I've never met Amy G, (Gutierrez); we once interacted on Twitter and it was fun and positive. From all indications she's a really nice woman.I've written very little of her work and have for the most part resisted the temptation of piling on. I mean, I'm not a big fan of her work. Surprise.
Here's the deal. Amy G is, from the inside offices, Larry Baer's "good-luck charm." She's not supposed to be Christianne Amanpour but she could try to be a little more Erin Andrews or Pam Oliver and still be her cheery self. Her voice is not her fault and therefore, annoying and nasal to the max, she gets a pass there.
But body of work and all she's terrible. I'm being brutally honest. She doesn't add anything to the broadcast and instead is more of a distraction, a screeching halt that destroys the momentum of the game in play. If it's 12-1 in the 7th I don't mind her giggles and chirps but if there's a close game and she interrupts I'm not a happy camper. Neither are most Giants' fans either and get this: most Giants fans can't stand her. Kruk and Kuip are in for the long haul because they have to make a living but I'd bet that they aren't fans. They play along because they have to.
This isn't end-of-the-world material. Amy G will always be Amy G because Larry Baer and the booster club want an Amy G. Then again consider this? Do the NY Yankees have an Amy G? No. Do the Dodgers have an Amy G in the stands bothering Magic Johnson? Nope. Neither do the Cardinals or the Cubs. Maybe it's not major league. Maybe they have a point. You get my drift and don't bring up the two World Series victories--Amy G doesn't play on the team. And most of the players don't particularly care for her but yeah, again, Larry Baer does and he writes the checks.
*Yeah, it's considered out of protocol that an on-air host rip a fellow on-air colleague --that's not just a KGO Radio edict but pretty much universal rule. That said it was most refreshing to hear David Weintraub belittle Ronn Owens the other night. It wasn't really a rip, more a beautifully-rendered, satirical takedown. Even if you like Owens it was funny and telling. Better yet, Weintraub nailed it. To the bone. Any by the way, I don't know the guy. So talk of him trying to score some points for me is false. I'm flattered but seriously...
*I've never been a helicopter guy. Sure, for a scene of a big accident on the bridge or a fluid news event like the OJ "chase" or police activity, the news choppers are vital but in light of the tragedy in Seattle are they really that necessary? I recall a similar terrible accident in Phoenix too and there's been many crashes in NY. They seem to be happening more frequently. How about one pool chopper for each city? I know this is a radical idea but given the current climate not to mention the overbearing noise it's worth considering.
*To say there's paranoia inside the KTVU newsroom would be like saying that some window-washer on the 50th floor of the BofA building gets a little antsy every now and then.
*More KGO tidbits: don't blame the Dallas yahoos doing KGO's traffic reports on the weekend and sounding foolish and mispronouncing street names and highways. They were hired by Cumulus. Outsourcing is done to save money and put forth a product on the cheap. Plain and simple. If professionalism and broadcast respect were in the business plan, Cumulus didn't get the memo.
Never mind the people in Dallas sound foolish. Never mind the hosts who have to literally lie to their diminishing listeners that "we're going to Rose Barnes 'inside the KGO traffic center." (That sweet-sounding southern belle). Of course it sounds ridiculous and disgusting but you want to know something worse: they don't care about you! Never have. Never will. They are NOT radio people, how many times do I have to tell you, and they have utter contempt for their employees and you, the listener.
*Inconvenient truth: Allie Rasmus is markedly better than Heather Holmes. One has a personality and can read the news --the other comes off cold and antiseptic --with or without snot.
*Jessica Aguirre too beats Cheryl Jennings. Aguirre has gotten better with time. Jennings seems mean and uninspired. And I'm not even going there.
*By the way, Janelle Wang is by no means perfect--not even close--but she looks and sounds genuinely happy to be reading the news. Yes, sincerity is a commodity today.
*Ditto Rob Mayeda and Diane Dwyer. Those of you who think I'm sucking up to KNTV, (NBC Bay Area, google me and "NBC Investigative Unit."
*KCBS, thanks for telling us it's traffic on the 8's as if we didn't know and you had to tell us. Great marketing, I thought it was on the 10's and 11's.
*PIX weather guy, Paul Deanno: nice guy. Looks can be deceiving. And yes, I like Roberta Gonzales--you got complaints, sue me.
*The fake KSFO talk host from 9-Noon with the fake Anglicized Name is anti-immigration reform. Normally I wouldn't care but since he's of Hispanic heritage I find his act farcical. But oh, what the hell, they need bodies to talk and he's only gonna be there six months before the next victim is carted in.
*The non-24 spot: Is the Night Stalker available?
*That alleged "all-sports" FM outlet that can't break a 1 rating just added an ex-SF Giant to its new morning show. The station is the flagship of the "Oakland A's." Another brilliant move by the figurehead PD. Maybe his next hire will be a fan off the streets...Wait a minute, he already did that! Fuckin' genius!
*This is not saying much but Tolbert will murder Damon Bruce in PM drive. Quote me. Not that Tolbert is so great more to the point, Bruce has no dial position, no traction, no 50,000 watts and lately, enough baggage to fill the United terminal at SFO.
*"Today's KGO Radio Saturday guest host from 10-1 is Ed Jew!"
*Follow me on Twitter
I like Ally Rasmus and Heather Holmes. I think your a little harsh on Heather I think she does a great job and appreciate how she reports the news. I like how ktvu report the news. not like some other stations that, to me always try to put on a happy face. I'm interested in good accurate reporting an I watch ktvu for that reason
ReplyDeleteIs that guy that stands up for her with the bad temper going to make a comment? You know, the guy who thinks he is all that but in reality he reminds me of an old saying I saw once, "You are a bitch here, and you are not scary". Self inflated egocentric idiots.
ReplyDeleteA real Comcast "insider" lol
Delete"Anglicized Name " made me laugh because you can use that in describing Amy G. too.
ReplyDeleteHey Rich... Love your blog, but PLEASE '86 that KSCO ad that auto-plays everytime we open one of your pages... It got old the 2nd time I heard it.
ReplyDeleteIt was old the first time I heard it. It's also rude, especially for those of us in office locations.
DeleteI have never heard music from it whether it be viewing via laptop or a tablet. Maybe its just an Apple thing?
Delete"I'm interested in good accurate reporting an I watch ktvu far that reason."
ReplyDeleteThere is Sum Ting Wong with that statement.
Spot on about Amy G. I can't stand her. For all the talk about the Giants want to be a premiere organization, having that waste of space on the TV broadcasts proves they have a long way to go in that regard.
ReplyDeleteEnough of the Amy G bashing already. This is a team not so far removed from Balco updates' 24-7. Does it surprise you that they've made a business decision to go the other way, trying to emphasize a family-friendly vibe during the games? That's what Amy-G does... nothing more, nothing less. If you're looking for introspective analysis, perhaps you've set the bar a bit too high.
Delete@4:57 PM: You bring up a very good point with your observation about the importance of the family-friendly vibe, especially when you consider what's happened to the reputation of Dodger Stadium. The once popular destination for traveling Giants' fans is now routinely bypassed due to the thug element (with Mike Krukow going so far as to issue warnings about cheering loudly or wearing Giants gear).
DeleteMore rationalizations for Amy's loathsome performance in front of the camera. She is "fan-friendly," and heaven forbid the viewers "set the bar too high" when they assess annoying, marginally competent on-air staff.
DeleteSo....call me naive - but, you keep saying that the Cumulus folks are not "radio people", that they don't care about their employees and they don't care about their listeners. Soooo - I do understand that they need money to run a station - so they focus primarily on funding. But - again, here is my naivete: aside from the advertising revenue, what else is radio about besides the listeners? I mean, if a station owner pisses off a huge % of its listeners, and let's say 90% of the audience quits listening - then won't the advertisers drop off because there are no listeners to buy their products? The station will pay on-the-cheap for their on-air staff and again - listeners will drop off, and advertisers won't be interested. It's like saying that a car-wash only wants your money, and doesn't care how clean your car is. That can't work.......
ReplyDeleteA robot may not be able to break your publishing code, but it can still smell the desperation on both sides of the Damon to "The Game" move.
ReplyDeleteDamon Bruce is better than anybody else on that FM station. He'll go more outrageous in his drive time to see if he can attract a following. The main problem for 95.7 is the weak signal, though the poor talent doesn't help. I guess they can't up the wattage without FCC approval, or something. Hell, I had trouble getting its signal inside the Coliseum on my walkman in the middle of an A's playoff game last October. NOT good...
ReplyDeleteBruce is nowhere near the talent Papa is, who is a natural. Bruce is trying so hard, and it's obvious.
DeleteRich is wrong saying the Dickeys aren't radio people. They were born into it, which is why it is all the more disgusting. And it's not outsourcing at all since they in fact also own Radiate Media.
Owens is such a bore now. In not familiar with Weintraub but frankly speaking, anything would be better. They should put Copeland in his spot, or hire someone. Maybe even Gil back?
Ksfo hasn't changed, and won't ever change, regardless of who is speaking. It's all the same nonsense.
I agree. Papa is more talented, experienced, and funny. He's broadcasted for the Warriors, A's, Giants, and was the broadcaster for one of the Spurs' championship years.
DeleteWalkman ? How was your Etch-A-Sketch working ?
Delete- The Giants television show is an enormous success, and Amy G's job is to sell baseball to housewives ( "I'm here talking to Matt Cain's wife Kaylie ... you're ADORABLE !" ), nothing more. I can tolerate her little 30 second blasts. PLUS she's attractive and I appreciate that. Hot soccer mom.
Delete- Good for Paul G. for sticking up for his wife.
- Thumbs Up Diane Dwyer
- The Game 95.7 putting D Bruce up against Tolbert is a stroke of pure stupidity
People don't like Tolbert. They tolerate him. Damon Bruce will do just fine. We all know what time the game starts and lister to the wrap with John, Dave, Kruk and Kuip. Then its back to FM. No static at all. Your antennas must be out of whack, because I get The Game in Modesto.
ReplyDeleteModesto....gosh, I'm sorry.
DeleteActually Rich the Yankees do have a sideline reporter. Her name is Merideth Marakovits. The Dodgers will have Alanna Kole formerly with MLB Network but both are light years ahead of Amy G.
ReplyDeleteAmy G is disgraceful.
DeleteRadio AND TV folks....Your time is running out! RICH is coming! Tick-tock, tick-tock...
ReplyDeleteIn 2013, the Giants lost 86 out of 162 games. They were 21st in the majors in hitting, 22nd in pitching, and 24th in defense.
ReplyDeleteTime for a new good luck charm for the team, and better luck for the viewers ears!
The Amy G haters are the same dopes who say "No such thing as Global Warming"..it just reeks from them.
ReplyDeleteStan.....never go full retard.
DeleteI should take advice from an ignorant bastard? No thanks.
DeleteI thought you might ask" why the same?"..but you're not that high on the gray matter list I guess.
SO, for others...They hate Amy G without even knowing why. They just see others like themselves do,and that's all they need to hear from FOX news demographics. Same "thinking."
Here's an observation. You're an ignorant bastard. You should never go full retard Stan.
DeleteI like you Rich but I'm just sitting here slack jawed trying to figure out how the hell you arrived at that "mean spirited" crack regarding Cheryl Jennings. She has to be the biggest volunteer news anchor in the Bay Area. Nobody comes close to donating their time, name, and voice to as many causes as she does. You can't be that generous and be mean spirited...or come off as mean spirited on the air...which she definitely does not. Methinks someone with an axe to grind is guiding you in a wrong direction...either that or she's one hell of an actor. I'm leaning hard towards the former.
ReplyDeleteAs for who is the better news anchor...Aguirre or Jennings...that's entirely subjective. I like them both a lot.
4:57 (Amy) and 5:06 (Cheryl) are RIGHT ON. Rich is making waves, and not too many want to swim............
ReplyDeleteWell the addition of the POP in audio is TERRIBLE. Come on Rich!
ReplyDeleteThe Yankees don't have a Amy G but how would you like this Rich?
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fdtn0Z4o8cM
This constant Amy G bashing is senseless and classless. She's not meant to me a stats wonk. She's family friendly. Get over it, trolls.
ReplyDeleteHer voice is ear unfriendly.
DeleteWith the huge advancements made in drone technology, I wonder if the days of the news chopper (at least those carrying humans) aren't numbered.
ReplyDeleteEver since introducing the verdant landscape background a few weeks ago, it's become difficult to read your blog on an android device. The lettering does not contrast well against it. It shows up fine against the white background on my PC.
ReplyDeletePaul G. ought to get off his high horse and stop ripping people who are critical of his little wifey and her annyoing, nasal, baby-voice and vapid personality. Guess what Paul, she and you are in front of thousands of viewers every night, and they expect to see pros, not amateur hour. She will continue to get ripped, and I hope she continues to get ripped, until Larry Baer, Ted Griggs, Jim Morehead or whatever other idiot decided she belongs on the Giants broadcasts puts an end to this travesty. As a long time Giant fan, I am insulted and tired of her constant interruptions during the game to talk about nothing of importance in that valley-girl manner. The woman is embarrassing and should continue to get bashed until she's off the air. Plain and simple. If you can't handle that Paul, then both you and your wifey should try to do something else. This is what you get when he stand in front of a camera and act clueless. Sports fans like me don't like frauds and amateurs in a major city working on the broadcast of a two-time World Series winner. Can you imagine how Krukow and Kuiper must have to old in their bile, every time they are required to go down to the dugout for another 'report' from this clueless bimbo? And who cares if she's a nice person. That's not a prerequisite for this kind of a job.!
ReplyDeleteRich, u have a thing for Maria - I have a thing for Heather Holmes. ..
ReplyDeleteI want PG to post another veiled threat on here. What a hack!
ReplyDeleteAmy G. has to know about all the negative criticism she is receiving. Why does she even want to continue with all the haters out there? It would make me feel terrible going to work knowing that NOBODY likes me. Sad.
ReplyDeleteOh BOOO HOO! NOBODY LIKES ME!!! Give me a fricking break Kathleen. Giants fans and baseball fans rip on Amy G. for a reason, She's awful! Plain and simple. Too bad if people criticize her. Baseball fans and Giant fans want to hear about the game, not some silly puff piece from some breathless bimbo who sounds like an overgrown teenager channeling a valley girl. If she can't handle the criticism, she shouldn't be in broadcasting. Well, she shouldn't be anyway, because she stinks!
ReplyDeleteI agree with 1:45pm. That, there in, lies the tragedy.Larry Baer does her a great disservice by keeping her in that position.
Delete