The video above is from Sunday night's KTVU 10 PM News. You can view the opening of the program. Frank Somerville can be seen along with co-anchor, Julie Haener. Draw your own conclusions.
I JUST SPOKE TO FRANK by phone. He was emotional. He swears up and down that he was not drinking. He INSISTS his what appears to show an intoxicated man, is a result from his mistaking meds. He said he took, by accident, sleeping pills, (ambien) and that he's dealing with some "issues."
I believe him.
HE CONFIRMED what I'm reporting now: that he had a phone call with Amber Eikel, KTVU's News Director and that he's not going back on the air at KTVU until further notice.
I reached out to KTVU, including Eikel. So far, no responce. Not surprised there as KTVU and FOX brass, I'm sure, are in the process of conducting damage control. Perhaps they're late in the game. They should have done it much earlier, like Sunday night.
Again, for now, Somerville is OFF KTVU's air. He will be gone at least through next week. That much is certain. His status is uncertain. In the video he does SLUR his words and seems, well, out of it. But he swore to me, insisted it was not due to drinking. I'll let you make your own decision.
*415 MEDIA EXCLUSIVE
As a recovering alcoholic I always tried to fool people the only one I was fooling was myself.
ReplyDeleteAgree, Larpete. I suppose it COULD have been Ambien, but I just find it hard to believe he "accidentally" took the wrong pills. And that begs the question: what were the RIGHT pills? What else is he taking? No, I think he exhibited all the signs of someone who had too much to drink. Plus, his face his taking on that puffy characteristic common with alcoholics. Like you, Larpete, I speak from experience. And as I posted earlier, I take no pleasure in any of this. I just believe Frank needs to stop worrying about work and get himself in a better place. Good Luck, Frank.
DeleteIf Frank is anything , he’s trustworthy. I believe it was Ambien .
DeleteAmen, Larpete. Agree 100%. As someone 533 days clean, I know exactly how it is.
DeleteGet well soon Frank. We're all pulling for you brother.
ReplyDeleteAgain, I ask..
ReplyDeleteWhY would Heather have posted on Saturday that she will be "filling in for a while" on the 5,6,10 and 11 pm newscasts?? Something here isn't right!
She was referring to Friday nights because Cristina is on maternity leave
DeleteFrank is 63. Time to retire and commit to his golf game. I was 64 when I retired. I was very happy to retire but I’m sure the people for whom I worked were just as happy. Staying at the dance too long is not a good idea for all concerned. Enjoy your life Frank.
ReplyDeleteI wish there were more people like mike who knew when the gig was up. Sadly, at FOX, they encourage the opposite, especially at the network. Never mind that the founder is 90, and trying to turn both America and his native Australia into authoritarian governments. Nope, FOX wants no part of mikes. Also unfortunately, Frank has to keep paying for his messy divorce.
DeleteThanks Rich for your great reporting on this. The conversation over substance abuse is important to all of us.
ReplyDeleteRich is just thrilled that Frank spoke to him on the phone.
DeleteOf course the question is, how did they let him go on the air like that? Somebody must have noticed! For gosh sakes, even Hair & Makeup could have sounded an alarm up the chain.
ReplyDeleteThere’s no hair and makeup in local news. And it’s a long, sometimes lonely break between 7 and 10.
DeleteManagement and those in the newsroom should never have allowed him to go on the air in that state. Incredibly sad.
ReplyDeleteHey (12:55pm) Mike. Nice advice jackass! The last thing Frank needs to do is retire. Under his current condition ... He would rather commit to his current struggles than his golf game.
ReplyDeleteLet's hope 5 o clock shadow sal takes some wake up pills for once
ReplyDeleteI really hope Frank can soon be back on the air. KTVU news is the best.
ReplyDeleteWish you all the best Frank! We are all praying you...
ReplyDelete"all praying"??? seriously?
DeleteThe name "George Watson" comes to mind...
ReplyDeleteWho could forget that 1970s & 1980s stud muffin anchor !!!
DeleteA legend.
Now a star on "youtube" with his NBC dateline series.
Forget...Frank
Where is George Watson now ?
Oh..don't fit the demo now.
Too old...omg
Seems like stroke behavior to me.
ReplyDeleteIt could be permanent.
Looks like to weekend alcohol/substance abuse program "shockingly" didn't work. I bet part of the brass' requirements for him to get back on the air, is a 30 day/legitimate program.
ReplyDeleteI never like to see this happen to any coworker.I hope the company has a policy that includes the Americans with disability act provisions for drugs and alcohol and he keeps his job after completion of offered programs.None of us are without fault.
ReplyDeleteThese are personal services contracts. Being a drunk or a druggie is not a status that earns you Americans with disabilities Act protections.
DeleteFrank has had intermittent slurred speech for months now. I don't watch that newscast that often, but found it noticeable when I did watch. He seemed to read the news correctly and interact with others on the newscast, though, so believed it might be some kind of issue like new dental work or something not related to substance abuse. Good luck to him.
ReplyDeleteWonder if Frank was friends with George Watson?
ReplyDeleteMe thinks Frank just blew his contract renegotiations. Between this, the rehab, the interns and the messy divorce this guys life is a dumpster fire. He needs serious help. The last place he should be is in front of a camera. I guess Julie will be sticking around for a few more years.
ReplyDeleteRumors he got involved with interns? ... so much for the hair plugs.
DeleteLooks like Scott Jones of ftvlive.com is too afraid to touch this story.
ReplyDeleteThe pompous ass won't be posting "Toldja So" to his failing website.
Good exclusive Rich.
I agree with 4:17 on June 1. Frank did not sound like a drunk guy powering his words out, but like some one with serious fine muscle control issues.
ReplyDeleteI think he should see a neurologist.
Two things for certain. 1. He looks terrible.. Puffy, old.. 2. He was high as a kite.. You can't self medicate yourself back to good mental health. Needs to take some time off and put things in perspective..
ReplyDeleteOh, lord, this reminds me of George Watson. I hope not, I've been a Frank Somerville fan for decades.
ReplyDelete