Bay Area media meltdown over Bridge closure; KTVU, KCBS ok; everyone else, yuck

As always, thank god for KTVU news and KCBS too. And to be fair, KRON4 for a change.

Other than those outlets, the local media did its usual MIA/el stupendo in coverage of the Bay Bridge closure. A series of breathless reporting with Bart Ney of Caltrans acting as supreme leader seemed to be the going theme of the radio/TVers.

And CHP officer Trent Cross, who seems to have a 24/7 outpost on the Bay Bridge was also a heavy-duty player. Cross, to his credit, seems competent and looks as if he knows what he's doing; too bad the TV numskulls interviewing him can't ask legitimate questions.

A little credit to CBS5, (KPIX) anchor Dana King. At the outset of this major news event, King, with aid from an overhead copter, did a fair job of trying hard to get to Ney to find out just what the hell happened on the bridge. Ney did a lot of talking and essentially said nothing other then he didn't know what happened; thanks Mr. Ney.

KRON4, which exists only as a news outlet, did a better-than-average job. Anchor Heather Donald provided decent coverage,as the independent broke into the Dr. Phil show, but instead of staying with the story, went back to to the doctor. Once KRON did go direct to the bridge story an hour later, reporter Dan Kerman, who was on the bridge looked and acted as if he were backstage at a U2 concert. He was excited, very excited and animated too. OK, so it was windy on the bridge, but Kerman, a local TV veteran, was clearly affected by the elements. At a time when information was vital, Kerman was awestruck by the goings-on. He did try his best, but was seriously lacking. Again, to KRON's credit, at least they provided the most comprehensive updates.

KTVU's Ten O'clock News once again provided ample evidence why they are still the best. Channel 2 had four reporters on the scene. Sal Castenada conducted the best on-scene report with Cross near the quagmire. He brushed past CHP officer Cross' attempt to play traffic reporter and asked pointed questions. Same for Ken Wayne on YBI. While the other outlets seemed gleeful and breathless, KTVU reporters searched for information.

John Fowler was at the top of his game and actually made news. Fowler, in studio, talked to a UC Berkeley engineer who said point blank that Cal Trans screwed up the initial Labor day work on the bridge. The engineer said that the work amounted to a "band-aid" and that what took place Tuesday night was serious enough to warrant closing and inspecting the bridge for many days. Flash! Sounds like news to me.

All the other TV stations stuck to the usual formula. Lots of Bart Ney, pissed-off drivers on the bridge, (duh!) and more Trent Cross and yes, another two minutes of Bart Ney. The helicopter folks were busy and the obligatory "you better take public transit because its gonna be gridlock tomorrow" ruled the night. We know that, thanks.

KCBS was solid, as was KGO. In situations like this, the immediate information is vital. Nobody got seriously hurt when the massive cable fell on the bridge, other than some cars. A couple from Vancouver on vacation to SF, (good timing) whose car was poleaxed by the loose cable, seemed stunned and shaken, but were otherwise OK.

All in all, local media was OK, but not spectacular in its coverage of the incident. We'd all be happy if there was a little more actuality and attempted REPORTING, as opposed to too much Bart Ney and Trent Cross. Both are fine men, I'm sure, but facts are always helpful, like, for example, what the hell caused this and who the hell is responsible? And is Cal Trans asleep at the wheel? Who's in charge? Geez, it would be nice to hear that from reporters as opposed to asking Bart Ney questions he never seems to know and acknowledging Trent Cross' repeated warnings that traffic is gonna be a bitch. We know that.

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