KTVU's controversial news director, Ed Chapuis, ('Special Ed') has so alienated many of Channel 2's most heralded news staff--reporters, editors, producers, etc, that many are either leaving or taking early retirement.
The latest: veteran GA reporter, Jim Vargas who will put in his last day, Friday, after 41 years in the SF news biz.
Vargas' leaving is not a total shocker; he's packed it in after a long career, but station insiders told me he wasn't exactly ready to retire.
"He saw the 'handwriting on the wall' and decided it was time to go.", said a source.
The environment at KTVU has changed. The atmosphere inside the newsroom is tense. The feeling among many reporters? "Who's next to go?" Do older, even more seasoned reporters have any angst?
"Absolutely", said the source.
KTVU continues to dominate at night with the "10 o'clock News", but their overall numbers are down precipitously in the evening, particularly at 5 and 6 PM.
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I do not know Jim Vargas nor do I know the inner workings of the KTVU newsroom...but as an outsider/viewer I would guess Jim Vargas is an old school reporter who may or may not agree with the direction of the newsroom. Plus, let's be honest, Vargas is not most engaging or eye catching reporter. I think your goo-goo-ga-ing over the NBC weather person is evidence that matters. The television news business is changing and there are people who do not want to change, and who can blame them, they have been in the business doing the same thing for years. If I were a boss I would want somebody who is eager to work, not eager to complain
ReplyDeleteOuch.
ReplyDeleteI agree w/the above poster. "Special Ed" wasn't brought aboard becasue the ratings were fantastic--otherwise, the former ND wouldn't be "former." I don't know Ed--never met him, don't know what he looks like or what his vision is. But he obviously has a plan...and those who aren't "all-in" are free to leave. This is how it works in EVERY business operation world-wide.
ReplyDeleteAnd there's no mistaking: TV news is a business.
Have you even TRIED to get an interview with Chapuis? Or are you too busy using your discount blog as an excuse to stalk... errrrrr... "interview" attractive women. Creepy.
ReplyDeleteI see changes happening at KTVU on a daily basis and completely disagree with Rich and his purported insiders at the station. KTVU management is under pressure from Cox to streamline its news production. You can take your own interpretation of what that means or you can look at the facts: the tv business is changing at a steady clip and the type of change we are going through is not for the faint of heart or those who hold on to the idea that local news outlets can survive forever based on legacy alone. The way we consume media has changed, therefore the broken business model has to adapt. The paychecks don't bounce, and honestly, I have to believe that what they are doing is nothing more than survival of the fittest (and modestly paid).
ReplyDeleteJust because a TV Station newsroom or any other business has to handle constant change doesn't mean you shouldn't have a team that works well together. And it doesn't mean that a news director or any other middle manager should have the right or license to break a team, newsroom, or staff's spirit and joy to work at what they do best. Cost-cutting may be necessary, but so is better communication. Not-So-Special Ed is an absolute all-style-no-substance disaster in the morale department. It's every leader's responsibility to keep a work atmosphere at its most positive even during (especially during) hard times. Chaquis is a disgrace to the news industry there. The sooner KTVU removes him, the better for both the station, Cox, & FOX. A more coordinated transition is needed.
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