Lee Hammer Temporarily Running KGO Radio; Damon Bruce and Gianna Suter-Franco Super 1-2 Punch At The Game; KQED Radio Power Trip; Thursday Breakfast Liners

 THURSDAY BREAKFAST LINERS

*KGO Radio is being temporarily run by KNBR top suit, Lee Hammer.

*The Game's, (All-Sports-95.7 FM ) PM talker, Damon Bruce and his news update woman and occasional sidekick, Gianna Suter-Franco, were a phenomenal 1-2 punch on the sports-talk radio scene on Wednesday. Topic one, of course, was the Raiders/49ers announcement of new coaches and if you listened, it was the very best and smartest act from the duo, including some of the funniest and more pointed phone calls from the lunatic fringe, the callers. Hail to the "Butcher Boy". (More on all of this in a later column).

*NBC Bay Area, (KNTV) Will Adams--a good guy in a tough business that doesn't get enough credit and should be acknowledged here--thus, he has.

*Mounting siege mentality at KQED Radio --between one of the hosts and a few people behind the glass. Sounds to me like a power trip run amok.

*If that local station that might be pursuing the local TV sports anchor really wants him, add a few zeros to the contract and you'll get him. Make that more than the usual.

*Speaking of KNTV, a big congrats to Laura Garcia-Cannon, morning news, for her 15th anniversary. Another classy dame is getting even better at NBC San Jose.

*Jason Barrett, PD at 'The Game': When the content and show is good, like Bruce's, then I'll say it so. You did good in PM Drive. So there.

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KPIX's 'Night Beat' Is In Dire Straits; Nobody's Watching; Don't Expect Bernie Ward On KGO Radio Anytime Soon; Michael Krasny and Angie Coiro; Fire and Ice; KRON Tech Glitches at 900 Front; Tuesday Rundown

 "Night Beat" is in trouble --how bad is anyone's guess but bad enough that rumors have circulated the building that KPIX's attempt, (via its KBCW sister station), to attract an audience for it's 10 PM youth-oriented news show has been an abject failure and is soon to be doomed.

Best case scenario? 90 days. Worst-case? The show could be a goner by the end of the year. That's nine days, I know.

The reason: nobody's watching. Moreover, few, if any of KPIX's coveted demo that was its prime target is watching Night Beat. Furthermore, when those few people watch, they tend to take a look and click their remote.

When Night Beat debuted back in July, KPIX had a plan; albeit sketchy and terribly hard to attain, but a plan nonetheless. More of an experiment actually--but it was simple enough: develop a tech-oriented, soft-news, airy alternative to the traditional newscast and gear it toward a younger audience. Internally, KPIX knew it would have NO chance to compete with KTVU's dominant "10 o'clock News" that is currently the ratings king in that time period.

But KPIX went forward with a blueprint: attract a loyal, if small, audience to build on and acquire a core millennial-oriented demo; the 20-30-something tech types on their laptops and smartphones --precisely the demo that is ON THEIR phone!, checking texts, facebooking, twittering, Instagramming  --do you sense a problem here? The type of people that are doing anything BUT watching their TV at the moment--great research boys and girls!

Worse yet, PIX brought out talented, but clearly not seasoned, Veronica De La Cruz to work the new show, (in addition to co-anchoring the 6 PM News). De La Cruz, at first glance, looks more splash than dash; that said, her captaining of the Night Beat has been fraught with technical issues, out-of-place gimmicks, yelling "GAME ON" to open the sports segment is plain silly and sophomoric. The weather "quiz" is cheesy --and the frequent "TRENDING" and reliance on Facebook and Twitter has been a disaster. No.One.Is.Watching.

Night Beat has had six months to generate an audience but nothing has transpired. Ultimately, KPIX could have brought forth Masterpiece Theatre and if not enough people watched, that would have been blown up too. Unfortunately, Night Beat is no Masterpiece Theatre but it might as well be blown up because nobody's watching. And with that, the show is in dire straits.

*Don't invite KQED Forum host, Michael Krasny and KGO Weekend 10 AM -1PM talkie, Angie Coiro to dinner.

*Bernie Ward, just released from Lompoc will NEVER appear on KGO Radio, either as a host or as a guest. That's my guess.

*The amount of technical glitches that has plagued KRON since its move to 900 Front has ignited rumors about sabotage and the like--from where? Imagine.

*If KOIT gets a huge lift in the ratings from playing 24/7 Christmas music there's something wussy about that, sorry, sincerely, 415 Media Scrooge.

*Let's make it plain and simple: YES, those who PAY a modest amount and SUBSCRIBE to this site help make it possible for me to get some much-needed $ to pay ME, who is 100% responsible for its content, its production, its selling. We have limited advertising and so, yes, without money, 415 Media is lost in translation --I didn't do this with priority A making money but I can't and won't LOSE money either. So, yes, please, if you come here and enjoy this 24/7 then I'd appreciate a donation or subscription --to pay for a service? What a concept!

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Raj Mathai Inks New Extension with NBC Bay Area; KPIX' Vazquez, Lady's Man; KQED Exec Sexual Feeling; KSF Morning Show Makes Fun of 77 Year-Old Woman; News, Notes and Comments on Thursday Opener

  In case you were wondering, Raj Mathai has inked a new multi-year extension to remain the lead anchor down in San Jose at NBC Bay Area, (KNTV).


This is good for KNTV since my knowledgeable broadcast sources told me that Mathai, who came over from sports to do news in late 2010 and has developed into one of the Bay Area's best anchors, received multiple offers from some LA stations and the network at 30 Rock itself.


*The morning torso at KSFO and the traffic chick with the sandpaper voice were making fun of a 77 year-old senator from Maryland --complete with munchkin music underneath fart noises, volcano explosions and other assorted muses --too bad this zoo approach not only isn't funny but really sort of sad and pathetic. I think they're really trying hard to get noticed --so far only white truck drivers from Castro Valley with sideburns are listening.


*"Powlie"--the alleged personality on KNBR with the fake New Jersey accent, is taking a two-week vacation break to marry his glorious new bride. Meanwhile, every sound board in the SF Cumulus cluster is having an orgasm.


*Brian Murphy as fetus: Mommy, can you please name me Timmy?


*Ladies Man extraordinaire? KPIX' reporter Joe Vazquez. Supposedly Joe, who is a good guy, likes to explore and participate in the women wilderness. I have no issues with that. Matter of fact, I'll buy a round for Joe so as long as he checks the constant smile at the door.


*More KNBR Morning Show revelations: We're actually Sybil.


*Over at KQED, a sage in the news dept said the talk inside the lunchroom was that a key higher-up suit was openly bragging about his overnight rendezvous with a young starlet in research. I hope while they were screwing it wasn't interrupted by a pledge break.


*Stan, do me a favor: take a break. Go watch the History Channel, eat a steak, get some kung-pao, I don't know but you're beginning to give me headaches and I don't need the aggravation. You amuse me Stan, you really do, but try to limit all the weird stuff. You're starting to sound like Rupert Pupkin.


*Guys in their 40's and 50's who play golf are generally assholes. Don't get me wrong. There's good assholes and bad assholes but assholes nonetheless.


*The new news anchor on KRON the other night gave relentless scowls at Gary Radnich. Gees, that's kind of shocking.


*Let's wait a month for a Damon Bruce review, fair enough?


*So, you all like my music? No? Yes? And some of you say, screw the videos, we come here for media --got it, but I like to change the pace every now and then.


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Hey Waiter Can You Get Me the Check, Please? Hurry Up

Ready for dessert.




Leslie Sbrocco
KQED host
Check Please.


















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Trouble brewing at KQED; Roberta Gonzales/PIX Dynamic; The Knibber Morning Frat Boys; Radu and Damon Bruce; KCBS; SF Posers; Media Notes Thursday

Trouble Brewing at KQED ...Media Notes Thursday

KQED, SF's acclaimed and highly profitable PBS outlet, has some egg on their face and some veteran workforce rank and file are none-too-pleased.


Seems the station posted six positions for work behind the scenes in master control and all the hires were white--no minorities were chosen despite the fact that at least two candidates, one of whom has been a 20-year veteran, were not picked. The 20-year vet was Hispanic.

 The shop steward at KQED-- upon seeing the three hires wondered why not one was of color. No plausible reason was given and a great case of hush-hush has ensued. I actually called KQED to inquire and couldn't get a call back to comment.

 

Another level to the brewing storm is that a few people who freelance there, (at KQED), are full timers at KTVU which is in direct violation of Channel 2's competitor clause. Not sure if that's what started it, but another twist to ponder.

 

And here I thought our lovely local PBS outlet was the personification of "diversified."

 

*It bears repeating: KPIX has made a monumental blunder in its dissing of popular weather woman, Roberta Gonzales. New weatherman, the bland and insatiably wonderbread torso named Paul Deanno --he may be a nice guy but his mayonnaise style has staffers perplexed and Gonzales' fans in a constant stupor. It goes to show the buttheads in upper management at 855 Battery still haven't got a clue. Except they do posses the craft of hiring more mangers with less and less reporters.

 

*The frat boys in the morning over at KNBR made an impromptu visit in the Giants clubhouse and were startled to learn, firsthand, that one of the team's star players told them directly that he's never heard of them and that he doesn't listen to sports-talk radio. Dude!

 

*A big powwow of a meeting took place over at KGO Radio Wednesday. My mole says a few people are worried because, in addition to the fact that nobody knows what the hell is going on and that the station is rudderless, everything else is fine. Except that Lew Dickey isn't happy and that is not good.

 

*"Celebrity" chef, Ryan Scott: maybe a couple cups of coffee--too much Red Bull. Maybe there's something in the water at Hawthorne St.

 

*Eric Byrnes is a colossal joke at Knibber, so much so that even the interns are laughing. One intern at least has the distinct pleasure of working with the frat boys which is cause enough to inflict pain and suffering. It could be worse: they could be locked in a room for an hour and forced to listen to "Paulie", the guy with the fake Jersey accent compose and sing his lovely song parodies.

 

*The "Who cares" dept: Betting fool, Larry Kruegar and traffic yenta, Kate Scott hate one another. In the meantime, the main circus performer continues his insecurity act with mail-it-ins every day. Maybe the used Bentley needs a tune-up.

 

*One person who absolutely can't stand the Radu: 1050 AM's Damon Bruce. Then again Bruce is a team player who while he detests the bloated one, also understands that it's best not to confront him. Speaking of which, I lauded Bruce's new gig at CBS Sports Radio only to be informed that the money isn't great and that the CBS folks simply needed a West Coast guy really fast.

 

*It bears mentioning at the good old KTVU Sports dept. that one of the assembled three anchors has been schmoozing just a tad too much and at least one of the three is none too pleased. Especially when the gossip has nothing to do with sports.

 

*Lovely market we have here: A group of relatively young to middle-aged posers just hoping they make it through the pecking order and not be subjected to a bunch of narcissistic assholes in the back offices. It could also explain why all of them have been turned into the 2013 version of Invasion of the Body Snatchers.

 

*Worse than waterboarding: A. The weekend line-up at KGO Radio. B. Chef Ryan Scott. C. Eric Byrnes. D. Ann Killion. E. "The Saloon with Peacon." F. "Live from the Conklin Brothers studios in  the 'Sleeptrain mattress chair with the Gadget man at the microphone...

*How bad is "Paulie" and his sound tracks? An ex-Knibber worker told me: "I'd rather stare at a Byrnes bowel movement."

 

*The beer boys at PIX should know that the beers flow better when the ratings are better. Now? Not so good. (And try to tip a little better at the Old Ship--they tend to notice.)

 

*Dear Stan Bunger: I like you on the air but really, you're not God. Try to inject a bit of levity. And ditto Steve Bitker who acts as if he's entered into the Bryant Gumbel school of purity. Jesus Christ, you're on radio!

 

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Cumulus Big Guy comes to SF; KQED's 'Check, Please' Pleases; KPIX, KTVU; Michael Savage; Media Notes Friday

FRIDAY MEDIA NOTES...

*Word from Atlanta is that a "very important bigwig who likes to flex muscle" is bound for SF to "observe" the Cumulus "cluster", i.e.: KGO, (most especially), KNBR, and KSFO too, which, by the way, rumors abound, is very much for sale.

*A reader gets it right: "Does there have to be a traffic report every 10 minutes even if there's absolutely NO traffic or fender bender?" Legitimate question. The short answer is yes because the consultants and station mangers would be revolted. Damn the listeners.

*Speaking of traffic, one of the most annoying phrases on the planet: "Friday-light." Yeah, which only reinforces the readers's point: if there's light or relatively no traffic, why the hell do we need a useless traffic report? I mean, god forbid, more news, perhaps?

*Paranoia central at managers-are-us, KPIX5 where reporters and anchors go to work and are weary to speak out publicly about the absurd amount of mangers vs. reporters. Too much of the former and not enough of the latter...And again, that new weather guy has the personality of a cumquat but he works cheap and that's the mantra that works best out of CBS corporate. Unless you're Les Moonves.

*Lazy and stupid wording by 21st century "reporters": the such and such thing has gone viral. Gone viral? Why not just simply say the tape has been watched by millions of people, is that too difficult?

*Check Please on KQED: This show has grown on me; initially I thought it was chock full of a bunch of clichés a la most restaurant shows but the program is solid, occasionally funny, insightful if you like to eat out, and oh yeah, the hostess, Leslie Sbrocco, is gorgeous to look at.

*The latest most annoying radio spot jingle: The "you don't wanna be a termite" that has inundated the AM radio airwaves. Kars for Kids makes this nauseous ad sound like a Pearlman virtuoso by comparison.

*KTVU prides itself as being the no-nonsense station with a brand that evolved around no chit-chat and more news, less talk. Really was the case when Dennis Richmond was holding court. Then again it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if some of the on-air stiffs smiled every now and then and looked and sounded human.

*Memo to Tom Raponi, GM: You guys need Ken Wayne way more than Wayne needs you. Thanks for trusting me, again.

*A potential bright light out of the black hole at the KGO abyss: David Weintraub. A breath of fresh air on the weekend who initially sounded like one of the other rent-a-hosts but whose work has caught my ear and sounds enlightening.

*On the other hand, there's the "Monty" show. This guy is supposed to represent innovative programming over at Jared's place. Cow chips are innovative too.

*For some strange reason, Michael Savage devoted two days to a story about circumcision. It was not one of his better moments and the subject matter was completely out of place. I like Savage but this was not on my schedule.

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KQED's Direction; Ken Wayne at KTVU; Giddy NBC Bay Area; KRON's Neater New Graphics and Look; KCBS Repetition; Saturday Scrambled Eggs

A few of the power players at KQED disagree about the way to go in the future of programming and funding sources according to one of my spies.

I'm not a frequent KQED viewer and outside of a few notable local shows, most of their product content comes outside from PBS. All well and good, but the quest for more local programs is on the list of one of the big suits. That would be a welcome development in my view.

*What I like most about Ken Wayne is he's one of the few anchors that doesn't draw attention to himself. The anchor you see on the air is the same guy you see off the air as well. A rare form of un-ego in an ego-minded business. I hope KTVU and he can come to an agreement because the Bay Area needs more good anchors.

*Over at NBC Bay Area, (KNTV), the mood is supposedly mucho-gleeful. The ratings are decent enough and morale, according to a few of the inside workers, has never been better. Helps too that that corporate has more deep, deep, pockets to maintain projects like the "Investigative Unit."

*At KRON, new graphics and a new website. Looks good. And a nice new neater design. Here's hoping that translates in to the newsroom where a few of the quality people have managed to stick around and keep going.

*Unfortunately, as I'm told, stalking is almost a fact of life in TV News departments. And it isn't confined merely to women either but men too. Frightening indeed.

*If you happen to have been out in North Beach the past week, the high-profile loudmouth reporter from one of the Battery St TV machines was at it again shouting a bit too much and making a few bartenders wince. He may want to tone down the act because the owner wasn't exactly thrilled with his antics and besides, his tab wasn't all that spectacular that would allow for such wimpy behavior.

*My repetition vs your repetition dept: KCBS has to find a way to undue its nasty habit of habitually repeating the same story virtually every hour on the hour. This is both lazy and tiresome and quite embarrassing, particularly on the weekend where the same story, same time line can be re-broadcast over 10 times a day. Not becoming of a station that is a Bay Area radio news constant.

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