'Jen' X at KGO Radio; National Media Hits SF for Super Bowl 50; Saturday Short Special

 SATURDAY SPECIAL


KCBS, home for wayward KGO Radio reporters. Just in the last few months: Jenna Lane, Jeannie Lynch, and Jennifer Hodges. And don't forget, sports anchor, Kevin "The Rat" Radich.


Someone needs to take KCBS ND, Jack Swanson to Grumpy's for lunch.


*A large number of national media has already descended on the city for a week worth of freebies and SF hospitality --in anticipation of a certain football game next Sunday.


Among the throng doing their live shots, chip shots and radio shots: CBS Sports, CBS Radio various shows including "Gio and Jones", the NFL Network, ESPN, you name it, they're here.


The hookers are enthralled.

Willie Brown and Super Bowl Mayhem on KCBS; Garcia-Cannon Saga is Fair Game; Friday Short

 BACK INTO ACTION --


While you (and me) were battling the Friday morning commute into the city, Willie Brown and his assorted friends on KCBS were cackling out loud over Da ex-mayor's Super Bowl plans.

Never mind the fact that half the city has been shut down; the vehicle purgatory is in full effect and you need loads of patience to navigate the Embarcadero --even if you take public transportation. I can only imagine what next week entails considering over a million folks will hit the streets of San Francisco and beyond.


*TWO high-profile TV anchors in a major market ...on an NBC station --and impending domestic violence charges on the docket.


That's a big story --I'm covering it and will be when it advances...even if the mainstream media ignores it. It's not a pretty picture and the subject matter is very intense. Can't believe the nabobs who want to bury their head in the sand and pretend we should all ignore and let the people have their privacy. Lovely concept, but not in today's world.


Public people, sorry, it's all fair game no matter the elements.

On Assignment

I'll be back soon.

Brent Cannon Makes February Court Appearance in Domestic Violence Case; Former NBC Bay Area Couple

 Both Laura Garcia-Cannon and her estranged husband, Brent Cannon, will make their next court appearance Feb. 22. He is accused of domestic violence in what figures to be a messy fight --with a family of six year-old triplets in the mix.

*We'll keep you informed of any new developments...

*415 MEDIA EXCLUSIVE

Sources to 415 Media: Loren and Tellez Casualties of Laura Garcia-Cannon Wrath; But Both Landed Gigs

 More issues have come to light since my reporting of the Brent Cannon and Laura Garcia-Cannon domestic violence case, which will soon come to head in a South Bay courtroom.

Sources close to the situation told me that Garcia-Cannon became much more erratic as her domestic life with husband, Brent, was crumbling.

Anybody and anyone who she perceived as a threat was suddenly gone from the KNTV studios.

Two notable co-workers, Christina Loren, who anchored the weather and reporter, Marla Tellez, are no longer at the NBC San Jose O and O. (Owned and Operated station) More on that, later.

From a source close to the situation:

"She (Laura) was always 'very insecure about not being the star of the show. Christina Loren was an unfortunate victim of that obsession. When the focus started being on Christina, Laura went crazy and made sure Christina was removed."

Loren, who is working for a regional agriculture network in the south, refused to comment on this story, but a source close to the matter confirmed to me Garcia-Cannon and Loren had "tepid" relations at best. "She (Laura) basically hated her. Hated her because she perceived her as a threat to her own position."

Tellez was also on Garcia-Cannon's list of enemies --she knew there was no chance to get the lead anchor position at the station but got lucky with a potential Los Angeles suitor beckoning. She moved to LA and is now the co-anchor for Fox 11's "Morning News"

"Marla should have been promoted to the anchor gig in San Jose. She was an up and coming star who could never get traction because Laura complained to management. She was so worried that Marla was the heir apparent that it drove her crazy, " said the source.

*DEVELOPING STORY...

*415 MEDIA EXCLUSIVE

*FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER

Brent Cannon and Laura Garcia-Cannon's Downward Spiral at KNTV; Domestic Violence Charges Against Him Emerge; Onetime Southbay Husband-Wife Anchor Team Featured Players on NBC Bay Area

Brent Cannon and Laura Garcia-Cannon in happier times

 Brent Cannon long ago left the KNTV (NBC Bay Area) morning show anchor team with his estranged wife, Laura Garcia-Cannon. In May, it'll be five years.

The move, according to my sources, was accelerated by Laura's initial attempt to take control of the program and to implement her status as the morning program's "engine." At the time and not too long ago, the show had positive ratings and was one of the NBC O and O's most-watched newscast.

But that was then and this is now.

Garcia-Cannon and her husband are separated now with charges of domestic violence against him pending in a South Bay courtroom. By all accounts, things have gotten out of hand with her accusing him of various pushes and shoves, and more extreme physical behavior. According to a source close to Garcia, she has visible bruises to prove it.

The whole case of nastiness is complicated by the couple's triplets --Brent wants custody rights; she's got the children now. "It's a very sad situation", said someone close to the scene. "Because I know at one point they were a close family with such adorable kids and a great family life."

That all changed in recent years as she took the main anchor desk at KNTV and began to position herself as the station's top air talent for one of its most successful news programs and newscasts; it was difficult because they both shared the set as a husband-wife team --initially things went swimmingly but soon began to dramatically change for the worse.

Garcia-Cannon's and the show's inertia had a noticeable slip. Ratings began to tumble and soon, a large disconnect played out with management wondering internally if the couple's emerging domestic issues affected the program. She was high strung as it was and he tried to soften her approach even as things between them got progressively worse. They were able to persevere, if only temporarily.

He was booted from the show in May, 2011. Rumors started circulating as to why HE and not HER was let go. In the ensuing years, he landed a few radio and media stints and settled in on a consulting gig. In the meantime, both of them battled work and non-work tensions which began to become increasingly more pronounced and disturbing.

A tipping point came last July when the domestic violence issue flared up. He was served with a restraining order after one particularly troublesome home encounter. Through various sources close to the matter (all of whom spoke on condition of anonymity due to the nature of the story) police were called in after she accused him of shoving her to the ground. And he argued back that she exaggerated the description. She had visible bruises to support her claim. He was told to leave the premises and today is living in a local cottage. The matter is headed to both a criminal and civil court.

Garcia-Cannon is still, somehow, anchoring the morning show at KNTV under obviously extenuating circumstances. "I don't know how she does it--what with all this over her head," said a source.

Attempts to reach out to both Garcia-Cannon and her husband, Brent, are ongoing.

*415 MEDIA EXCLUSIVE

The 'Control Freak' of KNTV Morning Show

 EXCLUSIVE

415 MEDIA SOURCES...

Laura Garcia-Cannon and hubby embroiled in domestic dispute galore; she's called the "CONTROL FREAK"

*Talk of the newsroom

*She's both loathed and "feared" by morning newsroom staff.

*Her soon-to-be ex, Brent Cannon, let go from Morning Show ...and SHE was behind it! Why? Complete control and juice over KNTV management --even while ratings are stagnant.

*Garcia and Cannon looming fight over custody of triplets.

*Source: Major issues exist, including infidelity charges and affairs with local TV/Radio talent.

*While ALL this drama goes on, how does (she) keep her mind set on the job? We'll explore more Monday

*DEVELOPING...

Sparks Fly at KNTV (NBC Bay Area); Major Anchor Fray; Domestic Dispute Creates Chaos in San Jose; Developing Friday 415/408 Media

 SPARKS FLY AROUND NBC BAY AREA-- Chaos galore!

*Star anchor goes all-out to reach supreme power position ...and gets it! (To all ends) No one is safe. NO ONE.

*Spat involves domestic abuse charges and infidelity! Management at crossing point.

*A full-out front court press--with at least two people canned too.

*415 MEDIA EXCLUSIVE

*DEVELOPING...

Bay Area: The No Sense of Humor Society; KQED is KQED; Willie Brown and the Chronicle Thought; 30-Year Anniversary of Sylvia Chase and the Old KRON; Ronnnnnnnnnnnnnn's Gadget Orgasm; Thursday Munch

 WECLOME TO THE SF BAY AREA: Land of some people with no sense of humor.

Remember, they stop on the freeway to see the bodies--they're not looking for roses.

*If what I'm hearing is half-accurate, then KQED is in one of their KQED modes which doesn't bode well for the rank and file.

*The Chronicle is all gaga over their BART-has-dummy-surveillance cameras. A good story. For about a day. Not two weeks.

*Even grumpy old Chester at Tommy's thought the relationship/affair post was funny, so there.

*If all I were to write about was the crappy media here then I'd really be down in the dumps so an occasional romp through the woods is OK. And don't be so damn PC, 'yall, this isn't Salt Lake City. Yet.

*Between the Julia Child voice at KGO-TV; the relentless divas at KRON and KTVU and the pompous Frank, we've got a doozy here in the 415 and 510.

*Today on Facebook, Somerville will post a picture of two garden snails making out in a Marin backyard. Then he'll say "Folks, this is why we live here--the love and value..." Or something like that, and a thousand sycophants will tell Frank how much they care. (Pass the barf bag)

*Trust me, don't bullshit a bullshitter.

*I'm sure if Willie Brown became embroiled in some sort of investigation, the Chronicle would cover it without the slightest bias. Sure, pass me some of your Powerball winnings.

*The same people who get pissed off and riled up by a blogger's innocuous rant are the same people who probably watch Wheel of Fortune.

*KRON: yeah, of course that new weather hire has LA roots so she'll be down and out to the 310 sometime sooner or later.

*KPIX: Did they run a Super Bowl promo? I haven't seen one in 5 minutes.

*You know, KTVU has new promos of anchors with black grease under their eyes. I don't know if they can talk like a pirate though.

*FOX is to O and O news operations what the Academy is to Olivia Munn.

*Speaking of which you know everyone's gonna watch Chris Rock's opening monologue where he'll hit it out of the park.

*30 years since the debut of Sylvia Chase at the old KRON. Damn, time flies. About the last time that KRON was relevant, thanks Herb Dudnick.

*Or, the last time Lee Housekeeper took out his wallet.

*Housekeeper, the only person who reads Leah Garchick. Well, OK, Jerry Nachman too.

*Leah had a busy week; the luncheon at the Marin Social Club; chocolate candy at Charlotte Shultz' place in the Marina and a bowl of soup at Pickwick. That's about 12 columns right there.

*Ronnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn Lowenstein Owens had a HUGE ORGASM today: the GADGET MAN was on. Gadgets and Copie, Mr. Softie has the life.

*THIS JUST IN: Frank Somerville has posted a picture of a woman in Cleveland who can simultaneously make love and water her tulips. Now that is real and s.p.e.c.i.a.l.

*Bill Martin: "I never met a weather tease I didn't like." Right, Pechner?

*Allen Martin: Every woman's first husband.

*I go the barber every few weeks because I don't like hair, I like the bald look. So, attention, Frank and your amen corner, the bald attacks don't work. Get your 415 Media info straight boys and girls.

*If calling out the prima donnas in this market and exposing their insecurities is my gig, I'm all for it because I know all about insecurity and ego.

*Reggie Aqui: yeah, now there's a real TV guy.

*Jason Middleton: Ronnnnnn's radio bitch. (Sucky, sucky). Middleton: where you go to buy brown toilet paper on Battery and Broadway.

*95.7 FM "The Game": No ratings but corporate is profitable; KNBR: ratings but corporate almost nearing bankruptcy --the radio Titanic.

*KNBR drinking game: every time Murph and Mac say "dude": punch drunk.

*Jan Wahl: She'll never host a financial show.

*Hey Ronnnnnnnnnn, tell us about your first experience with a gadget!

*Follow me on Twitter

Another Motivated Moment from Cumulus SF Bigwig Mike McVay

Be alive. Take the initiative. Smell the moment. Get up early. Plan your day. Be big. Be proud. Be like 'Murph and Mac'. Be Cumulus!

Arrive!

So, If I Were To Have a Relationship or an Affair With Female Bay Area Media Player

 AFFAIR or RELATIONSHIP?

*Juliette Goodrich: relationship. Old-school. Diane Sawyer tendencies. Talks a little too much but room for advance.

*Allie Rasmus: Affair. Affectionate, compassionate, just enough to mix it up but too young for further reckoning. Probably cool for a dinner at Boulevard --I'll buy the first round of martinis.

*Pam Cook: relationship. The quiet studious type always longs for something more than just a quick horse-riding trip. She's probably quite delightful at the museum. A keeper.

*Brittney Shipp: relationship. Oh, please. Long, long termer. And it really has nothing to do with the beautiful body. She's smart, educated, feisty, a long-term commitment? Hell, I'll put a ring on it.

*Melanie Woodrow: affair. She's just catty enough for a quick little fix. A noontime lunch at Tadich followed by some early-evening wine at Le Central. Then things get interesting. I tell her, quite bold: "Just don't do any piece on me." She nods. We're ready to rumble.

*Cheryl Hurd: relationship. She's edgy and cultured, a good start. And smart as a whip too. We'd rummage through lots of museums and art exhibits before she suddenly stopped, whispered in my ear, "We have got to stop doing this--it's too delicious." I back down and give her my NY giggle, BOOM GOES THE DYNAMITE!

*Lisa Argen: relationship. She's much too ambitious and respected for a mere affair. Affectionately, I'd compliment her on her new outfits and hair (and other things) and tell her it's time we went full throttle and move to Atlanta. Call the Rabbi.

*Janelle Wang: affair. Not because it's cheap or quickie-like, she's got a lot on her plate and I can help her out. Because that's the way I am. And she respects me for that.

*Darya Folsom: affair. Bad-da-Bing, what else were you expecting? Poetry trips and Marin art shows? Hell, keep on dreaming.

*Robin Winston: relationship: I believe the young lass needs a caring man with gravitas, patience and love. Yearning to grow, she's in for the field trip but understands that it will take much time to develop. She understands there's road blocks but I woo her with my magic and constant singing of  "Piano in the dark." She immediately is captivated and although I'm not Christian, (which she prefers), I tell that "Hey, you know, "Jesus was Jewish!" Bingo!

*Tara Moriarty: affair. Hot, steamy and quick. Afterwards, sandwiches at Tommy's Joynt, (I buy) and I tell her a story about my third wife, Becky Easy, who I met at the Emeryville Dennys. She's ready to leave. Me too.

*Rosemary Orozco: affair. We begin our first meeting at the Fisherman's Wharf Holiday Inn. A bootle of '67 Charles Krug cab gets the night rolling but she wants more. I tell her I'm tight with Frank Somerville and immediately captivated, she gives me that pouty look! You know the rest of the story.

*Anny Hong: relationship. A bit testy but worthy of long-term matrimony and harmony, A sort of Asian, Ebony and Ivory girl. I woo her with the fact I'm a tremendous fan of Korean food and that I know the origin of the DMZ . She's slightly impressed. I also tell her that Kim Jong-Un is really a decent guy, just that the media doesn't report "good news." She's suspicious but it's a great ice-breaker and we live happily ever after.

The Girl From Ipanema; Tuesday PM 415 Video Finale

{Damn, Frank was so cool)

KRON's Latest Weatherwoman Also Wants No Part of Radnich Shtick

 Brittney Shipp, by all accounts, is a fairly decent weather guesser. She's KRON's latest forecaster--a job fraught with bad vibes and lots of turnover. Why? Well, I have several theories but I'm not going to go there now.

 

I do know that Ms. Shipp, like the last weatherwoman --has put out word that she wants no part of Mr. Radnich's shtick --we'll wait and see if that's going to last anytime soon.

Local TV News Stations Once Again Cheapen 'Breaking News'

 Several readers e-mailed that stations in the market once again used the "Breaking News" logo to talk about the San Jose bus accident many hours after the actual incident. KNTV, for one, did so on its midday news but KNTV is not alone. Virtually every station is guilty too with some more grotesque in their use than others.

KTVU is pathetic, so too is KGO-TV. Their overuse of Breaking News is almost as rotten as the perennial leader in the clubhouse, CNN, which has gone so far as to create a new, awful, slogan: "Breaking News Coverage" Or better yet, "...we continue with 'breaking news coverage..." Yuck.

I've stated hundreds of times that the brand, "Breaking News"; legitimate breaking news that is of great significance to the populace; a terrorist attack; a natural disaster; an assassination; has been ruined and eternally cheapened. Because the news managers and idiot consultants have no respect for the viewer, much less their own company, "Breaking News" has become a promotional tool rather than a news alert, a real news alert, like real, BREAKING NEWS.

What a shame.

KTVU Reporter De la Vega Sharp in San Jose Greyhound Bus Crash; Tuesday Open

 Props to KTVU reporter, Janine De la Vega, who was able to score a key interview at the site of the Greyhound bus accident in San Jose that killed two people and injured several others.

This is one of the most difficult stories to cover --a terrible crash in the middle of a busy freeway during the morning commute. Moreover, when information is hard to obtain and the story is ever fluid and always changing, easy tasks become more irksome. When you add a heavy-duty rainstorm into the live shot it can be further maddening.

Not so with De la Vega who managed to get one of the passengers off the bus with an eyewitness account. (The young man said the driver fell asleep at the wheel)

To KTVU's credit, they pretty much stayed with the story while some stations went back to network programming.

Bay Bridge Closure Due to Protesters --All But KRON Stick With Story

 KPIX, KGO-TV, KNTV and KTVU all broke into regularly scheduled programming to cover the Bay Bridge closure (due to various protesters) ...once again, KRON, which bills itself "The Bay Area's News Station" had a quick cut-in but immediately went back to "Dr. Phil."

In Memoriam

{GLENN FREY}

Quickie: ABC has Interest in Katie Utehs

 Interested in talking to KGO's freelancer,  Katie Utehs.

Weather or Not You Care; KTVU Pushes 'Weather Authority'; Monday Open

 You want to know why you see so, so, so, many weather teases and weather reports on KTVU's "10 O'clock News?" So much, to the point of insulting viewers with useless plugs and repeated teases? Because management is pushing it. You can't have a "Weather Authority" without talking about weather and damn if FOX doesn't want to push weather because it's right there, cheap and inexpensive programming

Moreover, Fox thinks you're stupid. They don't have respect for the viewer. How can they have respect for the viewer when they don't even respect their news people in Oakland?

So, with El Nino apparently affecting the weather and providing temporary relief for the state, now they have an excuse for their hundred weather reports an hour. (Or so it seems) But when news managers artificially push stories (even when there's no story) there's a problem. A rainmaker, if you will.

The "Weather Authority" gimmick is just that, a gimmick. Its fake passion has no pulse. Its cheerleader, Bill Martin, and other assorted weather chirpers, should know better.

I have it on Authority.

*More weather: Notice how conveniently weather anchors here always seem to say, lately, "...the rain will pour right before the morning/evening commute?" I'm sure it's just a coincidence that's right near morning show time.

*Younger people aren't just dumping newspapers, they're 86ing TV and getting news from the Internet ...hence, local TV News acting ever more STOOPID.

*KPIX could show some ingenuity --they could film one of their pregnant anchors during labor and induce a live shot of birth. I was kidding but I wouldn't rule it out. It beats most of their other content.

Somerville, the New Gandhi; KTVU Channels KRON; Heather Holmes and Darya: Boob Tube En Fuego; More BS at KQED; 415 Media Sunday Brunch

 SUNDAY BRUNCH

*Frank Somerville, yeah, serious TV news journalists take to Facebook to show their soul. You're a regular Gandhi.

*The incredibly annoying new edict on local TV newscasts: anchors now showing fake concern about draught with endless nods to weatherman/lady: "This rain is so great, we really need it." Just shut up already, really.

You INSULT most viewers who are smart enough to see sincerity versus phony. I keep seeing this BS played out night after night. Clue: Just stick to the teleprompter and read your script.

*Frank, I could care less if you were to wear a thousand hair plugs. It's your righteousness and utter bullshit. Look up the word, "vanity", Frank.

*KTVU: the most dysfunctional TV station in the market next to KRON.

*Heather Holmes is not only intensely insecure she has numerous vendettas --all the which make her a terrific anchor, right? Wrong. Holmes is a class-A diva with limited depth and an abundance of ego. Maybe she and her snot are destined for Toledo.

*I've never seen more nervous news readers than I do at Channel 2. If their management were as persistent in telling air talent not to talk to me as they are with news presentation, then their ratings would be better, chitty-chat talk and all, god, speaking of bullshit.

*Ross Palombo: between the fake voice and on-air histrionics he'd be great at KRON. Wait a minute!

*Heather Holmes and the other diva: Darya Folsom: boob tube en fuego.

*Jana Katsuyama: KTVU's new starter showcase. Great, basically a 2016 Wendy Tokuda who doesn't flub her lines. OMT, JK, 86 the arrogance displayed around co-workers, some of whom think you're a witch.

*Mike Mibach: trying every day to act like Chuck Todd.

*Today on Facebook, Frank's gonna get choked up by a woman in Fremont who plays the ukulele with her toes.

*THIS JUST IN: Somerville gets real deep with his legion of FB fans: offers prayers for ailing Toonces, the driving cat.



*Early Sunday morning on KNBR: more dead air than a Colma cemetery plot.

*Whispers galore as to what the hell happened, on-air, Friday Night with KRON's Gary Radnich, who seemed flustered and all shook up, at best. I didn't see it just heard even digital boy who washes his car was perplexed.

*Damon Bruce is about due to tell you he's great, again. We haven't heard it for at least 5 minutes.

*KQED, the land of millionaire managers --internal strife galore at PBS-SF but haven't we been down this road before? They never learn.

*Only the Chronicle would try to brag that Sean Penn once wrote opinions for the rag. Bizarre, even by Comical standards.

*Reggie Aqui and Natasha Zouves: A really bad Steve and Eydie. By the way, that new morning show? Great, how revolutionary --keep on dancin'.

*KTVU News Director to prospective reporter: Can you talk like a pirate?

*BREAKING NEWS: Nobody that I know of is pregnant at KPIX but things could change.

*That new weather gal at KRON is apparently aware of Bentley man, so yeah, just like the last counterpart, put out word that she wants no part of his schtick.

*Wilkes Bashford is having a vodka over with Herb Caen in heaven.

Checkmate

Thanks to all who support me and 415 Media

Have a great weekend.

Frank Somerville is God

 SOMERVILLE--  The God of KTVU

I'm not that spiritual of a person but I do have instinctual beliefs.

I do believe Frank Somerville to be KTVU's God. I believe it because, knowing Frank, he believes it and that's the only thing that counts.

Frank has unbelievable power and is bigger than life and every teleprompter on the planet.

Frank is not only a mere news reader, he's Superman and Batman times a million. Anchorman? God has so many more titles, he's insulted at your anchorman reference. God is going to change the world. I have it on good authority that God is going to change everything you ever heard about journalists, uh, wait, (remember, Frank is God) God is perfect, purdy too. How do I, a mere civilian know this? Because I know a God when I see one and Somerville is that. God wants to change the world. He didn't get into the business to "get on TV." That's just not him. "I'm here to save the world." God doesn't care about hair plugs. That would make him a mere mortal. Only mere mortals care about string beans and hair plugs. That's not God's MO. So sacred.

Bow all you little people.

And may the teleprompter of hair be with you.

KTVU Drama; The Feuding Diva and The Sanctimonius Vet; He Hates Her; She Can't Stand Him; Holmes and Somerville Steamed Duet at KTVU

 

 

The FEUDING DIVA and the SANCTIMONIUS ANCHOR!

 

KTVU ANCHOR WARS!

 

Don't be fooled by the picture to the left. This is flat out WAR!

 

WAR, Boys and Girls.

 

He (Frank Somerville) can't stand her (Heather Holmes); in fact, when she fills in for Julie Haener, he has a pissing match in the back office with the boys.

 

She really can't stand him either; to the point where she thinks he's trying to ace her out.

 

Meanwhile, senior staffers were laughing behind the scenes as she did a live shot from SFO before her goofy trip to Houston to cover the NFL meetings. (That went over real well with one producer) Like me, the producer was incredulous that management sent her on assignment to cover a sports story--only problem is "she has zero sports knowledge!", said a source.

 

That's the least of KTVU's problems, for now.

 

The Frank VS Heather duet is better, maybe not so much for KTVU and the FOX hounds but delicious consumption for everyone else.

 

We'll be watching and reaching out.

 

*Follow me on Twitter

 

 

 

 

KNBR Announces Chip Kelley as 49ers Coach; Then Runs 20 Minutes of Commercials

  SO TYPICAL KNIBBERISH:

10: 30 AM: Announces Chip Kelly as head coach of 49ers...then proceeds to run 20 straight minutes of commercials.


That's your Sports Bleeder in Action.

Longtime KCBS Broadcaster, Al Hart, Passes

 Al Hart, the legendary Bay Area news broadcaster died early Thursday. He was 88.

Hart spent 52 years as the anchor for KCBS Radio.

We wish Hart and his family our condolences.

Raiders News Creates Quite a Bit of Shouting and Alleged Experts; KTVU Sends Sports Expert Heather Holmes to Houston

 LOTS OF SHOUTING...Lots of "experts" who are just guessing --I too have guessed in the past to lampoon "Insiders", most of whom are just professional guessers on TV and radio.

The Raiders news on Monday made it on the national domain because the LA Market and NFL are BIG news. BIG business.

The elite guessers have all guessed conflicting opinions about the Raiders' next home, but I'm guessing Oakland for the foreseeable future. All the amateur guessers have thrown out Sacramento, San Antonio; hell, don't stop there, why not Emeryville too?

*I love KTVU sending that well-known, sports authority, Heather Holmes to Houston for the NFL meetings; ditto, KGO-TV, for sending that sports journalism pantheon, Laura Anthony. I must be missing something.

*Jason Cole, from Bleacher Report, on KCBS this morning, had the most apt, concise and accurate account of why the NFL was non-gung-ho on Mark Davis' Raiders getting LA: "The NFL doesn't want a franchise that has gang-branded images associated with it." I'm paraphrasing Cole but he hit it right on the head. It's politically-incorrect el mucho but it's a major factor you probably have never heard on any other outlets including the Sports Bleeder, KNBR.

*Mark Ibanez has covered the Raiders since 1979 therefore whatever reports is just plain true. He said so.

Meanwhile, how was breakfast?

Mark Ibanez Just Said Emphatically that the Raiders are Staying in Oakland

 So that's that.

Another New KRON Weather Woman Meet Ms. Brittney Shipp

 Brittney Shipp is your latest KRON weeknight weather woman. (How long will she last know one knows, this is the most cumbersome position in Bay Area TV News history)

Shipp is coming all the way from Philly so presumably she knows big markets.

At least she isn't blond either.

Just watch out for the Bentley guy.


(H/T)- Newsblues

In Memoriam

Life isn't fair.

Thanks for supporting 415 MEDIA --

RIP David Bowie.

The Biggest Fight

 *Two veteran reporters; heavy hitters among the senior reporters at KTVU (Fox2) that are fighting for their jobs.

John Sasaki (pictured on the right) and retired John Fowler

*Fox management want both to "retire"--they won't go quietly, if at all.

*Fox offering generous buyouts --but not generous enough.

*With push by suits to go to MMJ format, senior reporters fear move will make it easier to dispose of them.

*The "FIGHT" of the year emerging.

Word on Street: Talk of Strike at KTVU/Fox2 During Super Bowl Week

 A major management/labor disconnect at KTVU --Fox wants to go the way of MMJ (Multi-Media journalist) has sparked talk of a strike at 2 Jack London Square. And strike talk amidst one of the busiest news and sports time locally in years: a walk-out, sick-out during Super Bowl week for coverage at KTVU on ALL levels of the unions.

SAG-AFTRA began negotiations with FOX last week. Word is that both sides are heavily "dug in" --meaning, short of a quick, face-saving compromise,  the possibility of a work stoppage is very real.

Then again, both sides have much to lose in this endeavor should it all come to that. While the unions have all the leverage; more so than management, it is Fox that has all the deepest pockets.

Me thinks a settlement looms but so far both sides are talking tough.

We'll wait and see.

Disgust at KGO-TV over Dancing Anchors Zouves and Aqui; Pompous and Sanctimonious Frank Somerville; Armstrong and Getty: Strip Malls are Us; Michael Savage #1 on TSL; Monday Breakfast Opener

 Many in the KGO-TV newsroom, I'm told by someone who knows and works there, are DISGUSTED by this--scroll down to Jan. 8 and watch Natasha Zouves and Reggie Aqui dance during a break and look like fools.

*Add the word, "sanctimonious" to "pompous"; Frank Somerville, who uses Facebook to appeal to his legion of sycophants.

Frank, unlike you, I'm open and happy with my strands of hair, el baldo de supreme --proud of it, in fact. Furthermore, plugs, I don't need to post pictures of my kids to justify whatever the hell I'm saying. Bye Mr. Burgundy.

*Quite geniuses at KTVU who think by referring to newscasts like, "The 9" and "The 4" will somehow make them unique. Yea, sure, just like cow chips come in different shapes and sizes.

*Hey Frank, just ask yourself this: "What would Fred Zehnder think?"

*The latest mush from TV News anchors: when talking about the mega jackpot and lamenting "I didn't win." It's so predictable and stupid too. You'll see this crap again and again when the next big jackpot comes around.

*Why do you come here? Because you like snarky --if it were the opposite, you'd skip this. So, as I tell various people, if you're looking for sweet and charming, go read Ben Bland Torres and give Ronnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn and Copie a call.

*Damn right I'm miserable, go watch our local TV newscasts.

*David Bowie: damn.

*I hope I'm wrong: John Madden won't be back anytime soon on the radio.

*This is the article Cumulus hopes its SF (and beyond) doesn't read.

*"Treat people the way you want to be treated," says an old buddy. Apparently, KRON's management didn't get the memo.

*Again, the guy that every day on the radio talks about his kids; preaches in order to be just, you must have family and that gives you responsibility --if you don't espouse that formula, you might as not exist, in his words. Too bad he doesn't practice what he preaches. Ask the people of the Tenderloin.

*Michael Savage: TSL #-1 radio host. High fives at KSFO. I'm a fan. Deal with it.

*I don't hate all the anchors in town just most of them. Hair plugs or not.

*You can be quite terrific at your craft without making a fuss, without coming across as pompous and phony: ask Ken Wayne. Ditto, Anne Makovec and Carolyn Tyler.

*Speaking of Makovec, her and Phil Matier on Sunday morning KPIX: appointment TV. Or, in plain talk: talking to the audience like they are adults and having respect too. What a novel idea.

*You know, KRON has some really good reporters and anchors. They know I'm rooting for them, not the schmucks that wash used Bentleys and do the dirty work for sports guy.

*Too bad The 4 and The 9 didn't do some real good investigative packages --you know, material that counts but then again, Fox caters to morons so fugeeet about it.

*Between KRON's 20 weather reports per newscast and KTVU's 60 weather teases who the hell needs the Weather Channel here?

*Armstrong and Getty: strip malls are us.

*Gil Gross: radio Siberia.

*KNTV: (NBC Bay Area) not the splashiest news operation but pretty damn good reporters and anchors.

*Stacey Baier and Aaron Pero: birds of a feather...

*Next week Ben Blong Torres will do a 3000-word essay on Cumulus' toilets.

Management Misfit at KRON didn't Happen Over Night

We didn't just pick on KRON for the sake of picking on the Bay Area's local TV News albatross. We've been yakking away for years about the yahoos that run the news operation and there's still plenty to go around.

It's a wonder it took so long to dislodge at least one of the misfits. There's more to come, believe me.

Carry on.

Friday PM Flash: Stacey Baier OUT at KRON; 'Despised' Assistant News Director Dumped at 900 Front

 STACEY BAIER --OUT at KRON



Normally, an innocuous, third-rate, assistant ND (News Director) would not warrant any bit of a commotion, good or bad, but that's not the case of one, Stacey Baier, who, according to one of my various sources at 900 Front was given the boot Friday at KRON.

Jubilation from most of staff would be an understatement --try, glee, singing, infinite joy.

Baier, by all accounts, was universally hated. Wait a minute, as some newsroom figure later stated, she was despised.

Not a surprise here. In fact, rumors have been circulating for months that someone; some manager would get the boot.

A source at KRON: "So many people quit because of her. She was ruthless. There were so many rumors that she would get canned."

Like Friday.

Baier worked with ND, Aaron Pero, another KRON misfit who rules staff by intimidation and fear to the point where actual reporters and anchors have routinely left his office, crying.

On Friday, it was his underling that was seen by staffers, crying.

No word on a replacement as of late Friday. And by the way, this move wasn't a Pero decision. I'm told this came from someone above Pero, who himself might be updating his resume.

Ronn Owens goes Ballistic Over Non-CES Vegas Broadcast; Gulen Thinking About KGO Suit; Super Bowl Tix Creates Fuss at KPIX; Friday One-Liners

 OWENS goes ballistic over not being in Vegas!

KGO's Ronn Owens is furious that his show is not broadcasting from the huge CES (Consumer Electronic Show) Show in Las Vegas.

Owens, the self-described "Gadget Man" (supposedly, he's got over 10 cell phones) is one pissed-off talker.

Owens is seething --(he's told very few KGO people) because management decided to 86 programming from the Vegas event "at the last minute." Said an insider: "Cumulus is cutting back on anything even remotely deemed 'discretionary spending--it's simply not in the budget." In other words: It costs too much.

Sorry, Ronnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn. You could always extend the 'R and B 'Joke Hour' to a full show or bring back 'Up to 30'--uh, the latter? That'll never happen. Gees, I wonder why.

GULEN IS STILL PISSED OFF

Leyla Gulen, it would seem, must be happy. She was dumped at KGO-TV (ABC7); fired for being insubordinate after learning she wouldn't be on the station's new morning show.

But now, Gulen is headed across the nation to lovely (uh) Charleston, SC to work at Fox24 as their 10 PM anchor.

STOP right there: In fact, Gulen, who comes across as sweet and cuddly (not!) is still outraged that KGO gave her the heave-ho; how much so? Gulen discovered she was a goner by showing up to work and discovering her security card key was deactivated! (Ouch) That didn't sit well with the former ballerina --who has reportedly called a "prominent" SF attorney to "weigh any legal options."

As they say, stay tuned.

FRIDAY ONE-LINERS

* Some KPIX staff, are waged in an outright "war" over the CBS O and O's allotment of Super Bowl tickets. Seems the big suits have received the bulk of the prized Santa Clara tickets while lower-level, (gees, what a shock) staff have been told they won't get any ducats --the result is what you expect. Another issue at 855 Battery that has put a crimp on labor-management relations. Way to boost morale.

*Those ubiquitous "Non-24" ads are becoming radio spots diarrhea --then again, the company that puts them out doesn't give a damn.

*Hey, Gasia Mikaelian, you can tell your friends at KTVU that "I don't give a damn about 'this station's reputation, I'm here to get a paycheck"--just keep in mind, some of those that work their ass off to make your job easier are not so thrilled.

*Ross Palombo: a legend in his own mind. The Italian Ron Burgundy.

*Put  Ronnnnn, Copeland and Jason Middleton into a room with the equally insufferable, Mike Amatori and you'll see more brown toilet paper that you see when visiting the bathroom at the SF Zoo.

*BREAKING NEWS: Bill Martin just performed his 18th weather tease on the 10 O'clock News, a new world record.

*Ann Killion and Jan Wahl are reportedly in deep thought to create a new play: "Double Yentas!"

*Brian Hackney's rally cry at PIX: "Hey, you could have had Henry Tannenbaum!"

*Sal Castaneda is taking musical requests while he anchors traffic on KTVU thereby FOX now completely fucking up the entire old Channel 2 legacy. At least he hasn't begun talking like a pirate. Yet.

*John Sasaki shot some news content (furry animals) with his cell-phone camera. The union guys at KTVU are furious.

*Frank Somerville: pompous with hair plugs and whose ego has shot through the roof. One more thing: Your YouTube commentaries are amazingly similar to that of KGO's Dan Ashley. Gees, I wonder why.

*Ben Bland Torres: When writing that multi-thousand word Puffy Press Release on KNBR Krueger (which has, so far, drawn 1! response) forgot some outstanding items. Some of you already know what were the obvious notes that Benjie left out. Ben is in another world thinking it's 1979 and he's still penning for Rolling Stone.

*Of course Ben could have written more extensively about the bloated one who still parks his used Bentley in the handicapped parking spot at 900 Front. Just don't drive a Jag in the Tenderloin anymore.

Yes, KPIX is Flaunting its Super Bowl 50 Coverage But You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet

 FEW PEOPLE would begrudge KPIX's incessant pre-Super Bowl blitz of ads, news, promos and presentation--after all, it is the Super Bowl, the biggest game in America and whose audience traditionally tops well over 100 Million people.

We get it, the unofficial national holiday on the first Sunday in February and this year, the special 50th Super Game.

OK, fine.

But then KPIX has gone over the top, no surprise here. Mildly, but just enough to cause mass irritation. Look, a Beyoncé addition to the halftime show is legitimate news, no problem there. But countdown clocks, repeated "stories" that are really no more than splashy advertisements gets to be a drag particularly when such news is driven down the throat on a daily basis.

Even Joe and Jennifer Montana, as big as they are, are not worthy of repeated plugs and notices.

Again, we acknowledge that PIX is lucky enough that the 50th Super Bowl happened to fall on CBS' time to air the game and yes, of course the game is in Santa Clara.  I can only imagine what KTVU would be bringing us had it been FOX's turn on the rotation. Thank God for that.

I'm going out on a limb that as the game gets closer you're going to see a helluva lot more stories about Santa Clara, parking lots, VIP booths and hospitality suites. That's about 20 minutes right there.

*Follow me on Twitter


 

KPIX Anchor Changes at 5 and 6 PM; Former KGO-TV Gulen Headed to Charleston Fox24

 KPIX ANCHOR SWITCHES and GULEN HEADS TO SC

Exclusively from my KPIX eye --Changes:

At 5 PM: Elizabeth Cook and Ken Bastida (used to be Allen Martin and Liz)

At 6 PM: Allen Martin and Veronica De La Cruz (used to be Bastida)

**Leyla Gulen, formerly of KGO, has landed the 10 PM anchor gig at FOX24 in lovely Charleston, SC.



Leyla Gulen off to Fox24 Charleston, SC

I Remember

 I REMEMBER...

When the Chronicle --and its digital sister, SFGate, was must-read media. Even if it meant having to skip most of the frivolities ...now, it's simply unnecessary and a mega-hassle. It's easier to get into the Kremlin than to navigate the Gate. Other than a few columnists, why bother?

*I remember when Ronnnnnnnnnnnn Owens was appointment radio. Informational, entertaining, provocative and enlightening. Now, the only thing compelling on Ronnnnnnnnnnnn's show is when he tells listeners about his Mercedes purchase over the weekend.

*I remember when most female KPIX news anchors weren't getting pregnant all the time.

*I remember when a certain 95.7 FM (Sports) 'The Game' host from 3-7 PM, was on rival KNBR, Christmas night, for 20 minutes, no less. Hats off to the monitoring dept.

*I remember when Gary Radnich, who preaches kids and family on his daily alleged sports show, cheated on his first wife, twice. (That didn't make the Ben Fong-Torres article, humn.)

*I remember the time when KTVU was wildly popular and entertaining; a news foundation and staff based on great anchors; great reporters, reporting; news and information delivered with crisp and crafty technique; real and genuine; a heritage station that was the envy of the Bay Area and beyond.

Now, I see anchors talking, chattering, and sounding like fools. Reporters and anchors talking like a pirate. A bunch of clowns directed by FOX Clown management who wouldn't know authenticity and respect for brand if it hit 'em in the head.

*I remember the time when a blond female anchor at KTVU hit Mark Ibanez with her heel in the parking lot.

*I remember when KTVU female anchors like Gasia Mikaelian didn't mug the camera and embarrass themselves and the station. Sum Ting Wong.

*I remember the time when in order to get a TV anchor gig on KGO-TV, a female newbie didn't sound like Julia Child.

*I remember KGO-TV without 4 weather anchors. 4!

*I remember the last black air talent on PIX not counting Christin Ayers.

*I remember Brian Copeland when he was black.

*I remember Michael Krasny when he wasn't having an orgasm talking to Phillip Roth.

*I remember Ron Lowenstein when he first came to KGO in 1975. Humble fellow.

*I remember Pete Wilson and Evan White and Bob Jimenez and Tom Sinkovitz. I remember Van Amburg. I remember Peter Cleaveland reporting on the streets of San Francisco. I recall Catherine Heenan. I respect the hell out of Kate Kelly and Pam Moore. Rita Williams and Betty Ann Bruno. Ben Williams and Belva Davis. Mark Thompson and Pete Liebengood. Joel Bartlett and Peter Giddings. Jerry Jensen and Art Cribbs. Marcia Brandwynne and Claud Mann. Gary Park and Don Sanchez.

*I remember Owen Spann. Jim Eason. Art Finley. Gene Burns. (Mr. Burns, affectionately)

*Jim Dunbar and Ted Wygant. Wow.

*I remember Joe Starkey do his 6: 20 PM sports report on KGO Radio. The best-written sports wrap in America.

*I recall the night John Lennon was murdered in 1980 I turned on KGO Radio and listen to Russ Coughlan heal a grieving Bay Area.

*I recall Monte Stickles buying me breakfast at the lovely Studio Café on Golden Gate Ave when KGO was headquartered in the Tenderloin.

*I remember when KRON was the CBS of the Bay Area. Now it's pretty much Cartoon Channel.

*I remember when Dave Newhouse hosted SportsPhone 68 and Ralph Barbierri dove in for the kill.

*I remember the first time Gary Park talked about restaurants in Montreal during Giants' games.

*As a little kid, 10 to be exact, I remember the great Walt Harris and "BIG TIME WRESTLING!" at the old KTVU in 1972.

*I remember the old Gary Radnich "Sports Final" on the old KRON before the Young Broadcasting/NBC debacle.

*I remember a TV sports guy named Steve Sommers. Maybe the funniest person ever in Bay Area media.

*I remember when Mark Thompson replaced "Fletcher the Weather Bunny" on KRON.

*I remember when perusing the Bay Guardian was first toilet read followed by the Pink Section.

*I remember having lunch with Howard Cosell and seeing him hit on a 19 year-old blond at the Fairmont Hotel back in 1982 when I was working at K-101.

Back On Thursday

I know you couldn't sleep.

Neither could I, sort of.

A New Year's Tribute--Natalie Cole

Much too soon.
RIP.