O'Donnell was last on the air early August last year but has been gone since then. Both KPIX and O'Donnell have been mum on his absence. KPIX has been silent citing medical privacy law as an excuse for its inaction to offer anything surrounding O'Donnell's situation, I've learned.
And O'Donnell himself hasn't said anything publicly.
Outside of a brief visit at a SF restaurant with a few KPIX anchors, (including Ken Bastida and Liz Cook) in February, O'Donnell has been MIA.
Last week, a retirement dinner for former station GM, Kevin Walsh, was held--almost every on-air PIX anchor/reporter was at the event, except one, O'Donnell himself.
Independent sources told me the medical issue ensures O'Donnell "won't be back at KPIX" and that the malady is "an ongoing situation."
O'Donnell has been anchoring at KPIX for 22 years. Prior to joining PIX, he was a sports producer at KRON since 1982.
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That's too bad. Hoping the best for him
ReplyDeleteHe had a bad stroke.
ReplyDeleteIs there such a thing as a “good” stroke? My understanding is if you can get to the hospital within six hours you should be ok long term.
Delete1:46 ,who told you that? Don't believe it.
DeleteThere are multiple types of strokes, and many factors to consider.
DeleteBoth of my parents suffered strokes. My dad was in a hospital bed, when he suffered a major stroke. And he was definitely not OK, after the event. He died a few days later, and the stroke was listed as the primary cause of death. That said, it is still imperative to get to a hospital ASAP if one is experiencing stroke-like symptoms.
So sorry to hear about Dennis and his health issues.
ReplyDeleteHoping for a full recovery always enjoyed his work.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update, Rich. Good luck, Dennis.
ReplyDeleteWhen he's ready to come back, KTVU may be his new home
ReplyDeleteDoubt it. The Firm might offer the equivalent of what they pay their newly hired reporters and O'Donnell will want nothing to do with a pay lower than a Board Op at an AM radio station.
DeleteI worked with Dennis for decades and he is one hell of a stand up guy. He is in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteHoping for the best for him. Prayers for a speedy recovery.
ReplyDeleteThis weekend I noticed the show Game Night no longer is titled, "With Dennis O'Donnell." I wish him well. He always came across as chipper.
ReplyDelete@ 8:47: Target Stores is starting entry-level stocking clerks at $22.50 an hour now; ask one of the KNBR boys if their Union Scale AM radio board opp pay beats that (it doesn't).
ReplyDeletePrayers for Dennis. I wish him well. Always a good guy.
ReplyDeleteHeartfelt thanks for Dennis’ many broadcasts and hopes for the best.
ReplyDeleteI delivered parcel post and have delivered to Dennis a few times. Really nice guy. He lived in the same building as my Aunt and attended her celebration of life luncheon. Great guy....hope whatever he’s dealing with, he’ll overcome it and resume a healthy life with his family.
ReplyDelete