IN SPITE OF INTENSE TURBULENCE; most of it not their faults, the CORE 4 (I'll call them) of KTVU's prized franchise remain to this day steady and determined if a bit belabored.The still-vaunted "10 o'clock News" remains a ratings bonanza and still commands #1 status as the most-watched newscast in the Bay Area. It's been challenged but it remains the top dog.
Anchors Frank Somerville and Julie Haener are decades-crowned veterans. Mark Ibanez on sports is nearing 40 years in Jack London Square and continues his excellent repertoire with nifty writing and A-Grade delivery. His volume of service equals that of the late Gary Park; while I have had my issues with Bill Martin, overall, he does a better-than-average weather report. Sure, he's become excessively chatty but blame most of that on FOX's ethos.
The 10 has been tainted with too many new reporters and an obscene amount of semi-happy talk; it's overall coverage is still very good and the bulk of its product remains steady and intact; all of this in spite of Fox's rush to tweak it and make it a part of their brand. Only, the 10 o'clock didn't need any tweaking. Apparently, If it ain't broke don't fix it never entered the Fox lexicon.
I wish other newscasts on KTVU would try to emulate the 10 but I'm not holding my breath.
