TOXIC TIMES at Bay Area media outlets. Never seen it this bad at some of the local TV/Radio outposts --and I'm being kind.KTVU has been fully FOXified--there's a big time feeling of despair at Jack London Square with union problems, worker morale, cutbacks and the introduction of Happy Talk to a news force that hasn't been able to adapt --KTVU News still dominates Bay Area TV but Fox's questionable tactics has staff on edge.
Said a longtime newsroom employee: "These are trying times for all of is."
*KPIX is also in a state of semi-chaos --no one seems to know what the direction of the station is being considered. Assuming, of course, there is a direction. KPIX has been promoting (along with CBS) its Super Bowl 50 designation --only one problem: what happens after the big game? Back to normal. Which can't be too good because ratings have tanked; a virtual identity crisis engulfs 855 Battery with rotating/misplaced anchors and people in the wrong places. The situation isn't helped by a GM who, still, mysteriously, hasn't made a major move (for a station that clearly needs one) and a News Director who very openly plays favorites even if his chosen ones really suck at the job.
*KRON: This Just In: For the 14th straight year, KRON is once again, simply irrelevant. How many times can we say it? One would think someone higher up or at corporate would take responsibility but mediocrity and melodrama rule the day at the perennial albatross --oh, by the way, your cameras are still too damn close but keep on look crappy, KRON, stay consistent. You have NO leadership. You have no one pulling the bull by the horn. You have a dictator ND that no one respects and everyone fears (until corporate comes to SF and lowers the boom) And you have this new GM with a funky name who still hasn't done anything. Did the ride in the Bentley from the sports schlub further dilute your interest? And will you continue to allow a certain digital boy who is infatuated with a certain media blogger to continue his torment? I'd suggest you take him to lunch and educate him. Maybe the sports schlub will lend you the Bentley.
*Yes, that KTVU weather guy who should know better was suspended for a day after some subtle jab at the female anchor on the news desk. He's a pro so we'll give him the benefit of the doubt.
*The other day at KGO Radio was "World Concern Day"--says a local broadcaster: "And they wonder why the ratings suck."
*The more the alleged, comical Kate Scott talks and opens her mouth the more foolish she sounds. Which is horrible at best. She's been less featured on KNBR shows and it's pretty evident she's been told to shut up--even so, when she does opine it's, frankly, some of the most un-intentionally hilarious "talk" on the air, how frickin' un-awesome!
Scott is on the air because she sounds radio sexy voice thereby making horny guys hornier and allowing Ronnie Lott and Andy Dolich to froth at their sexual fantasies. It's good business even if the talent is a fraud.
*Speaking of KNBR, the "Peacon" redneck is back from vacation. Fire up the caffeine and make your Tea Party donation.
*Fox Directive KTVU Mantra: Gone are the days of paying decent money for star reporters. Gone are the days of singling out good work and rewarding superior performance. Let's fuck with cameraman and their pensions. Let's cut their pension. Let's make life miserable for 4th-tier newsroom workers and ask them to account for the water cooler. Yeah, that'll fire up morale.
*First Rasmussen and Pritchett and looming, Vacar, Roth and Sasaki. Only with Vacar they might have a fight--he's a loyah.
*The most popular personality at KTVU is Sal Castaneda --who is also the sixth highest-paid guy at the station. Me thinks Sal's agent has some work to do.
*Do you notice all those new by-lines at the Chronicle? They're younger, cheaper and don't require all those benefits --something the union has noted at the Chron which is in for a future fight with the rank and file. Hearst will counter right off the start that they're losing a million bucks a week.
All of this comes amid high-profile star reporters, Henry Lee and Carla Marinucci leaving 5th and Mission to go to greener and more secure pastures. Lee to KTVU and Marinucci to deep pockets Politico.com I'm sure it's just a coincidence.
*Ann Killion: thinks she's the sports Evita. Tell that to Damon Bruce.
*John Evans and Martin Lenz: civility on the overnight at KCBS.
*Prediction: there will be a significant change in KGO-TV's management (i.e., News Director) sometime sooner rather than later. ABC is tired of lawyers and settlements. (Clue)
*Like I said recently, I would not be shocked at all if Mike Krukow were to announce his retirement from Giants duties due to his ongoing medical condition.
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