Damon Bruce has been on a hot streak. Which, given the state of SF sports-talk radio, (hell, almost all of radio in general), is good for the Bay Area radio listeners.
Bruce has become Knibber's #1 man, both in content and personality. Is it any wonder that, with the exception of a few, he's the only major solo act, albeit on 1050 AM, KNBR's pinto to 680's Cadillac.
Most importantly: Bruce has developed into what Gary Radnich once used to possess: unique, funny, quirky and unpredictable shows with a sort of buzz and following that has generated a loyal audience and quality content. Just Monday, Bruce had a sports rabbi intrude into the Cumulus studios and proceed to knock off about 20 minutes of unmitigated laughter. It was good shtick and very funny. Very funny. An inherently NY-flavor with some genuine gestalt. It worked.
Bottom line: Bruce is waiting in the wings until Radnich' plug is pulled and when the big boys decide that his forte with the betting fool has eroded into the bridge to radio nowhere. And really, how many times can Raddy do the same old thing over and over and over and over--it's like the virtual EverReady battery. No wonder Radnich can't stand Bruce and is looking over his shoulder.
Oh, and that much-pubbed "contract?" The only contract worth its weight in the business is a personal services contract. Everything else is worthless. So, be forewarned, Raddy interns at Knibber, don't bother with the wimpy praise for the "most popular personality on KNBR and KRON." (KRON? His "Buster Brown" gig?)
*Nice of Karel of KGOne to bash fellow talk-host, Pat Thurston, (he has an excuse--he was talking off-mike, only his words were very clearly heard over his "network); either way, Karel has a lot on his plate to explain...that is, after the "celebrity" walks the red carpet in Ell-Lay on Tuesday night--are you going?
*KCBS lazy report of the day. During Tuesday's AM news block, a news reporter goes out to the Coliseum and wonders aloud why the A's, (the hottest team in baseball), can't draw fans into the stadium. The ensuing actualities are typical dummy chatter and the reporter is semi-clueless.
Maybe the reporter should have done his homework. Had he, he may have figured out that a good many of the diehard Oakland fans are fed up with an ownership, notably, frontman, Lew Wolff, who continually calls the Coliseum a dump, has been trying to get to San Jose on the fast track and has turned off an entire community and its loyal customers. Even at that, some of the very best and A's Eastbay core have remained loyal and continue to turn out.
The reporter at KCBS struck out.
*Kate Scott: Why not just come out and look the bastard in the eye and tell him to go take a hike. Then again, in the larger picture, who really cares? The blind leading the blind x200.
*Ronn Owens: On the clock.
*Lloyd Lindsay Young: Good things happen to good people. Congrats on the new gig.
*SF Weekly: The new Bay Guardian. In that nobody really gives a damn about the editorial pages, but the other stuff is readable.
*East Bay Express: Like the old days, movie reviews and restaurant pages. Everything else? Yawn.
*Brian Hackney at KPIX: The password is "weekend."
*Something is going on at KTVU with a ton of new reporters. Stay tuned for more.
*Dennis O'Donnell: Still tweeting those baseball trades as fact? And then, adding insult to injury, a respected Giants cable beat guy re-tweets said "trades." (Bad week for him--he pubbed what turned out to be a rumor involving the Giant's milk man.)
*Follow me on Twitter
No, the reporter at KCBS did not strike out!! I heard that piece this morning.
ReplyDeleteYou are adding your OWN opinion. This was a news story, not a commentary.
The Coliseum is, in fact, a dump.
The A's just had their most winning July in franchise history. Hottest team in baseball right now. But the local media continues to focus on the low attendance.That's not "news." It's lazy journalism.
Delete1050 is Lew Wolff. That tells you all you need to know.
DeleteWhat did Karel say about Pat?
ReplyDeleteCheck the comments on a previous post. A listener posted a transcript of the conversation. Karel is such a jerk!
DeleteDeja vu...when Bob Lurie owned the Giants his every waking moment was spent bad mouthing Candlestick and pining for San Jose...and Walter Haas said "sure, why not?" People stayed away from the 'Stick in droves( helped by the knowledge that even the owner hated the place). So, when the McGowan group bought the Giants they put all that badmouthing to rest ( while clearly angling for a new park IN the City) and put an exciting team onnthe field and made the 'Stick a place to go. Now, ol'Wolff is the whiner and he wonders why people won't come to the Coliseum when his team is so damned exciting ( much to bis chagrin). Stop the friggin' whining,, STFU about San Jose, and promote the damned team
ReplyDeleteThat's it. That covers it..and like Radnich said,you cant spend all this time driving season ticket holders away and expect a 32,000 walk up crowd. That explains the slow rebound attendance..OR you could say,with a few sellouts this year they never had in years past,fans are waiting to be welcomed.
DeleteThe A's made their own reality. I dont see others copying Oaklands tarps.
Money talks, bullshit walks.
ReplyDeleteThere's a reason Radnich is the highest paid guy at KNBR, and KRON and Damon Bruce is way up the dial at on 1050. The businesses involved make more money that way.
When big bad management decides they can make more money without Radnich, they'll dump him. The marketplace will determine Radnich's future.
Lieberman's incessant Radnich criticism reflects his personal inability to accept the marketplace's judgement and chronic disappointment with the local TV and radio industry as it exists today.
Nice of you to join Alicia Radnich, you should come by and comment more often!
DeleteWhy is it that anyone who disagrees with Rich's opinion is accused of either being a family member, KNBR intern, or Cumuls Broadcasting employee?
DeleteIf Rich's opinion really mattered, he'd actually be working in the industry instead of watching from the sidelines and complaining about what's wrong.
Ohhhh this must be Gary's sister from Healdsburg commenting now!
DeleteI rest my case!
DeleteBruce is on a roll and has staked out some good opinions, but why downgrade Radnich he changed his format from Bruno,Dibley and free form to more straight sports and is doing well. He is not as strident as Bruce but his opinions are well thought out. He is underrated interviewer and puts sports in a proper perspective , not curing cancer. I am not related to the man but he has given me some of the best radio I have ever heard. I wish I could have the recording of Radnich, bruno, and BIll KIng before his death.
DeleteAgreed. Excessive Radnich bashing on this blog.
DeleteI disagree. Radnich does not get bashed enough. He needs to be called out more often, not only in this blog but others as well.
DeleteRadnich deserve every bit of criticism he receives at the website. He loves to dish it out and he should be man enough to take it.
DeleteBy the way, I notice Radnich does not rip/take cheap shots at his colleagues in the business like he once did.
This site has humbled his rear end.
Karel and Pat =Crap
ReplyDeleteBetter yet, they are talent who are not talented. Richie. You are the man. Thanks for the space.
DeleteI guess Dennis O'Donnell's sources were correct after all. He even had one of the players involved in the trade.
ReplyDeleteSo what's happening at KRON? They have a new "24 Hour News" digital channel starting up shortly (Comcast channel 193), currently it is just placeholder content with bridge traffic cams and weather across the bottom. Is this planned to be more than simulcasts/repeats of the current Ch. 4 news shows, or is there a plan to air some additional content?
ReplyDeleteThey are bringing back "Bay Area Backroads!"
DeleteIt's the return of BayTV!!
DeleteThe channel is up and running OTA. I noticed it when I channel surfed between KRON and KPIX. For OTA it is 4-2, which used to be the standard def for all KRON programming shown on 4-1. It displays weather, traffic and occasional news updates. The lovely Erica Kato sometimes appears either with weather update or what is popular on the Internet.
DeleteWhat you said about Kate Scott just letting go? I get that same vibe whenever Radnich talks to Fitzgerald. Fitz's smarmy,smug,and condescending attitude in full force to Radnich creates the bite his tongue effect to not get into a war with Bob. A few years ago,they had a falling out when Fitz called Raddy "Stupid" "Knows nothing about the N.D schedule". The usual banter between shows was missing for weeks after that.
ReplyDeleteMakes me laugh when I hear Fitzgerald say he has the players back..when he doesn't care about this own co workers. Dibley would be another to scream Bob isn't liked at KNBR-lol.
Btw,I always thought Byrnes had a falling out with Radnich..as Raddys praise and mentions of Bernzee's show ended. The other day Kreuger mentioned Eric,and Radnich tossed a zinger at the guy. Sorry,forgot what it was exactly. Something about talent.
DeleteYea, O'Donnell was so off...breaking the trade on Sunday before anybody else and it ended up happening...
ReplyDeleteWhat is going on a Channnel 2? If you know something report it.
ReplyDeleteOld man Raddy last week thought with a pull-it-out-of-his-ass opinion the current Dream Team could beat the '92 legends 7 out of 10 times (of course he likes the young sleek, hip-hop Kardashian loving current guys-that's how he rolls). Bruce had an expert opinion on (Rick Bucher-ESPN) and he thought the '92 team would barely lose a game in a 7-game series with some concise,thoughtful analysis (of course when Bucher's on, Raddy laughs like a jackass over some ridiculous thought rarely giving him some room). Chalk one more up for DB.
ReplyDeleteBob Fitzgerald is a contemptible, sniveling little weasel, who toadies up to higher ups to get what he wants. He's been playing that card since he started his career, and it's quite obvious that the guy will cut out anyone, a friend, a foe, or someone he's indifferent to, just to get ahead.
ReplyDeleteWhat's amazing to me is that he snowed guys like Tony Salvadore and Bob Agnew, who kept giving him opportunities that he never deserved. And then of course, he knifed his 'buddy' Greg Papa in the back to steal away the Warriors' job. And now the Warriors continue to employ this guy? They should fired his sorry ass today!
That's a great way to live Fitzie! I just hope you can sleep with yourself at night after screwing over people and sucking up to people and being rude to callers all day on the air!
Thank you 6:54pm post. Well said.
DeleteFrom Gaga V
ReplyDeleteIt’s mystifying how a personality as obnoxious and unanimously hated as Fitzgerald has remained on the same local airwaves for as long as he has. A lot of national broadcasters are hated – Joe Buck, Tim McCarver, Chris Berman, among others; but to make it in a local market, you really have to win the community over. It’s why less offensive broadcasters such as Joe Angel didn’t last with the Giants – he never clicked with the fan base. Same with McCarver, who Giants fans loathed when he did Giants TV several years ago. (Though McCarver, a former Cardinal, is revered in St. Louis; so is Buck, who succeeded his dad as Cardinals play-by-play guy.)
Fitzgerald, who is actually a competent basketball announcer (because there isn’t any time for him to display his personality, which he can do on the radio show), is nonetheless held in contempt by Warriors fans – most of whom have had their fill of him from 12 to 3. (I can’t fathom who listens, with competition coming from Damon at 1050 and the guys on the GAME. I’ve long suspected the 12-to-3 callers are plants, but someone must be listening.) I think his days are numbered – the new Warriors owners have demonstrated a desire to make their franchise top-notch in every way. If the W’s end their affiliation with the BLEEDER, as has been rumored, they won’t continue paying Fitzgerald to work there (the BLEEDER doesn’t pay him, which must be why he’s still there), and will probably can him altogether. Which would open the door for Greg Papa to make his long-awaited return to the GSW mic. If he wants the gig.
But for now, Fitzgerald is still working. Someone explain this to me.
How about Fitzgerald and brooks laughing incessantly at their lame jokes or spending untold hours on their pigskin picks. Ouch. I cannot listen any more, only when they have a good guest on
DeleteSaying damon bruce is the biggest guy at knbr is like saying the rich lieberman show at ksco is the biggest show in northern california
ReplyDeleteOne last for tonight..I'm watching the WGM news on cable from Chicago..and you think Oakland is bad? A Chicago police station's cars were vandalized and sprayed with graffiti. A local gang even painted their signs. The police are so cash strapped,the security cameras dont work.
ReplyDeleteIts always worse someplace else.
First morning of the Radnich/Bruce show Gary proclaimed that the pairing wouldn't have happened without his approval and he was excited about the new format. They struggle together for what, eight or ten shows before Mr Rad(u)nich leaves for vacation and does not return to his shift until Damon is removed.
ReplyDeleteEnter the subservient (to a point) Larry K and all is right with the world.
Not sure what your point is.
DeleteWhen I heard Radnich/Bruce, Bruce was quite deferential, more so than Krueger is now.
It was obvious to everyone that the chemistry between Damon and Gary was terrible and management chose Radnich over Bruce.
Damon seems to work better alone. Radnich has always been better in a group.
Agree Mark.
DeleteRadnich did not want to new format to work out.
It was forced upon him. Radnich cannot work side by side with someone willing to stand up to him.
Hey Big Vinnie! You a gangsta?
ReplyDeleteGangsta of love on the Santa Cruz radio waves!
Damon Bruce is a conspiracy theorist whackjob. He, quite literally, believes the CIA spent years designing and creating the crack cocaine epidemic and that the US is run by a "shadow" government of powerful, secret bankers who have effectively created a police state. We have no rights, no rule of law. According to Bruce, it's all an illusion...
ReplyDeleteYou mean the Bankers didn't loot this country without a single one going to prison? And that even now,Obama cant get banks to account for the money?. If a Liberal like Obama cant break up the bankers grip..it never will.
DeleteAnd enjoy reading of more billion dollar payouts to retiring CEO's..to them our economy is a pyramid scheme where they are first in line.
Where in the world did you hear this 'clap-trap' nonsense? Bruce rarely, if ever talks politics on his radio show. You must be smoking some reel gooood sheeet!
ReplyDeleteYou're not listening too good... he's a WHACK... tell you what. Why don't you just ask him? He'll happily quote utterly discredited and disreputable fellow conspiracy theorist authors and the like. A complete loon...
DeleteTotally agree on the A's observation, Rich. Lew Wolff has destroyed a fan base that may never recover, only if he sells the team to locals who actually give a damn. The Coliseum is far from perfect and has seen better days, but a few improvement would make it so much better. Instead of pocketing most of the revenue check he gets every year from MLB, Lewie and company could make some improvements to the Coliseum. A good paint job here and there; better lighting in the dark concourses; better food options to keep up with the Giants; upgraded scoreboards built in this century. I hate the tarps, looks cheap. Leave them on MT.Davis (poor seats anyways), but open the 3rd deck up for big draws and at least open up more sections on the 3rd based on demand each game. You can leave the corners tarped where they have the World Series years shown. BTW, I knew they wouldn't make any deals by the trade dead line, but they need more hitting and a SS. They will fall short and not make the playoffs, and the fans will continue not to show up.
ReplyDelete"Lewie and company could make some improvements to the Coliseum. A good paint job here and there; better lighting in the dark concourses; better food options to keep up with the Giants; upgraded scoreboards built in this century."
DeleteYou actually think the Oakland A's OWN the coliseum? The team isn't authorized to make improvements to a stadium they do not even OWN.
and 658,You think any offers from the A's to improve their home would be turned down?
DeleteTHIS BLOG IS TOO POWERFULL,3,486. I mention that D.Bruce interest seems to have faded..then -pow- He a few short weeks later he makes changes,syndicates,starts making noise...back on Comcast.
ReplyDeleteHe must have been smouldering..
Btw- I think Rich might like this. Bruce and Krueger at the very end of a Comcast show (Kreuger won some vote thing) Bruce: Yeah, your co-host stuffed the ballot box. Kruger: Keep being syndicated Damon..
ReplyDeleteThat didn't sound like two friends to me.
Krueger and Damon were just joking. Whenever Damon makes jokes about Gary, Krueger of course has to defend Gary, or say something which would defend Gary. But yeah, Krueger and Damon are tight. They're still going to do 49er postgame together this season on KNBR, and tomorrow, they will be on KNBR (1050 I'm assuming) during the 49ers Fanfest at Candlestick
DeleteMy bad, the fanfest is August 12th, not tomorrow. LOL.
DeleteI meant to post this weeks ago..but Raddy was a bit miffed and told Kreuger that "He follows Bill wherever he goes"..Brow nosing wherever he goes.
ReplyDeleteMaybe Larry convinced KNBR he could do the 49er pre game show alone?..I could be wrong.
By the way, speaking of Gary and Damon, anyone know if their "feud" is real, or is it a facade?
ReplyDeleteDamon still takes shots at Gary, even though the stuff he picks on Gary about is true, even if the shot is in poor taste or sounds messed up. Damon being on with Gary must've really bothered him, or the way Gary and Damon co-hosting fiasco ended last August, must've really bothered him. It's probably more that then anything.
Gary gets his shots in on Damon when he refers to 1050 as the minor leagues. One time he said they are a family at 680, which to me Gary basically implied that Damon would rather have his own show on 1050, instead of being on with Gary on 680. I might be reading too much into that, but it seemed that way when he said that.
But yeah, I was wondering if anyone thinks their feud if you want to call it that, is real. For all we know, they could be laughing about this whenever we wonder about this, or bring it up. It's weird because Damon used to respect Gary a lot and called him "the great Raduuuuu", and then when the Gary and Damon pairing ended last August, Damon has basically hated/disliked Gary ever since.