KTVU's BREAD AND BUTTER 10 'O'clock News still dominates the Bay Area TV News landscape but that domination has been marginalized lately; KTVU has significantly seen audience lessening --not just at 10 PM but across the board. That is not just a KTVU issues but issues at virtually all local news locales.
But KTVU's staple 10 PM news show is way down across the board--still has significant numbers and local watch but is decidedly down from previous highs.
Why is this the case?
I believe the vast uncertainty of a number of KTVU's major talent is the reason --the only reason.
I believe the vast uncertainty of a number of KTVU's major talent is the reason --the only reason.
Frank Somerville and Julie Haener; Bill Martin and Mark Ibanez are all virtually certain NOT to be back in2021 and that is an industry/Bay Area shocker, especially if you are a Bay Area TV News fan.
Of the core 4, only Somerville and sports anchor, Mark Ibanez, figure to be back for the immediate future --but even they face murky futures at KTVU's/Fox Jack London Studios. I'll explain:
Somerville wants to be back. His current deal expires in March--both he and Fox want to make a deal and Somerville would like another contract extension. Somerville wants a three-year re-up but his current $600K a -year contract seems a likely cut from thrifty Fox; even so, he should get another payday. So too Ibanez, who has been at KTVU since 1979, but will he take a pay cut? Ibanez makes $350K yearly--he too is up in March but there's no way he takes a significant cut (why should he?) --Ibanez has leverage (a future column) so while he wants to remain here, there's no certainty.
Haener is more than likely gone from the 2021 landscape --she's been taking multiple days off (some, due to minor health issues) and she makes too much money. In Fox speak, she's replaceable --and so is the mucho bumbling weather guy, Bull Martin.
There's much here on the docket. And it's only gonna get crazier.
the only reason is talent you don't like? how about them internets..There is less and less of a reason to watch local t.v news than ever. It's not because of the talking heads or the sets.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. I consider myself a bit of a news junkie, in the past I've watched the 6 and 11 news almost every day to 'catch up' on what's happening. Now I maybe watch the 11 on the DVR and fast forward through most of it because I know all the stories before they report them due to the internet. The quality of the newscasts have dropped so far and so fast that it's like watching a local community college station.
Deletebuh-bye broadcast news.
Agree with 10:18; name one news broadcast that has INCREASED ratings - regardless of talent.
ReplyDeleteAlso, remember that you predicted 'stunning layoffs' at CSN Bay Area almost a month ago. What happened to those, Rich?
No one is worth $600,000 a year to read from a teleprompter. Frank is mediocre at best. KTVU has lost much of its luster. Martin has to be non-tendered as he is getting worse. Kyla Grogan deserves to be the lead weather anchor. She is polished and professional. Ibanez is mailing in his sports report and at times, disinterested. He is not worth $350,000.
ReplyDeleteAnchors and reporters from Sacramento or Fresno are better!
Haener makes too much money. She makes more than Somerville???
ReplyDeleteWhat?! You believe KTVU's numbers are down because of anchor uncertainty? 1) The audience has no idea and don't care about who might be staying or leaving 2) The anchors don't give off any perception of change or uncertainty.
ReplyDeleteThe main reason KTVU's numbers are down so great, which you mentioned is also happening across the board at other stations, is because people don't need to watch. Sitting down to turn on the TV to watch local news is ancient. There are too many other options for news and entertainment. There is no longer a must see reason. All the news is available elsewhere and if you were to sit down and relax, why would you watch news when you can watch something on Netflix?
There is nothing unique about the news. One get get the same stories online, you can read it or watch it.
This has nothing to do with the on-air personalities. They don't matter.
Agreed 100%. I was going to type the same thing. My uncle who watches KTVU nightly has ZERO knowledge of what's going on behind the scenes or who might be leaving. That was an odd and ridiculous statement.
DeleteI agree w/10:18. I left the TV news business 14-years ago..and moved to the Bay Area six-years ago for my wife's (non-TV) job. Since leaving, I don't watch local news anymore. Hell--I don't even watch network/national news anymore. Due to old habits, I still "check the wires" every hour or so to see what's going on. (By "checking the wires"--I mean going on the net on my Samsung S10 or Tablet.) When I read something on the internet, more than likely that story will have a link to an accompanying video. If I want more info, THEN I'll go to a TV or network website...to see more video. I honestly can't remember the last time I tuned in to channel's 2, 4, 5, 7 or 11 on my TV.
ReplyDeleteStill hating on Bill Martin? I like his folksy, intimate approach to the weather. Better than the smarmy experience you get from another local guy, or the cookie cutter attractive female most employ now.
ReplyDeleteI definitely prefer the attractive female weather persons. Think Ginger Zee, Dylan Dreyer, or anybody from LA, Miami, or other markets.
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