Exclusive: The "Retirement" That Really Wasn't But That Makes Sense In the End: Mark Ibanez's Exit from KTVU --The Inside Story

IN THE INTEREST OF TRANSPARENCY --THURSDAY REPORT

It was nothing sinister; Fox made a decision and it's a decision made every day in business, not just involving the sports anchor desk.

But you want the real story, the inside dope because in the coming days, you might be watching something entirely skewed.

Mark Ibanez wanted one more contract extension. He was still at the top of his game. I agree. His contract was up and he'd been working without a deal for a full year, but confident KTVU (Fox) would see the light and offer him a re-up. He was ultimately wrong.

KTVU execs never made a move. Never so much even contacted the 43-year veteran; in fact, did or say nothing. Ibanez was caught off guard. He figured he was due one last extension--in fact, he'd even anchor both news and sports but it never materialized. Fox didn't bite on anything. They did, however, appear to be willing to keep Ibanez on the anchor desk, but weren't willing to offer him another contract. Initially angry and miffed, Ibanez moved forward and explored the idea of simply retiring.

Which he did by accepting a generous offer from KTVU that involves a pretty good financial package befitting a guy with 43 years service to the company. And Ibanez surely deserves what he got but Fox will have you believe it was all warm and fuzzy.

Hardly.

Ibanez will broadcast his last sports report on March 31st. He could very well have carried on and continue to anchor the sports at KTVU--he'd have been great too. He's a Bay Area guy with Petaluma roots, a huge Giants and 49ers fan. He is a very nice, engaging guy with a heart of gold and treats people very nice which is why he's one of KTVU's most popular personalities. But Fox wasn't committing long term.

In fact, Fox, its billions involving networks, media properties, TV News stations like KTVU, etc, has a sole new agenda. Fox is phasing out sports on its O and O stations, including KTVU. It simply isn't interested in that dept. and maintaining any highly-paid sports anchors and divisions isn't in the books. I'm still surprised KTVU has three (now, about to be two--fitting) sports anchors. But that will change.

Ibanez had a pretty good run. He will leave and be happy. His "retirement" wasn't all his doing but in the end, it makes sense. For both sides, only unfortunately, the Bay Area loses out and KTVU loses another of its core4 anchors.