Allen Martin, the veteran KPIX news anchor is retiring from the biz.
A CBS-SF source told me Martin is leaving--no word yet officially at 855 Battery but Martin has told his friends he will retire, probably July, I'm hearing.
The news has already hit the PIX newsroom and there's considerable shock: "It's a huge loss for us," said a source.
That said, while I admired and respected his work, I was not a big fan of Allen Martin. I thought (and still think) his personality didn't always come across as well as it could have on the screen. To me, and I may have been an outsider on this one, Martin had an eternal scowl while anchoring the news. Which is inconsistent with his demeanor, which is supposed to be quite engaging and interesting.
It's a shame in that respect we didn't see much of that in Martin's on-air persona.
Martin is not old by any means--could he be just tired and worn out? Several sources at PIX speculated it was all of the above.
*Rich Lieberman 415 Media EXCLUSIVE
Is Brian Hackney going to replace him? Both weekend anchor are over qualified to be weekday anchors. Better than Sara. Just whatever reason they put them on weekends, KPIX staffing is such a mess, morning anchors switching around, evening anchors disappear never come back or retired.
ReplyDeleteWhen reached for comment, Force Ghost Dave McElhatton said “Wendy stole my medication!!”
DeleteThere is something to be said about waking to the morning sun un hurried,stepping into your slippers, making your way to the kitchen, making your morning coffee and savoring that first sip which tastes strangely different. Why? Because everyday is Saturday when you retire. Sounds well earned. Enjoy Allen!
ReplyDeleteAnother true professional lost.
ReplyDeleteOn an unrelated note, for those interested, here’s the job description for the newly-opened ABC7 reporter position (it looks like they copied and pasted from a previous KTVU reporter position). With some minor edits, KPIX will also be able to use it.
Wanna be on tv? Are you a Disney fan? Do you have no job experience, or were you marked as ‘do not rehire’ by your last employer? Come join ABC7! We have an immediate need for a general assignment reporter.
To be considered for this position, you’ll need to meet at least five of these minimum job requirement criteria:
-Person of color (‘BIPOC’).
-A vocal member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community.
-Transsexual (preferred), crossdresser or transvestite.
-Buttcrack ugly.
-Vertically challenged (“midget”).
-Born in a country with a caucasian population that exceeds no more than 20% of the country’s total population.
-Use ‘preferred pronouns,’ preferably ones that don’t match the sex you were assigned at birth.
-Identify as genderfluid, nonbinary, gender expansive, omnigender, or androgyne.
-Outspoken supporter of BLM AND the latest social or racial justice cause that society is enraged by.
-Obsessed with your social media accounts, posting a minimum of ten selfies per week.
-Prone to jealousy, including jealousy of your colleagues, and jealousy that your significant other follows on social media another Bay Area reporter who is infinitely more attractive than you.
-Grossly unqualified, preferably with no experience in journalism, broadcast media, or any other field with direct relevance.
-Regularly post strange content on your social media or content that a normal person would not care about, such as what you’re eating, personal vacations, weekend adventures with your significant other/friends, or photos of random objects or items around your house.
-Mentally unstable.
-Drama queen.
-Office gossiper and/or backstabber.
-Exhibit bizarre facial and voice mannerisms (e.g. sticking out your chin 2-3” in an attempt to be taken seriously, or a man who talks like a girl and giggles throughout the newscast).
-Wear clothes that aren't age-appropriate. Females 45+ must dress 20-25 years younger than their age.
-Receive Botox injections or plastic surgery from an unlicensed or under-qualified medical professional, thus making you look like Jocelyn Wildenstein, Wayne Newton, or Bruce Jenner.
-Were fired from your last job or are considering a position in the San Francisco Bay Area because you’ve destroyed your reputation and burned every bridge, and now no employer within 1,000 miles of your previous employer will hire you.
*Candidates who are caucasian, possess relevant work experience, have received national recognition for journalism, or are likeable will be immediately disqualified.
This is classic! I laughed so hard reading this. You nailed it. Every Bay Area tv person hired in the past 2-3 years definitely possesses at least 4, but most 5 or more.
Delete-Mentally unstable -- non negotiable for a morning gig on bay area TV.
DeleteHe won't be missed in my household.
ReplyDeleteHe's standing outside your front door right now.
DeleteWonder who would replace him? KPIX doesn't have any longstanding available anchors now. Don't think Brian Hackney would want the job. They may have to look outside the Bay Area for a new anchor.
ReplyDelete"Don't think Brian Hackney would want the job."
DeleteHe does, but they're not smart enough to ask him.
Martin was very good for a very long time.
ReplyDeleteThere’s that 3pm anchor Darren Reed Cowan that randomly showed up out of no where with Sara Donchey.
ReplyDeleteI am kind of obsessed with Las Vegas...so I have watched Darren online...he's good and I think would be a fine choice.
DeleteThis is Don Ford's chance to make it big on the anchor desk! Plus, I've never seen an anchor wear a cap while reading the news!!!
ReplyDeleteKPIX looking far and wide for the next Ryan Yamamoto
ReplyDeleteGod, who do they have left? A bunch of kids.
ReplyDeleteTonight... watching CBS Evening News...Norah O'Donnell is out with COVID... and the gorgeous Margret Brennan is anchoring
ReplyDeleteNorah O'Donnell...Another big zero.
Deleteindeed a real hottie!
DeleteHere is some vintage Allen Martin from KSBW in 1993...
ReplyDeletehttps://youtu.be/w0R8uq2TKMs
This was the necessary step to clear the way for Frank Sommerville to return. Wait 2 weeks and you'll see.
ReplyDeleteIn the long list of KPIX mediocrity you forgot Paul Heggen.
ReplyDeleteBut it's understandable. There's so much blandness at that station he's a firecracker by comparison.
justice for frank !!!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on Allen Martin on his retirement from KPIX. Most likely he was “forced retired” or it was planned in advance with the new hiring of anchor Reed Cowan...
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed Allen Martin during his career at KPIX. Best wishes to him. They could make a huge splash by signing Dan Ashley as their top anchor. He might listen as the Disney folks keep fucking around on his contract
ReplyDeleteAllen Martin is the only reliable anchor left at KPIX. I saw him at KSBW and KMST when living down there. I was pleased when he joined KPIX. Ryan Yamamoto is an unwatchable joke and Darren Cowan who replaced Martin at 3:00 is not impressive. I have always liked Martin so wish him well in retirement.
ReplyDeleteGive the " Greenhorn s" a chance! Im sure Ryan and Reed will be just as effective😉
DeleteBrent Cannon is dusting off his resume.
ReplyDeleteFrank Somerville is waiting for the call.
Yes, I find Allen Martin to be the least repellent male anchor on weeknights. I will miss him.
ReplyDeleteI knew Asian guys with presence and news anchor timbre -- though corporate managers, not in TV. Still, they exist.
Allen will be hard to replace. Where did they get Sara from? No personality. Blah!! Ryan is to green yet and Reed is ok. Seems that the head honcho of KPIX hires & fires at will; or forces out who he wants to!😏
ReplyDelete