The Bay Area's longest-tenured anchor, sports-director, Mark Ibanez is LEAVINGKTVU to pursue other interests.
Ibanez's departure was announced by fellow Fox2 anchor, Joe Fonzi, on the 10: 50 sports report --Ibanez told friends at the Warriors' game he was leaving KTVU. And it looks as if Fonzi will take over the new lead sports anchor position at the Bay Area O and O (owned/operated).
Ibanez will depart KTVU at the end of the month.
Ibanez, who began his stint in 1979, has been working without a contarct for a year. He had hoped to get a one last contract extension, but KTVU management never offered any serious negotiations. In fact, Ibanez was rebuffed by KTVU to the very last moment. He'd been told by Fox2 suits that his status would be addressed "after the football season."
Only not only was his contract extension, status not addressed, KTVU brass never reached out to Ibanez directly or even indirectly. It was an amazing show of indifference by a KTVU already trying to move forward from the loss of veteran news anchor, Frank Somerville, who was dismissed in late January.
Ibanez, a Bay Area native, has told friends, he's inclined to retire but left open the possibility about going to another station in the market.
On the other hand, as I learned too, Ibanez might simply retire and might have made a deal with KTVU to exit and take a financial package benefitting him and his family.
"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.
UPDATE: The picture of Nia Wilson appears to show her holding a gun; in fact, the photo is that of a cell phone case. It could be interpreted as an honest mistake by KTVU but given their 2013 Asiana Airlines fake names blunder, they should have been more careful. MUCH more careful.
*Anchor Frank Somerville once again had to apologize for the station.
LET ME TELL YOU a few things about Mark Ibanez. He's been at KTVU for nearly 40 years; one of the nicest and most talented sports and news anchors in the Bay Area. Best thing about Mark is that he's real and genuine, not an insincere bone in the body. Ibanez is one of the best writers at his craft. He's also quite versatile as the veteran personality has done news anchoring too and is extremely adept; it's not that easy a transition from sports to news but Ibanez pulls it off effortlessly. Ibanez doesn't have to showboat or mug the camera like others; he's good enough where ego doesn't trump output. You normally come here and look forward to my ripping someone, but I can't rip Mark Ibanez so you'll have to suffer with something positive today; what a shame. And that's the sporting life.
TED ROWLANDSCOMING BACKTOKTVU; 415 MEDIA EXCLUSIVE
Ted Rowlands --the National Correspondent for years at CNN plus other various news stations and networks is coming back to KTVU, 415 Media has learned.
Hard to believe it's been over a decade since Rowlands first began his KTVU stint where his tenacious reporting earned him a national gig as West Coast Reporter for CNN.
Rowlands has covered high-profile stories including the OJ Simpson trial, in addition to Michael Jackson and Scott Peterson. He also covered the trials of Robert Blake and Phil Spector.
Rowland's ubiquity landed him several appearances on Larry King's CNN show during King's tenure at the cable network.
My source tells me Rowlands will both anchor and report in the field for both KTVU's main station (Fox2) and its recent KTVU Plus ancillary station (TV36).
Rowlands will begin his new duties in Jack London Square in the coming weeks; KTVU will make an official announcement on Wednesday.
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Despite all the happy talk --on and off the air--KTVU and its staff are embroiled in a standoff between new owner, FOX, and a working rank and file that are threatened by management's increasingly hostile tactics, according to my KTVU sources.
"All reporters are at risk now", said one source close to the situation in Jack London Square.
And that situation has never been more tense--why?
"The SAG-AFTRA contract has expired. Fox took over and immediately granted a year contract, why? They didn't want to mess with the talent, the pulse and amp; faces of KTVU--now, all bets are off, "said the source.
It's apparent FOX wants to destroy the unions at Channel 2.
"They cut the photographers by $10,000 and cut overtime. How do you live in the Bay Area with that type of cut? One photographer is about to lose his home and others are looking for a second job."
The current siege taking place with photographers is ongoing and now has shifted over to talent. Most notable, the senior reporters are all on high anxiety because FOX wants to cut salary and benefits --and nobody is safe, nobody. This siege mentality, mind you, is coming from the most watched, most successful TV News station in the Bay Area.
From another source:
"David Stevenson, John Fowler, Ken Pritchett, Eric Rasmussen, and Melanie Woodrow have left KTVU. Only Melanie was a technical cut by Fox. All others could not come to their cookie cutter terms and conditions. Melanie was ousted because Fox had an option in her contract to release her after a year. Why'd they cut her? Money. She was being paid too much money that was promised to her by {Lee} Rosenthal." {Former News Director}
So, the bottom line at KTVU is the relative unease inside the building. Don't be fooled by the sappy chit-chat and the un-genuine, {mostly} back and forth between anchor and reporter--it's all business at Jack London Square and even past goals are now on the back burner.
Fox does not care about being number one in the ratings. They want to make a profit. Cheap, cheap, cheap is what they want. They don't care about the news; it's chit-chat-central with an emphasis on entertainment and sports. News be damned. And who cares about morale.
A source: "If they can get a photo from the outside circle off of Facebook or Twitter then they don't have to pay cameramen to do it--it's that simple."
Next on the agenda with SAG-AFTRA, Fox wants MMJs, {multi-media journalists who report, film their stories} This practice is becoming more common place around town (and nationally too)--will veterans like Vacar and Roth do it? Will the unions cave? Stay tuned.
KTVU's news chopper, "Sky Fox 2" had two emergency landings in the past three months. The pilot experienced medical conditions, a station source has told 415 Media, exclusively.
The incidents occurred in late June and then another more serious landing by the same pilot happened during the Valley Fire last month.
Repeated calls to KTVU to comment on the matter were not returned.
The name of the pilot was not known but he went by "Chopper Dan" --in normal circumstances a report is issued whenever there's some aviation incident --so far KTVU hasn't, at least publically, acknowledged its helicopter emergency landings status nor filed a report we're aware of. Sounds kind of murky to me.
But the source says it's not surprising.
" The Fox contract has onlyone pilotwho is over worked/under paid/on call 24-7...Maybe that's why the pilot had a medical condition and couldn't perform underneath the Fox terms and conditions."
As a matter of fact, there's a bunch of quiet finger-pointing going on and it all stems from the horrific "Talk Like a Pirate" on-air gimmick (Video) that took place last Saturday on the station's "Weekend Mornings on 2" program.
Sources close to the station tell me "several" senior staffers--including on-air anchors, reporters, producers and editors are privately fuming over the decision to run the story (really, just a scene of news people mugging the camera and "performing" a "pirate" stunt). --at least twice, no less.
Furthermore, the on-air charade apparently got the OK from VP/ND, Dana Hahn. Attempts to reach Hahn were unsuccessful.
KTVU has been in a steady transition of re-branding its newscasts to a more talk-heavy format (called in the biz, "Happy Talk"); the makeover has been orchestrated by new owner, Fox, which has transformed Channel 2 into a model of almost all their O and O's (owned and operated stations).
The change, both in appearance (splashy new Fox-inspired news graphics some of which hasn't been so swell-looking) and actual content, wasn't so radical at first and didn't cause much of a stir from staff but Saturday's buffoonery has created quite the storm.
Frank Somerville, KTVU's lead anchor, I'm told, was none-too-thrilled with the on-air pirate stunt. Of course, Somerville isn't going to say anything publicly but knowing the veteran newsman, the idea that a third-rate circus act made the air has to have him revolting.
It was expected that Haener would return to the anchor desk sooner rather than later but the veteran KTVU anchor posted, recently, on her Facebook page that there have been complications from her procedure and her return now is up in the air.
Haener's absence (and I wish her a speedy recovery) is of major concern to station management; senior staffers have been huddling up in conference rooms at Jack London Square talking about the ramifications of a prolonged absence. So far, KTVU's ratings have not suffered at venerable 10 PM but long-term, who knows.
Heather Holmes and Keba Arnold have been filling in. And, says an insider at the station, that's a problem.
"They're (management) worried because they really don't have a back-up plan if Julie is gone for an extended length. Holmes and Arnold just can't replace her (Haener); it would be a 'devastating hit to the station."
So you have a major TV station in the Bay Area muddled with internal problems and a pirate stunt that has several staffers in the newsroom (not to mention a majority of viewers) incensed. Read the comments.
Sounds like someone high up needs to talk to the troops quickly at the Oakland station.
You had to see it to believe it--and if you were watching KTVU this (Saturday) morning during the 8 AM hour it was the official desecration of the once-honored Channel 2 brand. Gone. See yah later.
Claudine Wong and a host of other anchors, some on the set, others via video began mugging the camera voicing and mimicking pirate voices. I'm not kidding.
It was gruesome. It looked foolish and stupid. Part of some on-air gimmick because it's, get this, "Talk like a pirate" Day. Happy Talk run amok. Happy Talk/FOX killers destroy the venerable KTVU News brand.
Whomever is responsible for this travesty and gimmick should be fired --immediately. It is an absolute disgrace and sickening that it took place on the Channel 2 airwaves. Once again, Bay Area TV News viewers were slaughtered with a visual abortion. This is truly disgusting and an utter disgrace.
In the report, I quoted anonymous station sources who attributed much of the blame (early on) to anchors Mike Mibach and recent Fox2 hire, Keba Arnold.
The sources ripped both Mibach and Arnold:
(Arnold) a Sacramento 'lightweight." In other words? "She doesn't know the market here." Just 30days in? Rough.
Same source on Mibach: "He's just coasting in here--This isn't Mornings on Two--you really have to work here --it's a newscast."
Somerville reacted to the quotes direct to 415 Media:
"I sit right next to Mike and Keba.
And I really like both of them.
I can tell you for a fact that they work very hard.
I see it every day.
I can also tell you that they care about the stories their covering.
They care about the people they’re interviewing.
They care about getting it right.
And they’re not in this business just to see themselves on TV.
Those are all qualities that I value and look for in coworkers."
I pointed out to Somerville that the sources never said anything about Arnold and Mibach not "getting it right"--just that they're obviously critical of the new duo's performance so far.
To which Somerville countered:
"Look, they called Keba a lightweight... and they implied that Mike was coasting and wasn't working hard... I'm saying I respect both of them.. and I like their work... and I listed the reasons why."
I pointed out so far, early on, I too have not had a favorable opinion of KTVU's 4 PM presentation --granted, it's way too early to gauge what's to become of its fate but results so far (by station internals) are not promising. The newscast has a very ordinary look and offers nothing of substance which, who knows, may be KTVU's intention given its FOX-owned infusion.
FACE OF THE STATION--or faces of the station. The TEAM. At KGO-TV, it's Dan Ashley and Ama Daetz. The two have been working along side one another for over a year now and it's no coincidence that KGO dominates the evening news ratings and even more so at 11 PM.
I've grown to really like Ashley and Daetz, more to the point I like their all-important chemistry. The two look so natural and well-paired together you'd think they'd been working together for years.
Especially impressive is the fact that after the sudden departure of Carolyn Johnson to LA, many industry types predicted KGO would tank after losing one of its most popular and respected news anchors.
In fact, the transition has been smooth and orderly and the two have developed a genuine bond; something viewers have grown accustomed to and come to appreciate. The numbers don't lie.
If nothing else, Ashley, (who recently re-upped) and Daetz are recognizable as KGO's face. There's no revolving door of different people other than the off-hour newscasts. That's an important asset in local TV News.
The same situation exists at KTVU with Frank Somerville and Julie Haener on the still-vaunted "10 O'clock News," KTVU's most valued franchise and the heart and soul of its nighttime content. Certainly when you think Channel 2 (excuse me, FOX2) you think Somerville and Haener. They've been at it multiple years. And while early on, the new, Fox-infused happy talk has been front and center, KTVU continues to shine at 10 PM and a good reason why is Somerville and Haener guiding the ship. Smooth sailing.
Familiarity and identity make up key ingredients to viewer loyalty. While other stations tweak this and that; have revolving-door anchors; create confusion and offer up mixed personnel, KTVU and KGO stay the course. That seems to work well for the long term.
*That exclusive jailhouse interview scooped up by KGO's Cornell Barnard has been the talk of the town among news execs and industry people in the city. Most common question: How'd he get it? The answer is remarkably simple, according to one of my KGO spies: "He simply went to the HOJ (Hall of Justice) press office and asked if he could interview the inmate and the inmate said, "OK." Imagine that, good, hard-working journalism in action. Or like in sales, if you never ask for the sale you won't get the business.
*Most underrated anchor ever, hands down: Anna Chavez.
*OK, I'm taking off the gloves: I know FOX2 has a brand to sell, I get it, but the ridiculous "WeatherAUTHORITY" logo looks stupid and reeks of gimmick-central. The FOX people should know that the Bay Area market doesn't exactly warm to visual misfits like that, get rid of it immediately.
*Yeah, it's not just you: Rosemary Orozco has been getting a lot of face time at 10 PM and it's not only because Bill Martin takes days off and vacation. Pretty simple: Orozco is prettier than Martin.
*Dear Gregg Kelley, GM, KTVU: You got a real bad union issue with your photographers. Fix it. And, oh, by the way, notice the excess amount of glitches on newscasts lately? Coincidence? Perhaps, you be the judge.
*Lyanne Melendez: A little too smart. That's from a few of your co-workers. Frankly, I don't give a damn.
*The new weather chick at KRON has begun to receive the nightly wrath of Raddy and isn't exactly warming up to the shit which partly explains why KRON goes through weather women like I go through the lamb shanks at Tommy's Joynt.
*Speaking of STUPID: "GAAAAAAME ONNNN!"--Oh please, shut the hell up.
*And to the main sports guy at PIX: if you're going to take her (not your wife) for a drink it might be best to go to a place off the beaten path --your wife aside, how dumb can you be. GAAAAAME OFFF!
*Dear VLDC: Please, enough with the hair! Find a constant, girl, and stick with it. TRENDING!!
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YOUR FAVORITEKTVU veteran reporters are not long for the FOX-owned Oakland station in Jack London Square--415 Media has learned that tenured and respected reporters, Tom Vacar and Rob Roth, are the next victims on the FOX chop board!
Not a matter of if but when I'm told by several local broadcast sources.
In Vacar's case, FOX seems to be embarking on unchartered territory. For one, Vacar, KTVU's Consumer Editor, even in his twilight years, still brings great content and consumer reporting to the table. And he's easily one of KTVU's most recognizable personalities. But in his late 60's Vacar is at an age where TV News consultants can be cold and brutal--Chop, Chop, Chop. As I've mentioned numerous times Vacar holds a law degree (although he doesn't practice) and it was only that element that has delayed FOX from making any move fearing Vacar could counteract. Now, Fox simply doesn't care.
Furthermore, FOX was not happy with the recent May Sweeps in which KTVU didn't perform well and was beaten savagely by other stations in the market.
This latest news is not going to make for a happy KTVU Newsroom that has already seen at least 2 senior staffers get their walking papers (including Vacar's own wife!)--we also know cameramen are in the pits amid widespread speculation of impending doom (read: layoffs).
The GRIM REAPER has parked his scooter at 2 Jack London Square!
Longtime KTVU Health and Science Editor/Reporter, John Fowler, has quietly left the station, according to multiple sources who spoke to 415 Media.
The decision was made late last week.
Fowler, an Emmy winner in addition to other numerous industry awards supposedly left on his own volition and decided to "break away" with a healthy buyout. We don't know for sure, but we put two and two together: Fowler is in his mid 60's and that doesn't bode well long-term, most notably when your corporate owner is FOX, which took control of KTVU last October.
Fowler, many moons ago, told close associates that he wasn't retiring anytime soon and had planned on staying in Jack London Square for the immediate future. Indeed, he seemed to be just as engaged and focused as he was when he delivered his first reports for KTVU --on the other hand we all know when you reach a certain age in local TV news these days, the handwriting is on the wall that management would like to nudge you out.
Seems Fowler beat FOX and saw the tea leaves and decided to leave on his own without being kicked to the curb.
Mibach will leave Weekend "Mornings on Two" and begin his new broadcast duties next Monday. June 22.
Traditionally, 4 PM on TV News schedules is commonly referred to as the "Death Valley" of time slots but my Insiders at KTVU tell me that the Fox O and O is going to experiment with many new ideas; perhaps many more longer packages; more live interviews and "unusual" projects that viewers wouldn't normally see on the more traditional 5, 6, and 10/11 PM news.
Moreover, local TV news is still infinitely profitable no matter the time of day and KTVU adding a 4 PM news program (which will compete against KGO-TV) isn't all that surprising. Additionally, the idea of longer interviews, more live shots, and more emphasis to local stories is a welcome addition to the Bay Area TV market.
WORD on The Street has it that Mike Mibach, will co-anchor the new 4 PMKTVU News beginning next month with recent hire, Keba Arnold. Nothing is 100% certain but I'm told a formal announcement is coming soon.
Mibach is the current co-anchor on Mornings On Two Weekend with Claudine Wong. It's not known now if Fox2 has a replacement in mind for Mibach's gig, assuming he'll be leaving MO2.
Longtime KTVU General Assignment reporter, David Stevenson, is leaving by the end of the month, according to one of my broadcast sources.
Stevenson, who also did occasional anchoring, has been with KTVU since 2005.
His mysterious departure (I have a few theories) coincides with the hiring of new Sacramento anchor, Keba Arnold, who will be the station's anchor for its new newscast at 4 PM.
Was Stevenson possibly miffed at being passed over for Arnold? I've heard various stories making the rounds and will be on top of it.
According to multiple KTVU sources, Campbell is leaving on her own volition; she wasn't pushed out the door and simply feels it's time to move on and enjoy life and travel. Furthermore, Campbell's husband lives in Seattle and the grind of frequent commutes to the Northwest took its toll and Campbell decided, among other reasons, that it was time to leave.
My KTVU spy told me that Campbell informed the "Mornings on Two" staff about her decision yesterday (Wednesday) and insisted that the decision was "hers alone." No one else at the station other than a few management figures were notified.
Said one of the sources:
"She's had 20 years in the biz; she just turned 50 and she wants to travel a little, see her family--she's gonna get a nice pension and she's going out on her terms--it's as simple as that."
It should be noted that right before the Asiana affair, Campbell signed a contract extension that was for three years--two years and an option. That would have taken her to June, 2015. Her last day at KTVU is June 19th.
Campbell, by all accounts, is a nice person. "A real pro," said a staffer. Her tenure at KTVU, unfortunately, might be highlighted, or maybe lowlighted, by her reading of the fake names on that infamous newscast back in July, 2013. To some, Campbell's action was worthy of instant termination. Others said she was simply caught up in a monumental, momentary brain fart that most likely will be embedded for years to come.
One of the biggest noticeable changes at newly-re-branded Channel 2 --KTVU-Fox2 is the talk between anchors; sports, weather, anchor and reporter during live shots. It's nothing out of the ordinary--but it's become so much a part of KTVU's newscasts that some people are aghast at its presence. Take a deep breath.
There's nothing wrong with some genuine banter as long as it doesn't sound fake and forced. Worse yet, if the exchange is uneven and/or contrived then we have a problem. So far, based on my watching, and I've been watching a lot of Channel 2 news lately, I don't see any issues. As a matter of fact, for the most part I like what I see and hear.
KTVU's old owners, Cox Media, was adamant about more stick to the teleprompter approach. And such policy was one of 2's staple ingredients to success. Could you imagine Dennis Richmond having a back-and-forth on-camera with Azenth Smith? Good luck. That's not to denigrate Richmond and his four-decade career at JLS--it's just to point out that as good as Richmond was he was never considered the greatest ad-libber. Nor did he like idle chit-chat between anchor and reporter --it wasn't his style nor Cox's --now it's become pervasive on virtually all newscasts --a KTVU version of "Happy Talk." Most of it has worked thus far, although there's a few rough edges to sort out.
Frank Somerville is good at asking legitimate questions. His back and forth recently with Tom Vacar, who was doing a live shot from the Port of Oakland was proof positive. He asked some pointed questions to Vacar about why it's taken so long for the union and management to sit down to negotiate a contract, (a deal has now been reached) and Vacar obliged with some solid, specific reasons for the stalemate. It was honest and straightforward to the core and made for a compelling local TV news segment.
Not all of KTVU's anchors are up to the chore. Gasia Mikaelian is a competent, attractive news reader but her interview and ad-lib skills are less than decent. She tends to come off looking like she's out of place --which can often lead to awkward moments on her newscasts. It's not glaring but it needs work.
Overall, KTVU and it's talk mode are more than adequate, in fact, quite welcome at times. After all, it's a part of the FOX handbook.. As long as it remains genuine and functional there's no problem. Talk doesn't necessarily have to be cheap.
