KRON Kato Ouster Controversy Continues; The Heat Is On; Media General Review; Pero Pivots; Viewer Wrath Directed At KRON Management Over Move

 KATO OUSTER DRAWS IRE TO KRON MANAGEMNT

*The Erica Kato axe story has the eyes and ears of Media General big suits--how so?  Word on the street: Because their affiliate managers are having "independent reviews" on Kato firing. Translation: Don't be surprised if MG wants Pero to reveal his specific reason(s) why Kato was bounced.

These matters usually take a lot of time when it involves personnel so the process could become gradual --maybe, maybe not.

*Multiple KRON sources: "significant" turmoil and unease" inside studio. Morale at an all-time low. (Lower than low)

*Aaron Pero at center of the heat.

*Staffer: "We're all just staying clear of his (Pero) path."

*Producers, EP's, staff weary and "afraid"--"I'm scared, (one particular evening staffer) of him."

*Mysteriously, Pero's good friend was absent from the morning news show --she called in sick on Monday. (What a coincidence)

*KRON has been besieged with e-mail complaining about the Kato firing. A "Bring Back Erica" petition has circulated.

*Developing

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49ers PBP Broadcaster, Ted Robinson, Defense Attorney Michael Cardoza and Esteemed NY Times Writer Dave Anderson on Lieberman Live Today From 2-4 PM

Ted Robinson

 TODAY ON MY RADIO SHOW:

Ted Robinson/49ers PBP Broadcaster: 2: 05-2: 20 PM

Michael Cardoza/Defense Attorney/Former Prosecutor/CNN Legal analyst 2: 30-3 PM

Dave Anderson: Award-winning sports-writer, NY Times: 3: 05-3: 30 PM

To listen live: ksco.com --click on my link, you can also listen later on demand on podcast.

Michael Cardoza

Dave Anderson/NY Times

Sterling Controversy Up Front; Radnich Weirdness at KRON Last Night; KTVU Does 'Investigative Report' on Lack of Yellow Crime Tape in Oakland, I'm Not Kidding; Ted Robinson Will Do 49ers Pre-Season Games on KPIX; KGO-TV Trixie Anxiety; Wednesday Media Mashed and Hashed

 By now, everyone on the planet knows the Sterling story. It's had its imprint on the national news and sports cycle for five days. We're not through with it mind you, probably a few more days on the domain before we get our next TMZ-style bonanza.

We've become accustomed to the sensational and outrageous only the media environment in which we live has led to the mighty overblown sensation.

It's a phenomena where we are provided with the initial story--we view it; we react; and then the story stays with us via the Internet and cable and we're intrigued for a start; obviously glued to some degree; and when said story involves sex, (Sterling GF), bigotry, (Sterling's feelings about Black people), and some side events, we gravitate toward it.

Then we sort of move beyond and get sick of it. Are you sick enough already? Have you moved forward? I have. Maybe it's the sign of the times. Truly, racism didn't begin with Donald Sterling and it won't end there either. Institutional, systemic racism, the heart and soul of this story, is at the center of the storm--always has been, but think of it. Does anyone believe this tale would have received the uber-coverage it has had not Sterling's histrionics had a younger, sexual, convenient participant named V. Stiviano? Enter TMZ. Enter us. Enter America. Before the next scandal.

*The idea of sending a news reporter down to Staples Center made perfect sense until it was obvious there was very little demonstrators. KTVU sent Heather Holmes for some live shots which amounted to essentially, well nothing. A good shot of the outside of the Staples Center and a few palm trees.

*If you thought I was hard on 'yous all you might want to read this.

*Something truly bizarre, disturbing and mysterious to the max took place at KRON last night before the 11 PM newscast. At best, it involved some electronic problems that affected the master control, which affected sports. At worst, it most severely ticked off Gary Radnich who, looking flustered and spent, signed off his sportscast with an ominous look and this: "We had a problem here tonight, (facial gloom), nothing big, but that's it." Quick second and bye-bye. It looked weird and sullen, even by KRON standards. We're checking.

*KTVU did a special investigative report the other night, (highlighted by about 5 teases), on, get this, the lack of crime tape--that's CRIME TAPE, you know, the yellow stuff? So 2 does a much-ballyhooed seven minutes on the lack of yellow crime tape in Oakland. It was one of the worst examples of "investigative journalism" I've ever seen; in fact, unintentionally funny. I suppose a hard-hitting piece on crime and murders in the city wasn't sexy enough but the lack of crime tape was somehow worthy of seven minutes. Crime tape? Who cares?!! Holy-FUK indeed.

*Even if the News Director at KGO-TV thinks the sea has calmed down she's dreaming. Dear Tracey: Your "leadership" has allowed a wall to take place inside the newsroom: those that love you, those that tolerate you and the main ingredient: how everyone says the siege mentality has become really out in the open. Normally when that takes place you sort of try to rally the troops. Only, according to my spies, nobody respects what you have to say lately. Gees, I wonder why.

*That well-known local pizza chain that departed when Ralph Barbieri was fired from KNBR, is back on the station and The Razor is none-too-pleased and I'm being diplomatic. Hold the anchovies.


*As I write this it's windier than hell and gonna be hot today in the hills. Cue live shots away from the "Storm Desk" and head to the Oakland Hills and interview neighbors and Fire Dept. officials.


*I had lunch on Tuesday with Ted Robinson who told me he's going to do the 49ers TV pre-season games and that most likely, Bob Fitzgerald, would do radio on KNBR. Just the pre-season.


*I'm walking the other day down California near Battery and a horde of yuppie techs were completely glued, face down, to their IPhones--no wonder a pedestrian gets killed everyday in this crazy city!


*While every concerned citizen and arbiter of race relations paid attention to the Sterling controversy every male in America was busy checking out V. Stiviano and inquiring to each other, "Would you do her?" I'm just being honest.


*The problem with Radnich on radio when it comes to matters like Sterling is that he wants you to believe he's serious about the matter but always tries to inject humor--his brand of humor, into the matter. Problem is when the other two players in the studio don't think it's funny it sounds really bad --almost as bad as the ridiculous traffic sounders blaring relentlessly in the background--the "producer" thinks that's cool. Poor soul.


*The "Non-24" asshole is back. Slap that SOB.


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Tips and E-Mail: Rich.Lieberman@Gmail.com 

So Far The Media Outnumbers Protesters in LA at Staples Center

 Your front and center live shots for the 5 and 6 News--10 and 11 too.


So far, as usual, there's a lot more media people and trucks outside Staples Center than there are protesters.


Just once I'd love to hear a reporter say, aloud, off-script and notes: You know there's really nothing going on here and it looks as if it's business as usual.


Of course that would be too honest and counter to the whole idea of the reporter going down to LA in the first place.


The Sterling ban, ordered by NBA commissioner, Adam Silver was bold and loud, definitely a statement. And it's topic A on all platforms; sports, news, entertainment and culture. Even Oprah weighed in. That said, the voluminous amount of satellite trucks and talking heads was kind of funny to see outnumbering the protesters of zero but to be fair, LA's populace around Downtown is good for patience. We are, after all, near the zenith of OJ, Rodney King, BART cop trial and the like.


Waiting for impending "BREAKING NEWS!"--Is there a game Tuesday Night? What game.


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Advertisers and Women Will Dictate Bruce Fate on KNBR; Suspended For Now But Could Be Gone Soon; Monday Starter

 Forget about the reasons why or why not KNBR's Damon Bruce may be fired in the wake of his now notorious rant about women and sports. It really doesn't matter.

THIS does matter: advertisers. So far, no advertiser has left the Knibber cluster nor Bruce's show although I'm told there's been whispers from a few who are concerned about the fallout which has reached a national critical storm. And for good reason. Even for a radio station that has traditionally catered to a mostly male crowd and shuttered the female audience. Then again, it's not good business to alienate a growing legion of women fans who, like their male counterparts, do the tailgating and are avid NFL fans. Even the league has embraced the female demo and has a high-profile campaign dealing with breast-cancer awareness. The NBA and MLB have also targeted women with their own charitable campaigns. More women than ever have entered the sports arena and are a prominent advertising group.

It is that women demo that Bruce may have alienated the most and probably is kicking himself to have gone off on that bizarre tirade just a few days ago.

*I have had my moments with Bruce; I don't think this incident; however egregious and frankly, stupid and embarrassing to both Bruce and KNBR, warrants him losing his job--a two-week suspension without pay would be suitable, but again, the way of the world this day might dictate otherwise. If some advertisers split and there's a heavy backlash from the ladies, (and it's been considerable), then Bruce is gone.

*Ted Ramey will fill in today and Tuesday on Bruce's show from Noon-3 PM. Bruce, for now, has been suspended indefinitely, as reported here, first.

*Tone-deaf society: KNBR and Opps Mgr, Lee Hammer, haven't helped matters with their complete silence on the Bruce tirade. Not a word. Not a peep even. That's not in the handbook of good damage control. I'd expect we will get a statement sometime later Monday.

*Check back here periodically throughout the day as I do believe we might have some news filtering out of the Cumulus SF cluster on the Bruce matter.

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The Drakes Bay Oyster Farm Controversy on KSCO Saturday Special with MZ

Just got a note from KSCO owner, Michael Zwerling, who will examine the controversial Drakes Bay Oyster Farm issue on his "Saturday Special, (10 AM- Noon)

MZ:


OK it's FINALLY going to happen!  A radio debate on the controversial Drakes Bay Oyster Farm issue. 

Last November then US Interior Secretary Ken Salazar decided that the National Park Service was NOT going to renew the 40 year lease of the nearly century-old oyster farm located within Pt Reyes National Seashore land.

That decision meant the closing of the farm and the loss of jobs and housing for about thirty families.

But farm owners Kevin and Nancy Lunny fought back by challenging that decision, claiming that it was made based an lies and false science.  The matter is in court now awaiting a federal judge's decision to overturn Salazar's decision or not.

The Lunny's and supporters of the farm have been very willing to speak out publicly and loudly about the injustice of this case but the other side, those favoring the return of the land to wilderness state, have pretty much refused to participate in any public debate, preferring instead to work behind the scenes with government bureaucrats.  I call those people "SNEAKY WEASELS".

But guess what?  We FINALLY found an opponent of the oyster farm Bruce Kranzler, who is a straight shooter (that is, NOT a Sneaky Weasel) who is not only willing but EXCITED about debating oyster farm owner Kevin Lunny on your favorite radio station.

DON'T MISS IT on the next KSCO Special this Saturday 10 AM to 12 Noon, right here on proud to shine the light on and scatter the cockroaches radio AM 1080 KSCO.

 

MZ-

Tori Campbell and KTVU Namegate; An Honest, Politically-Incorrect Viewpoint from the 415 Media Blogger

The non PC Dept.


I don't know Tori Campbell that well but I've been told she's a total pro. I don't doubt that but her reading of the fake pilot names that has caused considerable angst both for her and KTVU still continues to befuddle me.

Like this: TORI!! A 5th-grader would have immediately known those names were FAKE! How in God's name could you have then carried on without stopping and saying that, for example, "we're going to a break and look at these names--something needs to be checked." COME ON, THIS IS FUCKING COMMON SENSE!!

**Campbell isn't going to be fired because she just recently re-upped and is being paid pretty good money but her performance here is flat-out mind-boggling. If I'm to be castigated to suggest here that she should be held accountable, so be it.

I mean, shit, did you see what Stephen Colbert had to say?!!

The easiest and most politically-correct take here in the Bay Area is that Campbell is a solid anchor and therefore should be given a pass. Bullshit. She royally screwed up. She has major company but she did the deed. Again, this sounds harsh but it's the truth.  (Can't wait for the, you're a misogynist, Rich!, crowd to come out from hiding.)

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