A Small Mutiny at KRON

 --The natives have just about had it. The guy running the show? His ace snitch has been tagged. Staffers--even the dumb 20-something millennial "producers" just had a quiet powwow at Grumpy's.


Supposedly, on Monday, corporate (Media General) is going to receive a laundry list of the present woeful working conditions, like, the ND who habitually wreaks havoc on some of his workforce while ignoring some others, like a certain female worker in the morning.


We've been down his path before--we'll, sort of ... Media General tends to let one of its biggest stations just wander down albatross lane. This time might be different especially if some of the gripes result in phone calls to lawyers.


KRON doesn't need this, mind you because the GM yenta has no clue on how to run a TV station. Even the snitches--and there's plenty of human flesh to go around--are nervous.


We'll await the developments and see if something sticks.


*Developing...


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KRON Malaise Aided And Abetted By ND Aaron Pero; Staff Morale Reaches Crisis Point; Station Legacy Tainted By Lack of Leadership And Vision

 Nobody; not a soul on the planet; not anyone in the universe; all living particles; disputes the incredible task of running KRON. More like making KRON be more un-KRON-like than anything else for the sake of KRON and its staff and the few actual people who watch what was once San Francisco's most respected and heralded TV News station.

It's been a rather downward spiral since all hell broke loose almost 15 years ago when KRON was sold, lost its NBC affiliation and was slowly on the verge of its impending demise. Staff morale was at its seeming worst. Attitudes exposed the general malaise. Productive people--on the air and off--sent out resumes and began pursuing other stations. In and out of the market.

KRON became so toxic that the people who worked in the old building at 1001 Van Ness thought the place was haunted. Seriously, haunted, like, for instance, a well-known producer who asked the assistant news director, in 2005, that the building be sterilized. He wasn't kidding. The building wasn't sterilized and the whole idea was lampooned (it made the rounds in the newsroom) but the point was the producer wasn't kidding. So much so that even when his idea was laughed at he wrote to HR to see if the job could be executed. They politely declined but the degree to which its own workforce felt about walking into the old building speaks volumes of how they acted and offered up crazy ideas. To this day, at the old fort (where a new housing development is coming) some of the old KRONvicts (ex-KRON staffers) walk peacefully by and take a look. The old building is still there of course but some still think there's voodoo in the ground. I didn't make that up, a KRONvict told me. She too wasn't kidding.

Today, KRON is loosely defined more or less by what it used to be than what it is and what it could be. It could be a thrifty news operation that centers on the Bay Area. It could be a valuable device when there's legitimate breaking news; an earthquake, a flood, a terrorist attack; in which KRON could utilize it's only asset: it is not burdened by network affiliations and their programming. In other words, KRON could try to model a local CNN (when CNN was in the business of reporting news) in which its forte was the "24/7 News Station", or something like that. Hire reliable reporters--they don't have to be stars and with KRON's budget, they wouldn't be--just basic benign reporters who can work the field and know geography. It sounds complicated but it really isn't. Unfortunately KRON can't seem to pull it off and is stuck in yesterday. Every day.

Part of that stagnation lies exclusively on News Director, Aaron Pero, who has been the recipient of my wrath a good deal of time on this site. Mind you, I've never met Pero but I have repeatedly made overtures (via phone and e-mail) to ask him if he'd like to clear anything up; issues like, for instance, reporters, producers, who have contacted me (and asked for anonymity because they feared reprisal) saying that Pero bullied them, belittled them, shouted at them, constantly. Bosses shout and are critical--its their job. It's called being a boss, but many of the letter writers said Pero went too far. One in particular said Pero's reign of rule sent a well-known reporter literally in tears coming out of his office. Many said Pero made it a living hell to come to work and be humiliated by the boss seemingly every day.

Again, for this article, I reached out to Pero for comment and was not answered. No problem because I never expected Pero to respond. He reads this blog because he's made it perfectly clear that anyone talking to me might as well update their resume and hit the door.

None of my correspondence about KRON was solicited. They come to me. I may have, at one point, sent an e-mail or made a phone call (in confidence) doing a follow-up to a note or something of significance sent my way. In other words, the weird things at KRON; the people who get bounced for no good reason, is something I didn't initiate. Whenever something bad happens it comes my way.

Pero, according to sources at the station, is still making life miserable for some people. He won't shout at the stars because he may be dumb but he isn't stupid. He is hellbent, say the sources, on making KRON relevant --at any cost, including the various scapegoats he uses as those he can pick off and tell corporate he's trying to make the station whole. Only corporate, it seems, isn't interested and instead seems to look the other way. The GM, as we've said in the past, is way, way over her head and the consensus is she doesn't know how to run the TV station. You get what you pay for.


It's not Pero's fault that KRON is and forever will be hampered by lack of money, a mostly indifferent staff frustrated by the lack of leadership both from the station and the owner. But he can help himself too. He can meet with staff and clear the air. It needs to be cleansed. Instead, Pero has chosen to rule by intimidation and fear. At least, that's what the rank and file tell me. If Pero and/or his minions want to counter that they know how to get a hold of me. I won't hold my breath.


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KRON Will Continue To Suck For The Foreseeable Future

This is what KRON has going for itself now: an 8 PM newscast and "more news than any other local news station." Those last words are from KRON itself and they're right. Too bad the station is mired in less-than-mediocre status otherwise more people would watch it and the current albatross state would be erased but that isn't the case. Whenever I mention KRON to people in and out of the business they shake their heads and giggle.

Just the other day I was talking to a veteran KGO cameraman about the union situation at KTVU (another topic for another day) and he couldn't believe what's going on at KRON.

Not that he knows directly just what he's heard. And like everyone else he's heard a lot.

I can't imagine what it's like to run KRON now. An apparently powerless GM who is supposed to be in way over her head and can't or won't do the necessary chores to make KRON relevant. Maybe she needs to go to corporate but Media General doesn't seem too interested in what's going on in the Bay Area.

In the newsroom, Aaron Pero continues to somehow stay on as News Director. It's come to the point where people openly think Pero must have something of importance in his possession to keep his gig. I've tried to reach out to Pero and let him speak here on the record as to his management ways but he's been forever mum. Pero either is OK with the knowledge of his rep and doesn't give a rat's ass or is completely tone deaf about the major disconnect between him and most of the staff. That's a good way to run a news operation.

So, what's the future at KRON? In its current state, nothing. The station will continue to carry on and do so as some of its very own air talent belittle the operation as its currently constituted. No wonder the guy who drives the famed black Bentley refers to his gig as "my Buster Brown bit." I'm sure that does wonders for morale. Whatever.

My gut tells me that something is brewing. Someone with a smidgen of influence (which is nothing to ride home at KRON) will step forward (finally) and complain loud enough that something/someone needs to go. I can't be specific (yet) because I believe this whole process is in its initial evolution. The problem now, and this is indicative of the vibe that's been in place far too long at KRON, is that nobody seems to care. Almost everyone is resigned to KRON's status as the laughingstock of Bay Area TV and that's a shame. Because even in its schlock mode, if run with a basic, reliable dose of ,leadership, KRON could be a viable news source. And a Bay Area viewers who have a thirst for "more local news than any other TV station" would be well served.

Just not now. Which makes it fairly obvious: KRON will continue to suck for the foreseeable future.

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KRON Mayhem Prolonged By Pero Mismanagement; 'Fucking Bullshit' Stunt Highlights Rank And File Disgust; GM Apparently Listless

The KRON/Fucking Bullshit incident has propelled someone at the station to risk their career--and that they did, for orchestrating the "Fucking Bullshit" graphic that appeared as a crawl on KRON's Friday Morning News last week for a good six minutes.

Then again, this bit of shenanigans is indicative of a newsroom rife with deep and bitter morale issues and a major disconnect and mistrust of News Director, Aaron Pero.

Worse yet, it appears the only reason Pero is still barking orders and acting like a jerk is the word that GM, Ashley Gold Messina is way in over her head and doesn't know how to run a news operation let alone a TV station.

KRON is good at bungling --and the latest brouhaha --right after the Erica Kato firing; another indictment on Pero and his sycophantic misfits (few but plenty) shows that the inmates are running the asylum. Or, in KRON's case, maybe the gatekeeper hasn't been minding the store. You would think someone in corporate would take a look at their flagship Bay Area station but it's obvious the MG morons either don't have a clue, are incapable of conducting a business that is in dire need of leadership and a shake-up, or really don't give a damn.

If Pero had an ounce of a brain he'd call a station-wide meeting and clear the air. Yesterday. It's pretty obvious that Pero's brash, fear-embedded style of direction isn't working and has only intensified his major prickism that permeates the premises of 900 Front where Pero orchestrates his daily mayhem.

This would be easy: Pero to staff:  

"Look, I want to say to you all that I value your work; I appreciate your determination and hard labor, all of you, in making KRON, against all odds, a viable TV news operation in the #6 market."

How simple is that? But Pero's rule-by-intimidation and fear is quite obviously allowed and maybe even encouraged or is simply tolerated because there's no one else available to handle the job. Either way it's incredibly clear that the vast majority of the rank and file are fed up with Pero's reign and some are so fed up that they'd risk their professional life and livelihood --fucking bullshit, indeed.


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KRON Kato Ouster Controversy Continues; The Heat Is On; Media General Review; Pero Pivots; Viewer Wrath Directed At KRON Management Over Move

 KATO OUSTER DRAWS IRE TO KRON MANAGEMNT

*The Erica Kato axe story has the eyes and ears of Media General big suits--how so?  Word on the street: Because their affiliate managers are having "independent reviews" on Kato firing. Translation: Don't be surprised if MG wants Pero to reveal his specific reason(s) why Kato was bounced.

These matters usually take a lot of time when it involves personnel so the process could become gradual --maybe, maybe not.

*Multiple KRON sources: "significant" turmoil and unease" inside studio. Morale at an all-time low. (Lower than low)

*Aaron Pero at center of the heat.

*Staffer: "We're all just staying clear of his (Pero) path."

*Producers, EP's, staff weary and "afraid"--"I'm scared, (one particular evening staffer) of him."

*Mysteriously, Pero's good friend was absent from the morning news show --she called in sick on Monday. (What a coincidence)

*KRON has been besieged with e-mail complaining about the Kato firing. A "Bring Back Erica" petition has circulated.

*Developing

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Why Erica Kato Got The Axe; Analysis And Opinion; KRON's Ex-WeatherWoman Status Draws Major Buzz In Town

The last few days I've been reaching out to people asking about the firing of KRON's popular weekend weather forecaster, Erica Kato.

As most of you saw and know, the response from people has overwhelmed this site and is the talk of the local TV News industry.

Those who may question the validity and sincerity of that (including me before the firing) should have seen my e-mail. I too was overwhelmed --enough so to ask around and see what I could come up with and furthermore, answer all you who've asked: Why was Erica Kato fired?

Well, good question. I made inquiries. It wasn't about money because Kato's compensation wouldn't break the bank, let alone KRON's meager budget.

It wasn't insubordination --knowledgeable sources who have some familiarity to the matter would only speak on condition that their names not be used. And those who would know said that Kato had a squeaky clean personal file. She was never called into Aaron Pero's (ND at KRON) office for any warnings, personal or professional.

When she was formally let go last Wednesday (without cause), she was told by Pero, according to the sources, "we're moving in a new direction." Only she wasn't told what direction and why. Of course KRON, like any other business, doesn't have to tell an employee why they're being fired but when you're shown the door there's usually a trail or something unique--some incident in the past which you were warned of or were notified by a manager of such an occurrence. Kato, as indicated, had no such warnings. Furthermore, and by all accounts, she was universally liked by colleagues and respected for carrying a heavy workload that demanded her presence in the wee hours of the morning and well into the night.

The people I spoke to --again, all insisting anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation, said Kato seemed married to her work. Her popularity may have irked some because she got to the air in a big market fast and didn't have to work her way through the trenches of a Fresno or Dayton. That may be the case; even so Kato was more than adequate on the air. And yes, she's attractive and infinitely watchable. And TV is a visual medium. So there.

Her relationship with others seemed nothing out of the ordinary. When I asked, point blank, about her relationship with Darya Folsom, the weekday air talent whose friend, Mr. Pero was the guy that fired her, nobody said there was a conflict. Well, at least to me but the only way to go there would merely add further speculation to a story, frankly, that makes no sense.

Kato wasn't/isn't a huge local star, but she was certainly a standout talent on a station that could use all the help it could get. You don't usually go out and eliminate someone merely for the sake of eliminating someone unless there was an inside reason or it involved money. Or perhaps Kato was relieved of her duties for someone else's sake. (Draw your own conclusions)

The bullet-proof Pero has been getting some heat because KRON has been under-performing and the new GM has been making waves, so goes the talk. But making a 26 year-old weatherwoman your scapegoat doesn't seem right. Then again, it's KRON, who knows.

For the time being, nobody knows. Well maybe one does and soon enough we'll get to the bottom of it all.

In the meantime, Kato is said to be looking to move forward and figures to land another gig in town or go somewhere else.

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Saturday Hot Dogs; Erica Kato KRON Ouster Draws Huge Traction; Pero's Meal Ticket Overvalued; Media General/KGO-TV Rumors; SJ Sharks Broadcaster Randy Hahn Elite Status

 KASPERS'S: 415 Media was totally overwhelmed by the Erica Kato ouster response from you, my readers--if KRON's GM has any real juice she might want to go over Prime Minister Pero's head here. (Don't hold your breath though)

TOP DOG: One thing's for sure: I'd be highly surprised if Kato wasn't picked up to do morning traffic or something like that (pssst, KNTV)

COSTCO DOG: Pero, you're meal ticket in the morning? Her best assets just became overvalued. Just reading the room, as they say.

HEBREW NATIONAL: Yes, I've heard rumors about Media General buying KGO-TV but it makes no sense and I don't think Disney, as frugal as they are even in a sea of cash and having little regard for TV stations, could let go of their 900 Front property --it makes a lot of money for them.

NATHAN'S: I'll say it again and again: I'm not a hockey guy but if I'm watching Randy Hahn I'll get sucked into the action. One of the BEST broadcasters in the business and one of the most underrated too for that matter.

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Breaking 415 Media: Erica Kato OUT at KRON; Pero on The Attack; Tension Inside The Newsroom

 Apparently, it's not too bubbly over there at the grand new digs of KRON on the Embarcadero.

Weatherwoman Erica Kato has been fired, out of the blue. She'd been forecasting at the indie since April, 2011.

My KRON spy said News Director, Aaron Pero made the announcement today (Thursday) to staff:

"Erica no longer works here." How poignant.

He also stated that he will "get ratings up by any means necessary." Good luck with that.

 

According to my spy, KRON personnel is worried and things are tense in the newsroom as he looks for targets to blame for station issues to keep the heat off himself.  We'll see.

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Some Very Interesting Things You Might Not Know When Darya Folsom and KRON Hook Up During 'World According to Gary'

 1. Most of the time when Darya Folsom calls in, he, Gary Radnich, is literally lying in bed talking on his land-line phone.

2. This is one of KRON's most popular features in the morning--you'd think they'd go out and spend a few bucks on a camera mounted at his home or at KNBR, but nooooo.

3. At times if he,(Radnich) sounds sleepy or loopy, there's a reason--he absolutely HATES doing this --and yes, he's a little tired. The bad phone connection doesn't help either.

4. Uh, she's entirely way too happy no matter what the subject matter which often makes for interesting, inexplicable content. Sometimes, it both looks and sounds goofy which I'm told is precisely its purpose. That can go a long way for an operation known for counting paper clips.

5. She's, (Darya), not exactly thrilled that he's getting about double her salary and doesn't have to schlep out of bed while she's on her fourth cup of coffee in an hour.

Footnote: He's the only guy in the building--maybe outside the female GM--that her boyfriend can't screw with--Oh happy day!

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KRON Has Been Having Power Problems

 If you've been watching KRON the last few days and have noticed frequent blips, out of power moments, you're not alone.

Just on Thursday night alone, there were several cases where the screen went blank --moments later, the station was off the air only to return --a skip pattern that has been frequent. Too many times, in fact.

Whether this has to do with KRON's move over to the Embarcadero is anyone's guess but the problems persists.

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KRON Unveiled Its New Look And It Looked Positively Average; Get The Lighting Right And You'll Be OK

KRON debuted its new studio set Monday night--it finally moved into the 900 Front building that also occupies KGO-TV.


The news set looks fine; infinitely average; nothing out of the ordinary; extraordinarily benign; although there's a few issues and problems to work out and in due time they probably will be.


The two-seat, main anchor desk is awkward-looking. It's sort of the trend these days but it's a bad look. It also limits the entire design of the new look. Picky? Sure, but vital too. Why not give Pam Moore a more expansive area to work? She's your star power, KRON--it would be great to get her into the mix.


I'm also not thrilled with Gary Radnich roaming the set and now, being to the left, (on camera) of Moore. It looks odd and it hurts both Radnich and Moore. Better to place Raddy back in his familiar position.


The worst part of the new look is the lighting. It's terrible. On several occasions it looked too dark and then worse yet, it looked as if KRON overcompensated and lit up the joint like something out of Downtown Las Vegas. This needs work and here's hoping they get it right, eventually.


Overall, I like it. Again, it isn't something that dazzles; maybe that's OK here. It is much nicer looking than the old garbage at Van Ness with the spiral staircase and spaceship look. How 80's.


KRON can do more too--GET RID of the old graphics and news jingles. How annoying. This isn't 1986. The new look and the old sound doesn't mix. As long as you look different, might as well give yourself a complete makeover.


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415 Media Source: Jacqueline Bennett Leaving KRON

 KRON's blond bombshell weatherwoman, Jacqueline Bennett is leaving the station, according to one of my spies.

Reasons are unknown although Bennett is said to be, possibly, looking for more visibility and might be tired of KRON's albatross status and lean budgetary ways. (Those moving costs are huge, you know.) 

Read: more money, bigger market. Just a guess there.

She's been reporting the weather at the station since 2008 and forecasts on the 5, 6, 8 and 11 PM newscasts.

No word on when she's leaving but it's sooner rather than later which might explain this, and Bennett isn't the only one looking around. In fact, if you're a blonde, female and weather anchor, life outside the Bay Area can be rewarding.

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