Tuesday, February 1, 2022

KPIX Looks to Make a BIG Move; Original Joe's Summit; Kevin Walsh Seems Eager; Is Mark Ibanez on Radar?; O'Donnell Return Unlikely; Lisa White Fulltime ND Gig on Front Burner

THE MEETING TOOK PLACE--late last week-- and it was in a nondescript couple of seats at the counter at Original Joe's in North Beach. The business at hand: KPIX wants to land a MAJOR lead anchor talent and one that will shock the Bay Area if they can pull it off. Kevin Walsh, the VP and GM at PIX has the juice to get it done but this might be over his pay grade.

*MORE PIX: Almost a year and a half ago, Walsh reportedly asked KTVU sports anchor, Mark Ibanez, about bhis contract status.

If Walsh is interested, I know Ibanez has an OUT clause in his contract--March 31, '22--he's free to move on and goodness knows, KPIX would be an ideal fit for CBS-SF and Ibanez, who's as good as gone from Fox2 barring an unforseen move by The Firm to extend his deal.

*Whatever is keeping Dennis O'Donnell away from his sports duties (and there's loads of rumors) it appears highly unlikely he will return to KPIX.

*A senior weekend sports producer, Brian Stites, who's been at 855 Battery for over a decade, suddenly quit last week. One major reason: the sports commitment wasn't progrsssing to Stites' want and his main ally, O'Donnell, won't be back

*Cue to Ibanez. With AFC/NFL programming and the 2023 Super Bowl in its playbook, KPIX needs a LEAD sports anchor. Ibanez, a Walsh favorite--even before Ibanez's contract stalemate at Channel 2--likes and respects Mark. Could we be witnessing a PIX-Ibanez team? Put two and two together.

*It's all but done: Lisa White, the interim ND at PIX has the permanent job if she wants it. She does.

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12 comments:

  1. Andru ReeveFebruary 1, 2022 at 3:10 PM

    Lisa White is the obvious choice for news director. What would be the logic of going outside for someone else when she's known this market for 30 years? It's a no-brainer. Give her a chance I say.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousFebruary 1, 2022 at 3:37 PM

      OK Lisa.

      Delete
    2. AnonymousFebruary 1, 2022 at 7:54 PM

      No, it's "Okay Boomer," but Andru is a real person. I think he's a boomer too, but we can't hold that against him. Too much.

      Delete
    3. Al “Lezzbeaux” CollinsFebruary 1, 2022 at 8:31 PM

      OK, Christine.

      Delete
  2. Andru ReeveFebruary 1, 2022 at 3:39 PM

    Too bad about Stites. Super producer and great guy. Hope he finds a satisfying place to bring his skills.

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  3. drewFebruary 1, 2022 at 5:49 PM

    Who even is a "major lead anchor talent" anymore?

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousFebruary 1, 2022 at 7:53 PM

    I couldn't think of a major lead anchor talent, from anywhere. But it's probably someone ethnic. And their melanin will define their "major talent," not talent.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. theylive566February 2, 2022 at 8:49 AM

      OK. There are 5 ethnic groups. White, Black, American Indian or Alaskan native, Asian, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. That pretty much covers everyone so you are right when you say they will probably be ethnic. Melanin is a natural skin pigment that occurs in humans and animals to combat UV radiation from the sun and according to you, also their journalistic ability. Question, where does an albino person fit into your tinted reasoning?

      Delete
  5. UnknownFebruary 1, 2022 at 8:06 PM

    Meanwhile,...Sarah Donchey has been spotted in SF....

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousFebruary 1, 2022 at 9:02 PM

    If KPIX hires Ibanez I'll watch. While they're at it replace the weather guy. I vote Kyla Grogan comes back to the bay. And maybe they should grab Andre Senior while they're at it. There's a show.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousFebruary 2, 2022 at 8:42 AM

      I'd watch that!

      Delete
    2. AnonymousFebruary 2, 2022 at 5:06 PM

      You mean First Alert Weather wasn't the big move? I'd hardly have noticed the trees ready to blow over in my 'hood if I had not heard of the impending doom on KPIX's new First Alert Weather.

      Delete

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