Before his off-air drama at KTVU; the three major misdeeds (one in particular); the various extraordinary idiotic personal behavior; some of it, beyond Frank's control, had reared its ugly head, Somerville's professional life may have been ripe for a new change of scenery. Behind the scenes and off the radar existed a Bay Area TV News dynamic that may have changed the fortunes for two biggies: KTVU, for sure and KPIX, more than likely.
We'll never know now.
KPIX, CBS had a lot going on. They needed a new look. They still do. CBS had had it with a O and O (owned/operated) that was profitable, sure, but underwhelming and under-performing. Despite the strong CBS network lead-in programming, PIX was a little off course. They could do a lot better, CBS knew and figured, rightly so. CBS didn't understand why PIX was a perennial third-place or worse Bay Area outlet. CBS even sent a group of high-top execs to the city to look at the furniture and examine all the factors. Why was SF so lousy, to be blunt.
Both PIX and CBS had issues, as did Somerville. We know much about that now.
Somerville knew about his contract status. He was semi-OK with taking a pay cut, at first, but as he began to see the STRONG ratings KTVU was getting and the fact the numbers at 10 were good and that Fox was making globs of money, Somerville's attitude took a detour. He thought he deserved better. He figured, with legitimate reason, that he was a commodity--if not at KTVU, then maybe somewhere else.
Then all hell broke loose a year ago this week--the Sunday night before Memorial Day, '21. And continuing further...
*To be continued.
Idiotic personal behavior is NEVER beyond the person's control.
ReplyDeleteHe should blame himself and apologize to his loyal viewers. People make mistakes, admit it and don’t do it again. His mistake is beyond worse. Personal relationship issues with intern using his power and years at KTVU not getting fired, next, alcohol issues, on-air slurring and his own legal issues right now. He been to rehab and it didn’t help just like someone confessing their sin, god forgive them and years later, it happen again no change. I doubt anyone will hire him on TV as main anchor, he can try to become a field anchor at another state, Kenny Choi is doing it right now from main demoted to field. Blame himself and he loss all the fame on TV highest paying anchor to nothing at the end. Wish him luck!!!
ReplyDeleteNo one would hire Frank today to clean the toilets at a public access TV station. Why risk the drama when you can get someone else for less money who will move the needle just as much--ie, none?
DeleteHey Kenny, could I get some more soy sauce and another Pepsi, please?
DeletePeter Felch at Hunan Kitchen
Rohnert Park
He was also living his life through Woodford (or is that Absolut) colored glasses, and this was never going to end well for someone at that stage of denial. The end
ReplyDeleteHe blew an opportunity all right. And she walked away with a six figure settlement, I understand.
ReplyDeleteWasn't it the other way around?
DeleteShe is probably using the same old trick to get more from powerful man. You did it once, you will do it again.
DeleteNot the superman George Watson was.
ReplyDeletePlus... KTVU forced George Watson to make an "on-air" announcement.
Something KTVU management today is to WEAK to do.
Thus why they are slipping fast into the toilet. With no return.
And loss of star power.
Maybe Julie can do a " sad story" on it.
Hahaha.....sure.
Imagine this exclusive interview: Julie Haener interviewing Frank Somerville talking about this journey.
ReplyDelete" To weak or not to weak" that is the question. Mr. Somerville refused to follow his boss's admonitions about not doing commentary on a news show, specifically his opinion that the media was too interested in Gabby Petito because she was white. It was too, too , too much for him. So it really wasn't about them not being "to weak".
ReplyDeleteIDGAF about Frank. He made far more money than the regular 10:00 o’clock News viewers. Welcome to the my world, Dumb Ass!
ReplyDelete