415 Media Exclu: KRON/Nextstar Frequency Worth a Billion; TV Spectrum Auction

 We know about KRON and its murky future based on the TV Spectrum Auction.

I heard something astounding the other day from a broadcast industry official that blew me away.

The person, who asked that I don't use his/her name told me that the KRON frequency is worth a Billion dollars!

That's yuge.

Wait a minute; maybe I shouldn't be surprised.

Back to our story--the person went further. Could NBC reverse course and buy KRON to fortify its presence in the Bay Area and right a wrong that killed its Bay Area broadcast position?

Wait a minute, what then happens to KNTV? There's a million questions.

I'm still thinking about that BILLION --and considering KRON's new, complex corporate ownership, there's a lot to consider.

A former KRONvict told me all this news has hit the newsroom like a lead balloon --which might explain why the bottom dwellers at 900 Front are nervous as all hell.

*415 MEDIA EXCLU



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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 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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KRON Has To Shed Little Sisters Of The Poor Image; Move Into New 900 Front Building Inspires Hope For Personnel

 As KRON slowly moves into its new digs, (in the 900 Front/ABC building that houses KGO-TV), it has to shed its little sisters of the poor image and take advantage of what it does best: provide a consistent, if modest and lean, all-news product to Bay Area viewers.

A KRON staffer told me that morale, while most of the time still in the dumper, has become a bit more cheerier as personnel gets entrenched in its new Embarcadero studios. Where 1001 Van Ness was a windowless stale edifice, the splashy waterfront office if nothing else, inspires hope and inspiration for a work force that desperately needs both.

KRON is still an albatross but what it does have going for it can be maximized and utilized --outside the constant 24/7 barrage of infomercials and third-tier programs, is a dedicated, if sometimes sloppy news force that can churn out some decent news content for a market that is capable of supporting a variety of news operations.

 KRON's issues, and it has plenty, has to do with its meager corporate budget; fewer camera trucks and equipment; horrific mismanagement galore orchestrated by News Director, Aaron Pero, who is universally despised by most of the rank and file. Pero runs the newsroom like he's some brute dictator on a mission to demoralize everyone in the building. He's done a great job, supposedly. Until someone at Media General, (KRON's corporate owner), gets in Pero's face and reads him the riot act, Pero will continue his reign of fear and loathing. One would hope the new address may inspire Pero to change his tactics. Don't hold your breath.


KRON will never be a NY1 but it can and does have extra time for newscasts. The 8PM show is sharp and consistent if occasionally dull. But so what, bring us news. KRON's staple of reporters are not the most highlighted but are hard-working and pretty good for the most part.


We often take quality anchors for granted here but keep in mind the presence of seasoned veterans like Pam Moore, Catherine Heenan, Vicki Liviakis, and yes, his sports highness himself, Gary Radnich.


Because of its own status as an independent and not beholden to network obligations, KRON can take a negative and turn it into a mild positive. Sure, it hasn't happened for over twelve years and there's nothing to indicate a dramatic departure from the present. It is what it is, as the cliche goes but that doesn't mean the station has to go into a deep retreat. It has much too many good news people.


Time will tell.

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Exclusive: KGO-TV/ABC Might Make Pitch for Gary Radnich; KNBR/KRON Personality Courted; Beil's Hawaiian TV Adventure Contingency

  He is undoubtedly the most popular media personality in the Bay Area--TV and Radio--nobody comes close. Even his detractors would agree with that assessment and given today's stale environment locally, that's not necessarily a rocking assertion, nevertheless, in the #6 market, it's big enough.

Gary Radnich --the all-knowing, funny, not-so-funny occasionally, Don Ricklesesque , all aboard the USS KNBR and KRON for over three decades on TV and approaching a quarter century on sports-talk radio. He's not at the top of his game but he still has enough cachet through social, political and media people to live a very comfortable life and enjoy the luxuries befitting a top banana in a big market.

He's set in the radio end with a popular program on KNBR and a decent six-figure salary enjoying life from 9-Noon before spending time with family and doing the domestic things some of us are all acquainted with; in fact, he's got it pretty good, all in all even at the place, (KRON), he refers to, with a smidgen of great sarcasm, his buster-brown gig. The good news: Radnich can pretty much do what he wants to do, read his sports notes, do his thing and vacate the premises at his leisure, it's KRON you know, or as Radnich would say, get in and get out.

But he's clearly got radio at the top of the totem pole. TV is in his back saddle and just by watching his performance you know that, it's solidly indelible for better or worse. He signed his last big contract many moons ago when KRON was affiliated with NBC and Young/Media General-less. A move both NBC and KRON's owner at the time knew would be a big mistake; a move that would hurt both parties; most notably the network which has never really found its niche in San Francisco or San Jose. But that's another story.

Rumors continue to make the rounds that KGO-TV's top sports/news guy, Larry Beil is looking to go back to Hawaii. He loves it there. A KGO source told me recently that Beil would just as soon be "a big fish in a little pond" and that he covets both the weather and conditions of his Hawaiian roots.

If Beil was serious about going Hawaii 5-0, that would potentially free up a sports position at ABC O and O KGO. It's no secret that a station like KGO would love to shake up the market and make a splashy hire: oh, and who would be available if Beil departed? Yeah, you got it, The great Radu.

ABC and its O and O honchos would no doubt have to make the call here for a big-time hire along the lines of a Radnich switch. And of course there exists quite a few notable sidebars like, for example, money, availability, time, the usual suspects but this much is certain: the dynamics are already in play, provided Radnich is interested and Beil is longing for Honolulu TV News. The answer to both questions are sure, yes indeedy.

Beil has a contract but there's buyout provisions in it. Radnich is working on a special "at-will" arrangement at KRON receiving more than adequate compensation above scale. His monetary meat and potatoes exist at KNBR where he's hovering in and around the $400K salary range. He could receive the same, (or more, conceivably), at KGO, but a hire of that sort of significance would definitely shake up the scene and place Channel 7 and its news blocks at the top of the heap.

As mentioned, yes, there remains a plethora of things and details to be worked out and arranged. Would KGO allot extra time and deviate from their own news style template needed to accommodate Radnich's style? Probably not, more both sides would have to implement a hybrid system where Gary could do his thing and the Dan Ashleys and Carolyn Johnsons do their own. It sounds far-fetched but it really isn't. Given the high-stakes involving such a bold move both sides would have to adapt and make no mistake this would be a bold move.

But this much is certain. Such a move makes sense for both parties. Radnich is still in his prime and could use a change of scenery. ABC and its O and O division, (owned and operated stations), has the financial wherewithal to pull off such a tactical fire and there's no better opportunity than in the Bay Area market where Disney would love to once again conquer. Getting someone like Radnich would accomplish that missive and by the way, KGO's GM, Bill Berton, is a big fan of Radnich. What a coincidence.

Furthermore it's just a matter of time where Radnich is young enough to pull in his last big payday and opportunity and of course to do that he would need a seeker and some availability --KTVU is set with Mark Ibanez who recently was re-upped and is set; KPIX and Dennis O'Donnell are happy with one another , (O'Donnell is signed too), and KNTV is embedded with Comcast and its pickings, (both owned by the same mega-media company). Which brings us to KGO and the Mickey Mouse club.

How convenient.

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*Rich Lieberman 415 Media Exclusive

More KRON/KGO SSA Bottom Line; The Kate Scott Skinny Devoid Of Political Correctness; Why KGO-TV Has Been Doing Shows From The Newsroom; Tuesday Nuggets

 Funny how the minor-leaguers come out from under their shell to try in vein to spin a story they know pretty much speaks for itself.

As reported here first, KRON will vacate its 1001 Van Ness building and is headed across town to 900 Front, the site of KGO-TV, (ABC7).

KRON's corporate owner, Media General/Young insists "no staffing changes are expected as a result of the move."


Yeah, and I'm Carolyn Johnson.


Execute some common sense here. Read the room. These changes on the horizon allow Media General to eventually lay off staff, particularly tech positions like engineering, production, sales, etc. While KRON will have its own newsroom and studio, their on-air content will be enhanced by the presence of KGO personnel. It's precisely that element that worries rank and file KRON workers who are most concerned about the matter. And who could blame them.


**Let's state for the record: I have zero, ZERO, nada, nothing personally against Kate Scott, the KNBR tonsil who is about to embark on some TV sports anchor work at KGO. Just because I don't care for her work doesn't make me a misogynist or some woman hater--in fact, the irony is that I'd bet Scott would be far better on TV than radio where she says absolutely nothing and is somehow held to high esteem by a bunch of rank flunkies.


Scott, if nothing else, is smart. She's been able to maneuver her cutesy, good-girl, gender-enhanced status into a parlay of jobs in spite of the fact that she's a lightweight with a segment of horny males glued to her persona with false cover given her openness about being gay. Golly gee, how revolutionary, imagine that!


If Scott were truly talented, like say a Lisa Salters, an Andrea Kramer, she'd have major cachet in this corner and beyond the 415. Instead, she's treated like a female God here simply because most of the women media members in this market are so awful, (see: Amy G).


To be more specific, Scott doesn't break any new ground. She simply follows the handbook and comes off, (on radio at least), as the reasonable one to Radnich's wise ass act. It's not ground-breaking in any way, there's no IT! factor whatsoever; tell me one thing that Scott has said that has even an iota of substance? Her many "nobody cares" is a blatant rip-off of Radnich's line and her frequent sexual innuendo riffs are a bit hypocritical given her own status. So much for the Gloria Steinem card.


You may not agree with what I said but there's a whole bunch of you that know what the hell I'm talking about and are thrilled.


**More KGO-TV: The reason KGO has been broadcasting their newscasts from the newsroom is because their studio lighting in undergoing some fine-tuning and maintenance. And that takes time to get it right, so says a KGO mole.


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******************************************************************************

KRON's Monday Powwow Involves SSA With KGO-TV; Media General Cutting Staff Talk Of KRON Staffers

 KRON's big, "All-staff-is-required" meeting on Monday is, according to several station sources, centered on the talk of a move, sooner rather than later, from its historic building at 1001 Van Ness to, get this, 900 Front.

900 Front, the ABC Broadcast building, that houses KGO-TV, (and radio long ago).

What makes this more than just a simple relocation is the fact that the office space is comparatively small. This would indicate KGO & KRON might enter a shared services agreement (or something similar). Conceivably, Media General, (KRON's corporate owner), could eliminate staff news/production and studio/master control/promotion departments and only maintain a limited staff: administration, sales, and overall personnel. In fact, KRON already has a shared-service deal using KGO's helicopter.

A KRONvict close to the scene: "Hopefully this isn’t the case, but it does have lots of the staff talking."

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Thursday Bullet Point: KRON Sold; Update: Confirmed: Media General Merger Deal with KRON

KRON sold? Yes.

UPDATE 10: 33 PT: The deal has been confirmed. KRON has been sold. Really, a merger. (See below).

Thursday item making the 415 Media lounge.

KRON has been bought by Media General. The staff has been invited to attend meetings for a presentation about what is being called a merger. It is.



**Developing...

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