KGO/KSFO Dynamo Thursday ; 55 Hawthorne Deep Cleansing Underway; 'Pig Vomit' Metheny In; Escarsega Out

"As the Worm Turns" - New Drama Hits KGO & KSFO (and you ain't gonna like it)

'PIG VOMIT' is back!--  Kevin Methany who helped to single- handily destroy KFRC here years ago, then went on to destroy the legendary stations KJR, W-ENNNN-BEE CEE, WGAR, WGN, and Cumulus heritage new/talker WJR has been named KGO / KSFO operations manager as of July 14.

This, for those who know, has DISASTER written all over it.  Metheny hasn't run a rated station that he hasn't bombed and destroyed in his lengthy career.

The evolution of KGO & sister conservative talker, KSFO is now, officially underway as reported here on 415 Media first almost a month ago.

Cumulus operations manager, Ron Escarsega has exited 55 Hawthorne, having arrived from talker KABC Radio (and classic rocker KLOS) in LA not even a year ago.  Escarsega's job, "Fix it.  Get it done, now."  Steve Sklenar was named Cumulus SF market manager and, he too is going, going, GONE as of two weeks ago and dropped the bomb that KGO was headed back to talk after "We screwed up."

A furor exploded across the bows of both local management at the Cumulus Bay Area cluster and among the high-mucky muchs in Atlanta looking over the sinking ship of KGO, KSFO, KNBR, KFOG, KFGG and KSAN.

Cumulus is head-hunting for Methany's replacement at the heritage WJR, Detroit as we speak.

John Dickey, Cumulus Executive VP and Co-COO, noted this morning that “Kevin Methany’s reputation and accomplishments are unparalleled," Dickey adds, 'His deep understanding of spoken-word radio and ability to work with bigger-than-life talents make him the ideal candidate to lead the legendary KGO and KSFO."

Ron Escarsega briefly stated, "I've had a great run at KGO and KSFO." He reported to the staff on Hawthorne that "KGO received the overall excellence regional award for news while I was the OM. The KSFO morning show was often in the top 5 during my time with the station(s)."

Escarsega added, "I'm looking for the next great opportunity." He noted his vast experience "as a proven winner,"  in PPM ratings, in multiple formats including in news (CBS / KNX LA), Talk (Cumulus / KABC Los Angeles) and music formats (Cumulus LA Classic Rocker KLOS, among others. 

More to come.

Developing...

Somber Feeling at KTVU Over Airline Gaffe Firings; Cox Sent Its Own Media Attorney; More Could Go; Bay Media Notes Thursday

While the mood is somber around the Jack London Square studios of KTVU over the firing of some veteran news staffers, a sense of relief, albeit temporary, permeates the station.

For one thing, Wednesday's mini-bloodbath, however dreadful for those who got the hook, was not shocking for many.

"We're definitely down," a longtime air talent told me. Although the word of the dismissals was announced by News Director, Lee Rosenthal, rumors started fast and furious at the Oakland Fox affiliate. Even some of my most dependable insiders were reluctant to talk, on or off the record.

I got word midday about the developments and tried to gauge reaction and what's in store for the future.

QUICK BULLET POINTS---

1. Cox sent its own media attorney to Oakland to head the internal investigation. Ever mindful of its image and brand, which has taken a beating over the Asiana Airline name gaffe, Cox was adamant that it got to the bottom of the affair.

2. An e-mail that made its way to the newsroom the day of the gaffe, was seen by 4-5 people, (Brad Belstock, one of the staffers fired, was not a part of the gaffe, but his tweet, "Oh Shit", immediately after it was read, was let go because he violated station social-media policy.)

3. Cox and upper management suits at KTVU have not completed the investigation. The matter is not closed. Keep in mind that this is the worst mistake that has ever happened at KTVU, (duh!); it's a matter so stark and disturbing, the possibility of more firings is likely.

4. ND, Rosenthal, is safe for now, (he's only been here barely 3 months), but his much-ballyhooed PR release only a few days after the crash, left many disgusted and added to the embarrassment --don't think Cox high-ups were too pleased with this sheet.

5. Tori Campbell, who read the dreaded script, is also safe and is most likely spared. For one, she recently re-signed a contract extension, (for fairly decent money), and letting her go would be fraught with legal issues and financial matters.

By the way, Campbell is not on the air this week--she's on vacation, (which has nothing to do with Namegate--the vacation was planned months ago.) Probably good timing.

**Developing...

**Follow me on Twitter