Kessler all but confirmed this to me in an e-mail and phone conversation:
"I'm not in their plans. I'm very disappointed I was not able to deliver the audience they expected from me. For those that did tune in, Thank you. It's been a great ride."
The status of Sydnie Kohara, who co-anchors with Kessler, is not known, but its doubtful she'd return, according to a knowledgeable broadcast source.
Kessler has been at Channel 5 since 2002. In 2004 he won an Emmy for his reporting from Baghdad.
Earlier this month, I reported that both Kessler and Kohara were being let go and was vilified by station personnel. In fact, a KPIX PR rep asked for a correction and I reluctantly obliged.
Like many local TV news stations both here and nationally, KPIX is battling through severe financial problems and has seen many of its prime on-air talent either take offered buyouts and early retirements. In addition, the newsroom budget has been drastically reduced amid the current dire economic climate.
Attempts to reach KPIX news director, Dan Rosenheim, for comment, were unsuccessful.
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I could have swore that in the past he dropped hints he wanted to leave KPIX,as the story went,he wanted to be closer to his kids who live in the midwest with an ex?. But,the money was to good to leave so he stayed. I read all that someplace.
ReplyDeleteHe was quirky,but no worse than Darya or the clones on the other channels.
Darn,going to miss Sidney in those red dress advertiesments for that charity..
Too bad. I was looking forward to watching them again when I return from a year and a half in Portland, OR.
ReplyDeleteFinally! That guy was a bit annoying. Now, Tracey on the other hand is AWESOME!
ReplyDeleteI always looked forward to the interaction between John and Sydnie. Most days they were just laugh out loud funny.
ReplyDeleteI guess the lesson here is, never base a correction on what some station PR flack lying through their ass tells you...
ReplyDeleteI liked both John and Sydnie and it will be too bad if both are gone guess I'll watch ABC, where Rick Quan shows up every once in a while. This is a mistake, but you can't help them if they can't see it for themselves.
ReplyDeleteHe will be missed. The reason we watch the morning show is because of the way he delivered the news. We will find another station to watch.
ReplyDeletePatty & Dale
I am horrified by this.
ReplyDeleteSydnie Kohara is the best part of my day.
She's an institution in SF but looks like she's in her 20's. Not that age should matter, but apparently in news, it does.
What is going on at that place? It's seems like one bad decision after another from station management.
But letting Sydnie go tops the cake. I believe that decision will come back to bite them in the butt. And then they'll be out the door.
One more thing: Sydnie's a babe with a brain and YES she looks hot in red.
I agree with Patty & Dale...My wife and I will find another station. John Kessler is Herb Caen for me. We followed him from KRON to KPIX; I hope he'll stick around the Bay Area.
ReplyDelete/alastair/
John and Sydnie have made getting up early easier. I hope KPIX loses all of the faithful watchers like me. I will watch channel 2 for my news. Good job KPIX.
ReplyDeleteGlennis Easley
ReplyDeleteI agree with Alastair Dallas...I also watched John Kessler on KRON and was so happy to see him back in the bay area on KPIX. He will be missed and I'll change my morning news to ABC. Come back on another channel John, I'll follow you!
CBS5 was wrong to let John Kessler go, replaced by Elizabeth Winger? She is no news reporter.
ReplyDeletecbs5 you have let go everyone worth watching.
Hope your new numbers are good with no viewers.
Oh for heaven's sake! We moved with John from KRON to KPIX and grew to love Sydnie Kohara as part of our move. Seriously, I will no longer watch local television news in the Bay Area. I have no problem saying "No" and voting with my TV set to maintain my own news standards.
ReplyDeleteTerrible. Now what, personality-free on KTVU or hellishly false smiling on the SJ station. Off it goes.
ReplyDeleteWow dissapointed. My wife and I awoke every orning at 4:45, got a cup of coffee and tuned in. They were our wake up team that filled us with smiles and information. I am not interested in other channels but hope to hang on with kpix. Best of luck to them both.... Rudy and Susie
ReplyDeletewell it looks like I will need to find another morning station. right now they have a females and I need a little testerone with my morning coffee. I have enough estoren. byeBye JOHN I will miss that wit and need for the funier side of the new. Pumpkin toss, playful animals. eTC. You will be missed.
ReplyDeleteOK, I am trying to organize a protest and demonstration for this Friday, September 17th, in front of KPIX TV on Battery st, about the situation with John Kessler being let go from CBS5. I think it should start at 5am, at the same time as Early Edition. I also think that Sydnie Kohara, Elizabeth Wenger, and Tracy Humphrey should take part, and do a one day walk out to support John Kessler, their coworker and friend. I want everyone who is a fan, or just who likes watching classic John & Sydnie morning news, to show up, with signs and banners, along with those famous horns from the World Cup, and whatever else you can think of, to get attention of those idiots who are allegedly trying to run CBS5 and the Early Edition. Let's make this happen, and get John Kessler back where he belongs, with Sydnie! C'mon, she NEEDS HIM!
ReplyDeleteBad decision CBS. We watched the show for John Kessler and now Sydnie is leaving? Leave Wanger to the traffic please. CBS you just lost two more viewers. Elizabeth Wanger the traffic girl cannot fill those shoes.
ReplyDeleteI am very upset that John and possibly Sidney will be leaving!!! I will not watch channel 5 from now on. John's sense of humor was a great way to start the day and Sidney was a great foil. Elizabeth is a pathetic replacement if that is the intention!!!!
ReplyDeleteSuzanne from Vallejo says: I also agree with Alastair Dallas and Glennis Easley...I also watched John Kessler on KRON and was so happy to see him back in the bay area on KPIX. John will be missed and I'll change my morning news to another channel. Come back to us John. You make life bearable in the early a.m.
ReplyDeleteI'm so disgusted with John being replaced by Elizbeth! The only reason I watch is because John was such a crack up! They should have gotten rid of Sydnie first! Yeah that's right the show just isn't the same. All female reportes? What is this the "VIEW" And by the way Elizabeth wears her dresses way to short for a morning show no class and she looks like a dear in the headlights when the camera is on her. Get rid of her and put Anna Duckworth there she is a real seasoned reporter and we have all seen her weather any storm!
ReplyDeleteRuby from San Jose say's,First you take away Bo the dog, then you replace a respectable weatherman with Tracy who only cares about shoes! Now you take John and mabe Sidney too? Boo to whom ever made those decisions! Note to Tracy you are no Roberta Gonzalez! I will not be watching this am show. Ugh and I realy don't like channel 7 new's but I guess you have left me no alternative!!!!
ReplyDeleteVery disappointed to hear about Kessler and Kohara leaving. They are commanding personalities, and I love starting my morning with John's smiling eyes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI hope you both stay in the bay area, and add sparkle to another network. Very best wishes, and thank you. Goodbye, cbs.
OH NO! John Kessler gives my morning news just the punch of humor I need to start my day without being totally depressed at what's being reported. CBS management: Where is your head?!!!! Those women will never be able to hold the audience. We don't need another panel of yammering women - we already have The View. BRING JOHN KESSLER BACK PLEASE!
ReplyDeleteStarting our morning work day, without the Kessler and Kohara team to get us going, will be rough. Ditto our sentiments to the other KPIX viewers. To the brains at Channel 5 you've made a BIG 5 mistake. I guess my wife and I will just have to join the commute traffic a little earlier and arrive to our offices on time!
ReplyDeleteThat sucks and I will not watch Channel 5 anymore for news or anything.
ReplyDeleteWho is kidding who? The television markets are changing and leading to shrinking budgets. I suspect that the failure to renew Kessler's contract was really about money. I watch CBS5 each morning and it has been quite noticeable that many talented veterans have vanished. I also find it interesting that many of the morning field reporting is now being done with KCBS radio reporters. Its the sign of the times...and it's too bad.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Gerston and Rittenbach. I watched John Kessler when he was with KRON and was delighted when he joined KPIX. John and Sydnie were a dynamic team who made starting my workday easier. I love John's wit and humor. What are the powers at KPIX thinking! They have made a big mistake! I will be looking for another channel to watch the morning news.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a dissappiontment! I always enjoyed John and Sydnie in the morning. I loved the humor!
ReplyDeleteAdd me to the list of folks changing the channel. John and Sydnie were the only reason I watched channel 5.
ReplyDeleteChannel 5 news is gone forever in my household.
ReplyDeleteDONE! If it is economics, then do something about your stories not the messengers; John Kessler and Syndie Kohara are the GREATEST!!
Missed John the first couple of days he was gone, left for vacation. Turned on the news this morning and he's still not back, then searched the internet for a reason for his long absence worried that it was due to illness. Shocked to hear that he'd been let go and now Sydnie. They jump started my morning and I will miss them. Shame on Channel 5, I will no longer be watching Channel 5 morning news.
ReplyDeleteI watch CBS5 morning news everyday, but not anymore. I wondered why the long faces on the ladies and now I know. Is management CRAZY??? John and Sydnie? I miss the humor and the Blow it UP!! John loved that and so did I. Elizabeth is a nice girl but not news anchor material. You can tell by watching her that she is uncomfortable in that chair. I hate the new set too!!
ReplyDeletePlease, let us know where John Kessler turns up after all of this! Also, if Sydnie goes, ditto for turning her up, too!
ReplyDeleteI have nothing against those who are still around, but it's obvious that using radio reporters (who cost less) and folks with less seniority costs less. Duh! Your market is ageing and yet you seem to be aiming for the young market- you know, the 20-30 somethings who never get up in time to watch the early morning news!
I too wondered why John was not on this morning. I miss his sense of humor, he is a bright spot in the morning news. I will no longer be watching Channel 5 for the morning news. John and Sydney, you two were great!!!!!!!!!!!! together!
ReplyDeleteJohn was the heart of this show. Without him is is just a flat newscast. He was a friend visiting each morning. What are they thinking?
ReplyDeleteJohn Kessler is a wonderful newscaster. He's got a great sense of humor and doesn't take himself too seriously. Without John the early morning news will never be the same. John, you are the BEST!!! CBS doesn't deserve you.
ReplyDeletei can't believe john kessler will no longer be on cbs 5 morning news. i think it is foolish for the "powers that be" to get rid of both john and sydnie. i watched ch. 4 but found them too silly so i started watching ch. 5 - they worked well together enough banter but not silly like the lady on ch. 4 -
ReplyDeletei have to find a new news station. ch 5 - you're stupid.
John and Sydney were awesome together. I followed John since his days at KRON and that's the only reason I watched KPIX in the mornings. First it was Anna Duckworth, now John and Sydney. They think Elizabeth W. being young and pretty can fill those shoes good luck!! I bet they don't pay her squat.
ReplyDeleteI noticed my morning wake up buddies were not together - I had to find out what happened. :-( I really enjoyed their wit and banter - it made things a little brighter in the AM. During the day, I often referred to some of the things that happened on the show! The truth!! I have been watching the morning show since John and Sydney teamed up. This will be a void in my morning routine. I will probably switch to listening to the radio in the morning. I WILL NO LONGER WATCH CBS5 with out my buddies!! A Hayward loyal viewer
ReplyDeleteI also miss John Kessler in the morning. I looked forward to John waking me up in the morning. Boy, CBS5 what a mistake you've made. You know you could say your sorry & bring John back! We all make a mistake in life...but this was one of your biggest that you have made. Whoever made this decision should be fired. No thought was even given to his followers. Good luck CBS5 I'll be finding a new morning news station to watch. Miss you John
ReplyDeleteMy morning always consisted of turning on the morning news team of KPIX. John & Sydnie have great chemistry together. They can deliver the news with all seriousness, but when that a little sense of humor is needed, they both can give that too.
ReplyDeleteI understand that the economy is bad and like any other business, employees have to be let go.
HOWEVER, this is one of the biggest bone headed mistakes of San Francisco news coverage.
John & Sydnie are the backbone of Channel 5 morning news and now, you want to change that?
Adding Tracy and Elizabeth made them a strong quartet of reporters. I feel bad for T & E because they are going to be hearing, reading and watching the brunt of the anger from all of us fans of J & S.
I too also agree that Sydnie is a babe and is very nice to look at. John, just knew the exact right moment to throw in a one liner.
It's time to take my fanbase to another morning news station now.
KPIX, you literally just messed up your ratings.
Why does KPIX think that a twit could replace a John Kessler? I guess that a kid has to start some place but the station is setting her up to fail. I hope that Sydnie can bail out when she finds a better station. The way that KPIX is going, they may as well turn the lights off and fade to black.
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I have watched John every morning since 2002. This is truly a very bad move by CBS5. Where ever John ends up - we will be there to watch. We just hope he stays here in the Bay Area.
ReplyDeleteI cant believe they let Kessler go , what a mistake , I guess I will watch the 3 stooges for a laugh in the morning. John and Sydnie made for fun news not the droll Elizabeth Wenger stuff we have been watching. Shame on KPIX and their poor decision making , shame shame shame worst decision Ive seen. bring back John kessler
ReplyDeleteI can't believe it!!! I love John Kessler, he and Syndnie were great together. I like Elizabeth but not as an anchor. I will stop watching channel five...
ReplyDeleteBad move CBS. You blew it. John Kessler and Sydnie as a team made the morning news stand apart from the mundane news shows on the other networks. I don't really like the new arrangement in the morning, there's a bit too much sisterhood for me...and I'm a girl! My kids have watched the CBS morning news every morning since they were little because they thought John was funny. As a result, they actually keep up with current events. My kids are now 18 and 20 and very sad about John's departure. I will be paying attention to where he ends up. If it is on another news network station in the bay area then, CBS Morning News Show; Bye-Bye-O! The CBS exec responsible for the decision should have his "contract expire".
ReplyDeleteCBS. What the hell? What you have airing now you actually think is an improvement over the best news team I have ever seen on any news station? Who's running that place anyway? Maybe it's time for you to retire.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry that John Kessler is gone. I have watched John since he appeared on KRON. When he disappeared from KRON I stopped watching KRON news. When I found him on KPIX I was thrilled even though several of the co-anchors prior to Sydnie were a bust. I will even miss the comercials for their show. I have not found another morning news program I will watch. He will be a treat to any news program wherever that may be. I hope he is scheduled with a good co-anchor such as Sydnie Kohara to support the BEST, John Kessler.
ReplyDeleteGet up at 5AM for work! It made it sooooo much easier with John and Sydnie. They know how to present the news and at the same time you knew the world wasn't going to "hell in a handbasket". I guess it is back to Channel 2. Maybe John and Sydnie will show up there.
ReplyDeletePaul B. Concord
Getting up at 5am was so much easier with John and Sydnie! I hope they both stay in the bay area. And please,let's keep Elizabeth doing the traffic. I am so disappointed they will no longer be at KPIX. Not sure who's makihg the decisions there- maybe they are the ones that should be replaced.
ReplyDeleteI agree with most of the posted comments. John and Sydnie where like husband and wife. He'd give her a dig and she would nail him. It was a great way to start a morning. They felt like family. Elizabeth and Tracy do a good job on traffic and weather but are not achor material. I'll be moving to KTVU for the morning news and stay with KPIX the eveing news unless...Allen goes then... I'm gone.
ReplyDeletemy husband and I are 4o years old. I finally looked up on the internet to see where John Kesler went and am disgusted to find out that he will be leaving. We watched this channel for John and Syndie... who made this decision? someone that isn't watching the news or in touch with its viewers for sure. We've just changed the channel now with this. Good luck on your poor decision making. bring back john, or we'll be gone
ReplyDeleteI only watched the KPIX Morning News because of John Kessler ! Time to find a new morning program ! I am very disappointed !
ReplyDeleteCBS just lost 2 more viewers! Wondered where my 2 favorite morning anchors were and found this site. Elizabeth should go back to traffic, I don't want to see her do the news. Guess we are heading over to KGO.
ReplyDeleteI am very disappointed to lose John Kessler & Sydnie Kohara in the morning. They were a great way to start the day. We will be looking for a different station for the morning news. There is no reason for watching KPIX now.
ReplyDeleteAs a long time viewer of the CBS mornong news I find this quite a blow. I, for one, have already switched.
ReplyDeleteSidney and John made an excellent duo. they brought much needed humor into what is often a morning of terrible news. One always feel that they care and are truly intereested.
If Sydney stays it will not be enough to keep me as a viewer. It is the chemistry between the two that made the news palatable.
What a loss ! ! ! ! ! I wish John well on his next step and want to say, "John, you are already and will be missed for a long time to come".
I don't think losing viewers is what the station wants. They made the move, now live with the results.
Rebloko
so many excellent posts that have said it all! !
ReplyDeletethere is really nothing else to say except more of the same. The end of an era. CBS, what a mistake you have made.
No more 5 a.m. channel 5 for me. I watched religiously because it was so accesible, everything was covered, and the humor was enjoyable. I always missed the morning news when I travel away from the area. but, it was always so sweet to return to. No more!
It has taken me a few weeks to understand that John was no longer keeping me sane in the morning, but the knowledge that KPIX had dismissed him totally baffles me. Who are these people and I wonder if their jobs are safer now that John and Sydnie's are gone.
ReplyDeleteI tevo Kessler & Kohara, all two hours, every weekday because I don't want to miss anything. The news these days is difficult to hear, but the banter between John & Sydnie made even bad news palatable.
ReplyDeleteKTVU, KNTV, KRON and KGO will be thrilled I'm sure to gain all of KPIX's viewers. I'll be one of them if John & Sydnie go.
I watch the KPIX morning news because of John Kessler. See ya............ I hope another station is smart enough to pick him up!!!
ReplyDeleteFor a long time I was busy switching networks so that I could catch Ross McGowan on KTVU and John Kessler on KPIX (and of course his sidekick Sydnie Kohara). When Ross retired a year ago from KTVU, Kessler-Kohara made that loss bearable for me. IS KPIX SERIOUS? Sounds dumb to me. I just don't know where I'll go for my morning news & laughs -- suggestions, anyone? No one could be funny like Kessler, yet professional, at the same time. And not at all displeasing to the eye!
ReplyDeleteSTUPID !!! If John Kessler pops up on another network, PLEASE post it all over the internet so I'll know which one to watch.
ReplyDeleteJohn was the perfect replacement for Ken Bastita in the morning. His humor made it easier to wake up. When it was serious he demonstrated that too. The chemistry between he and Sydnie was consumate. They were a good combination to usher in the two young members on the newscast and show them how to enter peoples home. Elizabeth is nice but not a draw, Tracey is perfect for weather much like Roberta Gonzalez in delivery, but growing. Without personality I think I will just read the paper. That WAS the best local morning news show.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I love watching Sydnie and John in the mornings. They are great at the news and we like their banter.
ReplyDeleteI'm not just moving to another station without a fight.
I think all of you who like John and Sydnie, should email the folks at cbs.5, cbs and cbs sponsors to protest this action.
CBS Corporation
CBS Headquarters
51 W. 52nd Street
New York, NY 10019-6188
1-212-975-4321
News Assignment Desk: newsdesk@kpix.com
News Director – Dan Rosenheim: rosenheim@kpix.cbs.com
Internet Director – Jim Parker: jparker@cbs.com
President/GM – Ron Longinotti: rlonginotti@kpix.cbs.com
Engineering – Michael Englehaupt: menglehaupt@kpix.cbs.com
Programming – Tom Spitz: tvprogram@kpix.cbs.com
Public Affairs – Rosemary Roach: roach@kpix.cbs.com
Communications Director – Akilah Bolden Monifa: amonifa@kpix.cbs.com
Sales – Nolan Snook: nsnook@cbs.com
So sad to hear about KPIX not keeping John Kessler....I enjoyed watching the morning news with John and Sydney (they are great together) I agree with the other viewers...Elizabeth is not anchor material and Tracy is just average at doing the weather. John and Sydney were the only reason I tuned in.
ReplyDeleteI started every morning in Napa Valley with John and Sydnie. What a team! I just hope they end up on another bay area station. I will no longer be watching CBS in the morning. No reason without the two of them.
ReplyDeleteJohn Kessler made it bearable for us to watch the Far Left Channel 5 news in the morning. We were sooo happy to see Ross McGowen go, especially when he'd sway the direction of discussions to his own liberal point of view while interviewing. It was indeed refreshing to have John freshen the air at Channel 5. We miss you, John!!! Off to Channel 7 we go since we don't care for the brash, aging Darya Folsom flashing her boobs or Channel 2's overly dramatic Dave Clark and complacent Tori Campbell.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed waking up to John & Sydney. Do not like the new format. Never got the couch idea. Good luck to John hope he gets to move closer to his two children. Will have to find a new station to watch in the morning.
ReplyDeleteI dubbed CBS5 news "the Barbie station" It seems that they like high pitched blondes with no voices. Well, this will save me an hour every morning as I can not stand ANY of the morning news now. But especially the Barbie Station. Looking at CBS5, I thought I was in Sweden or Norway or WISCONSIN.
ReplyDeleteSF is a town that has a major reputation to shoot everywhere but straight...
ReplyDeletemy experience here is 40+years....way too
many jokes to even start.. Breaking up John & Sydnie is worse than the Titanic...this is horrific
What is left of kpix mornings news?...pathetic....
Run Sydnie Run.....you deserve so much better.
Your ratings will be in the tank almost immediately...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Here's another VERY disappointed viewer. John Kessler & Sydnie Kohara were an upbeat way to start the day - Too bad, the replacement is pathetic!! Tacky old Darya as an alternative?? Never! It's the radio, or curvy couch with Fox & Friends now.
ReplyDeleteglad he's gone. husband and I couldn't stand him!
ReplyDeleteJohn and Sydnie were an interesting and entertaining combination. They brought a bit of quirk and spirit to the boring morning show routine. Too bad KPIX doesn't think that sells. I'll have to look elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteGee, Anonymous 7:26 AM...wake up on the wrong side of the bed today? Yowzers!
ReplyDeleteThat SUCKS! John & Sydnie were part of my morning for many years. I loved their chemistry, and John's humor. I won't be watching KPIX news anymore, no real personalities there,
ReplyDeleteJust returned from two weeks away to find no mention of John on the Morning Show. What a disappointment to discover he's gone! Another example of the "Dummying Down" of the news. What are those in charge thinking? Yes, John was witty and at times irreverent, but always there was intelligence. Elizabeth and Tracy - oh my goodness! Shame on you, KPIX!
ReplyDeleteNot again... I remember when John was on channel 4 with Darya.... I emailed them to find out why he left and they said "He has moved on"! I was looking for another station and there was John on channel 5 with Sydney... he was even better than with Darya! I cannot believe they are letting Kessler and Kohara go.... I'm going to miss both of them....
ReplyDeleteWhat a great show. They brought a smile to my face every morning. So Long and Good Luck, Bosley... I mean John.
ReplyDeleteBig mistake, John's dry humor was the best,Him and Sydnie were a duo, made news enjoyable to watch,,,FUN!! The current morning bunch is real bad. Elizabeth Winger is as smart as a polliwog,NO TALENT!!! you get what you pay for and if John and Sydney were expensive they were worth it.You pinched a penny and now you have no talent. The 10 minute long commercial at the end of eye on the bay is stupid!!! I am done with KPIX!! off to channel 7 !!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm retired and really don't need to watch the news in the early mornings, but I did because I like John Kessler....I followed him from KRON to KPIX...now I'm dropping KPIX for news for firing Mr. Kessler.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I find it very interesting and satisfying to read all these comments from fans of the J & S team. I spent many years in radio and the entertainment business and became very disappointed in broadcasting after seeing many actions by management like this take place. Individuals in upper management in broadcasting are often "out of touch" with the real core of their audiences. All it takes is one or two unhappy listeners or viewers to complain and they assume that there are many other unhappy people out there so they make a change. It is obvious to all of us that this is a huge mistake on the part of KPIX TV news. Yes, it could be due to financial reasons, but we have no way of knowing. My wife and I join the rest of you in expressing extreme disappointment. I suspected something was brewing when there was no mention of John or Sydnie being on vacation or ill or whatever and found this site. On air broadcast personnel usually have to come up the ranks in smaller markets to build their confidence and talents to ready themselves for major market viewing. It appears that the weather and traffic ladies have been placed in over their heads in this San Francisco market which ranks in the top 5 of the nation. I find with age there comes a degree of impatience in seeing management running a major broadcast entity such as CBS5 with such stupidity and bad decision making as they blindly assume they know more than their viewers. We chose this morning team because I could not handle the amateurs and no talent or personality on the other morning shows. The dramatic, sing-songy delivery of DC on 2 is a good example along with Mr. Droll doing traffic caused me to exit from them quite a while ago. It is true that people want to connect with on air personalities. They want to feel that they are a part of the family. It is the only media where an audience allows the personalities into their homes. We need to feel connected to these people if we are welcoming them into our morning routine. That's what makes good morning radio or television broadcasting. My compliments to all of you stepping up to the plate here. Oh, one more thing.....Go Giants!!!!!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I missed him when he left KRON (although I was thrilled that I didn't have to watch Darya any more!) and were so happy when we found him at KPIX. He will be missed and I hope we find him on another bay area channel. Loved his sense of humor!
ReplyDeleteDang it!!!! I watched John on KRON, but switched to another channel when he left. I was thrilled to find him on KPIX. John and Sydnie did more than deliver the news! They were a pleasure to wake up to and I'll really miss them. And, I'll find another morning news show to watch. HEY YOU KNUCKLE-HEADS AT KPIX... you're slitting your own throats and you don’t even know it. Big mistake, stupid move and I’m sure you’re going to regret this.
ReplyDeleteI WILL CHANGE TO ANOTHER CHANNEL ALSO !!!!I I awake early and really looked forward to the great team of John and Sydnie. It is really a shame that Upper Management can't understand that mature anchors with a good rapport should stay. Instead they replace with younger but in my opinion lessor replacements. BIG MISTAKE. Will KPIX ask great anchors at 11:00PM to leave also?
ReplyDeleteNews stations always want to stress the dramatic and the tragic, and that should be shared. But, as the saying goes, "laughter is the best medicine". Working in medicine I thoroughly agree. I and my staff use it daily and we all recognise the importance of a good laugh. It makes the pain and the fear more tolerable. John Kessler made watching the news a pleasure. It was so nice to see some refreshing humor shared with the public. I didn't care for Sydney at first because she appeared to think John's humor inappropriate. But she finely came around and they became a great team. Elizabeth is a good newscaster, but she is way too imature.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised to hear Sydney was leaving too...that is too bad. Once my husband and I heard John was leaving, we left too. We now watch channel 4. If John is picked up on another station...we will follow him.
I tried to sign my name, but the 'profile' (what ever that is) didn't allow it. So I guess I am anonymous
John and Sydne were pro's and will be greatly missed. Who's going to tell us about the latest NEW STUDY!!! (?)
ReplyDeleteI've switched my morning news-watching to Ch. 2. The anchors don't inject humor and repartee, but at least they're legit news people, and as a bonus, I can get a REAL weather report in the morning. (Tracey, I'm looking at you.)
Every morning my husband and I looked forward to watching John and Sydnie. John especially was the bright and funny part of our day. I too am very disappointed that he is leaving and we are now going to find a different channel to watch. If John stays within the Bay Area we plan on watching whatever channel he lands with
ReplyDeleteI am so disappointed. I was gone on vacation, and come back to find John & Sydnie gone. They are such a great team... Guess I'll be watching Ch 2 for my morning news (not the KRON informercial pretending to be news). Hopefully, John & Sydnie will join a new organization here in the Bay. Bad move, CBS.
ReplyDeleteThey are the best - John and Syndey together. I watched/listened to them every morning as i prepared for work...ABSOLUTELY LOVE JOHN KESSLER, THE BEST MORNING ANCHOR EVER. All their new people are good by themselves but put them together and it is boring, boring, boring...way too much cackling (and I am a woman). They defintely need a man in the mix to balance out all the cackling....THEY NEED JOHN KESSLER - BRING HIM BACK...
ReplyDeleteI hate to say this, but there are guys out there that think Sydnie Kohara some what hot and a good news reporter. They don't want to see her leave also. It just like I have seen online guys say Roberta Gonzales ia hot and a good weather reporter. Same thing with Kron 4's Darya Folsom and Vicki Liviakis. I have seen that about them online. So if Sydnie Kohara also leaves like John Kessler, how many young 20 somethings and early 30s guys will stop watching.
ReplyDeleteJohn was the only reason I would turn on the TV in the morning. He was the best and I will never watch CBS news again. Big mistake. I hope he will stay in the bay area..... LOVE HIM
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing these knuckleheads at KPIX are so out of touch with their viewers.. John and Sydnie were the better to wake up to than that first cup of coffee. We loved to hear their take on the morning news and the banter between them was engaging. Elizabeth is like a fish out of water trying to deliver the news. Too bad KPIX, this stupid move has killed your morning news ratings if it hasn't already. Hello channel 7.
ReplyDeletei will truly miss you John too , I did'nt catch the last show but I to think KPIX made a mistake .See you around soon .
ReplyDeleteJohn made it comfortable and sensible for himself and the rest of us; that is why he was liked, that is why he is missed.
ReplyDeleteI loved John Kessler and Sydnie - they made me laugh and John's sense of humor was a relief in the morning news. I am now watching ABC for my news, but I miss John and Sydnie and CBS has made a big mistake in letting him go.
ReplyDeleteI watched Channel 5 until John and Sydnie were done and then changed to Channel 2. I guess it will be channel 2 from now on. I really think that the viewing public deserves to know what is happening with their favorite hosts instead of them just disappearing in the night. Even if they just said "moving on to another assignment" would be better than acting like they were never there.
ReplyDeleteJohn is the bond of the whole news crew. Without him, everyone is on her own. I didn't know Sidney was also leaving. She and John were such a wonderful pair to start the day,
ReplyDeleteJOHN, I WILL LOOK FOR YOU ON ANOTHER CHANNEL... YOU ARE THE BEST... HOW COME NOBODY ASKED THE VIEWERS FOR THEIR INPUT?? NO MORE CBS5 NEWS FOR ME.
ReplyDeleteJohn Kesssler was the best news reporter working in the East Bay Area. He was serious when needed, yet humorous when possible. He was always worth watching. He was a delight to watch and listen to. I would turn on channel 5 to see if he was there that day, if not, I would change the channel. Looks like I don't need to check anymore.
ReplyDeleteVery dissappointed in Rosenheim's decision not to keep Kessler and Kohara. What an idiot. You think KPIX is hurting now wait till people realize the John won't be back. Rosenheim needs to have his ass kicked.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I followed John from KRON, were delighted when he and Sydnie made a good news couple. They were a good pair. John's humor and jokes made everyone's day. What a way to present the news. I'd really like to know who thought he wasn't bringing in good ratings. It's easy to say, but as a viewer, we all need to see the proof. We deserve that. KRON news went down hill when he left and I'm afraid CBS will be next. The girls are cute but they are not John and Sydnie. What a shame. I hope John will surface again on TV news somewhere and if Sydnie is on her way out, I hope she as well, will not leave us dry. John we all miss you.
ReplyDeleteLloyd from Petaluma...
ReplyDeleteI agree with all the folks that say they miss John and Sydney (if she is gone as well) Sydney will suffer is he's gone. I have been away for a couple months and just thought he was on vacation hopefully and not another missing in action person.
John and Sydney delivered the news early in the morning and was what I and my wife watched every morning. They were not dry and only reading print. They added comment and delivery that was pleasant and not so dull as so many other stations. We also started watching the Early Morning Show as a result. The new team is cute but way to much like The View as many others have commented. As much as we liked John and Sydney, your new team is a bunch that reminds me of a high school girs click, not what I'm ready for that early in the morning.
AND John and Sydney I hope you know how much we are missing you guys and how many of our friends are changing channels, I hope some other Bay Area channel takes advantage and picks you both up.
We will miss CBS 5 News with John and Sydney no one will replace them. And sorry to Charlie on the Early Show as we will change to GMA for your ignorant mistake.....
I won't comment on the people that didn't like John except to say, they must be some real dull people......
My morning news station is no longer CBS - I can have the news being read to me on any station....Will miss John and Sydnie....BIG MISTAKE KPIX
ReplyDeleteI am no longer watching CBS in the morning. It is dull and boring. John and Sydnie were such a great pair. The station has made a big mistake. Now I tune into Matt Lauer on NBC instead of CBS news as a follow-up.
ReplyDeleteYou guys have made a huge mistake in letting John and Sydney go, they started the day for many people in the Bay Area and will be sorely missed. The only time I personnaly tuned into channel 5 was to watch them.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear KPIX made a bad choice of letting John Kessler go and now as I have read, Sydnie Kahara. I have read the KPIX news has had financial problems but to remove two of their best draws would seem suicidal
ReplyDeleteI loved John's and Sydnie's good news deliver. They had a sincere and honest manner. Enjoyed the humor they shared.
I am sure I am not the only one that feels KPIX made a grave mistake in letting these two go. The new team is too much like watching "the view".
I am sure John and Sydnie will go on to bigger and better things. But will KPIX news survive this decision?
I will have to find a new station to watch.
For strictly selfish reasons but I couldn't be more disappointed. I had my morning coffee with John every morning. I remember when Sidney joined him and I wondered how the two personalities were going to mesh. I knew it'd be only a matter of time before John thawed her out...she was uptight and chilly! John made me laugh and that's the best way anyone could start their day off "especially" in a bad economy and hardly anything but bads news aired. I hope someone signs him on locally. Until then I'm shopping other news channels.
ReplyDeleteJohn..if you read these at all, THANK YOU!! For the many mornings you brought a smile to my face before the sun every rose. PeggySue
Interesting that Channel 5 asks daily questions about random things . We should post all of these comments on their site to let them know how we feel about Kessler & Kahara!!! John & Sydnie, Thank you for helping me & my husband get up in the wee hours!!!
ReplyDeleteWell,I well know longer watch Kpix morning new.John and Sydnie where the main reason I watched.They are down to earth and presented the new like you where holding a conversation with them and there inner action with each other was great.I had the privilege of meeting John at the NASCAR race at Infineon raceway this year it was a great pleasure talking to him.
ReplyDeleteI've been wondering what happened to John Kessler.
ReplyDeleteNow I know after reading these comments..what a shame. He and Sydney made the mornings great. Take the money you spent on sofas and bring John back....all women in the morning is just too much.
Does anyone know where he went? I echo sentiments and all the comments that came before mine.
Who is the idiot running this station? I will tune in once in awhile now to see if someone might
bring sanity back to the hiring. I'm sure all of the personalities mean well - it just doesn't work. Sydney and that tall blond sitting on the couch looks very funny.
I agree with all said thus far. The empowerment of women is great and all, but I miss John. Like someone else worte get rid of the couches and bring John back. I guess out with the old and in with young women. I love my girl Tracy, please keep her around. Upper management you've made a BIG mistake!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am so disappointed to not have John Kessler on the news. I think he is the greatest with a wry sense of humor. Hope he will be on another station soon. I am done with Channel 5 now too. It has so many commercials and is boring without him. Can you let us know what he plans to do.
ReplyDeleteSad in the South Bay..Los Gatos
Dang, I was wondering what was up with John Kessler, where is he? That was wrong KPIX. I'm a woman, and right now there are way too many on the set. John has the sense of humor we are all need and are drawn too. I'll try channel 7..then switch back at 7a to watch the Early Show
ReplyDeleteJohn is like coffee in the morning and Sydney the cream. We'ew switching stations, The blonde traffic reporter, while cute, called "Big Sur" Big Sewer! Bring back JOHN!!
ReplyDeleteI too wondered what happened to John. I loved the interaction between him and Sydney, they were hilarous! KPIX, you blew it, you just lost 2 viewers in Healdsburg!
ReplyDeleteI don't watch KPIX anymore. I loved John and Sydney together and barely tolerated the weather and traffic reporters. In fact, when the weather/traffic reporters came on, I switched to Channel 2. You have to wonder about the people who run television stations. Viewership continues to dwindle and they don't seem to connect the dots with their shortsighted decisions.
ReplyDeleteWhat's all the talk about Sydnie leaving? Wouldn't that have happened already? Although I like her very much she is not as interesting to watch (on occasion when I do) anymore now that John is gone. So sorry to see you leave John. I like all the ladies but come-on CBS John made the show. Sadly, I have chosen channel 7 but it's a far cry from the John and Sydnie show. Sorry to say it but who ever made this decision is an idiot!! Someone, anyone, help us find John!!
ReplyDeleteI guess Sydnie is staying? Still, her reporting is not as interesting without John...I like her very much and the other ladies too but I will not support CBS by watching anymore. I MISS JOHN MORE and his quick wit!! Made my morning. Sorry to say but the person who made the decision to let him go is an idiot!! Someone, anyone, let us know as soon as you find out who are the smart ones that hired John and where did he go!
ReplyDeleteI guest I'm going have look for another station to watch. I watched Kpix becase of John and Sydney.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone remember all the advertising KPIX did awhile back trying to attract more viewers to the CBS 5 Early Edition with John Kessler and Sydnie Kohara? They obviously were highlighting the very special delivery of the morning news by this dynamic duo that cannot be found anywhere else. Sooooo, what happened? How can you go from that to just letting your prized assets just slip away? This is not just lacking wisdom but it's just plain stupid and does not make any business sense. The joy is gone and I will not be tuning in anymore. If anyone else picks them up I will follow.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to See John is gone used to have my morning coffee and watch John,Sydnie but not anymore .MY channel will be remoted to another news channel .You guys at CBS really messed up now..John we will miss you and please someway let all of your followers find you ..
ReplyDeleteWhat were KPIX station managers thinking? You had a winning team with John and Sydnie. They're the reason I watch KPIX news. Now I'll find another TV station to support. John and Sydnie you will be missed. Hopefully, you will stay in the bay area.
ReplyDeleteShawn, Foster City
Finally. He's a completely witless boob. I can't believe he lasted this long. Now maybe I can tolerate watching channel 5 news.
ReplyDeleteNo more channel 5 for us! Every morning we would tune in to John and Sydnie. They were the only reason we watched channel 5 news. They were great together! John had a unique style, he wasn't your typical news anchor, he was down to earth and refreshing... Sorry Channel you're out! Poor decision on stations managers.
ReplyDeleteCan't watch a bunch of women " happy talk " all morning. I'm going to miss John and hope he resurfaces locally. Goodbye channel 5.
ReplyDeletei just hope John Kessler shows up somewhere else in the morning news. I miss his sense of humor! I have never written anything on a website like this before. Just needed to express my dismay. No more channel 5 news for me.
ReplyDeleteI miss John and Sydney in the morning...when you get up before the sun, it was great to watch them. They were honest and it was a different slat to the news...KPIX made a mistake..John so sorry to see you go!
ReplyDeleteWell. I won't be watching anymore.. They were the best team on television news. I didn't watch any other station's news programs.
ReplyDeleteThere were no others on TV like them.
That wasn't very smart on the part of their bosses to let them go.
What idiot let John Kessler go???? Where did John go... I will follow. You idiots think that Sydnie and Elizabeth can carry the News? Don't think so, why wasn't Sydnie let go she came in way after John, she was brought in to spice up the show. Love ya Syd, I no longer watch your CBS new anymore. BRING JOHN BACK! LOSERS!
ReplyDeleteI will always think of Johns child-like enthusiastic reaction when I watch news reels of buildings being demolished.
ReplyDeleteMaybe he can team up with Darya again. They were a fun team to watch.
kpix... is going to lose a lot of ratings over this. John made the morning news enjoyable to watch. Today's news is so depressing, that we need laughter. I will for one miss John terribly! But I will also report I... my family a long with a lot of my friends will no longer tune in. You know they say" IF IT'S NOT BROKE THEN WHY FIX IT"I think you made a horrible mistake by letting John go.((( PLEASE BRING JOHN BACK)))
ReplyDeleteThe reason I watch the morning show is because of the way John delivered the news. We will find another station to watch like KTVU 2!!
ReplyDeleteMiss you John!!
GOOD LUCK!!
Joel
About every year or so I shut off my cable service for several months and use the time to catch up on my reading. One thing I miss when the TV is off is having coffee at 5:00 AM with my dogs and Kessler and Kohara's morning TV news broadcast. I have been amazed that despite the dumbing down of national TV news, Kessler and Kohara manage to treat the viewers as thinking people. I now have one less reason to swith the resume my cable service. Too bad.
ReplyDeleteJohn and Sydni..my favorite morning characters. You are already so missed. You played so well off each other and had that quirky humor going that helped to soften some of the news stories..or put them in perspective. What a team! I've watched John since KRON and so relieved not to have to watch Darya throwing her tata's around in inappropriate dress for morning news. Dave Clark and Torie on KTVU are just as unwatchable. KGO isnt much better (boring) and could be greatly enhanced with the addition of K & K, if they so chose. Elizabeth on KPIX is like a girl just out of journalism class, not quite ready for primetime..Tracie a little too cutesy for my taste. K&K were perfection. Is Brian next?? Farewell and good luck to both of you. If you pop up in this area, I will be your No. 1 fan. I won't be watching KPIX morning news any longer. BOOOOO to you KPIX!
ReplyDeleteMissing John Kessler! Loved the banter back and forth and his facial expressions. Especially on those stories when you know he thought "Really........this is news" Ha Ha.
ReplyDeleteHe is truly missed. Bad Mistake CBS, I have moved on to NBC : (. Considering I hate the Today show, and watching John Kessler had me staying on CBS, I had actually begun to enjoy Their national morning show as well. Really......CBS, wise decision? Don't think so!
Just found out that John is gone. What a blow. The news this morning was empty and John was the reason Won't be watching KPIX in the future. Hope to find John on another station and that's the one I'll watch. KPIX made a bad decision and I'm sure they're ratings are dropping drastically. BAD MOVE MANAGEMENT. YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO YOUR AUDIENCE.
ReplyDeleteI miss John Kessler still. Getting my morning news hasn't been the same since he was yanked. Best wishes and thanks to John. Hope we see you on another news broadcast soon.
ReplyDeleteJOHN KESSLER A REAL GUY WHO WILL BE MISSED. MET HIM ONCE ON THE STREET EARLY AM AND STILL HAD TIME TO TALK TO ME AND EVEN ASK MY NAME A REAL STRIGHT SHOOTER WILL BE MISSED
ReplyDeleteMy mornings have not been the same. I will be one to boycott KPIX. Great job on not renewing his contract. John's was the best news personality to wake up to!
ReplyDeleteDid not know John was no longer on KPIX, I thought he was on vacation. I have changed to KTVU as of this morning. Hey, KNTV Managment, John is available, sign him up.
ReplyDeleteKPIX Management - Big Mistake!
Wow, I too am a fan of John, very nice looking man! Funny too which make (made) them fun to watch. I wondered where he went, vacation, sick, then finally googled this. Was an ABC fan, been watching KPIX, now back to ABC or another morning station. Why companies do what they do, they see it from their eyes, not through the real people who are watching... Good luck John.. there's something better out there, patty b
ReplyDeleteDelivery of the news doesn't ways have to be grim John made sure of that. I guess it's Fox or ABC for me.....ta ta.
ReplyDeleteAww I too was a advocate Chanel 5 watcher, they didn't even make a big farewell party for him, he and Sydnie was the best part of waking up. I always looked forward to the interaction between John and Sydnie. Most days they were just laugh out loud funny, I too will be looking for another station to watch. :-(
ReplyDeleteI was really hoping that John was on assignment and would be back in the proper chair. Obviously, I was wrong......boy, do I hate being wrong! Please, someone, keep an eye out for him and let all of us know when he goes to another network. My husband and I will follow, shame on KPIX for not polling their viewers. Just goes to show you that our opinions don't count.
ReplyDeleteJohn Kessler and Sydnie Kohara were like "Weekend Update" with real news stories. One time, Sydnie was reading a story about a local water treatment plant's upgrades. They cut to a shot of the new settling ponds. Then I heard Kessler say (off camera), "LAST ONE IN!"
ReplyDeleteI sprayed coffee on that one.
That show has gone downhill since the so-called "management" let them go. Now the morning show is just like all the others.
Please do something about your morning show. Remove Elizabeth as anchor! She is utterly boring and makes so many mistakes when reading the copy. She was bad enough on the traffic. John Kessler was a breath of fresh air in the morning. Sydnie looks so harsh and old. At least when Juliette is there she looks fresh.
ReplyDeleteI just switched to a different channel to watch morning news. OMG Elizabeth, I am sure KPIX can find a better anchor person than her. Please please look around you are wasting Sydnie's talent because people will stop tuning in to your morning show.
ReplyDeleteRoberta needs to go...too much make up and fake jewelry. She's played out trying to be something she's not. You're not a news reporter so just report the darn weather, will ya please!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteTalk about spraying coffee...I remember when the ships were anchored out in the Bay and because of the dock workers strike, were not allowed to unload their imported merchandise. Kessler said that the strike better be over soon because one of the barges had Roberta's make up on it! I spewed coffee big time and smiled all day long! John will be missed...
ReplyDeleteHow could John kessler have not been “in their plans”??? Was it their plan to lose ratings??
ReplyDeleteJohn Kessler is so missed. I tried to keep watching the show to give Sydnie some love, but with all the updates on this new anchor on his way across country to take Johns place is just sickening to me. I generally hate TV news show and it was only because of the humor John brought to the everyday sadness of the worlds news, that I tuned in. There is absolutely no more humor to the show. Even the young lady that did the weather is gone, she brought a little humor to the show as well. Now it’s just dry and Sydnie has no one there to even make it look fun. I guess I’ll be waking up to another channel.
I think we all need to give the new co-anchor a chance. I miss John as well but certainly the new guy has nothing to do with John's contract not being renewed.
ReplyDeleteI'm betting the new guy will be great.
We STILL miss John. I will watch any station he ends up being on. Watching him was a great way to start the day and we haven't found a comparable replacement yet, although we keep searching. JOHN, WHERE ARE YOU?
ReplyDeleteI agree 100% with those who miss John. I used to take my cup of coffee into the living room and immediately put my TV on KPIX only because of John, and his interplay with Sydnie. Now I find myself constantly flipping channels, not landing anywhere in particular. There isn't much good news these days, and somehow bad news was easier to take from those two. Goodbye KPIX.
ReplyDeleteBetter late than never. I watched John on channel 4, he was great. Never watched channel 5 until John was there, he was great. Haven't watched channel 5 since John left. Where is he now?
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the Sydnie/Elizabeth team. It was a little rough, but it was so real. Elizabeth is young and energetic, Sydnie is wise and grounded. It was a nice balance. This new guy is smarmy and just full of himself. (Which makes for an almost transparent transition to Chris Wagge on the CBS Morning News. It's the same mold..
ReplyDeleteThat said, I still watch CBS5 in the a.m. because it's still better than the other locals. I really think that KTVU is the best, but most of their stories seem to include murders.. Not sure why the focus is on that. Plus they have that HORRIBLE Sal Castineda. Elizabeth, please consider KTVU and swap places with Sal for the Traffic slot (and maybe more too!)
Dave, Pam, Steve and Elizabeth - What a dream team that would be! Sydnie is welcome to join the dream team too, she is afterall a super star!
Sal, CBS5 New Guy and Chris Wagge can do their Investment banker, Insurance Salesman, Car Salesman thing on CBS5.
I'm really bummed that CBS5 is doing so poorly in their attempt for higher ratings. They seem to be making all ythe wrong choices with personel...The head anchor at night reminds me of a cartoon anchor.They dumped John, dumped Tracie, and in my opinion should dump the replacements...w
ReplyDeleteThe powers that be at CBS5 should take a good look at the management that is making these personel changes. They aare losing loyal viewers with this chess game. John Kessler, now Tracey, who's next? Try Roberta snd the cartoon character of head anchor. Let the managetd heads roll for s change
ReplyDelete"Has anyone seen my friend John-- Can you tell me where he's gone"?
ReplyDeleteJohn Kessler was the best newscaster. I loved watching him in the morning. He was a natural, was funny, and spoke his mind. I missed him the very first day he was not on air. Have you seen him?
Comment by Johnny "smiley" Williams of Oakland
Let me tell you I was never a big news watcher but one morning while dressing for work I happened to turn on the tv and caught John and Sydnie on and I was hooked. They made watching the news a lot more interesting than anyone has ever before. I miss them both and have sense left channel 5 morning news. Unfortunately I have not found a replacement for them yet. How stupid is channel 5. If you where worried before about ratings you should really be scared now!
ReplyDeleteThey should fire Juliet Goodrich and Joe Vazques.
ReplyDeleteOh no! I just came out of a coma and was devastated to find that John was gone! He was the only reason I watched the news! His cocky, self-satisfying humor will be missed!
ReplyDeleteJohn Kessler was the best! I loved listening to him and Darya in the mornings they were the Best!!!! Never have found another news station worth watching! 14 years later..,
ReplyDelete