Flash: Tim McVay leaving KTVU

Tim McVay, the hard-working GM at Oakland Fox aff, KTVU, is leaving to take a job back at Cox Communications, (which owns KTVU) in Atlanta.

McVay has been at Channel 2 since October, 2004.

A favorite to replace McVay: Sales Mgr, Tom Raponi.

Awkward at best: Radnich' new tool, Kate Scott; More Knibber foolery

I don't listen much to the 9-Nooner on knibber, but I know a little about Daffy Duck's replacement, Kate Scott. Have heard her Metro traffic reports on KCBS and she's the co-host on the pre-game Cal football broadcasts.

I'm told she aired her sexual orientation during a short, typical useless exchange with the old fart last week. And that Raddy did his usual banal "banter", co-opted by the redneck. Wooo....I guess the Hammer, perhaps stung by the extreme Whiteness and lack of racial diversity on the fratboy station, went out of his way to "hire" a, OMG, get this!, W.O.M.A.N! (And she's reportedly, a L.E.S.B.I.A.N. Too!---Dear Lord.)

This represents real progress at the Leader. I hear they'll also considering two Asians and perhaps, a Black man.

With regards to Radnich-Scott, I've heard just enough. It's awkward at best and potentially full-scale god awful at worst. The redneck already threw out some lame lines. Raddy actually uttered the word, "partner", (OMG!)

Today's big topic was tattoos. That's when I switched. Enough is enough. Sorry sponsors--I can't listen to this shit anymore. Send in the clowns.

Baxter's dash from KGO Radio; Plante's return to KPIX

Normally when a prominent air talent retires, they'll typically announce it much ahead of time so they can do obligatory farewells and give a last-day kiss-off.

Not so at KGO Radio.

Ex Baxter, anchor/reporter, who spent 35 year at the mike, announced his departure via a five-minute phono from vacation in Hawaii. He couldn't wait to get out. And don't think Baxter didn't want it this way. Sort of a figurative middle-finger salute to upper mtg. and Citadel.

No matter how many of KGO's current minions spin this, it was evident that Baxter planned it this way all along. He saw all the handwriting on the wall. For all his professional pitfalls at the end, (the false embrace of the newsroom going ga-ga over Facebook and Twiiter, the TMZ hijacking of the morning news and the pitch to the young demo,) Baxter remained a pro and wanted nothing to do with KGO's shameful move to the abyss.

35 years. Then, ka-boom, gone.

*While I like Jon Bristow on the air and know he'll be a more-than-adequate replacement for Baxter, some of his colleagues are not to thrilled with what they deem as an "arrogance." I've heard the same, let's wait and see.

*Hank Plante returned to the KPIX/CBS5 studios this week to do a special report on the 30th anniversary of the first report of AIDS, (which occurred June 5, 1981.)

I watched Plante's segment on Monday night as he did an amazing look-back with archived video from SF in the early 80's, with the Castro district and interviews in the background. Most especially well-done: Plante's detailed interview with community activist, Cleve Jones, (who was a big source behind "Milk".)

Another superb part: when Dana King asked Plante, (who's gay,) how difficult it was reporting on people he knew who died from AIDS complications. Plante gave a reasoned, very genuine response. It was both effective and telling. Imagine that--local TV news showing some ingenuity.

Hats off to KPIX and Plante.

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For Memorial Day Weekend

Even after thousands of times, I still love listening to this.

In memory of my brother and father.

Morning heat at NBC Bay Area; Late Friday PM Poster

There is major heat going on at NBC Bay Area in the morning, according to one of my spies....

The big story is the new Exec-Producer,a prior KTVU heavy hitter named Scott Warren. He was hired about a month ago. He left KTVU a couple of years ago to move to LA for family reasons (so is the word.)

Warren spent a couple of years at KNBC as AM Exec.Producer. Seems like they've, (KNTV,) brought in a few others from LA .Warren is considered a much stronger EP than KTVU's and is on par with KGO's.

Whatever the case, I'm told the morning situation is in dire straits and that they're not happy. "The shit's hit the fan," said the tipster.

Major Buster Posey-like Bay Area Media Collisions; Wikileaks Part II

*Ann Killion smashes into Damon Bruce's ego and thus, the greatest inferno in SF history ensues.

*Ronn Owens takes out Willie Brown's hat head on prompting the Emergency Broadcast system in all nine Bay Area counties.

*Jan Wahl goes head first into a Sleeptrain mattress. Good News: Wahl's ok. Bad news: Temperpetic cover completely demolished.

*Da Lin broad-sides Aaron Pero all the way into the Van Ness Holiday Inn commissary.

*In a real dark moment, Ray Ratto goes full frontal through the Daly City In-and-Out Burger and simultaneously devours three double-doubles.

*Uh, Sam Spear slides feet first right into Jaymee Sire's IPad. (Later on "Chronicle Live",  Sire goes one-on-one with the track announcer at Golden Gate Fields.)

*Liam Meaclam plows through the entire waiting line at Ike's and just when he gets up, exclaims, "That was lovely!"

*Kate Scott takes out the "Eyewitness Blues Band"; in retaliation, gets fired from KCBS and has to go to work at KNBR.

*Entire staff of "Check Please" wipes out Narsai David's olive garden. Narsai subsequently devotes next five days on how to best harvest an olive garden.

*In a fit of dire passion, Larry Beil, "with authority!", absolutely destroys the entire studio audience of "7 Live." All 7 housewives from Brisbane are flown straight to SF General. (Later, patients are asked to "Facebook" their adventure to the director of "7 Live" for a future segment.)

*Jon Bristow's "pipes" hit Karel's motorcycle pants prompting a city-wide crisis of immense proportions. Even Len Tillem is speechless.

*Roberta Gonzalez, showing amazing physical dexterity, plods straight through Dan Rosenheim and Allan Martin. Gets standing ovation from every known living morsel in the Channel 5/KPIX newsroom.

*Bay Guardian editorial staff gets a taste of nasty stuff from SF Weekly. Nobody in the entire outer/inner domain of the 415 gives a shit and life goes on.

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Friday Holiday Rundown; Buster Posey gets 'News' status; Razor's view; Frat boys re-up; Papa-West on Comcast

*The Buster Posey injury affair received mega, non-sports, almost saturation coverage even among the non-sports platform, including multiple TV and radio play. KCBS' Doug Sovern's report from AT&T on the Posey affair was the top report on both the AM and PM news blocks; KGO too.

And of course, local TV was heavy-duty Buster. Reminded me that Posey is in Joe Montana company, maybe its the name, Buster.

*The knibber afternoon 3-7 big kahuna likened the Posey-Cousins leveling to Jack Tatum's hit on Darryl Stingley. There's an item there that I'm not going to even touch; I'll let you guys chew on that analogy. (Psst, I think its dumb)

*Speaking of knibber, the frat boys were re-upped a reported six-year deal because somebody wanted a morning show. I guess.

*Lawrence Karnow gets love at KPIX: one of the best in the weather reporting biz gets the noon and 5PM news permanent gig. I like Karnow. Professional and nice too.

*No, I haven't reported on the NBC Bay Area morning situation because that requires a lot of morning viewing over there and I'm not a morning viewer unless there's a lot of....(fill in the blank)

*Razor: The Posey play was "unnecessary roughness." So is an Ameci's pizza.

*Kessler: He'll be fine either way.

*KGO news at 4 PM: Hey, Larry, now you can be pompous on the news side too.

*Eric Byrnes after sixty days update: more coffee, dude.

*If Byrnes lasts beyond the season, I'm buying the Press Box a round of MGD.

*Bill Burton, new GM at KGO-TV. "Burton"--good name to have in SF.

*Greg Papa to Jerry West: "You're 6-2" West: "Actually, I'm 6-4." Papa, later, "You're 6-2." West, something like, "We'll, no I'm 6-4." Conclusion: a sorta west-coast version of Dan Rather's "Kenneth, what is the frequency?"

*KGO Radio is giving away tix to the U2 concert....next thing you know, Phillip Roth will be appearing on Murph and Mac.

*The rumors are not true: I'm not interested in anchoring down at NBC Bay Area. Traffic on 880 is a bitch, you know.

*I am available for weddings, bar/bat-mitzvahs, funerals, and assorted fraternal proceedings at Tommy's Joynt.

*KRON at 11: at least you're beating C-SPAN4.

*Knibber without the Giants: sorta like Katy Perry without the boobs.

*Jessica Aguirre is OK in my book even though her boss doesn't seem to think so.

*KPIX: Four field reporters. Like, 4!

*Larry and Copey at 900 Front: The gruesome-twosome. Someone call the mayor.

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KPIX #1 at 11 PM in May Sweep; New GM at KGO-TV

Household ratings Monday through Friday 11pm newscasts:




CBS 5 4.22
KGO 4.18
KNTV 2.73

KRON 0.93



*Guess Dana's grey hair really doesn't matter, does it?



KGO New GM--

*William Burton is the new President and General Manager of ABC7 KGO-TV.

A message to my fans, (and 415 Media)

John Kessler and the NBC Bay Area gig; Bruised egos overtakes common sense?; Thursday Pulse

I'm going to be up front.

I'm a big John Kessler fan. I'm biased. We're friends.

I've been monitoring his career path since he was let go at KPIX last October. Other media outlets have also been interested.

I got an e-mail from Kessler the other day informing me that he landed a gig at NBC Bay Area, (KNTV.) While maintaining that the specifics of the new job wasn't known, he indicated that both he and the station were talking.

I asked if I could quote him and break the story. After much nudging from me, he agreed. Later in the day, he posted the news on his Facebook page.

Now comes word that some of the station anchors and news brass were not happy with Kessler's promo and have decided to "reassess" his employment. My first reaction was I thought it was a joke. Seriously, what's up with this? I mean, without knowing the full inner details on the deal, a simple promo on Facebook and Linkedin and you reassess a deal? That's sort of lame if you ask me.

OK, so a little protocol break. What's the big deal? Are egos overtaking simple business matters down in San Jose? I hope not.

I feel bad for John. He's a dedicated worker and a damn talented newsman. I'm the guy who urged him to go on the record. He was kind enough to give me the exclusive. Do I feel awkward? Yeah, a bit, but I'm not sorry. I'm sorry that people who I like and respect have decided that bruised egos are more important than sound business ideas.

NBC Bay Area, I hope, will "reassess" its re-assessment of the Kessler hiring. After all, you're looking to spike the numbers and Kessler is a proven commodity. He didn't change the game, dramatically, over at PIX, but he's immensely popular with Bay Area viewers, most notably women in the A25-54 demo, take note of that.

That's why you hired him in the first place, right? Common sense please.

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Get a grip, NBC Bay Area! The John Kessler deal

Seems John Kessler created a "ruckus" at NBC Bay Area over his announcing his new gig.

Kessler, on his Facebook page, regretted his posting.

My reaction? Oh guys, give me a break. You're going to "reassess" Kessler's hiring. Really? You might as well reassess everything down there.

Hell, I'd reassess too. Have you seen your ratings?Can you guys read the room--get a grip and pay attention.

If you're going to castigate a new hire, don't mess with Kess. He's a good guy and he has a huge following. Women like him--men too. That usually adds up to bigger numbers and better demos--can you relate to that?

So, the other anchors were pissed? They haven't earned the right. Again, its not as if the numbers are great. Hell, that's the reason you went after Kessler and Wang to begin with, take that chip off your shoulder.

You're a major-market station acting like a CW affiliate in Tulsa. Get a life, for god's sake.

And don't renege on the Kessler deal.

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Wednesday nuggets; Wang, the latest; KGO 'Important Announcement' Folly; Pounding my chest

*A media friend tells me the word is that Janelle Wang, late of KGO-TV and headed for NBC Bay Area in August, will take the role of Jessica Aguirre, and co-anchor with Raj Mathai.

*KGO Radio, so sad department: during the morning news, (and just after Ed Baxter's retirement phono) anchors Jon Bristow, (who's replacing Baxter,) and Jennifer Jones-Lee promised, (7x, I may add) a "SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT"... ala that would "change the Bay Area." 7 TIMES...The "special announcement?" GM Deidre Lieberman, announced a "Wipe out Hunger" promotion in Sept. (I'm not kidding)...New hire? Nah, Format change? Nah. We get a special announcement that amounts to NOTHING. (Nothing against Bay Area food banks, obviously, but when you announce this and get that, we'll, you get the current KGO Radio. And you wonder why almost everyone in the building is sending out resumes.)

*Pounding my chest: If you read this site, you know during the past 72 hours, you read industry news broken HERE, exclusively. News you didn't get anywhere else except HERE.

*My KNBR mole tells me Raddy is privately "pissed off" that his buddy, "Dibs", left him to the ex-marine lout and took the 95.7 gig. Poor Raddy, maybe he needs another 7-up.

KGO's Ed Baxter: "It was Time"; Senior anchor latest to leave troubled radio giant

Baxter confirmed his retirement on KGO's Morning News on Wednesday.

"I'm just tired. It was time to go, " he said from Hawaii on his vacation. Baxter was at KGO 35 years.

Baxter maintained that while he was leaving, he wanted to "pursue other projects." He probably picked the right time. He's in good company lately.

KGO is in the midst of inner turmoil with much of its senior personnel; news anchors, producers, and the like contemplating life with Cumulus, which is in the process of buying Citadel, which owns KGO and mostly all other former ABC Radio stations.

Citadel, with its nickel and dime operation, propped many of its stations into financial turmoil, although KGO was, (and still is) one of its more successful outlets. By contrast, Cumulus, (which locally owns KNBR and its other FM sisters, like KFOG) and other national stations, is a far more thriftier operation, (and I'm being kind)

Its CEO, Lew Dickey, (tricky Dickey) has a rep for "slasher" and there is widespread acknowledgement that once Tricky Dickey gets his hands on KGO, (and the other stations, all 523 of them) an abundance of layoffs will occur.

Another thing: Baxter no doubt saw the handwriting on the wall. He knew that the "old KGO" was seeing its last days. The over-reliance on so-called "new media" like Facebook and Twitter. The relentless TMZ references. The complete transformation of the morning news to a virtual gossip fest with an overly-giggly co-anchor.

Baxter is a good man and has had a stellar career. Deep inside, I'm betting he was resigned to the new order, but I'm not surprised he decided it was time to leave. Privately, I'm told, he was dismayed, (like others) at the direction of the once-mighty news-talk outlet.

Gone: former PD, Mickey Luckoff. Gone: Rosie Allen, longtime newswoman/anchor who took a buyout and left two years ago. Gone: Greg Jarrett, who was 86ed and is now thriving in Chicago.

And now Baxter. Officially, he's retiring, and after 35 years, it makes sense. But under the circumstances, you know he has mixed emotions.

KGO has lost another of its core performers.








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Ed Baxter retires from KGO Radio; Update: Bristow new morning anchor

I'm getting word that Ed Baxter is retiring from KGO Radio. UPDATE: Jon Bristow is the new morning anchor.

Baxter has been at the mike for 33 years, both as reporter, PM and AM news anchor.

No word on the details, but I'm betting its only just the beginning at 900 Front for some of KGO's veterans. A pending sale from Citadel to Cumulus may have hastened Baxter's decision.

Either way, here's hoisting one to Baxter who is a good man and very good newsman, one of the last of the old-school crowd at KGO.

Frank Sinatra (I need a little break)

When I'm tired and feeling a bit jaded, I turn this on...

To break from media only momentarily, give a listen to this and turn up the volume.

Oh, and have one on me.

Wang and Kessler at NBC Bay Area; Morning Glory? (It Wouldn't Hurt) Tuesday Pulse

Janelle Wang has an idea of the bigger picture. She wants to be noticed, have you seen her website?

She's also got a suitor too, at NBC Bay Area, but she's not speaking publicly just yet.

Although Wang won't address it, and goodness knows, no one at NBC will probably say anything, I'm thinking, are we about to see a John Kessler--, (who just landed a gig in the same building) Wang duo morning show?

Kessler's bread-and-butter is the AM and Wang, while short on "newsy" bio is long on the eyes.

Like viewer eyes? I'm just sayin'.

Goodness knows, it wouldn't hurt.

Say this for NBC BA: two splashy hires like this gets a lot of notice. We anticipate the market reaction.

And we also take potential credit for the evolution of Kessler-Wang in the morning if that's the eventual plan.

If not, we're still interested.

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John Kessler headed to NBC Bay Area; Rich Lieberman 415 Media Exclusive

John Kessler, late of KPIX/CBS5 is headed down to NBC 11...

Kessler told me, exclusively, that he's reached a deal with KNTV and should be on the air shortly, but could not specify.

"All I know is we have a deal--what the position is don't know yet. We're still talking."

Kesser has been doing freelance work and filling in on KGO Radio since his contract wasn't renewed at PIX last November.

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It's Official: Wang leaves KGO-TV; The story behind the story; RL 415 Media Exclusive

Janelle Wang has left KGO-TV. It's official. And she'll be heading to NBC Bay Area in August, (KNTV)

Wang confirmed to me, via phone, that she has left 900 Front, but would not make any further comment.

Here's the story: KGO begins its post/Oprah 4 PM newscast on Wednesday with Larry Beil and Carolyn Johnson. Sources close to KGO told me that Wang wanted the co-anchor gig at 4, but that the station did not want her to be part of the show. Only a limited role, "anchor-lite" as a person pointed out to me.

Said a station source: "They, (KGO news brass) did a focus group and (Janelle) came up just short and Carolyn, (Johnson) was the top pick."

Johnson has been at KGO for nearly twenty years.

Bottom line: Wang wanted the 4PM gig; management offered her a smaller role for the 4 and she was clearly not interested. Combine that with a few offers from other outlets, one of which was KNTV.

Wang jumped at the chance. She wouldn't confirm the new gig and she made it clear that she didn't want to ruffle any feathers.

Because of a non-competing clause in her soon-expiring contract, Wang can't begin her new duties at NBC until August.

CLARIFICATION/CORRECTION: In this post, I mistakenly referred to Janelle Wang as "Janelle Yang." Long day, but no excuses. My regrets to Ms. Wang. Corrections made.

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Katy Perry is sexier than KNBR, KGO, KTVU, KRON, KQED....(Off topic just for a few hours)

Now, isn't this more alluring than any damn local radio/TV item?

Hell yes.

The 'Dibs' deal and why KNBR/Radnich are such tools, (95. 7 too)

And people wonder why terrestrial radio is so byzantine.

The "big news" over the weekend was that Daffy Duck got recruited to leave Knibber and go over to the new FM sports station. Mundane? Irrelevent? Yes, to the umpteenth degree. They were so upset at Knibber that they barely mentioned it.

And his highness at 9-Noon was so despondent he gave his beloved "star" a five-second "good luck." Even the ex-marine who screens for mail-it-in was so brown-toilet-pappered, he couldn't utter a word. Maybe he got orders from the hammer not to say anything. As if saying anything would mean anything anyway because, talk about a zero on all fronts.

The dibber is a non-entity. He's got a goofey voice and he talks. About nothing. The new kid in town, with a guy who runs the place who used to work at knibber decided that Daffy was worth 10 bucks and therefore made a pitch. Daffey, knowing that his "career" at Cumulus amounted to getting up at 4AM so he could pretend that he was something and have to kiss Raddy's ass said to hell with it. An opening was there and he chose to grab it. Good for him. Good for the USA. We all were worried.

The old fart at 9-Noon, who's so insecure he makes me look sedate, barely even mentioned Daffy. That's his style. He's become so out of it, like his terrestrial outlet, that he's mainly worried about just showing up and getting that check. Why does he still show up? Because. he. needs. the. money. (Notice his diminished role on Comcast? They know it too and now only use him when no one else is there and/or when Papa takes a day off.)

And the new boy in town? Talk about lack of ingenuity. But I'm not that surprised. Taking a stab at "Murph and Mac?" Yeah, that'll get you some mileage. Why don't you go after the redneck while you're at it, he'll work cheap as long as you have a studio and a couch.

I'm outta here today. I think I'll go to Alcatraz and drink a pint.

They'll all ass-kissers. Bottom line, they're going to hell in a hand basket. And just wait until Cumulus gobbles up Citadel. Pink slips. Broken hearts. The new reality. And therefore, its all about NOTHING in the long haul.

Take care. Breathe some fresh air today.

NBC Bay Area/Comcast SportsNet shine on Sharks Post Game Show; Even if the Sharks were Listless

The post-game NBC Bay Area Sharks show presented viewers with a first-rate program of terrific insight, a very fluid panel and top-notch analysis for even those who are not hockey aficionados.

After the Sharks abysmal effort in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, NBC Bay Area, relying heavily on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area production and air talent pieced together a quickly-paced program with post-game actualities, several back-and-forths with in-house observers and panelists.

The confluence of Comcast and NBC, (Comcast now owns a controlling interest of NBC) was both energetic and enlightening, one of the best after-game shows I've seen in the Bay Area. How good? I wanted the bozos screaming outside the HP Pavilion to be muzzled--for once, I wanted to really watch and listen.

Speaking of the panel: Raj Mathai was his usual calm, cool, and steady role in anchoring the analysis. Joining Mathai was ex-NHL player and Comcast hockey analyst, Bret Hedican, and both Sharks cable voices, Randy Hahn and Drew Remenda.

Hedican was smooth and informative and provided just enough criticism of the home team to make it real. Remenda shined too--one particular telling moment: when prodded by Mathai if coach Todd MClellan was to be scrutinized, Remenda shot back with anger that no, it wasn't the coach's fault. "Players have to be accountable at some point, " shouted Remenda.

Great TV.

Even Scott Reiss, who I've often ripped for his unappealing smarminess, (my opinion) provided a quick, nicely-paced post-mortem with the ever-nagging Ray Ratto. Ratto, who thinks the World is an endless black hole, did provide for some astute round-table hockey guile afterwards, I'll give him that. Plus, he's the definitie non-homer. Points.

All in all, while the Sharks were a dud on the ice in San Jose, NBC Bay Area and Comcast delivered a boffo performance later on.




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Wong/Mibach bizarro interview on Stow beating arrest; Kawakami and Ostler shine; 95.7 stupidity; Sunday quick chatter

*Claudine Wong and Mike Mibach sounded like a bunch of high-school TV carnival barkers as they "interviewed" a neighbor holed up in an LA apartment building Sunday where arrests were made in the Brian Stow beating incident.

Both KTVU "Weekend Mornings on Two" anchors were literally shouting questions over each other in an attempt to get some info from the unidentified woman. Fine and dandy. But when its apparent that other than the obvious, (that LA cops were in the middle of a shakedown) and very little is known, a bit of restraint would be nice. It's called common sense too.

Granted, it was breaking news of a big story and kudos to Channel 2 news staffers to snag a neighbor who was at the scene, but both Wong and Mibach's utter ineptitude of interviewing a woman, (who really didn't provide anything) was unintentionally comical.

*Two of the best in print and on-line: The Chron's reknowned sports scribe, Scott Ostler, had a beauty of a three-dotter Sunday, (paywall) and the San Jose Merc's Tim Kawakami broke the Warriors hiring of Jerry West.

*If the people that run the new FM All-Sports 95. 7 think that by hiring KNBR retreads, they're going to attract more listeners, they're wrong. Instead of going after new, refreshing outside talent, the Entercom outlet is making stabs at hacks like Dan Dibley, (an official announcement was not made of the Dibley hire, but Daffy Duck tweeted it on his Twitter account.)

Another stunner: someone in the biz who would know told me that the station made a stab at "Murph and Mac." I'm not kidding. Scary. And desperation central.

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Tech glitches screw up KPIX Sportscasts' on consecutive nights

Glitch central at PIX last Thursday during the 11 PM Sports...

Ten seconds into Dennis O'Donnell's sportscast, the server went down. Consequently, O'Donnell had to throw it to a commercial.

Oops.

Then, after coming back, he and the other anchors had to awkwardly talk for about two minutes before signing off.

This embarrassing episode was just the latest to beset KPIX.

The night before they ran out of time in the sportscast and--before O'Donnell could even get through the Giants' highlights, they were forced to go to commercial.

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95.7 and the 'Dibber', (Maybe it is the End of the World)

I've heard the news.

I'm not a big DD fan as you all know.

This is a stupid move. Act of desperation really, going after Knibber's version of Daffy Duck.

Who knows, maybe he has pictures. Good for Daffey, he's managed to escape the old man from 9-Noon, you know? the mail-it-in-guy.

I don't know what took a bigger hit: knibber's only knib....or the "Bay Area's only FM sports station."

Maybe IT is the end of the world.

It's not the end of the World

Taking the day off.

See ya Monday.

Enjoy the end of the World on Saturday.

Be happy.

The Affair I Spoke about, (Confidential)

I know.

You were thinking SF and "anchor woman." "Married too."

Diversionary tactics.

Now, the truth comes forward.

Randy Hahn; Mark Thompson; Sharks/Comcast Beards is Dopey/UPDATE

A few weeks ago I wrote about the late, great Bill King. In my opinion, the very best ever Bay Area sports broadcaster.

I mentioned a few others who were close. I forgot Randy Hahn, who is the Sharks cable PBP guy on Comcast Sports Bay Area.

I like Hahn a lot, partly because he's no-nonsense and provides straight-forward delivery without any flash or dash. Simple and straight and just enough info particularly for people like me who don't know hockey that well.

Hahn, (who is married to CBS5 weather guesser, Roberta Gonzalez) works well with fellow Canadian, Drew Remenda, also very adept at keeping it straight and simple and knowing what the hell he's talking about.

You get the feeling that both guys could do this in their sleep, but are hard-working and savvy nonetheless. They're good. Enough said.

*Mark Thompson, whose LA weather career just took a sabbatical, would be a welcome addition to the Bay Area TV airwaves, but I doubt anyone here has the guile to make that happen. It requires money and ingenuity, both of which is lacking in these parts.

Thompson spent considerable time in the Bay Area in the 80's and early 90's at KRON--I mention that because you think that KRON, with that intuitive news mtg. flush with cash might....Oh, wait, not a chance.


*Speaking of Randy Hahn, Brody Brazile and the Comcast guys....what's with the beards? GIMMICK, Gimmick, and gimmick. Randy, respectfully, you're way better than this. I can understand the rest, but the beard thing is straight out of a market like Tampa where they don't know any better.

And I get it: the beard thing is supposed to be a device for positive mojo for the Sharks playoff run, but get this: IT AIN'T WORKING! And it looks utterly stupid and un-called for, don't you all think? Granted, this is sports and not real life where ex-Governors are stupping their maids, but seriously, it's, well, just too Comcastic for me.

Fear the Beard? Hell no. One word: shave. Maybe the Sharks pull out a miracle and said it was all because the cable-TV guys were clean-shaven. Couldn't hurt.

UPDATE: Hahn e-mailed me to state the beards are actually part of a charity deal: here's the link, (http://www.beardathon.com/sharks/leaderboard.aspx) and sorry, you're all forgiven.

*Finally....I will disclose soon about an affair I had many years ago with a married SF TV anchor. No need to speculate as to whom. It was consenting and we both learned from our mistake. I will have have no further comment at this time.

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Three days after, still no mention/story of Schwarzenegger on Drudge Report

Does Arnold Schwarzenegger have pictures of Matt Drudge?

Three days after 'la Schwarzenegger extraordinaire, still not a peep from the Drudge Report. Nothing. Nada.

Take a look here.

I'm not accusing Drudge of ignoring Arnold out of some political bias--frankly, that's the last thing on my mind. I'm just aghast that Drudge and his minions would be so asleep at the wheel to miss this story.

Three days too, are you kidding me? And no one thinks this is news in and of itself?

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Dana King at 50; Black, Grey, Silver, Whatever; She's still gorgeous

Black, grey, silver, whatever....

Dana King, you rock, girl!

The SFPPC has a nice piece today on the CBS/KPIX anchor.

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New 'Blitz' on Comcast is the....? (Rhymes with Pitts)

The "Blitz?

OK, how about it's the Shitz.

I mean, I saw about twenty minutes and headed out to dinner.

Basically, trying to rip off ESPN's 'Round the Horn' and failing miserably. Comcast knows the show is a huge dumper and finally decided to heed my word and try something new. Faster? Maybe. Quality? Meh.

If you want to steal, at least steal good.

A simple idea:

Shorten the show thirty minutes and try "Sports Reporters." Get some people that will SAY SOMETHING and quit trying to be something you aren't. Right now, you don't have a phucking clue.

And Killion is an instant tune-out, as is newly-ordained Giants' ass-kisser Damon Bruce.

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Ex-KRON Weather Star, Thompson booted in LA; Wednesday Pulse

Media Mill Wednesday...

Former KRON Weatherman extraordinaire, Mark Thompson, (when KRON was legit) has been down in LA 21 years at the Fox affiliate forecasting the weather, (among other things.) No longer.

Thompson announced last night that he's leaving the station and according to insiders, his contract wasn't renewed, via Newsblues.com, (paywall)

Before departing for the southland, Thompson was a fixture in Bay Area local TV. In addition to his KRON weather duties, the very funny Thompson did a little stand-up comedy and was often seen hanging out at the Punchline.

It was comedic element that got the attention of the LA market where Thompson both excelled in local TV weather and where he hosted a game show for the Fox TV network.

A staffer at the station told Newsblues that Thompson was a "victim of bottom-line management."

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Kawakami back on Comcast 'Chron Live' Tonight; I ask, he responds

Tim Kawakami, who writes a blog and column for the San Jose Merc, will appear on Comcast Sportsnet Bay Area's "Chronicle Live" tonight, (5PM and repeated at 11 PM.)

                   * Who would’ve figured? I’m back on Comcast tonight and am pleased to say so. Could’ve gotten good odds on that combo of events ever happening again. Maybe it’s for one show, possibly for many more than that, we’ll play it as it goes.





He has not appeared for some time--some will say his outspoken and blunt criticism(s) of the Warriors prompted the powers-that-be at Comcast, (which has a partnership with the W's) didn't especially like Kawakami's takes and told him, (maybe) to tone it down.

I asked Kawakami about tonight's show:

I'm going back on one show, tonight, in a new format they're trying and sounds good to me. We'll see what happens from there.

Think I've been crystal clear about where I stand about being free to say what I believe, on any issue, and that certainly hasn't changed.

Anyone can interpret from there... and from whatever happens next.


About that new format? Should be interesting to watch.

I have ripped into the "Chron Live" format and its weak and insufferable subject matter. I did the show last December and have not been invited back, (and probably won't be invited back soon, if ever.)

Comcast doesn't like a lot of grey matter. They prefer vanilla ice cream over chocolate. Any degree of pithiness is met with scorn. In other words, they like to keep it safe. Real safe.

I'm not suggesting that they don't directly prohibit anyone remotely "controversial" or edgy from appearing on the cable show, (which has poor ratings), but too often the show is sterile and mostly just an hour-long conduit for Comcast and its sports partners: Giants, A's, Warriors, Raiders, Sharks, 49ers and local college teams.

There's nothing wrong with that philosophy. It's smart business, but it makes for BORING viewing. The Bay Area has a fairly sophisticated sports audience and one can reasonably assume that most educated fans have tuned out most of Comcast' non-formatted programming, most notably, "Chronicle Live."

Comcast has suddenly touted a "new, faster, more interactive" format, beginning tonight. (Gees, I wonder what/who prompted that?--Humn)

I will watch this evening.

I'm going to especially watch Greg Papa, who hosts the show. Papa, who I have applauded in this site, but who I have ripped because, among other things, Papa talks over many of his guests. (Including me)

 He's remarkably soft and non-edgy on this show. He will occasionally ask hard and biting questions on the rare occurrence "CL" delves into something of more substance than the Giants' hitting woes.

So, TK, go get 'em. But please, don't back down. Of course if we don't see you anymore after tonight, we'll know the reason.
.

I know. It's happened to me.


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The Blind leading the Blind; KNBR 1050 adds 'JT the Brick'

(KNBR 1050)/ has added FOX SPORTS RADIO's J.T. THE BRICK for weeknights.

The show airs midnight to 3 AM. (Lots of screaming)


Four quick observations:

1. 12 people listening at that time of the morning.
2. JT works cheap; that's a requirement for Cumulus.
3. Damon Bruce was busy?
4. JT is an employee of the Raiders, (conflict of interest?--what, me/you worry?)



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Asleep at the Wheel; Drudge Report not a word on Schwarzenegger Story

It's 8 AM in SF--11 AM on the East Coast and NOT A WORD on the Schwarzenegger story via Drudge.

THIS site is supposed to drive the news in Washington?

Schwarzenegger story flusters Media; 'Awnold' will dominate the Day; The Tuesday Pulse

How big is the Arnold Schwarzenegger story? Even some media members were taken aback. I believe shock would be the word of the day.

ABC's Steven Wright sounded incredulous over the Arnold news while speaking with KGO's Ed Baxter and Jennifer Jones-Lee during the morning news. Could you fault him?

On KCBS, political analyst, Marc Sandalow, was just as flustered. Speaking to Stan Bunger and Susan Leigh Taylor, Sandalow said Schwarzenegger's ten-year hidden nugget dominated the Washington media scene.

"I'm listening to the radio and the CBS lead item was that the former Gov. of Calif. fathered a child a decade ago and we're just getting wind of it. " (Which I might add, other than the LA Times, where was the media on this baby?, No pun intended.)

Indeed this is an out and out stunner. It will dominate the day. I'm sure Ronn Owens will lead off with this beauty in hour #1. Call screeners, get out your editing ears. Producers, keep an eye on the censor button.

Even Brian Murphy, part of the frat-boy show on Knibber where they rarely, if ever, get out of the Giants bubble, had to stop and dwell on this ferklempta over the goings-on of his beloved Timmeh Lincecum.

Should be an interesting day.

By the way, wonder what Maria's gotta be thinking.

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More on KGO and Karel; Baiter-Breakers TV; KRON still sucks; Monday Round-Up

Those of you who dwell on the fact that I dwell about how moronic Karel is and how KGO management is so damn desperate to get a pulse from the younger, (anyone under 68-crowd), that they re-hire this doofus, you're right. I do dwell and yes, KGO is desperate and yes,Karel is a tired-out doofus.

Think about it. What does Karel offer? He's used the same tired old act since his days at KFI in LA and most recently, KGO, here in the city. There's no novelty to his act--only frail, uncreative people like Jack Swanson and Deidra Lieberman, (no relation), plus a small, shallow "following" follow Karel.

So sad.

*Baiter Breakers--no use in watching the wretched excess crowd and their stupid run through the streets of SF to the ocean. I decided to sleep in Sunday and make love to a potential future ex-wife.

*Oh, happy days: KRON is actually making a little money these days--how gratifying, maybe more furniture for Henry's Garden and one less Discovery Bay real estate infomercial.

*Henry Wofford: keep that 'natural voice coming, how awe-inspiring.

*Scott Reiss: Phony, dude.

*Greg Papa: Did you notice that the last time I did the show, I TALKED OVER YOU?

*The pompous a-hole at KNIBBER who continually writes troll material for his wickedly sick defacto boss my way get this: I know who you are and when I can trace it, you're mincemeat.

*On a lighter note, Howard Stern was lunching here in the city last week and made quite a splash at Sam's.

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*Look for my appearances on MSNBC coming soon.


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KGO Radio's Karel smokes dope at Bay-to-Breakers; 'Medicated' Mucky Radio

Karel, KGO Radio's weekend (7- 10 PM) openly-gay talk host, (who cares? he does, because he mentions it about 400x a show) went off on a different rant Sunday evening during the 8 PM hour.

He worked the Bay-to-Breakers "footstalk" and told listeners that he decided to "medicate." Huh?

Oh, Karel very publicly told his listeners that he lighted up, several times in fact. Light up, as in, smoked some weed. OMG, weed? Yes sir. Many times. No big deal on my front, but Karel tried to use it as some lame radio shtick.

You 'medicated'? Oh shit, Karel, are you, (and KGO too that desperate?)

The idea of legalizing pot; medicinal purposes, recreation use, is a fair and topical issue. So if Karel was proud of telling his listeners that he lit up quite unabated and proud, why not just go from there. "Medicated?" Is he serious? Yes. Karel likes to shock and awe. This is usually his method to attract the IPod crowd to listen to his repertoire. How damn brilliant. (Hey KGO PR dept: psst, maybe you can paste it on Facebook!)

The joint is jumping, Karel.

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Nobody could do it like Bill King; The Sunday Pulse

Every sports fan growing up in the Bay Area in the 70's, (like me) will never forget Bill King.

Bill King was and is the greatest local sports broadcaster ever to grace the airwaves. To this day, his incredible legacy will forever be ingrained into the SF-Oakland media landscape.

I was thinking about King and how he'd react to the current state of radio/TV play-by-play announcers. The overt homerism, the constant booster club style. Yuck.

Sure, we live in a different era. The business has changed. I know. I know. I don't think Bill King would have been affected by this new era. Bill would still have done it his way only because there was no other way to do it. That's why Bill King was so beloved by Bay Area sports fans--he was so damn honest and forthcoming that he didn't have to back down. When someone, some team, some coach, manager screwed up, King would never sugarcoat, truly, he did tell it like it is.

I can't believe its been nearly six years since King's passing. I still remember him calling the Immaculate reception. I can hear him barking out at NBA ref, Ed Rush and literally calling out a fan in Seattle, courtside, where a thrown bottle of vodka hits King on the sleeve. I can recall his hysterics of the holly-roller play in San Diego when Stabler did his thing.

Nobody around these days comes close to the greatness of King. Lon Simmons, (retired) comes close. Hank Greenwald was special. Ted Robinson and Roxy Bernstein are pretty solid and consistent.  Jon Miller is talented, but remarkably overrated. Ken Korach keeps it simple and straight and never fails to give the score. Greg Papa's "Touchdownnnnnnnnnnnnn Raiders" shrill rings hollow when the team is down 24-3 in the 4th quarter. Tim Roye? Are you kidding me. And please, don't even mention that shill, Fitz...

Beyond his on-air gleam and cachet, (he did all three sports--A's, Raiders and Warriors) King was a complete gentleman on and off the mike. He was a big opera and ballet fan. He could wax, poetically, about the best Italian restaurant in the city. If he never knew you and you chanced on a conversation with him on the field during batting practice, he'd speak to you like he knew you for years. Bill had no aura nor entourage. He was simply Bill.

I recall the time we spoke at great length at the Coliseum a few years before his death. I was talking to him about how all the homers had overtaken the business. He told me a funny story.

Early in the "Billy Ball" days of the A's, Dwayne Murphy hit a game-ending homer. King called the play in his familiar lucid tones, just happy enough, but not hysterical to the tone of absurdity. Later that day in the dugout, Murphy heard the call in the post game highlights. He called over king and chided him for not "being too excited."

King told Murphy to come over to a corner of the clubhouse. "Young man, you just paid me the greatest compliment."

Bill King. Class, dignity, and professionally, the best that ever was.

Holy Toledo!

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KNBR jittery about new FM sports 95.7; Radnich flare-up signifies hostility

There's a reason, several actually, that Gary Radnich was castigated, however so sophomoric by KNBR management, for dare mentioning the new FM all-sports 95. 7 radio, ( http://www.957sportsradio.com/)

Call it a case of KNBR and its corporate owner, (Cumulus Broadcasting) acknowledging that more than just staying power, the new FM outlet, (owned by Entercom) figures to take advantage of the growing phenomena of the radio masses move away from AM radio.

Sure, KNBR has the prized franchise(s); both the Giants and 49ers, but after that, little else. And while KNBR has made a boatload of cash coming off the Giants' World Series success, there's a feeling that they have maxed out their revenue on that front.

Outside of their sports clients, (and the afternoon Barbieri-Tolbert show), KNBR takes in very little revenue off their main content. And with new, fresh competition highlighted with a relatively strong signal and the advent of an Sports' FM-only distinction, of course, KNBR is worried.

Not to mention, 95.7 has the A's and is radio home of the San Jose Sharks. If the Sharks were to somehow advance to the NHL Stanley Cup Finals, there's no doubt a potential of significant Silicon Valley advertising cash going into the new outlet's coffers.

Combine that with the prospect of the A's doing well. Who knows? Bottom line is this: Any additional revenue is a win-win for 95.7, not to mention a huge chunk NOT going into KNBR's bank. It's all about the money.

KNBR brass can pooh-pooh and belittle their new competitor all they want, but privately, they don't want anything to do with 95.7---and it was evident this week when they made it clear to Mr. Radnich that even the slightest mention of the new guy in town wouldn't be tolerated.

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Bay to Breakers: Does anybody care anymore?

The Bay to Breakers is Sunday.

Yawn.


I thought, long ago, that this yearly waste-of-time lost its luster. I mean, how many times do we all want to see and hear the better part of a hundred thousand runners navigate the city, some of whom find it cool to urinate on people's lawns.

How cool and quaint, dude!

KGO Radio, still trying their damnest to attract the young demo is providing exclusive radio coverage. Maybe they'll post it on Facebook too.

There's rain forecast for the race on Sunday. Maybe God thinks the BTB sucks too.

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In case you were wondering...

Google had some maintenance issues, so if you tried to access this site and were having problems, you weren't alone. My apologies.

We're back.

It's Friday.

Raj Mathai on the passing of Daryl Hawks

Raj Mathai, news anchor at NBC Bay Area who worked with Daryl Hawks, who passed away suddenly, Thursday, in Chicago commented to me.

It was a difficult day in our newsroom.
Daryl's energy was contagious -- and his love for his family was so pure.
I just can't stop thinking about his wife and two young kids.
He will be missed in several newsrooms around the country...from the Bay Area to Chicago...Raleigh and Palm Springs.

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Former NBC Bay Area Sportscaster Hawks found dead in Chicago

Daryl Hawks, a former NBC Bay Area Sports anchor, was found dead in a hotel room Thursday morning in Atlanta. Hawks was covering the NBA playoff game between the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks for WMAQ-Ch. 5 in Chicago.

Atlanta police called Hawks' death a medical emergency and not a police call. His body was discovered after he did not appear for the Bulls' morning shoot around. Paramedics were called and he was taken to a local hospital at about 10:30 a.m., according to Atlanta police Sgt. Curtis Davenport.

Hawks, 38, who joined the station in 2008, was married with three children. He spent time at NBC Bay Area, (KNTV) where he anchored weekend sports.

*Breaking News story...

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Back Friday; Didn't see the Raddy 'flareup'

Lots of coffee and air.

By the way, I wasn't listening to Knibber/Raddy on Wednesday morn so I have no idea what happened, (if it was real or not.)

Please...fill me in.

Hazardous Duty Dept; 'People Behaving Badly' guy gets hurt covering '420 Day', (But he's OK)

Stanley Roberts, the guy with the funny voice who covers drivers with nasty habits, ("People behaving Badly"--KRON) incurred a stress fracture on his foot while covering "420 Day" at Golden Gate Park, according to one of my TV moles. They always say that the grass is greener, not that Stan is thinking about workman's comp. (Psst, that's a joke.)

Roberts is OK and figures to be back on the roads again soon looking for the usual asshole drivers who find their way onto 880 and assorted other traffic nightmares.

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Watching "Chronicle Live" at the White House

Someone had to do it.

Professional Cheerleader, Scott Reiss of Comcast Sports Bay Area

ScottReissCSN Scott Reiss

@

@RichLieberman Yeah, rooting for the teams that drive my network is just plain silly #gimmeabreak

 

The response from Scott Reiss of Comcast when I called him out on Twitter for his open home-team rooting. The tweet speaks for itself. "...that drive my network?" Didn't know it was your network, Scotty boy.

 

No details on the where he keeps the brown toilet player.

 

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I'm Not a 'Journalist', I'm a Blogger; Sunday Quickie

If you want to write a gossip column, fine. If you are a journalist, then check sources and when you contemplate writing anything controversial about a person,  call them up to get their take. That's responsible. It's what we do. And you will also get better stories that way.

I've been exchanging a few e-mails with a friend in the biz. He took me to task for publishing some of the local talent salaries. He says I was "way off" on some of the chosen ones. Fine, I'll stick with the story.



He also refers to me as a "journalist." I'm not a journalist and don't pretend to be one. I'm a blogger. Journalists are reporters trained and schooled to do things journalistic. Bloggers, at least some of them, post. Journalists write. I openly admit that I can't write worth a shit. That's for the professionals.

This isn't the NY Times and I've said as much. This is a local media site for the sole purpose of trying to be entertaining and informative. Occasionally, I hit paydirt. I don't pretend to be right all  the time. Who is?

The more I look and listen, observe all the shit out on the airwaves and here on the net, the more I realize that the so-called "professionals" aren't that much better than the "bloggers." Have you seen local TV? Can you fathom what the local paper looks like lately? Shit, what a bunch of shit out there.

So, friend, take a deep breath. No one is forcing you to come here. You don't like the food? Then don't come here to eat. All of you. This is 7-11. You want French Laundry, get up off your ass and whip out a grand and nosh away. How much did it cost you to come over to my place? Precisely my point.

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Bay Area needs 24-hour News Channel; 95.7 Sports Radio/KNBR Guest Wars; Friday Rundown

We're a top-10 market without a 24-hour news channel.

A few years back, KRON began "Bay TV", (where's Susan Blake?) and for awhile, it took off.

While viewership numbers were not large enough to sustain longevity, "Bay TV" provided an outlet for news-hungry audiences.

God knows we have a thirst for information in this 24/7 news cycle world, you would think someone/ some monied outlet would try to launch its own station on a cable channel. Of course that would require a ton of money and resources, a few good reporters, anchors, and producers too wouldn't hurt.

I know I'm reaching.

*Both Kevin Lynch, the SFGate 49ers reporter/insider, and Mychael Urban, the Giants reporter for Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, appeared, Tuesday, on the "Chris Townsend Show" on 95.7 FM. No biggie, right? Wrong.

Lynch is a frequent guest on KNBR's staple of shows, as is Urban, who appears weekly on the Damon Bruce show. Don't think the KNBR/Cumulus suits weren't aware of that nugget. Folks, what we have here is the beginning of a new "if you do that station, you're not doing this station." Trust me.

*Speaking of Knibber, a reader asks "where's Ray Woodson?" Woodson, one of the very few talented tonsils over there, has been noticeably absent from his news duties and sports updates.

*David Louie: the Bay Area energizer bunny.

*Props to Dan Noyes of KGO-TV/ABC7 for his exclusive interview with the "Hummer Mom", Christine Hubbs, who was convicted of underage sex with 2 Livermore boys. Pretty riveting stuff and a look into the mind of a woman who still apparently doesn't get it.

*ClearChannel buys Metro. Look for a ton of layoffs.

*STOCK UP:  KCBS morning traffic anchor, Kim Wonderley...Sports tonsils, Dave Lewis and Joe Salvatore...KNBR sports updater, Matt Kellog...KQED-FM "Forum host", Michael Krasny...CC Times media writer, Bill Mann.


*Although I have a few issues with KCBS morning sports anchor, Steve Bitker, I, again, for the umpteenth time, applaud his consistent, professional style of ALWAYS crediting the announcer on an actuality. It's called professional courtesy in the business. You'd think the "Dibber" on KNBR would practice the same, but that would be like asking Willie Brown to lift out his wallet every now and then.

*What has 200,000 legs and drinks Corona beer? The 'Bay-to-Breakers'...time to split next week.

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Top 10 Unique Things about KNBR's Damon Bruce

#10 Uh, the multiple wet dreams involving Ann Killion.

#9 Pretending 'Butcher Boy' is Lee Hammer and beating the living crap out of him.

#8 Doing the Nooner while simultaneously looking at pictures of Bonnie-Jill Laflin, every Bone rock girl, the chick that voices the Nooner, Marty Lurie, Michael Urban, and the 'Sports by Brooks' guy.

#7 Taking the entire AT&T Press Box hostage and yelling: "I DID Rome and YOU DIDN'T!"

#6 Pretending 'Ike in Fremont' was a Cumulus big suit and beating the living crap out of him.

#5 Fifteen minutes with Greg Papa: Sample questions: "Greg, you said on my show that JeMarcus Russell wasn't all that bad? Do you think you were wrong? (Amends question to make sure "Chron Live" status is OK) "Greg, would the Niners consider JeMarcus as a back-up?--I hear he's willing to take a pay cut."

#4 Plans new 3-play: "Who's the best Bay Area sports-talk radio host? What KNBR host would make a great pot of spaghetti? How would you react to a KNBR host becoming full-time sub for Jim Rome?"

#3 Having an on-air woody with Neighbor Dave.

#2 Tweets Bob Agnew 20x: "Karma, you son-of-a-bitch!"

#1 Considers new book titled, "If Larry Krueger hadn't been fired, I'd have ended up in Bristol!"

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More Ground-Breaking Programming on Comcast' 'Chronicle Live'

Another epic hour of minutiae on "Chronicle Live," courtesy Lowell Cohn of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat. (Cohn loves quizzes!!) And that Comcast check too.

Tomorrow? What Papa and Reiss wear to Giants' games.

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The latest Bay Area Media Salaries; Who Make$ What; KGO's Owens at the Top

Your 2011 Bay Area media salaries...

The figures are broken down from TV, Cable, and Radio and were provided to me by industry sources.

KGO Radio's Ronn Owens, at a shade over a million dollars, is the highest-paid media personality in the SF market. Owens' personal services contract, (negotiated by agent, Don Buchwald) runs through 2013.

THE REST:

Dana King, KPIX/CBS5: $600,000
Ken Bastida, KPIX/CBS5: $450,000

Frank Somerville, KTVU: $500,000
Julie Haener, KTVU: $400,000
Mark Ibanez, KTVU: $325,000

Dan Ashley, KGO-TV/ABC7: $450,000
Carolyn Johnson, KGO-TV: $400,000
Larry Beil: KGO-TV: $250,000
Wayne Freedman: KGO-TV: $200,000

Raj Mathai: NBC Bay Area: $400,000


CABLE/RADIO:

Greg Papa: Comcast Sportsnet Bay Area: $250,000
Scott Reiss: Comcast Sports: $200,000

RADIO:

Stan Bunger: KCBS: $300,000
Ralph Barbieri: KNBR $300,000
Ed Baxter: KGO Radio: $300,000
Tom Tolbert: KNBR: $250,000
*Gary Radnich: KNBR: $225,000 (does not include KRON salary--Radnich is paid on an "at-will" basis)
Michael Krasny: KQED-FM: $200,000

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KSFO's Sussman calls Obama "Hussein"

In yet another attempt to get the masses to listen to him, KSFO's morning irritant, Brian Sussman, referred to Barack Obama as "Hussein" countless times on Wednesday's show, (5- 9 AM).

Sussman apparently is trying to embellish a game of radio "look-at-me, look-at me!!" (And I'm biting, I guess)

Still, calling the POTUS "Hussein?" As in, (psst---he's really a Muslim, I swear!) Sussman's act is getting tiresome, even by wacky ultra-right wing standards. I mean, my god, even some of the the Fox Noise pundits were giving Obama credit for the Bin-Laden take down. (Except of course Glenn Beck who probably thinks the Earth is flat.)

Sussman's weak reason as to referring to Obama as "Hussein?" The countless mistakes by TV people Sunday night, (including the reliable Geraldo) calling "Osama" as "Obama." Ok, yeah, it happened. A lot.

But the "Hussein" chortle is bush-league. It's also not funny, especially soon after a pristine military maneuver that took out enemy #1. And it was never funny, either, referring to W as "shrub." I can think of more pithy, verbal venom for that guy. "Shrub?" Not.

And "Hussein?" How so KSFOish.

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Pac-10 deal establishes Bay Area/LA Market $ignificance

More than anything else, the new, out-of-this-world, uber-lucrative $2.7 billion deal the Pac-10 has negotiated with ESPN and Fox Sports establishes, financially, the Bay Area and LA markets.

It's about time.

Sure, it helps to have the aura and cachet of USC and the Oregon schools, but ultimately, (duh) it all comes down to money and markets.

I've always been surprised in this era of big collegiant conferences with super-sized budgets and independent TV contracts, (read: Notre Dame and NBC) that the Pac-10 was left out of the $weepstakes.

Until now.

Give new conference head, Larry Scott, credit for securing the deal.

“We didn’t feel we had to give equity to get the broadcast and cable packages we got,” Scott told the NY Times, via the SF Business Times.

While the Oregon schools have monied interests, (particularly, the Phil Knight/Nike Oregon connection) the deal is a reflection of the Bay Area, (market#4 and Stanford/Cal territory) and LA's storied USC and UCLA programs, not to mention an area with over 12 million people and growing.

The Michigans, Floridas, and LSU's of the college world can brag about their various BCS and NCAA championships, but when all is said and done, its still all about the money. And now, the Pac-10 has entered the building with a huge Brinks truck. Welcome the world of college sports.

Now, one more thing? When are so-called "student-athletes" going to get a piece of the pie? Shouldn't they get paid?

NOTE: I'll be a guest today, at 2: 45 PM, on the Chris Townsend Show on 95.7 FM All-Sports radio.

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Cumulus' Dickey Bros cash in nicely for 2010

From Radio-Online:

According to an 10k-a filing with the FCC Monday, Cumulus Chairman/CEO Lewis Dickey Jr. pulled in $940,000 in base salary in 2010 along with $939,960 in bonuses and $1.008 million in stock awards. Executive VP/co-COO John Dickey received a salary of $597,400, $290,000 in bonuses and $220,500 in stock awards.
 
Senior VP/Treasurer and CFO Joseph P. Hannan was paid $250,000 in salary, and $100,000 in bonuses and $31,500 in stock awards. Executive VP/co-COO John Pinch pulled in a salary of $525,300, $240,000 in bonuses and $126,000 in stock awards.

KNBR: More Sports, Less Talk, the Better

It suddenly dawned on me, (and others too).

The more sports play-by-play on the "Leader" the less talk from certain programs, and that's UPSIDE for everyone.

Except of course for various interns, $9 an-hour "producers", obscure Metro voices and recently released ESPN rejects, ex-ballplayers too.

First Power Play by KNBR and Entercom's 95.7 FM; KNBR 1050 gets 2011 Stanford Football and Basketball

Stanford athletics secured a deal with KNBR 1050 to broadcast its 2011 Football and Basketball seasons. The deal was announced Tuesday.

That's not the story.

The new, Entercom-owned "All-Sports" 95.7 FM, which just recently won broadcast rights to the A's and San Jose Sharks, had talked to the Stanford sports officials about possibly joining the FM outlet. Out of the blue came Cumulus' KNBR.

A source close to the negotiations told me that Stanford was genuinely interested with 95.7, but that a partnership with KNBR, (which KNBR initiated and pushed) was ultimately approved by Stanford Athletic director, Bob Bowlsby.

Two major factors: Although 1050 AM does not have the audio signal of a strong FM outlet like 95.7, the advantages of an established station with sports programming, (albeit mostly syndicated,) was a major plus.

Another huge factor: Stanford's basketball included in the deal. While basketball is important, Stanford's football team has more cachet, (particularly with Andrew Luck returning)--the idea of the basketball program getting all its 30 or so games broadcast was a major caveat to the deal

95.7 FM reportedly balked at the idea of having to broadcast basketball. That wasn't the deal-breaker, but it was significant.

In the large context, this isn't going to make or break either entity, but it does signify the beginning of a new local radio war. Score the first hit to KNBR.

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The demise of bin Laden brought to you in the 21st Century

You knew the biggest story of the decade was coming via this way.

The day after; Local coverage of UBL death

This will be a short one today...

TV:

Channel 2/KTVU had a hellish technical glitz on its 10 O'clock News; I was able to see what some friends had said was a complete TV cluster-phuck. Wow. I'm sure the back offices might be having meetings Monday as to what the hell happened.

*KRON: Infomercial-central. You gotta be kidding me? No, its KRON. Are you surprised? And when I tuned in late, some nitwit was "reporting" the "events" via Facebook. I'm not kidding. Like I said, its KRON.

KGO-TV- ABC Net gets high marks for sticking with the big story. And props to Channel 7 for its nifty late-night wrap-up.

KPIX: Swift, steady and nice work. Unlike ABC, CBS stuck with regular programming, (on the West Coast) until affs took over.

RADIO:

KGO: Karel happened to be controlling the mike and the "coverage" was beyond hilarious. Unintentionally. Believe it or not, Karel broke into network coverage with occasional opinion rants. To K's defense, some of the radio net's analysts were complete rumor-mongers, (they didn't know what the heck was going on and Obama hadn't addressed the nation yet) so we'll give him props there....BUT, to siphon off editorial riffs at the early stage of the news was out of bounds and inappropriate.

KCBS: Nice job. Mostly all from the CBS radio net staple of reporters and observers. ...A big shout to political analyst, (again) Marc Sandalow, whose five-minute summation on Monday's AM news block with Bunger and Leigh-Taylor was terrific as usual.

KNBR: I couldn't resist. I had to give a quick listen to the frat boys. They didn't disappoint...Loved the constant back and forths to the ex-marine, (as if we didn't already know that a Navy seal is a bad-asser)...Highlight: Krukow insinuating that bin-Laden's death "could inspire the Giants." Listen to the podcast if you don't believe me.

KTVU experiences a hellish 10 O'Clock News night of Bin Laden announcement

From a lot of readers: KTVU had a ton of technical glitches and screw-ups Sunday night on what figured to be one of the biggest news stories of the year, maybe the decade.

We're talking of course about the killing of Usama bin-Laden.

I didn't see any of the Channel 2 news. Mostly switching from CNN and NYTimes on-line and over to ABC and the other networks.

One friend in the biz said the glitches were so abundant they almost wreaked of sabotage. I'll make some calls.

Just a thought about you know what...

Gees, I wonder what they'll be talking about Monday.

Comcastic crappola

Comcast Sportsnet Bay Area had a good thing going.

With a glob of corporate money flowing from Philly, devour the market and embed the brand, bring in mostly out-of-town, cheaper, younger, softies and with help from the local sports franchises, dominate.

As a pure resource of providing televised cable content courtesy your beloved SF Giants, Oakland A's, Golden State Warriors and SJ Sharks, Comcast and its production does a decent job. Mostly all the announcers, save for the proverbial few mutants down on the field or in the stands, (think "Amy G") are good and the game(s) flow. It helps, too, that the dominant team, (Giants) wins a World Series.

Its the product away from the yard and off the court that is lousy.

Comcast' Bay Area programming, (and I use that word lightly) is chock full of nothing. The word, "crap" comes to mind. We've lauded them for their occasional bits of genuinely good content when they delve into documentaries about Glenn Burke and Rickey Henderson. Terrific. If only the rest of their output were as glowing.

Not.

Their version of "SportsCenter", "Sportsnet Central" is out of date and mostly vanilla. A hodgepodge of highlights thrown about with listless, dull and wonder bread anchors providing the narration. We don't need nor want a Stuart Scott, but at least with Scott, you get a pulse. Comcast' local tonsils don't have an audio-visual there there. Its just like every other anemic sports highlight show, only duller and more antiseptic. Crappola.

Then there's "Chronicle Live", the nightly chat show hosted by Greg Papa. A show that is long on local sports minutiae and short on any real, tangible, insightful programming. Then again, you want make sure to please the clients, (Giants, W's, A's, Raiders, 49ers) and not rock the boat. And that's the problem with "CL."

The show is listless. Nobody says anything. And the only time anybody, (mostly sportswriters and a few TV/radio people) say anything, it is merely placed in their respective column. When's the last time anybody out there said, "Hey, did you see CL? Did you hear what Ratto said about the Giants?"Which is precisely my point. "CL" is for the clients. Nothing more than a PR show that nobody watches other than those in the local sports media and a few schlums that stuck around after a Giants' post-game show.

"CL" doesn't want, apparently, to embrace the "Sports Reporters" model on ESPN, which is unfortunate because as tiresome and dull as ESPN has become, its "Outside the Lines", "Sports Reporters" and other non-traditional content shows are interesting to watch and have made for compelling cable viewing.

Comcast has the cash and resources available to bring more invigorating, enlightening and entertaining programming to Bay Area audiences. They want you to believe they're a big-time outfit and a big-time show, but they really haven't captivated nor enlightened anyone. They're more of a Kohl's market, but they want you to think of them as Nieman Marcus.

They got a huge assist with the Giants winning the World Series and that alone provided numbers that satisfied the home office back in Philly. Without the Giants, they'd be half-burnt toast. After that, it gets bare bones.

Comcast has a slew of post-game analysts on each respective sport, but even they don't "Move-the-meter" by any stretch of the imagination. I like Bip Roberts a lot, personally and otherwise, but Bip, an ex-player who certainly knows the game of baseball doesn't make you stop and think and say, "we'll damn, I didn't know that!"

Matt Steinmetz is a terrific talent and knows his NBA basketball--ditto Bret Hedican on the NHL and Sharks, but they're in the minority. And Steinmetz, who can and should say a lot more because he's on his game and possesses real insight, has been noticeably muted. Who knows, maybe he dared to be noticed.

And Jaymee Sire? I'm not a misogynist, so don't even go there, but Ms. Sire was blessed to be born with great beauty and knows how to look into the camera. For that, she's a Comcast "reporter." It could have been worse: at least she's not an "Insider."

There are those who will deride me for, dare this!, committing the un-American act of dismissing this local cable behemoth. They're rail me because they think that since I wrote an equally critical piece on Comcast that I was subsequently jettisoned off "CL", I have an axe to grind.

Really? Full Disclosure: In fact, I appeared on "CL" last December, (probably for the last time) and in April, 2010, I produced a Jim Brown event and fundraiser that "CL" and Comcast televised. I don't think that's the issue. In fact, some would say its idiotic that I'd write a massively negative piece about this organization. And they'd be right.

But then again, that's not me. I owe it to the base and my readers and have never backed down no matter the consequences. Not now, nor in the future. That would not be me. And that would be crappola in and of itself.

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