I became more critical and annoyed by the day with John Rothmann's insistance to take cooky calls from the Trump amen corner --I also didn't care for his over-the-top "outraged" and "appalling" reactions to certain events and incidents but I've never doubted Rothmann's political acumen and presidential politics expertise--they're both ripe for discussion and enjoyable. I'll miss Rothmann's broadcast on Election night and am bummed, (like a lot of you) that we have so little to tune into, from a radio standpoint, on Election Day and night.
Which makes the KGO debacle#3 more of an insult, thanks FCC.
*NEW RULES: enough with political rants on this blog, I'm tired of threads that turn into "dems, good, repubs, bad" and vice versa. This is a MEDIA blog that delves into media and the people that make it happen, not an outpost for venting on the ills of Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden. I'm tired of it, especially those of you who make it a habit to SHOUT and use capital letters. No more.
*Yes, of course I RIP people and I'm critical which is why you come here; to read my NO BS spin and agree or disagree. Sometimes it gets personal, (not my choice) but as I've said a gazillion times, I DO NOT HIDE behind this keyboard and make anonymous insults, my name is right up there on the mast head for you to see.
It's a far cry from the misfits who regularly trash me, annonymously of course, and take pot shots without IDing themselves, one a former comedian and talk-show host on KGO who dishes it but can't take it.
*The pushback at KTVU over the remarks from Mike Mibach's comments --off air--about jock straps, have reached a critical mass; Mibach has tried to put all jock-talk aside but it's still a source of discomfort from the various female staffers, including, notably, Julie Haener.
*Haener's showing up on Saturday nights to anchor news is not so unusual because that way, she can ask for multiple days off and she will soon do so. Good for her, I couldn't care less.
*KPIX anchor, Anne Makovec, quietly, is MAJOR pissed off that her desire to work more prime time has slowed. PIX and ND, Lisa White in particular, apparently are not on the Makovec bandwagon.
*By the way, at PIX, will someone there tell me what White is doing because I haven't a clue. The drapes still look worn and tattered and White's DNA is all over them. Telling anchors to stand for 30 minutes hardly qualifies as revolutionary program technique.
*As they did several times the past few months, KRON BEAT, slightly, KGO (ABC7) at 6 PM--if they accomplish it in November Sweeps, then the party can start.
*Mike Nicco was not one of my favorites at ABC7 mainly because he took himself way too seriously and that may have hastened his move to KC because his Circle7 bosses thought he was sort of a jerk, maybe harsh but honest nonetheless. KC, especially its downtown loft district isn't such a bad place and the BBQ is great--until the first snow storm arrives in January.
*The SF RADIO RATINGS are out; yes, KCBS did well and why not? They're the only news station in town! KQED doesn't count. KNBR managed to confirm they're a shitty sports station and 95.7 The Game is but a flatlining entity on FM. KGO, the betting station actually showed a pulse. Good odds.
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Telling anchors to stand for 30 minutes? In PIX, it has happened in some newscasts, not all. But this has been majorly prevalent in the AM show on weekdays and the 9AM newscast.There was a time people would sit but occassionally get up as required.
ReplyDeleteHow about the idiocy of CNN's Jake Tapper who stands throughout his new show and isn't allowed to wear a tie, anymore. Do the consultants think that makes him more cuddly?
DeleteIf a hottie in a skin-tight dress and heels delivers the news standing up, I'd watch the shit out of it.
Delete(No Reggie Aqui, don't get any ideas)
Jake is an idiot. Who watches that garbage?
DeleteMy mom & dad do. But I don’t. I don’t really watch CNN but I do follow them just to know if there’s any big major news.
Delete@3:24 Fair enough. I apologize. @ 1:33 LOL!
DeleteWell, Donchey is standing at 11 for most of the newscast. And don’t like the way she dresses compared to most other anchors, in my opinion very unprofessional. Andrea, Liz, Amanda, Jocelyn, as a few women anchors on KPIX dress more professionally.
DeleteScreaming in his car... throwing a hissy fit over not getting more money to do the primetime gig ... discussing his jock straps with women at work. Mibach needs to take a major chill pill and calm TF down. Go to work, do your job, and leave.
ReplyDeleteThis has me curious though, does Mibach play contact sports? Why else would a man in his late 40s wear jock straps?
Yes you idiot. He played football in high school.
DeleteHe wears a jock strap because he played football in high school? You're the idiot 11:00
DeleteOh, so because he played football 30 years ago, that's his excuse for wearing and discussing jock straps at work. Got it.
DeleteI'd love to hear that excuse in a sexual harassment lawsuit. "Well, your honor, I thought it was ok because I wore a jock strap in high school."
Delete"Yes you idiot. He played football in high school. "
DeleteSo did a million other people. That wasn't the question. You idiot.
“He played football in high school.”
DeleteYeah, and he wore diapers when he was a baby. What’s your point???
I’ve seen many on this blog call Mibach a kiss-ass. Y’all are being way too kind. He’s a jock-sniffer on his best days, and the ultimate fart-sniffer on his worst.
DeleteAl Bundy scored 4 tocuhdowns in a high school game once.
DeleteTony Soprano didn't have the makings of a varsity athlete
First it was Aubrey Huff in his red thong panties. Now it's Mike Mibach and his jockstraps. I pray to god Tom Vacar doesn't jump on the bandwagon.
DeleteDoes Mibach lift weights?
DeleteNikko has no screen presence and no gravitas. He's just there.
ReplyDeleteRich, please don't refer to Brian Copeland as an comedian, it gives the trade a bad name. KGO fired his ass and he sues. CANDY ASS. They didn't want you "Copy". BTW - talent or lack of, runs in the family, his son giggles on-line like a teenage girl. No substance at all.
ReplyDeletemaybe copeland can move to AZ and hang out with his old buddy Ronn. Mani's and pedi's for all .
DeleteI thought he was referring to Chimp Franklin myself?
Delete"*NEW RULES: enough with political rants on this blog, I'm tired of threads that turn into "dems, good, repubs, bad" and vice versa. This is a MEDIA blog that delves into media and the people that make it happen, not an outpost for venting on the ills of Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden. I'm tired of it, especially those of you who make it a habit to SHOUT and use capital letters. No more."
ReplyDelete"If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen." Old but still appropriated.
I agree with political rant thing. I usually skip past those on this (and on any forum). They can make their own blogs or whatever to rant all they want. Lot of us come here to read about the dirt on the media and why it went south after the old timers like Van Amburg went away.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. It's mainly the one guy. Republicans this and that. Add a few KKK's in the name because you think you're cute or saw it on social media. Lemmings. Sad existence for an adult. He probably doesn't have much going on in his life.
DeleteRich, the Bay Area doesn't need three sports stations. When will the pink slips and "you're fired!" meetings occur. This is who I'd like to see out of a job since they are horrible on radio.... Smurph & Smack, John Lund (probably won't happen though since the PD & he are tight... allegedly). Also, Greg Papa, Frank Paul, the cackling troll Adam Copeland, Tolbert. Guru needs to go on 95.7 The Game. Also Bonta and Shasky. If no one listens to the Frat Bros on KNBR who even lsitens to these two clowns. Finally Damon Bruce (GONE), Ratto (DOUBLE GONE), Mark Willard, Dibley, and anyone else who brings nothing to the Bay Area airwaves.
ReplyDeleteThe only show really worth listening to is Papa and Lund. John Lund does his job well. He's there to play off of Papa and he is quite knowledgeable. Murph and Mac...I don't get it. Never have. You're right, Copes is a waste. Adds nothing but the fast Ben Shapiro talk like that makes him noticeable. Tolbert...never got his schtick. Beer and gambling. People flock to him to hear about beer and gambling? Where's the appeal? F.P., forget it. As far as 95.7 I enjoy when Krueger fills in. Other than that, nothing there is appealing.
DeleteIf Anne Makovec wants a prime slot she needs to lose a little weight. Sad but true.
ReplyDeleteThats a little discriminatory. Anne seems to be doing a great job regardless.
Delete1:31 PM TV is a visual medium. Not too many women on television are overweight, Anne knows this
DeleteSeems Makovec has been disgruntled for several years. I'm surprised that she is still at PIX.
DeleteMonths ago she did announce how happy she was to get off the AM shift. It sounds to really be a major problem with management at KPIX. First they had Devin solo anchor permanently on weekend mornings, Emily Turner (who did do the weather sometimes) quit. And more so, solo anchoring at certain weekday time slots. Cost cutting at its worst.
DeleteAw c'mon "Anonymous at 1:31 PM", as others here have mentioned, TV is a visual medium. There are several examples in local media, where correspondents/somewhat anchors do a good job of reporting, BUT, that doesn't mean viewers will want to watch them completely anchor a whole newscast. Examples are Andrea Borba, Gianna Franco, Anne Makovic, among others. Just because the extreme left says it is not politically correct, that doesn't mean it doesn't make sense. It is much like having a nice attractive female at the front desk of a corporation, who one sees, first thing, when one enters the office. I mean, that first impression is EVERYTHING.
DeleteDo TV stations have the same type of HR rules as other companies? If I went into work and more than once discussed my jock strap presumably in a creepy or flirty way, I'd almost certainly be called into HR and put on a final written warning, at best. Though in the era of MeToo who knows, that could be grounds for immediate dismissal.
ReplyDeleteWhat is really sad is that she represents a major demographic of zaftig women in this country. Due to this, is overlooked. Regardless of skill set, which she possesses and presents herself in a professional manner. Real women are curvy and just as attractive. Skinny babes need not apply.
ReplyDelete"I miss Thurston's interviews with the lawyer and former prosecutor, David Katz"
ReplyDeleteI miss Thurston's liberal love fests with the lawyer and former prosecutor, David Katz. Fixed it for ya.
David Katz belonged on an MSNBC panel. Or CNN before the everything Zucker purge this past year. He would have fit perfectly on those one sided panels.
ReplyDeleteIs J Rothmann posting a blog or mp3 podcast? Seems a commonsense way to address the current situation, until/if another station to host a radio talk show becomes available.
ReplyDeleteKRON should bring in John as their political commentator and drop the greasy lipped former Obama lackey, Michael "Lackey" Yaki.
DeleteDavid Katz was a grandstanding bore.
ReplyDeleteThank you Rich for telling it like it is, and for giving the boot to those who want to constantly jab folks of a different political mindset.
ReplyDeleteI do not have a TV, can’t get a signal, or cable, and I am within 75 miles of Golden Gate park. So I listen to the radio a lot. Sometimes KQED, KKHI (to soothe my inner savage beast), and rarely KNBR (they need to cut the deadwood and buy national syndicated shows).
I recently read this: “If someone gives you their opinion and their TV is larger than their bookcase, ignore whatever they have to say.” I read a lot. I devour books, and they always leave me feeling richer for the experience. Books require concentration and participation. We all know the old Springsteen line,”500 channels and nothin’s on”.
Rich’s criticism of our local TV and Radio is good reading, and there is often a breaking story that changes what’s going on behind the scene. While I do not always agree, I do respect his expertise and well-informed opinion. Thank you Rich
Well said. I’m continually impressed by Rich’s newsroom contacts and his ability to get scoops that would otherwise go unreported.
DeleteI really enjoyed this comment. We should all try to be a little more like this person.
Delete@3:23 Going to more out of state syndication is the last thing we need when we're trying to preserve LOCAL radio. We need local hosts with roots here discussing topics relevant to us, actual people who live here.
DeleteIs there a pic of Mibach in this jock strap? (asking for a friend).
ReplyDeleteJust read that Len Kiese started a new job as Public Information Officer with the Orlando Police Dept.
ReplyDeleteGood for him. I really don’t know why anyone would want to be a tv reporter with all the bs they put up with.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenkiese
DeleteHope he is happy there,even though its Florida.
I miss Len Kiese. Even though he was there for 2 years, I found he was a solid anchor with a lot of energy and very upbeat & humble towards his coworkers even with a smile on his face.
DeleteWhen Burch first came in May, on her first newscast (A Thursday noon newscast) he said she is very humble when forecasting the weather.
Moving forward, I’m happy he found new life in Orlando work-wise. Hope it’s better pay but good he is spending time with his family. I am sure he will excel in his new job there,
Nicco’s been at Chanel 7 since Moses was in short pants. I think he’s a Midwest down to earth guy that was getting tired of schlepping 2 1/2 hours to work everyday. Sell his Peninsula house and kick back in KC.
ReplyDeleteif phillies win ,the sports writer could say,''No one can win in the House that Harper built'' .
ReplyDeleteMibach reminds me of Burt from Sesame street and Frankenstein mixed together. There is nothing likable about him but I'm glad he's on the evening news instead of the morning news because that's when I watch.
ReplyDelete"...Lisa White in particular, apparently are not on the Makovec bandwagon."
ReplyDeleteLisa White wouldn't know talent if it peed on her face.
Is Raymond Ratto really the arrogant, condescending ass that we hear on the radio, or is it just an act?
ReplyDeleteI’m inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt and assume it’s all for show, only because I can’t imagine anyone being such a smug asshat in real life.
That’s how he is in real life. That’s why he has failed marriages and no friends.
DeleteI don't remember the circumstances, but Joe Namath was in the Bay area. KGO's Bob Fouts did a live interview on Ray Tannehill's "News Beat" newscast. Ray was from the same place as Joe, Pennsylvania and was a high school athlete of some note there. Bob was caught on camera doing some kind of air check, somehow they managed a live remote, and so Fouts said to Namath "Say hello to Ray Tannehill, in the studio, he's an old jockstrap from your part of the country." In older times "jockstrap": was used as a term for a high-school or college athlete.
ReplyDeleteNo, the term wasn't "jockstrap" when referring to athletes, but simply "jock". That term is still in use.
DeleteTrue, the "jock" term is the default term for an athlete., but that's what Fouts said, it might indeed be that Fouts used "jockstrap" as a verb, as in "play sports,:" "be an athlete," as was done in olden days.
DeleteGo KRON GO! I'll keep watching as long as hot ass Kyla Grogan is there. She and that blonde chick are pretty funny on the talk show they run a bunch.
ReplyDeleteKGO ceased being a venting zone SO long ago. Their ratings were so pathetic because of it.
ReplyDeleteThey may have indeed been talented but NOBODY listened.
Rich, should we really be surprised at the demise of KGO? political/cultural talk radio is a boomer thing. So as boomers pass on, so does talk radio. Kind of like the disappearance of big-band-oldies radio when the last of the greatest generation died or became hard of hearing.
ReplyDeleteNot according to KFI Los Angeles, which has a newstalk format and is #4 in the market. And I have listened, and they are not particularly good.
DeleteOn KCBS.....it was a PLEASURE, on Wednesday morning drive, to listen to the professional, moderated voice of Margie Shafer, and NOT the high-pitched, fast-paced jabber of Melissa Culross, who - regrettably, was back on the air early this morning.....
ReplyDeleteLOVE Anne Mackovec! She’s an absolute hottie! I sometimes. turn down the TV sound and just watch her dreamily. What a babe!
ReplyDeleteI love Anne’s curves. Thin, skinny doesn’t appeal to me.
DeleteKCBS has been a joke since Ed Cavannero and then Jack Swanson, two terrific news directors retired. This ditzy woman, Jennifer Seelig is WAY over her head. She keeps hiring unqualified women and people with Daffy-Duck voices such as Megan Goldsby. I know someone there who just retired after nearly ten years on-air. He said the morale plummeted when Entercom, ( now Audacy,) bought KCBS several years ago. The older, more experienced reporters, anchors and producers either retired or were forced out snd replaced by cheap, unqualified talent. KCBS is taking their cue from the Oakland A’s; screw the public, give them a crappy product with minor league talent. Even Doug Sovern, who is a decent reporter is sounding annoyed about the whole mess but who can blame him? He’s like a good ball player who was left behind when all of his teammates were traded or walked away.
ReplyDeleteMaybe instead of begging for calls from Trump supporters, Rothmann should have begged for calls from people under 50. From the sound of the callers to ALL of KGO’s dismissed hosts, the station was appointment listening - for geezers. That’s no way to satisfy shareholders , so it was hardly shocking when cumulus suits switched formats to 24/7 gambling.
ReplyDeletePat Thurston’s show seemed to have the same callers day after day so much so you knew what they were going to say before they said it.
ReplyDeleteJohn Rothmann in my opinion was a better guest and guest host with his political insights and knowledge. As a full time host it seemed he had to play to audience which got old with the hyperbolics.
KGO agine lacked in leadership and maybe funds to get good talent.
I think Anne Makovec should have more of the spot light I thought when she and Elizabeth Cook were the anchors it was a good fit. Ann has had the anchored the desk solo and did a great job. I think Anne could as other news people have done and take her show to social media like Alison Morrow, Ivory Hecker and others where their not the constraints of station mangers.
Rich, every day, in their “ask an expert” segment, KCBS has a medical person on to take questions “from listeners”. But listeners are not allowed to talk directly to the doctor of the day. You have to email your question to the station and they chose which ones they’ll read to the guest. Why won’t KCBS let it’s listeners on the air with their questions? Also, why is Covid basically the only topic allowed? People have lots of aches and pains to ask about!
ReplyDelete