The Dan Ashley Schmooze Sweepstakes --What's Up? Does He Stay or Go at ABC7? Plus Interesting Scenarios

DAN ASHLEY OPTIONS

The face-of-station, ABC7 (KGO) veteran anchor is working under an old deal. His exact contract situation isn't entirely known but industry speculation, (here and me too) is engrossed in wide debate and observation as to his future at Circle7. He has over thirty years at ABC7 ans so his status is a very legit concern-- good, bad, and indifferent.

Let's go over the scenarios:

*He signs a new deal. Makes sense, but this should have happended a few years ago. Ashley signed it in 2018 back when the world was a different place, pre-Covid and pre-thrifty Disney. In that time, Ashley was the highest-paid anchor in the Bay Area, (roughly $600K yearly)--only Frank Somerville at KTVU was near that figure. Now, nobody comes close. Which might be a negative for Ashley. Disney might be playing a rope-a-dope with him and he might be OK with that working his old deal but sooner or later, someone has to budge.

*He walks. This is highly unlikely but not out of the question. I pointed out on Thursday the scenario making the rounds at 900 Front. That Ashley could very well tell his bosses to take a hike. He has more than enough money and a good family situation and an emeging rock band get-up. Ashley loves singing and entertaining and playing like The Rolling Stones. He could dump news. But I can't smell that yet. He's only 60.

*He goes to another station. But where? KTVU, only The Firm isn't interested in signing expensive newbies. KPIX? CBS has the money but seems content with their present band of anchors. NBC? Raj (Mathai) is set in San Jose even if his sense of being the Indian Walter Cronkite is crazy. Plus, NBC is cutting bodies all over the places including LA, NY and The Bay Area.

*He goes to KQED. It's only a rumor but it makes sense. KQED has been threatening a local newscast for years now and who better than Dan Ashley could create buzz and make a splash on the local PBS front? KQED has the money, has the means to pay The Ash man but frankly, it makes too much sense. But, damn, what a juicy rumor.

*OTHER SCENARIOS:

He signs as a DH for the Giants? No chance because he's too injury prone.

*He goes to Southwest Airlines as a highly-paid PR director? 50-1.

*Explores politics and runs for mayor of Walnut Creek? But that would mean too much self-examination of his personal life and Danno hates that.

*Starts a new crypto-currency business and makes Luz Pena head of affairs? 25-1.

*Becomes new EIC at SFGate but lacks basic essentials --but he does enjoy a good orange burrito every now and then.

*Begins a new blog: "Dan Ashley-925 Media." Never mind. 100-1.

*Runs away from the Bay Area--takes Kristin Sze on mad-love rendevous to Fiji and tells everyone to go to hell. Even money.

*Back to the question at hand, maestro, que the orchestra: