415 Media Exclusive: KPIX Anchor, Veronica De La Cruz Recovering from Coronavirus

Veronica De La Cruz

KPIX lead anchor, Veronica De La Cruz, contracted the Coronavirus COVID-19 virus , I've learned, but she has recovered and told friends and associates that she's planning on being back at PIX within the next two weeks.

I reached out to her (De La Cruz) for a comment--at press time, De La Cruz did not immediately respond.

The KPIX anchor, who came to the Bay Area with much fanfare from NY in 2014, has been conspicuously absent from the CBS5 airwaves the past month.

According to sources I spoke to, who spoke under condition of anonymity, De La Cruz took a medical leave from KPIX when she discovered she had had the Covid-19 virus.

De la Cruz is the first Bay Area TV News anchor to have contracted the virus. We're obviously happy that she's apparently OK and due to be back on the air in a few weeks.

This is but the latest bad vibes to hit the local CBS O and O--things can only get better.

They hope.

#415 MEDIA EXCLUSIVE

NBC Bay Area's Jess Aguirre Engaged; 6 and 11 Anchor Has a Ring on It; Monday Open

.

Jessica Aguirre: love is in the air

She's gotta ring on her finger for a reason.

Love Miss Jessica Aguirre of NBC Bay Area

THE NEWS TO START YOUR MONDAY?

Glad you asked.

Jess is engaged --I don't know the man, other than he's a South Bay firefighter --but my spies are working overtime on his vitals.

Now that Jess has found a good man (we hope) her giddy-up has to be in overtime.

With authority!

415 Media Exclusive: Julie Watts Leaving KPIX. Headed To Sacramento CBS 'Oand O' KOVR

Julie Watts leaving KPIX for KOVR

415 MEDIA EXCLUSIVE

WATTS LEAVING 'PIX

Julie Watts, the wholesome, sometimes consumer, sometimes weather anchor, is leaving KPIX and headed for Sacramento CBS O and O (Owned and Operated) KOVR.

KPIX brass let their staff know this (Wednesday) evening, according to a source close to the station. That same source told me the news and a little more too:


"She wasn't happy here and wanted to do more consumer and investigative stories, said the person who is in a position to know.

Watts has been at KPIX since 2010. Her reporting garnered seven Emmys and numerous industry awards. Presumably, in hungry Sacramento, she'll be able to do more and get extra air time; it's unusual for a smaller market to snatch a Top 10 personality like Watts but that's what Sactown CBS did.

Good for Watts and good for CBS and its state capital eyeball.

415 Media Exclusive: How the Papa/49ers Deal Went Down; Inside Story; When Papa Became Available, 49ers' Sargent Began Pursuit; Tells 415 Media 'Historic Move'; Decision Needed York and Guido OK

Ted Robinson (l) and Greg Papa -NBCSBA photo

49ERS MOVED ON 'FREE AGENT PAPA'; NO REPUDIATION OF ROBINSON; ACCELURATED MOVE ON EX-RAIDERS PBP --415 MEDIA EXCLUSIVE INSIDE STORY ON 'SHOCKING MOVE'

*ABOUT SIX MONTHS AGO when Raiders veteran PBP broadcaster Greg Papa was summarily dumped by the Silver and Black (namely, Mark Davis) 49ers broadcasting boss, Bob Sargent, who knew Papa well and regarded him as a play-by-play, sporting icon, immediately went into high gear and on a mission: to seize the opportunity to pounce on Papa and bring him into the 49ers' broadcast booth with Tim Ryan.

Mission accomplished.

On Wednesday, it was announced that Papa would replace Robinson and become the new 49ers' radio broadcaster. Or, as one sports radio observer commented to me, "a shocking move, bold and audacious too."

Sargent, in a lengthy phone conversation with me, insisted that the move to replace Robinson was by no means a repudiation of 'Teddy Ballgame' as he is known charmingly around Bay Area broadcast circles.

"When 'Greg {Papa} became available I immediately began discussions with him because I regard him as one of the best {if not thee best] in the business. NFL people place him in the top three category} Nothing against Ted more really I just wanted to bring Greg to the 49ers," said Sargent.

How bold a move? Enough to require a boatload of hurdles to overcome in addition to the move of acquiring Papa to be OKed by not just the Niners' broadcast hierarchy but all the way up the food channel including team president, Al Guido and owner, Jed York, who has always been a loyal Robinson advocate.

Industry people I talked to concurred. They repeatedly told me that it wasn't so much a blow to Ted Robinson (although it probably is) more a determined effort on Sargent's part to get Papa and Ryan together to form one of the best NFL Radio play-by-play tandems in the business.

I'll say this about the move: while I have my issues with Papa on a personal level, I've never doubted his professional credentials as a seasoned pro-football broadcaster. His Raiders' work by and large was as close to the real deal, late Bill King demonstrated in his multi-decade work with the Raiders.

The new questions on the table: Will Papa have to leave his 95.7 FM 'The Game' radio talk show? Probably. I don't envision KNBR (which is the 49ers' flagship station) allowing Papa to stay on its rival Bay Area station, but that's just a guess. Sargent told me he doesn't care one way or the other because as far as he's concerned, he got his prized pupil and long-term broadcast duo for the future.

And that's the genesis of this story laid out to me. Sargent regards Papa as the gold standard. His (Sargent) close relationship with Robinson on both a personal and professional level is a lengthy bond and might be compromised. Sargent told me in spite of that, "I wanted to make this move."

And so he did.

415 Media Exclusive: Warriors' PA Announcer, Matt Hurwitz OUT; NBA Champs Go In 'New Direction'

Matt Hurwitz OUT as Dubs' PA announcer at Oracle Arena

Matt Hurwitz, the NBA champion, Warriors' PA announcer for over 18years is OUT, 415 MEDIA has learned through a source.

I reached out to Hurwitz who confirmed to me that he was indeed no longer with the team and not returning for the upcoming season.

"They (Warriors) indicated they wanted to go in a new direction. While I'm disappointed I had a great time --a great run for almost two decades," Hurwitz told me.

There's no word on a replacement as of this writing.

    The Warriors are scheduled to move into their new San Francisco arena, the Chase Center, for the 2019-2020 season.

415 Media Exclusive: Chaos at KTVU Over Nia Wilson Facebook 'Gun' Photo; News Director Amber Eikel Breaks Down in Front of Shocked Newsroom; Source to 415 Media: 'Job On The Line'; Claudine Wong Also Crying; How The Controversial Wilson Picture Made KTVU's 'Noon News'; Staffers Worry in JL Square

ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE AT

KTVU; CHAOTIC NEWSROOM

Anchors/Reporters/EP's' staffers

still shaken over Nia Wilson

KTVU News Director Amber Eikel

picture

*The fallout from the inappropriate

picture of murdered Oakland teen

Nia Wilson continues at KTVU;

the latest?

In a stunning display of the angst

that haunts the building, VP/News Dir,

Amber Eikel broke down in the

newsroom; crying and crying all in

front of a shocked staff; according

to my source who witnessed the

scene, anchor Claudine Wong

also began to sob uncontrollably.

Said the source:

"It was the most awkward scene in the newsroom I've ever witnessed and I've seen some beauties."

Claudine Wong smiling here but crying in KTVU newsroom

The source indicated and I've confirmed through multiple contacts that Eikel may have been crying not just for the Wilson picture incident, but for her own future at KTVU: Word is she's more than likely to get fired over the incident. Someone has to take the fall and it appears Eikel is at the top of the list.

Why?

Eikel, says Fox2 contacts, was the only person willing to work for GM, Gregg Kelley.

"He could control her," said the source.

But it was Eikel's own hired reporter and Executive Producer working the morning (and later Noon News) that were responsible for allowing the Wilson photo (in which a picture of her holding a cell-phone case that resembled a gun) made Channel 2's air on its Noon News--so, says the source:

"It falls on her."

The name of the reporter and EP working Monday is not known but the reporter sent a piece back to the station for air and the producer, also not known, quickly pulled the Wilson image off her Facebook account and nobody bothered to check the image and just ran with it.

A newsroom source: "This is another 'fuckin' Asiana!" --referring to KTVU's most recent news blunder in which fake pilot's names off the downed Korean jetliner made it Noon News back in July, 2013, an embarrassing incident that still haunts KTVU today.

And now this. You thought it would never happen again. But it has.

And like the Asiana embarrassment, heads will roll. The first to go is said to be ND, Eikel.

Making matters all the more complicated, a series of protests are set to take place in front of KTVU's Jack London Square studios in the coming days.



#415MEDIA EXCLUSIVE

It's Official: Wayne Splits KTVU for KRON; Thursday 415 Media Reports

Ken Wayne moving to KRON

WHAT I REPORTED last week is now official: Ken Wayne, who spent nearly three decades at KTVU before abruptly leaving is headed across the bay to work the weeknight anchor desk at KRON; he begins sometime next week.

No word on which newscasts he'll anchor but underwhelming KRON could use a new face --especially in light of its recent decision to can Steve Aveson whose contract was not renewed and lasted barely a year and a half.

Wayne is not a fiery personality but his KTVU presence gives KRON a known Bay Area TV News journalist --something that can only help the independent albatross that needs a shot in the arm. Boy do they ever.

Wayne was working the last month without a contract; Fox-owned KTVU didn't want to renew Wayne for the money he was seeking (about $300K annually) --Wayne will be working for significantly less dough but he likes the Bay Area and was willing to take a pay cut to get the KRON gig. Yes, it's KRON but it's a job. That always helps to feed the family.

#415MEDIA EXCLU

Sparks Fly at KNTV (NBC Bay Area); Major Anchor Fray; Domestic Dispute Creates Chaos in San Jose; Developing Friday 415/408 Media

 SPARKS FLY AROUND NBC BAY AREA-- Chaos galore!

*Star anchor goes all-out to reach supreme power position ...and gets it! (To all ends) No one is safe. NO ONE.

*Spat involves domestic abuse charges and infidelity! Management at crossing point.

*A full-out front court press--with at least two people canned too.

*415 MEDIA EXCLUSIVE

*DEVELOPING...

BREAKING: Thomas And Zse Gonno From The KGO-TV Morning News; It's Official: Rasmussen And Pritchett OUT At KTVU; Wild Day By The TV News 415 Media Bay

 BEEN A WILD DAY at KTVU and KGO-TV.

As I reported here first, both veteran reporters Eric Rasmussen and Ken Pritchett are gone from KTVU. It was all about the money --don't believe any other reasons--to their credit, both Rasmussen and Pritchett took the high road. But both turned down some rather repulsive offers from FOX.

Meanwhile, my source at KGO tells me both Eric Thomas and Kristen Sze have been kicked off the Morning Show. Might be noted there's some anchor shuffling taking place at 900 Front and both seem destined for other time slots.


Don't know all the details here but it appears that one big issue involving the duo's 86 might be the fact that both hate each other and in the end, that may have accelerated their departure. No word on replacements yet but think heavily this dynamic duo.

*415 Media Exclu

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Exclusive: Bloomberg Radio Acquires Mystery SF Radio Station; Ex-KGO Newsman Greg Jarrett Coming Back To Bay Area

Greg Jarrett coming back to SF Radio

 JARRETT BACK ON SF AIRWAVES --BLOOMBERG RADIO TO SF --AQUIRES BAY AREA RADIO STATION!

I've been receiving lots of tips on Bloomberg Radio possibly coming to SF Bay Area Radio armed with a lot of homegrown talent.

Today, now, I contacted ex-KGO Radio news anchor, Greg Jarrett, (not the Fox News guy), and he confirmed to me he's coming back to San Francisco and will be on a, as of yet, unknown,  Bloomberg station. (KSFO? KFRC? FM?)

"I love San Francisco and miss the Bay Area--I'll be back on 'within six weeks on drivetime,'" said Jarrett via phone.

Jarrett worked for current KGO Opps Mgr, Kevin Metheny and is a close ally. Both worked together in Chicago. Jarrett did PM drive for years on the old KGO.

I asked Jarrett if he knew what Bay Area radio station Bloomberg was acquiring --he would not comment but we'll know soon.

This is very interesting to say the least.

*Developing...

*Rich Lieberman 415 Media Exclusive

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Breaking: Ama Daetz Officially Named KGO-TV Permanent Weeknight PM Anchor Alongside Dan Ashley

It's official:

Reported here first:  Bay Area news personality Ama Daetz was officially named the permanent co-anchor for the 6 and 11 PM News for KGO-TV, alongside longtime circle7 anchor, Dan Ashley.


The move, formally announced to Channel 7 staff late Friday, was Daetz' to lose. According to my KGO sources, no one else was seriously considered; it also helped that Ashley and Daetz seemed to possess instant chemistry on the set.


Daetz moves from the weekend and will also continue to occasionally report from the field.




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415 Media Exclusive: GM Raponi To Leave KTVU; Headed to Boston Fox TV Statiom

 BREAKING: RAPONI TO LEAVE KTVU --GOING TO FOX BOSTON STATION!

*Two independent sources tell me that Tom Raponi, the GM at KTVU, is headed to the Boston Fox affiliate, (for now).


*KTVU ND, Lee Rosenthal might be the next.


*Whirlwind of activity at Channel 2's Jack London Square Studios --staffers in state of shock and disbelief.


*Rich Lieberman 415 Media Exclusive


*Developing...

Exclusive: KGO-TV Reporter Ishimaru Was To File Suit Against Station Before Her Medical Setback; Hostile Work Environment Complaint; Angela Alioto To Rep Her

Days before she suffered a serious stroke, KGO-TV reporter, Heather Ishimaru, was about to file a hostile work-environment lawsuit against the station, according to well-placed broadcast sources close to Channel 7.


Ishimaru, who is unable to speak or swallow food is in a SF rehab facility. Her attorney, Angela Alioto, confirmed to me on the phone that Ishimaru had planned to file a lawsuit.


"She, (Ishimaru), wrote three letters to management, (News Director, Tracey Watkowski and Assistant ND, Stephainie Adrouney),  about some work-related issues then suddenly she had her medical setback," Alioto said.


Watkowski did not return phone calls requesting comment.


Privately, my sources at KGO, (all requested anonymity due to the nature of the story), told me that Ishimaru, who is a veteran and much-respected reporter, had asked for some time away from the station dealing with a family matter involving one of her kids, a special-needs child. Alioto confirmed this account.


Watkowski balked.


"They were giving her shit," offered one of the sources. "They essentially told her to take care of the 'issue on her time, not the company dime, and that's just bullshit."


Needless to say the Ishimaru tragedy has rocked the KGO newsroom where several staffers are unhappy with the vibe overall. "This has just added to all the angst inside the building--there's a tremendous amount of tension here. They, (management), just don't get it--they're in over their heads."


Added Alioto:


"Heather has an incredible performance record.  She was harassed and treated differently by her superiors Stephanie and Tracey concerning medical leave to take care of her son. Heather was very stressed out about the treatment."






*415 Media Exclusive


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Exclusive: KPIX5 Weather Personality Roberta Gonzales Moving to Weekday Mornings; Will Work With Karnow; Friday Starter

 Roberta Gonzales will be moving from the weekend weather duties, (and KPIX pretentious "mobile weather lab") to the weekday mornings, according to a reliable broadcast source.

The move, which is supposed to take place "in about a month" will see the enormously popular Gonzales work  with current weatherman, Lawrence Karnow. If that sounds awkward it should be, but reading between the lines, looks as if PIX wants to hit weather very hard and therefore, getting Gonzales back to give the mornings a jolt will accomplish that on a number of fronts.

As to how Karnow will react to all this is anyone's guess but my source indicated Gonzales feels a bit uneasy moving into his territory. In addition, the new move is not the only one on the horizon. Look for some more changes coming.

 The decision on Roberta back to a more prominent time frame was probably high-up, either NY and/or from GM, Bruno Cohen. Keep in mind it was not too long ago that Gonzales was aced out of the M-F front by the vanilla wafer guy, Paul Deanu. (And boy has that move turned out swell--I know, it's all about the money.)

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