Anna Chavez, Marcia Brandwynne, Dana King, and Juliette Goodrich, who may have co-anchored before King arrived. Extremely thankful that we still have Jules remaining from the Mac Era. Only Goodrich, Bastida, and I think Len Ramirez are left from when Dave was the man. From a news standpoint that is. After Walker, it was Dan Fouts, some guy named Drew, then Dennis O'Donnell, which makes it four left.
ReplyDeleteGAWWDD...Drew Soicher. I remember the first day he appeared on-air, he ran some dumb "get to know me" kinda schlocky video introducing himself. And who could ever forget the "Drew or False" schtick video???
DeleteJoel Bartlett is part of the WOR am radio show with Len Berman and Michael Riedel (sp). I listen to them sometimes while working from 3-6am. I think Joel is trying to retire. More interesting than Bay Area radio.
ReplyDeleteI think you're mixing Joel Bartlett up with WOR's Joe Bartlett. Different people.
DeleteYup, the only news we liked. And, being a mega Lions fan, I was stoked to see Walker get that job.He replaced that nut that kind of stared in to he camera rambling, shell shocked.
ReplyDelete@7:52 - Your thinking of Milt Kahn? Blooper city
ReplyDeleteGreat memories. However, could you imagine the outrage today if Wayne Walker had his hand on Wendy Tokuda's arm as he did in the photo?
ReplyDeleteJoel Bartlett was my favorite weatherman. He had a folksy manner that put people at ease.
ReplyDeleteCurrent weather reporter Mary Lee is easy to like.
Bartlett was/is the real deal...a scientist
DeleteThose were the days! Much better than anything now. Dave McElhatton was also great on the radio before the TV news. Miss that group and also the late Pete Wilson!
ReplyDeleteMac, Wendy, Kate, Wayne and Joel were incredibly easy to work with — and I’ve worked at TV stations all over the nation. And, yes, KPIX was pure “class” back then.
ReplyDeleteMac, Wendy, Kate, Wayne and Joel were incredibly easy to work with — and I’ve worked at TV stations all over the nation. And, yes, KPIX was pure “class” back then.
ReplyDelete