So Corral issued her complaints to O'Brien one day who blurted out, (in so many words): "well, you can just quit, Elaine." --and to which Corral responded, "Well, maybe I just will."
Corral quit that night.
*Richmond is battling a myriad of health issues now after almost fifteen years from his retirement from KTVU.
He left KTVU with a legacy as one of its greatest anchors and certainly one of the Bay Area's most notable, respected news journalists in the biz, but along the way, Richmond had several issues. Some that weren't his finest.
Several KTVU staffers have told me over the years, Richmond's workplace vibe was toxic. One in particular said, "Dennis was not entirely pleasant and he could be downright, cruel."
A prominent Bay Area radio host (not KGO) told me about meeting Richmond for the first time at a social function. "I introduced myself and he looked over my shoulder the entire time--I said, 'god, what a jerk.'"
Richmond was generally nice and pleasant and a cordial man--but mainly to those he knew. Everyone else? Maybe not so much.
I've never met Dennis, but what you're describing is someone with an introvert's personality. (Something I know of firsthand.) Comfortable around those he's known and come to trust. Uncomfortable at parties, and around strangers and people who seem phony. Not a 'gladhander', and the opposite of a 'Ronn Owens' personality type. For people who don't know how to recognize that personality type, or for others who are strong extroverts (like many in broadcasting), they often seem aloof and cold, but they are really trying to avoid draining their 'emotional energy' batteries in uncomfortable situations. Is this the basis of the conflict between Elaine Corral and Dennis Richmond? Can't be sure but I suspect so.
ReplyDeleteShe's an introvert too. Don't know what everything was between Dennis and Elaine, but one of the bones of contention was that there was an unwritten rule then that he always read the lead story--most stations alternate between their two leads, giving them a perceived equality, but at KTVU Dennis was always the No. 1. Elaine and later Leslie complained about this to Zehnder and Kevin O'Brien numerous times. Finally when Julie took over for some reason Dennis relinquished his privilege and split the lead.
Delete@1035 you raise good points. Very introverted people can come across as
Deletealoof because as you said "they need to save their emotional energy." People who like to talk and/or cant read a room would not know what to do around such a person. I had to learn how to interact with folks like Dennis over the years and it is hard in beginning until you can establish rapport so that when you need to talk to them you can do it effectively.
Too bad the jackhole GM didnt care about Elaines concerns. I watched KTVU a little after that hoping she would come back or sonething would be said about her leaving. After a month stopped watching for good (unless Rich mentions something in this column I should watch on that channel.) Rich do you have any info on how Elaine is doing?
ReplyDeleteAttempted a career in acting that hasn't panned out and overcame a serious health issue--she's living in the CoCo county area and, I assume, enjoying retired life.
DeleteDennis Richmond is an a-hole plain & simple. Came to give a talk at St. Mary's College in 1992. Rolls up in an expensive car (if I remember correctly it was a Jaguar) & had an attitude. Like I was doing him a favor giving him directions. I mentioned I was a Communications major who wanted to get into sports broadcasting and if he had any advice. He looked away, rolled his window up & drove off. Treat people poorly... end up feeble, sickly & having to use a cane. It's called karma Dennis. Hope it was worth it. You're still an a-hole.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry, he was just as much an asshole with his coworkers in the newsroom. Thought his shit wasn't brown.
DeleteThat's Dennis, all right. Worked with him for years. Ibañez is the same way, btw. Most of them were back when news anchors were celebrities. Now that the internet has stripped them of their stardom and brought them (and their salaries) back down to earth, they're a lot more like everyday folk. Frankly I enjoy seeing them brought down a few dozen pegs. Back then they read the news for maybe an hour and for that were treated like movie stars. Now they actually have to work a little, though it still makes me laugh when they act like they're affected by the same issues as the "little people" they cover.
DeleteA little unrelated...but what was that low underlying sound that used to be on the 10oClock news? It sounded like a typewriter or something.
ReplyDeleteI thought about that the other night! I don’t know what it was but it almost sounded like they were in a newsroom with the noise of lo-fi typing or a telefax.
DeleteIt seems unlikely they added that artificial track each night but I’m really curious as well.
It was probably meant to represent "the wire"....the printer that the breaking news came across from AP, UPI, Reuters and the networks. Also law enforcement like the CHP would send out teletypes reporting things like major accidents, an officer getting injured or shot on duty. I worked as a producer in radio and we had a computer/printer in the main office.
DeleteIt was a recorded sound effect - guess it offered a sense of urgency, liveliness
DeleteMechanical teletypewriters were pretty much gone by the 80s. Teletype Corp, a division of AT&T, tried to go into the computer terminal business, but folded instead.
DeleteSounds like some serious sexual tension.
ReplyDeleteRich, what you’ve described is an asshole. Whether he’s an introvert or otherwise, he still treated like shit. Like Julie Haener, he only wanted to be around people who he perceived as having ‘status.’ Anyone else wasn’t even worth looking at, much less talking to.
ReplyDeleteNo wonder him and Julie are all buddy-buddy and visit each other regularly. She has referred to him as his mentor and how she learned to survive and thrive as an anchor. You know what they say, birds of a feather flock together.
Wow, Rich, maybe Dennis set the example for Frank, only Frank was under more scrutiny.
ReplyDeleteHe seemed like an asshole. He had blood shot eyes sometimes when he was on the desk. Wonder if he had a few too many drinks before going on air.
ReplyDeleteI worked w/him at KTVU (I'm still here). Man--what an arrogant a** he was. I know defenders are going to point out that he was the ultimate pro...that he was the best at what he did...and did what he was supposed to do: Deliver and keep eyeballs. But in the end...as he battles health issues...and is not too far from death's doorstep...the real measure of a man or woman is revealed. What the hell good is it if you die wealthy--but everyone you worked with will remember you as a jerk? DR made his money and is no doubt is getting the finest in care. So I don't feel sympathy for him.
ReplyDeleteI don't feel sympathy for him either. He's like the Ebenezer Scrooge of Bay Area media. Glad you made your money DR..You can't take it with you once the Grim Reaper tells you it's time to go. Glad to see I'm not the only who thought Mt. Richmond was an a-hole.
DeleteI'll take the money now. If everyone thinks I'm an a** after I die, I won't care. I'll be dead.
DeleteDennis was even mean to interns, which kind of sums up what a dick he was to coworkers. As a mere news writer I had a couple of baffling run ins with him. I was talking with a very attractive young, part-time intern/reporter who was working with us, when Dennis walked by he tried to get her attention and she ignored him. I thought, oh God he's going to take it out on me. A few minutes later he came over and made a big deal about something I'd just written and read me the riot act. (Not something that was his job to do by the way, he wasn't producing the show.) I couldn't look at him because I knew I'd bust out laughing and that would not have ended well. I just said "Yes, Mr. Richmond" and made the script changes. That was Dennis. He wasn't an introvert, he liked to punch down. He made it miserable for his co-anchors and only Julie was able to handle it year in and year out. All that being said, he is a talented and skilled journalist and there is no question he had an on-air presence that was remarkable.
ReplyDelete> All that being said, he is a talented and skilled journalist
Delete"Dennis Richmond wouldn't know a news story if it bit him on the ass." —Either Kevin O'Brien or Fred Zehnder, I forget which
Fair enough. I bow to the judgement of those esteemed big J journalists. He did have a great air presence which is why he got away with being unpleasant. The work of the great Executive Producers, Producers and reporters is what made him look good.
DeleteNot being in the business, don't know the inside scoop on the guy, but he certainly didn't come across on screen as anything other than an arrogant cold fish.
ReplyDeleteDennis Richmond would be turning in his grave right now if he knew what the 10 o’clock news has become: anchors who go on air drunk, while others don’t even bother to show up for work but instead boast about their extravagant lifestyle on social media, meaning entry-level reporters anchor most newscasts, 90% of which are stories from Fox News or KCRA Sacramento.
ReplyDelete> Dennis Richmond would be turning in his grave right now
DeleteErr, he's not dead.
Not sure if 3:23pm really thinks Dennis is dead or if they’re trying to be funny.
DeleteEither way I got a good laugh out of it..
3:23pm Prematurely standing over DR's grave and shoveling dirt on it. Don't know if you are being sarcastic dude but like they said above... He ain't dead.
Delete@1:20pm, since you mentioned blood shot eyes….Brian Hackney has blood shot eyes….could he be hitting the bottle during work hours?
ReplyDeleteJulie Haener graduated from Dennis Richmond University with two Masters Degrees: a Masters in Narcissism (MN) and a Masters in Bitchiness & Condescension (MBC).
ReplyDeleteShe should add her educational credentials after her name, Julie Haener, MBC, MN
KTVU sure knows how to hire some real winners.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of ktvu…Christien Kafton referred to Rosemary Orozco as ‘Roberta’ TWICE this morning.
ReplyDeleteThe first time she joked it off and said something like ‘I love Roberta, so I take that as a compliment.’
But the second time, Rosemary looked like she wanted to jump over the weather desk and open up a can of whoop ass on him.
That was hilarious! = P She was pissed! The hell is Christian Kafton even doing on the anchor desk? His nickname down at Jack London Square is Pennywise.
DeleteWho would’ve guessed it? Julie Haener called in sick again today. Cristina Rendon is working for her tonight. Rich, any update on Julie? Did she take her leave of absence?
ReplyDeleteKTVU and the W.H. shit show are imploding simultaneously. Two hot steaming piles of incompetence,corruption and hubris. The race to oblivion.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand how the Bay Area population as a whole votes for that garbage. Oh wait, that's right.
DeleteMy dreams will come true if Carmen Kiew joins KTVU.
ReplyDelete"Weather with Roberta errr Rosemary Orozco... and Sports with Carmen Kiew & Ryan Leong. This is your Channel 2 10 o'clock News"
DeleteI’m thoroughly enjoying watching as ktvu sinks to new lows each day, with each newscast. They have a handful of solid on air talent remaining and I look forward to following their careers when they manage to escape this sinking ship.
ReplyDeleteAll others with get their comeuppance when they fall from grace and leave with indignity, just like all those who’ve proceeded them have at this dysfunctional nightmare of a news operation.
These days, Elaine can sue the station with more woman protection. Dennis was an asshole to all female anchors, hope he didn’t try to take advantage on any staffs like Frank. Dennis looks like he in bad health.
ReplyDeleteThere seem to an inordinate number of prima donnas TV anchors. But these people aren’t major celebrities. They aren’t pro athletes, movie stars, politicians, best selling authors or orchestra conductors. They shouldn’t have the kind of egos you commonly see in those other professions. They sit in front of a TV camera and read copy. Yes, it takes a certain specialized skill but many of these news readers somehow think that they’re more important than those they work with. Dennis Richmond was solid; as good a TV anchor as you could find, but his lack of warmth and cool on-air demeanor were a tip off. It’s not surprising that we have learned he was introverted, complex and asomewhat insecure person. It’s sad to see him struggling lately with health problems. When that happens to people late in life, they sometimes soften and open up and realize that they didn’t need to be so egotistical and harsh with people. Hopefully Richmond has had an epiphany of sorts these last few years. It doesn’t sound as if he had many friends at KTVU. It would be nice to hear that he’s been reaching out to his forever colleagues and trying to reconnect in a positive fashion.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how much racial discrimination he has faced in his lifetime.
DeleteNot going to pee on an ailing man’s bed at this late hour. That’s bad juju. I will say he presented well on TV. But we all know things aren’t always what they seem behind the scenes. Wonder if his tight friendship with Julie Haener developed out of the embarrassment of Elaine Corral quitting live on the air. It was rather abrupt and people were talking at the time. KTVU has probably burned that footage. Thank goodness there was no Twitter, back then. Would’ve definitely gone viral.
ReplyDeleteI also consider Richmond being one of the first black male anchors in prime time to be an extra burden to bear. May have contributed to his perceived aloofness. And his desire to keep his circle tight as a protective measure.
Times have changed and people make mistakes, grow and learn. Just at hope all of us so critical are able to focus on the good we’ve done when that final broadcast approaches.
KTVU derangement syndrome in full view. There are FOUR other crappy liberal news stations you know. LOL
ReplyDeleteExactly. KTVU! KTVU! ktvu...KTVU! It's getting as bad as Rothmann on his Trump and Republican rants.
DeleteHow about 55 straight articles on the ridiculousness of "Building a better Bay Area"? Or K. Kraft's (intentional) nonstop pro Hilary and Democrat rantings on a multitude of MSN articles? Or the massive corruption in S.F. politics that (surprisingly) Rothmann covered quite a few times. And how low media turns a complete blind eye.
Wonder if that is why Sara Sidner jumped to CNN. But, she is very good there.
ReplyDeleteThey wanted to force her to be an anchor. Sara is a reporter thru and thru and wanted to keep doing the work. That's why she left. A really amazing journalist.
DeleteDennis Richmond is from the era when the big bad local anchorman was something between a local A-list celebrity and a messiah. Back when the 10 o’clock news had the voiceover at the beginning of the newscast that proudly boasted, ‘This is the ktvu ten o’clock news, the number one prime time newscast in the country.’ Before phones and social media. Before cable news became the national phenomenon that it is. The local news anchor was most people’s primary source of information. All ages, demographics, and political persuasions watched the local news. It was ‘must see’ TV.
ReplyDeleteSo it made sense that the local anchor was recognized everywhere they went. They were treated like royalty or VIPs. They were household names. Their over-inflated egos were as big as their over-inflated salaries. Some of their heads were so big it’s amazing they were able to fit through the doorway to the station. They were the biggest, baddest mother fuckers on the block, and they’d put your ass in your place in a heartbeat, and you’d be grateful that they did.
Fast forward to 2022, and you have some dinosaurs from that era still on local tv. These relics from the past were brought up in the glory days of local news and have stuck around to witness it turn into a sad shell of what it once was.
As their stardom withered away and their salaries got slashed, it’s been difficult for them…to say the least. And that’s putting it kindly.
These holdovers are practically senior citizens in a visual medium; they haven’t aged well, they’re no longer relevant, and they’ve watched local news go from credibility and respectability to a sad shitshow that attracts wannabe social media influencers who hope to use their TV career as a stepping stone to whatever is they really want to do. Local news is mostly about likes, follows, and narcissism. If there’s some occasional journalism thrown in here and there, then great, but it‘s by no means required or even expected.
For years, the local anchor has to read meaningless stories to an audience dwindling to smithereens. They can feel their intelligence, influence, and dignity diminishing with each newscast. They toss to entry-level reporters who can barely form a sentence.
The local news anchor has had to come back to reality, and it’s been challenging for them. Their overinflated egos haven’t been able to withstand the impact as their careers and relevance crashed down like a ton of bricks.
This prolonged change has led to ever-increasing stress and tension, resulting in excessive drinking, epic mental breakdowns in the newsroom, strange behavior on social media, erratic schedules, and embarrassing attempts to reinvent themselves into something they’re not. They flaunt their wealth as they were expected to do in the past as they still believe that’s what best identifies them. Sadly, it’s also a way to try to hang on to the status they once had many moons ago, when the local anchor was superior to the commoner in all aspects of life, and the commoner damn well knew it and was happy to feed their egos.
They make reckless decisions, whether it be sexually harassing interns young enough to be their grandchild or drinking and driving. They call in sick an hour before their shift begins with no regard for their colleagues who have to pick up the slack. They have inappropriate affairs. Their family life has suffered immensely, often beyond repair.
While these dinosaurs are hanging on to glory days and living in the past, we all have a front-row seat as they limp and hobble closer and closer to extinction.
That’s way too long. Dennis is a piece of shit and now pretty close to a vegetable. Asshole.
ReplyDeleteNo one ever said bad about Dennis because he’s black.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear Dennis didn't take an interest in some of his coworkers
ReplyDeleteBut it's also a bit selfish to expect everyone who meets you at work to treat you like a VIP or friend
I smell some jealousy over the pay he earned by doing his job exceptionally well - providing the restraint and clear delivery viewers wanted
Could you hold an audience vs the competition the way Dennis did? I'd say most could not even with extensive training.
Many of us say negative, sarcastic and sometimes regretful things on Rich’s blog but when people stoop to using profanity, it’s really pathetic. One has to wonder about what kind of parenting, ( or lack of,) they had growing up. Obviously, NO ONE taught them civility. It also exhibits a lack of intellect or an unwillingness to try and use the English language.
ReplyDeleteNot to mention, a lack of respect for the others who come here.
STFU... you trying to silence a person's free speech is wrong. Your easily offended feelings need to be put in check, Suck it up buttercup and don't read the "bad words". George Carlin would be very disappointed in you.
Delete"profanity", which is not even clearly defined, IS part of the English language. I find YOUR post, attacking someone else's manner of communication, to be less civil, less respectful and more restrictive of the English language than the guy who is just expressing his opinion (in easy-to-comprehend English, I might add).
ReplyDelete40 years ago Dennis was a customer of mine. When I first met him, he came in a blue Corvette with a “2” sticker on the windshield. I thought he looked familiar and I asked him if he worked at 2. He replied “no”. At this moment I realized that he might be a little bit jerky.
ReplyDeleteHey 2:08, it is true, profanity is part of the engihsh language. But obviously you missed my point. Today, people express themselves as 14year olds sometimes do with “eff this” and “that’s a piece of s@)&!” I would think that on a public forum, you’d want your comments to be taken seriously. When I hear see that filth being written here, or hear garbage being spewed on the air, I think of how regressive we’ve become as a society. I guess having good manners instead of talking or writing like a high school has become arcane. If you think otherwise, then perhaps you’re a part of the problem. So grow up asshole!
ReplyDeleteI was on my lunch hour getting food at Whole Foods in San Ramon. My Buddy and I were in line. I ran back., grabbed a drink and returned. Dennis had gotten in line at the end. I slid back in next to my friend. Dennis had a beret on and said that I needed to go to the end of the line. I said that we were buying our items together, which we were. He gave me the death stare. I then said, “nice beret, Dennis”. Held my ground. What a grump.
ReplyDeleteDid he drop the "if I was 10 years younger you'd go to the end of the line" threat? Was it a Raspberry beret... The kind you find in a second hand store?
DeleteDennis used to buy fine pens at Amsterdam Art in Berkeley in the 90's. He would berate the 19 year old kid at the pen counter if he didn't know an anal specific detail of a particular pen. He was well known in that store as a hostile customer. Sad that anyone lacks such basic social graces and feels the need to belittle retail employees.
ReplyDeleteSay what you will about Dennis Richmond. Now think of Dave McElhatton. What a difference. Dave was a great guy on and loved by co-workers.
ReplyDeleteI worked with Elaine Corral very closely for many years, I also worked closely with Frank Somerville & Mark Ibanez.
ReplyDeleteShe was intelligent, kind, thoughtful, and very generous. Often times we would be at lunch or dinner, and she would pick up someones bill , or send a round of drinks over to a couple.
They would never know it was her.
She was a classy lady, she changed the trajectory of my career, and was always my biggest supporter. I have nothing but great memories of time at KTVU with her.
I read your article, and you have it half right.
There was more to the argument that day and Dennis Richmond was only a small part of it.
Kevin O Brian ( who i also knew ) had no choice but to let her leave under her terms, and she did.
We would see each other before each newscast, some times i would stay and other nights I would leave.
That night she said, “ make sure you don’t go to sleep, watch till the end “ needless to say I wasn’t surprised. I was impressed, She handled it perfectly, I remember the next day the headlines for the San Francisco examiner Elaine Corral is the news.
Dennis was a Dick , period, nuff said
ReplyDeleteI seen Dennis Richmond on a United Airlines flight back in the ‘70’s.
ReplyDeleteI was just a kid but I’ll never forget it.
He always seemed very cool, very professional
FWIW: in the early 80s my wife & I got to tour the KTVU studios with a relative of hers who worked there. No one was there at the time, but we must have gone through the newsroom because I saw a desk that clearly belonged to Richmond. On it was a framed 8x10 headshot of Corral, with the inscription that was something like “To Dennis—it’s been so great working with you, thanks for letting me step on you as I make my way to the top. Elaine” I thought it showed that their relationship was friendly and relaxed, but maybe not?
ReplyDelete