FOR YEARS, KGO veteran anchor/reporter, Eric Thomas, has been working hard to get a buyout offer from ABC.
Now, Thomas has got his wish. His last day at 900 Front is Wednesday; after 29years at KGO, he's received a "very generous" buyout and is officially gonno.
KGO has plans.
The move isn't the last for ABC7 SF --in fact, several more senior reporters (including four-decade vet, David Louie is rumored to be a prime candidate to take an offer and split.)
The move comes not only for on-air personnel. A prominent 7 source told me many people in NABET, both fulltime and over age 50 were offered but declined. The Mouse didn't like that so they might have to ramp up their offer.
Thomas' tenure at 900 Front included both weekend and fill-in, weeknight anchoring. He also reported in the field and won numerous industry awards for a steady, if not spectacular stint at the SF mouse factory. Thomas wanted it that way, apparently in favor of never appearing to want to rock the boat.
What about Kristen Sze? No show since last Thursday, is she fired for bashing Rich???
ReplyDeleteNot fired, just off celebrating the Jewish holidays.
DeleteIt was unusual to see Jobina Fortson at Noon. Obviously, not fired. But a suspension wouldn't be a surprise.
DeleteMore African American reporters on KGO these days. Maybe, time to let go of Reggie. The newly hired on KPIX 5 will be a great match and team for KGO 7.
DeleteMan, Rich, this is the kind of reporting that keeps you on top in bay area media news. I wonder what Kristen Sze thinks about this? You're a good man, Rich!
ReplyDeleteWe have a term here at Disney...
ReplyDelete"Re-imagined"
We do it with park rides, Tv and Movies and even the KGO anchor desk.
Re-imagined...
Got a nice sanitized sound.
I would like them to re-imagine the News Director's position.
DeleteGood for him! Bad for the viewing audience. It's a shame that many good journalists will be leaving the scene soon. We'll be stuck with trainees from the Columbia School of Broadcasting, which was probably a division of Trump University (haha). Enough said.
ReplyDeleteEric was outstanding at his job. He had a true presents and was very well spoken. A real professional. He's going to be missed.
ReplyDelete8:56 His presence was pretty damn good, too.
DeleteGood for him, but sorry to see him go. Very solid anchor and reporter.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if we are going to be seeing more JR Stone?
ReplyDeleteHope not....
DeleteVery professional and enjoyable to watch. Eric has been a fixture on KGO for the last 20 years or so. I will miss him, like losing an old friend.
ReplyDeleteWe really like Eric... any chance of Ama Daetz getting a buyout? She is pathetic and incompetent. Kristen Sze and Dionne Lim are far superior...
ReplyDeleteHuge loss for all of Bay Area News and viewers. He is a Bay Area news icon. Best Wishes to a great guy. You will be missed Eric.
ReplyDeleteI really missed Eric Thomas, very sad they treated him like this, I haven’t watched ABC7 since he left. I loved it when Eric Thomas and Dion Lim both on the air, best team to watch. I sometimes see if Dion is on so I watched her. I liked Larry too.
ReplyDeleteWhen will they stop changing the time?
ReplyDeleteThis is why today I thought about Mr Eric Thomas, for some reason he suddenly came to mind while watching the news today & thought wait a min why is Mr Thomas not seen anymore on ABC? Now that I'm reading what happened, I'm one of those who will greatly miss him, matter of fact he was one of my favorite anchors on ABC! We will miss you terribly! However, all the best and after 26 yrs of great service to the station, you'll be able to spend time with your family! Take care sir!
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