Exclusive: At The Scene Of The Latest KGO Radio-Cumulus Purge; Eyewitness Account; Mark Thompson Knew It All; Nikki Medoro In Denial Up Until Death Notice; My Analysis: You Dance With The Devil...

INSIDE the Cumulus cluster--750 Battery St--which houses the Clouds' SF radio stations including KSFO, KNBR, "The Bone" and KGO.

The inter-office e-mail went out the night before --Wednesday night became Thursday morning and it said be on time. It was so important they (Cumulus) wanted everyone there, including part-time workers and off-air and on-air alike. For those unable to show up, a Zoom camera was in place.

After about fifteen minutes of waiting, the boom was about to be lowered.

But an employee in the conference room told everyone they were worrying about nothing. "It's no big deal, stop your grief, it's just a budgetary deal, they're gonna cut us back, that's all it (meeting) is," said Nikki Medoro, the KGO morning personality, who implored everyone to "get a grip" and not be scared.

A few minutes later, Cumulus SF Market manager, Larry Blumhagen fired the assembled 20 or so employees of KGO. In typical Cumulus corporate speak, Blumhagen said, "this is a hard day." Now give us your card keys and go sign your dismissal papers. And Medoro, according to an eyewitness who was right there, uttered out casually, "well, I guess I was wrong."

Mark Thompson, another fired host, was on the air at 10: 07 AM --a source told me Thompson was advised to announce to his audience--from his remote broadcast set-up in LA-- that a guest was waiting but "take a pause and go away from the mic."

Literally, a few seconds later, KGO (Cumulus) went to a looped, canned promo promising a "new Bay Area radio station" would debut Monday and crappy canned music with betting-themed words were heard. Thompson's voice was cut as was KGO.

Thompson was told (by Cumulus brass) about what was to happen even though he said he had no idea. Even his most ardent friends at the station were perplexed. Thompson was sensitive enough to worry about his action, he sent an email to Pat Thurston and John Rothmann, fellow fired KGO talk hosts, to have a Zoom meeting on Monday.

*THUS, another KGO Radio (Cumulus) purge, not as dramatic or shocking as the first one in 2011 or the last, in 2016, but shocking nonetheless which is dramatic enough because everyone knew it was coming, (the death notice) because KGO was hemorraging cash. By industry estimates, they'd lost $20M dollars over ten years.

Blumhagen himself told the assembled masses at the meeting. With all that, sadness, a few cries were seen inside the building, according to the eyewitness and even more so, when they left.

Cumulus barely advertised KGO; barely promoted its talk hosts, even the good ones. They tried everything, (albeit, half ass) give 'em that, but ultimately failed because ultimately you get what you pay for, even if you lease out pretty office buildings near the Embarcadero and buy expensive TV monitors and laptops. You still need human goods and working capital to engross your product and make it sustainable and Cumulus failed big time on that front, then and now.

For my part, the first purge in 2011 was the real death knell. The old KGO was gone then, its talk-show heritage shot and killed. An "all-news" format? That too died in 2016 (of course) and the latest iteration born and now its demise in 2022, with a fake station financed by gambling money and is only a temporary band-aid before it too is dead and it will be in a few years.

See, Cumulus is a radio destroyer. They don't know radio, that's pretty evident and they sure as hell don't know fundamental business. I mean, haven't you discovered this after almost thirteen years?

When you're owned by a hedge fund and have no clue as to how to run a radio station (not just here), then go about hiring middle-aged, uninteligent white men who have ZERO gravitas in directing basic broadcast practice, then you're doomed. And when you defend your ineptness by constantly saying, "we have no money," then look in the goddamned mirror! That's why you have no cash is because you don't know what the fuck you're doing!

Cumulus FUCKED UP KGO from the start and everyone with scant intelligence knew this all along so the latest killoff, while a bit unsettling, was not as sad; maybe for those losing their job and livelihood, that's another story. But in overall terms, it's not such a depressing moment.

I feel sorry for some of the people at KGO who did a lot of the heavy lifting. Those that stayed around in the past to make sure the buttons were pushed and literally make the station go on air. I do not feel sorry for some hosts who continued to blow Cumulus and bow to their knees, as if Cumulus would change and suddenly become the Levi Strauss of radio.

Gimme a fucking break.

You dance with the devil and you get the consequences.

#EXCLUSIVE

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Clarity and Transparency: Shedding Light on the Dennis O' Donnell Story--415 Media Exclusive

The latest Dennis O'Donnell posting has caused quite a stir, both pro and con. Many of you have taken issue with me on whether I should have made public a situation that should be private.

So I want to address with you my feelings and try to explain both the O'Donnell situation specifically and other aspects with regard to my reporting in general.

It's important.

The O'Donnell matter is particularly sensitive and deserves furhter explanation and clarity.

I had no intention, now or in the future, of trying to either hurt or exploit Mr. O'Donnell and his very private (in theory) situation. That's not my MO. In fact, I had no knowledge of what was going on. I only became aware of something unusual when I got emails and tips from readers asking me "where was Dennis?" He'd been absent for a few weeks in August from KPIX and I assumed he was on vacation and I told people as much. I myself, reached out to a friend of his (O'Donnell) and the friend told me, yes, Dennis was on vacation (in early August).

Turns out that was either simply incorrect, deliberately misleading, or out and out a lie.

I became alarmed when I noted Dennis's absence from the first 49ers' pre-season game, at home in August. A game that is broadcast by KPIX. Its coverage includes O'Donnell on the sidelines and for which KPIX pays a lot of money to carry exclusively in Bay Area homes. The fact O'Donnell was not present sent out alarms and I immediately began to make calls and wonder aloud. Even at that, I figured, maybe he decided to take an extended vacation before the beginning of football. It made sense. Covering sports in the fall can be demanding. No big deal, I thought.

Then O'Donnell was MIA on the sports anchor desk at PIX. For a week and then, more weeks. And not a word from the station and not even any mention of his name. Weird, I thought.

So I reached out to some of my KPIX sources, some of whom work at the station, some, who are usually privy to what's going on and such. They knew nothing. Swore they had no idea, which triggered immediate red flags. Because some of these people always know, they'd have a direct line to the boss's office. They were always dependable in most prior circumstances, they HAD to know, at least that was what I was thinking.

I became frustrated because clearly, something was going on. I remember receiving emails earlier in the year ('21) from people saying O'Donnell was slurring his words; was he "drunk?"--was he OK? I didn't think anything of it at the time and passed it off as some over-reaction. Then I began to watch O'Donnell and he didn't look right but I put it aside.

Until KPIX hired another sports anchor. And O'Donnell's whereabouts were still unclear and not explained. By both PIX (sources) and my contacts. O'Donnell's invisibility stretched into the holidays and the new year with continued silence and mystery. There is something going on. Something amiss.

CLARITY and backgound.

I began to get info from various sources, mostly sketchy and nothing concrete. I put two and two together and began to realize, indeed, that O'Donnell had some sort of "medical issue"--he'd been gone now several months and he was nowhere to be seen, outside a dinner event in February and at a SF restaurant a few weeks prior. He hadn't said a word to friends at both locations but a source told me that he didn't sound so good and that "he was done at KPIX".

The source even told me that PIX continued to pay O'Donnell's health coverage so he could continue to receive a doctor's care. The source added that CBS (PIX) paid off O'Donnell indicating he would not be back at the station. There was no way of corroborating that part of my info but the source was dependable.

Even with all this information, plus, a detailed account, unsolicited, from a source with knowledge of O'Donnell's current and prior (health) status; an account that said he had some sort of neurological malady; I was hesitant to write anything. Even if I had total confirmation, I passed. I didn't want to write anything because I myself was sensitive to the matter, O'Donnell's and in general.

I understand both sides here. KPIX's responsibility to its employee and Mr. O'Donnell's right to privacy. But I also understand the very legitimate concerns of the Bay Area public who were mystified over Mr. O' Donnell's continued absence; where is he? what is going on? Is he OK? Where's Dennis? It's not something anyone was losing sleep over but there was a want to know what was happening--why are we not being informed? I know firsthand because of the lengthy emails I had received and continue to receive.

Of course, Mr. O'Donnell has a right to privacy. But there's no such thing as "absolute right." Maybe legally, but not in the everyday public domain.

I said if this matter took place in LA, NY, Philly, Chicago, or any other major market; a well-known anchor, sports or news, was GONE for many months, unexplained, no matter the circumstances and no matter what type of rights, medical privacy, etc, there'd be at least a story, some story. But no such thing in the Bay Area, not even an ounce of speculation by the papers or some local Internet news site.

Which is why you come here.

I don't normally post such lengthy articles but I wanted you to know what I did and reported on this matter. There will be those who will still castigate me because that's what they always do no matter what. It's their missive.

I want to, as I always try to, provide clarity on matters such as this, as complicated as they sometimes are.

I also want to say this too: I wish and hope for Mr. O'Donnell's speedy recovery.

*Rich Lieberman 415 Media EXCLUSIVE

Cheryl Hurd Lights Up Sunday Morning on NBC Bay Area; McSweeney Assist; Anne Makovec Mulls PIX Dissing; Jobina Fortson Gets LA Love; Does ABC7 Feel the Same?; Somerville "Project" with Gasia; Julie Haener is (Again) Pissed; Fonzi Set to Replace KTVU's Mark Ibanez; Rothmann's Love Affair with Woeful Jan Wahl Hurts KGO Radio; Monday Mash

MONDAY MASH

Cheryl Hurd was a welcome Sunday AM fill-in anchor, with Terry McSweeney, on NBC Bay Area.

Hurd lit up the screen with her outstanding persona and dynamic news presence--McSweeney provided his usual steady delivery and brought forth a Sunday calm. But it was Hurd who stole the show. I hope this is a more permanent move because Hurd certainly has the chops to work on the anchor desk.

*Anne Makovec continues to be passed over at PIX; she's as good as ever on the morning radar (which no one watches) but would like an evening, primetime gig--on the desk, but so far, CBS-SF has rebuffed her. It's been that way for years now and word on the street is Makovec is looking for a new home.

*Pissing off Makovec further: some schmuck from Vegas, Darrin Reed Cowan (clever) is on his way to PIX --they seem to be throwing shit all over the wall hoping something will stick. This latest gem seems more like a Sin city carnival barker than a legit news guy. Call me crazy, I'm ASTOUNDED, KPIX can't find common ground and actually run a TV News station. It's mind-boggling. Now they've resorted to bringing in morons like this doofus. Yeah, that'll get 'em four more viewers.

*Jobina Fortson has been mulling offers from stations in LA looking for an up and comer like the current morning KGO-TV anchor (ABC7)--Fortson has always got my attention when she's on but Circle7 seems content to just keep her confined to the AM news platform. I see her as network material but she occasionally goes off the grid and that's trouble. But overall, I'm a Jobina believer. I hope she stays at KGO.

*KTVU staffers didn't know (I did) that while they were schmoozing aacross the lot at the condo parking area, a certain night guy, el Franko, and his buddy, Gasia Mikaelian, were giggling and exchanging sweet sensations, and just creating a hoot. It was common knowledge, especially near the assignment editor's desk, that when Somerville show up in the morning, that he really wasn't, uh, "working on some project", yeah, the project was Gasia. Humn.

*KTVU, 2022 going forward: Some-TING-Wong --eternally.

*I called a prominent, current KTVU boss last week and we were so cute. They were shocked I actually called (and got through)--inquiring a comment about a central figure. Yeah, even bloggers try to ask for comment.

*ADD KTVU: she won't admit it, she's not that way and doesn't want to rock the boat but Julie Haener is quietly resigned and royally PISSED off over her bud's (Mark Ibanez) imminent departure from the desk. Haener was the last Somerville holdout (she defended him until the DUI arrest)--having seen how Ibanez was told to "retire" and now feeling (Frank's) firing, Haener has once again been feeling the effect of The Firm's ways and means.She also, in a few weeks, will work the desk with a revolving set of anchors and new, (sort of) sports anchor, Joe Fonzi.

*Speaking of Fonzi (Joe), I've never warmed to Joe and his robotic delivery, but I acknowledge he's lasted pretty long in the Bay Area and I guess there's something to that-- anyway, congrats to Joe. I guess.

*KGO Radio has been, once again, resorting to that age-old bullshit, lifestyle crap--abandoning news-talk and real news for its crapfest shit like Facebook trivia, kids stuff, etc. --it still doesn't register and it continues to KILL KGO but they don't know it. Maybe its time for its latest Cumulus bean counter to study the market and go back to his meat and potatoes, as opposed to hiring San Diego-based morons who don't know any originality.

*John Rothmann doesn't understand that while he may just love Jan Wahl, the Bay Area has no love for her. And you know what? Women, John, especially can't stand her which is why KCBS, KRON, and everyone under the moon, fired her. Rothmann obviously didn't get the memo.

*Mike MibacH: oh, just leave him alone, because, damn, he's still, PISSED!

415 Media Exclusive: It's Official: After 43 Years, Mark Ibanez Leaving KTVU; Joe Fonzi Expected to Take Over as Lead Sports Anchor; Ibanez Likely Retires and Takes Deal from Fox

What I already reported became official last (Tuesday) night:

The Bay Area's longest-tenured anchor, sports-director, Mark Ibanez is LEAVING KTVU to pursue other interests.

Ibanez's departure was announced by fellow Fox2 anchor, Joe Fonzi, on the 10: 50 sports report --Ibanez told friends at the Warriors' game he was leaving KTVU. And it looks as if Fonzi will take over the new lead sports anchor position at the Bay Area O and O (owned/operated).

Ibanez will depart KTVU at the end of the month.

Ibanez, who began his stint in 1979, has been working without a contarct for a year. He had hoped to get a one last contract extension, but KTVU management never offered any serious negotiations. In fact, Ibanez was rebuffed by KTVU to the very last moment. He'd been told by Fox2 suits that his status would be addressed "after the football season."

Only not only was his contract extension, status not addressed, KTVU brass never reached out to Ibanez directly or even indirectly. It was an amazing show of indifference by a KTVU already trying to move forward from the loss of veteran news anchor, Frank Somerville, who was dismissed in late January.

Ibanez, a Bay Area native, has told friends, he's inclined to retire but left open the possibility about going to another station in the market.

On the other hand, as I learned too, Ibanez might simply retire and might have made a deal with KTVU to exit and take a financial package benefitting him and his family.

Ibanez's last broadcast on KTVU is March 31st.

*415 MEDIA EXCLUSIVE

415 Media Exclusive: KTVU Rebuffs Mike Mibach; Maintains Rotating Anchor Policy at 10 PM; Rage Continues Inside Newsroom; Ibanez Set To Leave March 31st; Eikel/Hartel ND/GM Reign Under Further Scrutiny; Staff "No Confidence"

In the "You Gotta Be Kidding Me" dept., a New Low at KTVU...

Management, and it goes right to the top at News Director, Amber Eikel, has told staff that they will continue to use a rotating-anchor policy at 10 PM and that no official replacement will be chosen until summer, according to multiple sources.

I REPORTED here that veteran anchor, Mike Mibach, was given the job but that Mibach and Fox2 execs were involved in a salary dispute and that has delayed a formal announcement. Whether that development dictated the decision to continue to rotate anchors at 10 O'Clock isn't known but it may have influenced the decision. Either way, the policy has further enraged a staff at KTVU where the working environment is downright toxic and disgusted.

This won't help matters.

*For starters, it has once again, alienated a KTVU staff that regards Eikel, (notably) and GM/SVP, Mellynda Hartel, as incompetent and inexperienced. Staff repeatedly has complained that its bosses are ill-suited to run the news (TV) operation and are "responsible for the unease at KTVU."

*The about face has Mibach both angry and confused. Mibach, I'm told, is still interested in the job and is willing to work at a reduced salary but he's also exploring other options. What that entails, nobody knows, but a KTVU source said the veteran anchor is not pleased. Who could blame him.

*This comes at a time at KTVU where it just lost its longtime, troubled, lead anchor, Frank Somerville, who was formally BOOTED in January --Mibach was thought to get the permanent replacement job, but now, who knows.

*The future of longtime sports anchor Mark Ibanez, a 43-year veteran, is all but determined; Ibanez, barring a last-minute miracle, will LEAVE the desk come late March as Ibanez has been working without a contract and has been rebuffed in an extension request. Ibanez was told by Fox2 brass his situation would be addressed after the NFL (football) season; instead, he's been ignored and has told friends he's ready to walk away and leave KTVU. That would leave two major faces off the 10 PM News and gone from the storied newscast.

*With the station mired in employee turmoil and facing an increasingly hostile work environment, I'm told, Fox execs are examining the internal relationship between Hartel/Eikel and senior KTVU staff--virtually all the newsroom personnel included. The Fox corporate division sent a team to the Bay Area last year to look into the dysfunction at Channel 2--no decision by the Fox team ever materialized, formally, but the execs told Fox corporate O and O suits, that the situation in Oakland, "was tenuous."

*Eikel's fragile, at best, newsroom control is thought to be safe and her futute at KTVU stabile but the continued cloud inside the building isn't helping matters. Sure, KTVU's ratings continue to remain strong and relatively un-changed, but its not because of Eikel-- says a source, "in spite of her."

The Firm's Bay Area O and O is about the worst working shop in local TV News history and isn't getting better anytime soon.

*415 MEDIA EXCLUSIVE

The Anatomy of Getting Ripped Off; How the Mercury News and SFGate (Chronicle) Lifted My "Somerville Story"

FOR THE PAST SEVERAL WEEKS, I'VE HAD A ROUTINE.

Every other day, I'd text Frank Somerville, the KTVU anchor who was suspended, and ask him what was going on. I'd inquire if there was any news about the situation at KTVU. He indicated several times that "nothing was new." Most every time, I'd tell him, "Frank, why don't you go on the record." And he'd always tell me no.

Until yesterday, (Tuesday) when I said his story was getting murky; that Fox/KTVU was letting him dangle away and maintain this sort of quagmire. He agreed and said, "yeah, OK, let's 'go on the record." This was on the phone. I told him to text me some quotes and he did so in a few minutes.

HERE'S THE STORY, check the time stamp. I was both stoked and excited because my hard work paid off. I managed to get Somerville to go on the record and I immediately tweeted out my get. (Again, notice the time stamp). I then feverishly wrote a story to make the blog and it immediately gained traction and the buzz was official: Frank had said he'd most likely done his last newscast on KTVU and that he was clearly frustrated over the entire matter.

It was 9: 37 in the morning which was important to me because that would mean the trades could pick up my exclu and most likely, I might get local reaction.

Then THIS APPEARED.

Only a few hours AFTER my original story posted, Martha Ross of the Mercury News wrote almost an identical story. What a coincidence. Yeah right. I re-read the entire story and Ross made NO MENTION of my story, the story I reported FIRST. I was stunned. I had the Exclu. I had contacted Frank and had the entire quote(s). Had Ross LIFTED my story and not credit me? Did she give me attribution and her editor simply remove my name? I didn't care because I was steamed and angry. I worked my ass off and I felt my hard work was being stolen.

Then I really began to become ENRAGED when I saw this. A story by Joshua Bote of SFGate that was a virtual duplicate my original story. Worse, Bote (or his editor) had the chutzpah to credit the Merc story. The earlier piece that STOLE my story that was already published on 415 Media hours before. Incredible. So it then made me fume. I was livid. Talk about needing a stiff drink.

I took to the internet and looked for more evidence. I suddenly realized that all I'd do was get more angry and nauseated so I turned off my computer and took a walk. I shook my head. Maybe I was naive but I thought to myself, what the hell happened to professionalism in this world. Was it too naive to expect common decency? How could two main news sites publish a story so obviously LIFTED from me.

Was it to naive to expect to see this disclaimer, "Reported First, by Rich Lieberman?", something that is usually placed in stories like this. But no. Boy am I a sucker.

I then saw this link from SFist. Jay Barmann, the editor who noted my story (albeit with a 'hound" remark) nevertheless, an ATTRIBUTION. It was the right thing to do. Too bad the Merc and SFGate didn't get the memo.

I contacted both the Chron (SFgate) and Merc editors to ask about all this and got no response. How shocking. (wink)

A Few Things; again, I WORK HARD to bring interestng, informative, unique and yes, sometimes, ORIGINAL content. It's not an ego thing it's more a desire to get more and more people to the blog. Which is why I PUSH and PUSH for my stories. Because it's for survival and doing my best and all so that when I get the scoop, maybe more subscriptions pour in; maybe the donations increase. That's how I roll. Every day. So yeah, when I'm RIPPED OFF, I get angry.

I RESISTED the urge not to write this post. I didn't want to bore you, the readers, over my own frantic situation and a situation involving a story about a local news anchor's future, but it had to get out. I hope you all continue to read 415 Media.

Eric Thomas Accepts 'Very Generous' Buyout from KGO/ABC; Last Day Wednesday; More To Leave Soon; NABET Staffers Offer

FOR YEARS, KGO veteran anchor/reporter, Eric Thomas, has been working hard to get a buyout offer from ABC.

You read it here first.

Now, Thomas has got his wish. His last day at 900 Front is Wednesday; after 29years at KGO, he's received a "very generous" buyout and is officially gonno.

KGO has plans.

The move isn't the last for ABC7 SF --in fact, several more senior reporters (including four-decade vet, David Louie is rumored to be a prime candidate to take an offer and split.) 

The move comes not only for on-air personnel. A prominent 7 source told me many people in NABET, both fulltime and over age 50 were offered but declined. The Mouse didn't like that so they might have to ramp up their offer. 

Thomas' tenure at 900 Front included both weekend and fill-in, weeknight anchoring. He also reported in the field and won numerous industry awards for a steady, if not spectacular stint at the SF mouse factory. Thomas wanted it that way, apparently in favor of never appearing to want to rock the boat. 

A Weather Personality Firestorm at KTVU; Huge Egos Involved; Martin at Forefront; So Too Orozco, Paulson, and Tamayo in Mix; Decisions, Decisions in Jack London Square; Tuesday Open

Bill Martin and Julie Haener

THE ODD MAN OUT?

I'VE SAID KTVU weeknight weatherman, Bill Martin is more than likely headed off the 10 PM News roster, either gone completely or maybe offered a buyout (his contract is up in March) --Mark Tamayo seems to be Martin's eventual replacement but KTVU has an issue (or two) and a BIG one at that.

What to do with Rosemary Orozco? The star-studded diva who wants a primetime gig gig but I'm told the FOX people don't think Rosie is ready for primetime. While I have my moments of disgust with Orozco, I'm not ready to say she can't cut it at 10 O'clock but that's what the suits at Channel 2 think, maybe, stay tuned.

Rosemary Orozco

ANOTHER Weather dilemma: Steve Paulson seems content and happy in the morning on KTVU's wildly popular (still) "Mornings on Two"--he's apparently being considered for a night gig but again, how do you consider him for another time slot and risk pissing him off and messing up a significant part of "MO2"' mojo? Decisions, decisions.

A person with knowledge told me with confidence that Fox heavyweights are still confident Orozco is a future market superstar because she's "totally hot" and fits the Fox M.O: glamour women who show gusto on TV News.

Which is why Rosie continues her KTVU campaign. I would bet her profile is better suited for 10 but that's where the back-office meetings take place and see how the weather personality conundrum is made clear. There's a lot of money and egos at stake.

The weather quagmire comes at an inopportune time at KTVU's Jack London Square complex in Oakland as FOX cuts major personnel and even with good ratings, there's a lot of tension in the newsroom.

Tension at KTVU? You betcha. Weather or not.

415 Media Exclusive: KPIX Anchor, Veronica De La Cruz Recovering from Coronavirus

Veronica De La Cruz

KPIX lead anchor, Veronica De La Cruz, contracted the Coronavirus COVID-19 virus , I've learned, but she has recovered and told friends and associates that she's planning on being back at PIX within the next two weeks.

I reached out to her (De La Cruz) for a comment--at press time, De La Cruz did not immediately respond.

The KPIX anchor, who came to the Bay Area with much fanfare from NY in 2014, has been conspicuously absent from the CBS5 airwaves the past month.

According to sources I spoke to, who spoke under condition of anonymity, De La Cruz took a medical leave from KPIX when she discovered she had had the Covid-19 virus.

De la Cruz is the first Bay Area TV News anchor to have contracted the virus. We're obviously happy that she's apparently OK and due to be back on the air in a few weeks.

This is but the latest bad vibes to hit the local CBS O and O--things can only get better.

They hope.

#415 MEDIA EXCLUSIVE

Saturday Night Radio Comfort Food: Marty Lurie and Bruce Jenkins Schmooze Baseball on KNBR --When We Really Need It

Marty Lurie

YOU KNOW I LIKE MARTY LURIE, the Bay Area's "Mr. Baseball", here's proof.

Baseball is a joy, much like it's a joy for some of you. Many of you in fact and now that baseball is MIA, due to the Coronavirus pandemic,  it's a lonely summer --among other things.

Which brings me back to Lurie and his fantastic show on Saturday night on KNBR; you don't have to love baseball to love this program. It's more than just baseball but yeah, baseball is its zeitgeist --and that's more than OK with me.

Lurie loves to schmooze. He has a virtual rolodex of friends and celebrities on his show which usually runs pre-game but since there's no baseball, Lurie's been broadcasting a five-hour marathon from 6-11 PM. His interviews are stellar. He can walk the walk and talk the talk. He's buddy, buddy with Willie Mays. That's pretty cool. He gets good interviews and knows how to ask great questions.

One of my favorite segments involves Marty's weekly schmooze with Chronicle Sports columnist, Bruce Jenkins. It's usually about a half hour long, and 99 percent of the time, a half-hour too short. Jenkins, who does a master job writing about baseball and NBA basketball, is a great storyteller; moreover, he's terrific interacting with Lurie. Two guys in a bar talking sports devoid of artificial sound; just intelligent conversation and a good vibe sounds almost like a cliché but it absolutely fits Jenkins and Lurie.

It's just the right ingredient to an old-fashioned virtue: sincerity and genuine laughter on a Saturday night works well. And it especially works well when the two men sound like they're having fun.Like Jenkins and Mr. Baseball.

Checkmate.

Bruce Jenkins/SF Chronicle photo

Get out the pizza and beer and listen up because if you don't, you're wasting an otherwise boring weekend night.

How KGO Radio Could Dominate the Morning: Combine Nikki Medoro and Chip Franklin --Too Simple; Thursday Thirsty

THURSDAY THIRSTY

This is too simple. KGO wants to have a successful morning show. It can. And I'll lead the push.

Nine weeks into its new morning-drive program, KGO, specifically Nikki Medoro, needs tweaking. Nikki is good but she's running on fumes now. Her AM enterprise is in need of a makeover. Mind you, there's a lot there to like but overall, it's a tough listen from 6-10 AM. Here's some free help, courtesy of yours truly.

This is evident: Medoro needs Chip Franklin and to a lesser degree, Franklin needs Medoroa. So do the obvious: bring Chip to the morning and let both have at it. What's created? A dynamic new, fresh, morning-drive show that would kill in the ratings and offer a crisp entertainment venue for Bay Area listeners. I'm wondering why KGO didn't consider this package in the first place. They should now.

First, the obvious: Medoro needs help. She's not awful nor lousy but she's close. She can interview. She has a good voice. But that also works against her. She's too centered on being a wife and mother and tells us every day which is fine but when there's little effect and mucho annoying side elements, then nobody cares, nobody listens. Medoro doesn't captivate; more often she irritates. It's painfully evident. We should care about her. We don't. She sounds like the bitchy mother-in-law or girlfriend. When that happens it takes away from her talents and provides constant frustration.

Medoro works best as a second fiddle to Franklin. The give and take between them was at first, a liability. It got a whole lot better as time moved forward. Both could use each other. More Nikki than Chip but combine the two and you have a terrific duo and one that would rock the morning. Franklin has vastly improved. I know his critics have complained about his chatter-style and while that's occasionally murky, he makes up for it on interviews and compelling guests. But his chief strength was the give and take with Medoro. It made for entertaining and profound radio which is difficult in today's terrestrial world. KGO would have to hire a new afternoon host but the good news is that it would have a nice enterprise during the morning.

Egos would have to be massaged but the overall project would be infinitely improved --which is why I think it would work. Because they both have worked together, there's no need to sell the idea. It's a project that would be successful. And it would kick KCBS in the ass which is why it should be implemented immediately.

415 Media Extra Monday; KNBR/Cumulus Asks Hosts to take 15-20 Percent Pay Cuts; Murphy/Mac Neutralized; Tolbert Miffed; Baer/Giants Tension; PD Crowe Mighty Target; Stress Level is High at The 'Sports Leader'

KNBR HOSTS MAKING THE BIG BUCKS: The Brian Murphys; the Paulie Macs; the Tom Tolberts and John Lunds; all of whom make more than $200K (and even more) have been asked by Cumulus, which owns KNBR, to take 15 percent salary cuts. For a guy like Murphy, who was pulling in around $300K a year, that's significant. Tom Tolbert too, (who is the highest paid Knibber host at nearly $400K a year)

The salary cuts mandate are just part of the story here; as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic affecting all radio, TV and newspaper budgets, advertising at KNBR is down a whopping 60to 70 % and with no viable end in sight, the usual fluid revenue stream at KNBR has left the station in financial purgatory. Furloughs are on the horizon too with most of KNBR's hosts working mandatory shifts --like three weeks and then suddenly disappearing off the air because of economic reality --there's simply NO MORE MONEY on the docket.

The quagmire has left both KNBR and Cumulus in a very difficult dilemma with its main cash cow, the SF Giants --no baseball on the horizon and no baseball to promote unless you consider pie-in-sky trial balloons, is a difficult challenge for all parties involved.

It's all about the money, of course it is. KNBR can't lick its main client's boot straps all the time. It has to improvise because for the time being, there's literally nothing on the docket to promote nor highlight. It could all crash soon too because so many dollars, so many egos, so many gigantic personal and business matters are at stake too. Ego and finances make for unflattering encounters, like I discovered recently.

Murphy and Mac, who are so ingrained and integrated in the Giants' hierarchy, had to cancel a Giants' PR event (for season ticket holders) for an on-line chat about the upcoming season (if there is one); seems the duo thought their PR pedigree would make the event a sellout even if baseball was in such a precarious situation. Guess what? Nobody was interested. ZERO. There was no event. Everyone was stymied but that's the state of business now; more importantly, the morning show got first-hand evidence of their current worth.

Same goes in the midday and afternoon time slot where Giants-related news and activity has been altered --much to the chagrin of all involved--simply because there is NO viable news to talk about or even comprehend. Team CEO and front man, Larry Baer, is in an unenviable position: who can I not crush? Truth is, the normally mass influential Baer is powerless here because his main PR engine, KNBR, is floating in the wind. Baer can only manage the tentacles so much but the octopus is on life support.

KNBR PD, Jerimiah Crowe, even in good times, is supposed to be a "major pain in the ass" to deal with; several of KNBR's air and non-air talents have privately told me dealing with Crowe is a  tough road. "He has no people skills", said one person in particular who asked me not to name his/her ID.

Crowe himself will take a pay cut, because, well, he has to. His relationship with other major Cumulus suits is neutral at best. One big exec who has a major, local influence at the SF cluster, has TOTAL DISDAIN for Crowe, so much so that there's a massive friction when the two see face to face.

Meanwhile, the usually rosy atmosphere at the broadcast center is zombie-like now. The hosts are at home broadcasting from a distance due to virus-related caution. That's probably good for the major reason --it allows them not to have to look at Crowe and vice-versa and given the pay-cut and mandatory furloughs, tension is high for everyone involved.

Murphy's total, "KISS ASS" rep (to management)is a continued talking point among rank and file. In spite of the fractured atmosphere, 'Murph tries his best to curry favor with Baer and other higher-ups within the Giants and Cumulus organization. I guess living in Marin is an expensive proposition, you have to pay the bills.

We're entering a significant period now as the "Sports Leader" will be tested with all the current state-of-affairs; the virus isn't going away anytime soon; the normally potent Giants-KNBR alliance, even if the team is lousy, plays such a vital force together--when there's this much commotion and fracture within, and boy is there ever, it'll be quite a show to see who emerges as the victor. Right now, that's a difficult proposition to decipher.

*415 MEDIA EXCLUSIVE

Believe It or Not: I'm Hooked on 'Hooked on Golf'; Abendroth and Juricich Drive Golf Show on KNBR

I KNOW GOLF LIKE YOU KNOW RUBIK'S CUBE --which means I'm scrambled. Well, duh

THIS, I do know.

I know authenticity and realness. I love sincerity even when it involves something I have zero knowledge of which involves, again, golf. In this instance, golf on the radio. Or a couple guys talking golf on a weekend morning.

Welcome to Hooked on Golf on KNBR. More to the point.

 John Abendroth and Mitch Juricich are the men behind the golf program on Knibber. Just a few ordinary guys who make me laugh, sometimes uncontrollably and on point. I don't know why I like these guys but they sound cool and funny. The coffee tastes better when I'm hearing their show, I just wish I knew golf and especially how to hit it straight. But see, that's the point. Listening to the duo without puts knowledge means quite a bit to me and adds to my glowing review of this show.

Lately, "Hooked" hasn't been on the KNBR show schedule which is too bad but another ruin courtesy the Coronavirus pandemic --a shame for a show that's been on the air for 26 years and a Saturday/Sunday staple.

I've learned through the radar the show is due back once the virus crisis settles. Good. Because it wreaks of audio chicken soup, a reassuring program of two guys talking shop in a coffee shop and that's real delightful in a time when reassurance is a virtue.

So, yeah, I'm an advocate of Hooked now if only I understood golf.

415 Media Extra Saturday: Cumulus Asks Its Hosts To Consider 'Furloughs and/or Pay Cuts) As a Result of Coronavirus Pandemic Effect on Advertising; KGO/KNBR Hosts Among Local Stations Involved; Advertising Down Whopping 75-90 Percent

CUMULUS officially went into furlough mode on Friday--like other businesses, particularly radio, that have been ravished, financially, by the Coronavirus pandemic, Cumulus/ SF asked its hosts from virtually all its Bay Area radio stations, including KGO and KNBR, to consider "pay cuts and/or furloughs" They were asked to respond in a week.

KGO host, John Rothmann, mentioned the policy shortly before signing off his KGO show (6-9PM) last night (Friday).

Cumulus isn't alone.

I LEARNED, through a well-positioned broadcast source here, that the policy on local show hosts will commence April 20 and that, "no one, no department, is immune" from the policy.

INITIALLY, I'm not surprised by any of this. I heard advertising is down anywhere from 75-90 percent, a whopping hit on the local radio broadcast domain (and in all other markets, big and small); it's completely devastating and while it hurts all of us consumers, it is killing radio companies too and as long as the situation gets worse, (economically) before it improves, you can expect severe cuts (pay) and wholesale furloughs across the board.

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LATER Saturday

415 Media Exclusive: KNBR/Cumulus on Hook for $13M to SF Giants --No ''Act-of-God' Clause in '18 Broadcast Deal

415 MEDIA EXCLU--KNBR ON HOOK FOR $13 MILLION!

In 2018, then Cumulus bigwig, Dave Milner negotiated a contract extension with the SF Giants and KNBR.

It extended an already solid, wildly successful relationship between the franchise and its flagship station, including streaming its broadcasts.

But, as 415 Media has learned, the contract failed to include an "Act-of-God" clause, typically something in the contract, any business contract, for that matter, that would affect the broadcasts, in this situation.

The Coronavirus crisis has curtailed all the four North American sports, including baseball.

With baseball not being played and MLB in hiatus, Giants' games on KNBR are non-existent and now, KNBR is on the hook for $13 Million to the team. So unless the Giants want to play nice, KNBR/Cumulus will have to pay the team the money.

That's a lot of money to sniff at; it comes at a time when there's a lot of nasty economics at the 50K-watt AM all-sports outlet. This development won't help matters.

I'm making calls around the city and following up; I will update any new information obtained. Suffice to say, this is one for the ages.

Stay tuned.

Randy Hahn: San Jose Sharks PBP TV Broadcaster; The Bay Area's Best; Monday Quick Start

Randy Hahn

THIS IS WHY I LIKE RANDY HAHN --the complete TV play-by-play broadcaster for the San Jose Sharks.

Hahn is an exceptional announcer. He is enthusiastic and shows emotion when the Sharks score a goal. But it's a measured description and Hahn makes sure it's the right moment. More importantly, when there's a goal by the opposing team, Hahn gives a reasonable response. He's no homer.

In an environment where the home announcer goes slightly berserk and downright crazy-- whether its football, basketball, baseball, hockey, college or pro, Hahn is the ultimate professional. And that still counts today for some.

I don't want to come off as too wooden --I love excitement and raw emotion. It's a basic human ingredient. But there's a time and a place. Especially when it comes to broadcast TV/radio play-by-play.

Hahn is the master. The Bay Area is lucky to have him. He's my favorite play-by-play broadcaster. I'm pretty sure I'm not alone in that statement.

415 Media Extra: While 49ers Nation/KNBR Exults, Giants and Larry Baer Fuming Over Lack of Air Time; Meeting of the Minds; Egos Bruised; Talk of Inner Turmoil; 415 Media Exclusive

GIANTS BROADCAST BRASS FUMES OVER LACK OF KNBR BUZZ 

Historically, the Giants, most notably, Larry Baer, still its front man (although quietly) rely on their broadcast (radio) partner, KNBR to be a part of their PR blitz during the hot stove league, you know when it's winter time and baseball news is in the backdrop of football season.

No more.

In fact, KNBR has been all-out 49ers and that makes sense, right? After all, the SF 49ers are two wins away from the Super Bowl and the Niners are the talk of the local sports scene --national too. That may sit well with the 415, 510, 408 and 925 but it has the Giants' hierarchy FUMING! Like really and royally TICKED OFF!

I've learned the Giants' brass--again, namely Larry Baer, is quietly telling KNBR and Cumulus market honchos here their utter displeasure over their flagship station barely sniffing out the name, "G-i-a-n-t-s," let alone even benign mentions. This is not the booster club, mind you, but the team's front office and its main money men including its main front men and investors. And while it's been relatively contained, at least internally, the effect of KNBR cutting off the PR machine of its chief sports partner, has resulted in turmoil and friction over air time and PR nirvana drying up. The Giants really could care less about the 49ers' fortunes --in Larry Baer world, they never heard of the SF 49ers--it's 24/7 Giants and even a blip of anything else is off the radar.

The 49ers success wasn't considered in the 2019 blueprint by KNBR brass. The idea that the football team would hog the airwaves wasn't even a figure point in the sales office. In fact, just now the marketing people are scurrying to sell advertising should the Niners make it to Miami and Super Bowl Sunday. It's a financial goldmine if it occurs but that doesn't move the needle for the bosses at Willie Mays plaza. In the meantime, several egos have to be massaged. 

The Giants still have their annual "Fan Fest " scheduled for the Saturday after the Super Bowl and KNBR will still probably go all out to place its various talk hosts en mass at the ballpark for whatever that's worth--mind you it hasn't been a very popular off-season for the baseball team and not just on the field, but off too. 

Baer might be in a position of no-leverage, because, frankly, the Giants haven't competed in recent years  and the 49ers are looking to take over the Bay Area in a region that is a BIG NFL market anyway. 

That said, KNBR is in a pickle not of its own making nevertheless responsible for appeasing the ego of its historical cash cow, the SF Giants. As usual, meetings of utmost importance will commence at Knibber's will and ultimately, both sides will kiss and play nice. They have to. They both sort of need each other and have to get along. That's the rational thinking, right? Wrong.

The Giants big suits will remind the KNBR/Cumulus gang it is they that have the control and pay the bills and even a George Kittle TD run will never change that --unless there's a victory parade down Market Street and Kyle Shanahan and Jed York are kissing babies in the crowd come early February. Then what happens?

Oh, Nellie.

#415 Media Exclusive

#415 Media Extra