Why? Because I had an epiphany. I believe KRON has made a lot of strides of late and they deserve some recognition.
KRON is doing what it can do best: become a sort of local newsy operation devoid of gimmicks and unnecessary chit-chat. Is it perfect? No, of course not, not even close, but what it does do well, and that is to present the news in almost an avalanche of time, it has done so and should get its props.
Over the years I have kicked KRON, (as have others--viewers too), but they seem to have taken on a missive of knowing what they are, what they aren't, and are growing leaps and bounds with a new look, meaner and leaner graphics, and a healthy dose of good, cogent reporting and relatively solid, if not spectacular anchors.
Pam Moore continues to provide very capable anchoring; Catherine Heenan is like a rock--a classy rock of news Gibraltar who is the station's EverReady battery. Mark Danon has earned his stripes in the morning and deserves props for his steady and no-nonsense delivery. And while i have derided Darya Folsom numerous times for her, sometimes, over-the-top, gushy, gee-whiz, disposition, she too seems to have improved and provides a welcome dose of morning content.
KRON still has issues but like everyone else in this ever-changing TV news media landscape, is doing its best under the circumstances. I'd like to see less infomercials but I understand the dictum. I like Stanley Robert's "People behaving Badly" and even though I'm uber-critical, at times, of Mr. Radnich on radio, there's no denying he can still churn out a healthy five or so minutes a night doing his sports report and other duties.
Even weather reports have become surprisingly solid and worthy of paying attention to. Jacqueline Bennett is quite adept of giving viewers accurate forecasts without drawing attention to herself, but forgive me, it's always pleasant to watch Ms. Bennett. (OK, so I'm human, sue me.)
All in all, KRON has become a go-to venue for all the latest breaking news in the Bay Area. It isn't the old KRON by any stretch but then again it's not 1999 anymore either. And so long as Vicki Liviakis continues to read the news and grace the airwaves, I'll continue to watch KRON. Some individual loyalty is un-yielding.
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