Showing posts with label ABC7. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ABC7. Show all posts

Monday, March 14, 2022

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!

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

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

ABC7 News 5:00PM : KGO : May 13, 2019 5:00pm-5:30pm PDT : Free Borrow &  Streaming : Internet Archive

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


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. 

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

The Stakes Just Got Higher at Circle7/KGO 900 Front --Memo to Trixie and Tommy C --The Mouse Ain't Happy at Palace Coup

RICH LIEBERMAN 415 MEDIA: 415 Media Exclusive: Watkowski Might Be a KGO-TV  Goner; Interviews for GM Gig in ABC O and O Chain
Tracey Watkowski-Silva
Memo to Circle7 Tommy and Trixie


Most TV General Managers, especially those inked by te Mouse, can't speak publicly about Trump, the Giants, Global Warming, or anything else, even Rich Lieberman, without Disney O and O approval.

ITS IN THE FUCKING EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT!

Every ABC 7/KGO-TV GM, from Russ Coughlin to Joe Ahern and beyond the grave KNEW THAT! 

Ahern's only big moment was getting shitfaced and pissing on shoes during the St. Patty's Parade.

It appears, ABC 7, GM Tom "Tommy Boy" Cibrokwsi is also now pissing in his adult diaper, poised for Southwest one way to Burbank HQ... for FUCKING with the Mouse.  And me both directly and indirectly, what a fine coincidence.

Sources tell me Cibrokwsi was blindsided by ND Tracey "Trixie" Watkowski. (smart enough not to sign the petition) In a well organized Palace coup. She encouraged Tommy Boy knowing full well the shit-storm would land on Tommy. 

Behind his back, Trixie and her legions paint Tommy Boy as a steak house buffoon and this FUCK--UP will grease her way to the GM corner office. It's ruthless. It's a power grab. It's so Trixie.

It doesn't FUCKING MATTER.

In the meantime, congrats Trix, you outwitted ole Tommy C at my expense.

Tom Cibrowski - Tom Cibrowski Photos - 35 Most Powerful People in Media  Celebration - Zimbio
Tom Cibrowski





Saturday, November 30, 2019

Circle7 KGO Flirtation with Raddy More a Down Feeling about Bluster Beil; Saturday Nosh


Image result for larry beil kgo


MY REPORT about Gary Radnich schmoozing with a KGO suit (its GM, really) was more social than business --that said, it was a chance for the ABC folks here to engage with Raddy and explore if both parties are interested in a potential deal. There's a lot more to negotiate if KGO (Disney) shows a strong interest --and by extension, if Radnich is serious about some sort of deal, a comeback, if you will but we're no close to any deal now because all the variables have to be discussed, but there's a bigger point to be made here and it doesn't involve Radnich.

Yet.


The fact KGO is having talks (albeit, nothing official) speaks volumes about its feelings about current weeknight anchor, Larry Beil, who hybrids both news and sports. Beil, if he doesn't already know, is not the flavor of choice at 900 Front. His arrogance is beyond reproach. He is not liked by many of the KGO staff. But as bad as that is, at least that's off the air. Here's the issue(s) with Beil on the air: he is perceived (with good reason) as an asshole by many viewers, many of them women, a key demo in local TV news, especially the 25-54 women who watch. Beil comes across as a loudmouth and total wise guy (he is so there's no denying that) plus he has ZERO traction on the comfort meter (an industry term) therefore KGO has a problem; Beil is hardly a warm and fuzzy guy which is a Disney attraction, (no shit) --it's not an official trademark but it counts in the numbers and it's an advertising platform that the salespeople love to mention to the brick and mortar businesses. Beil is not the face of the station but he's on enough newscasts to form an identity and he's not exactly a benchmark guy. If you watch, you know that. I do.

So a Raddy fascination by the Circle7 gang is more than smoke and mirrors. If Gary lacks for substance he certainly doesn't lack for style. He still has an "IT" factor whether you like him or not and he may just join the local Mickey Mouse club if there's a ways and means. We'll see.

As they always say, stay tuned.

Image result for gary radnich twitter
Radnich with wife, Alecia, and the family dog

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

415 Media Exclusive: Mindi Bach To Leave KGO-TV Sports Anchor Chair; Going To a PR Gig at Tech Company

Image result for Mindi Bach ABC7 KGO
Mindi Bach leaving KGO-TV
BACH TO LEAVE KGO

KGO-TV (ABC7) Weekend Sports Anchor, Mindi Bach will leave 900 Front and has decided to split the Sports TV News biz to accept a PR gig at a local High-Tech company, according to multiple sources within Circle7.

415 Media learned an announcement was made at the station last (Tuesday) night.

Bach has had stints at Comcast (now NBC Sports Bay Area) and KPIX.

When I first got word of this transaction I was nonplussed --Bach is a pleasant woman and friendly but not a very good sports anchor. Not a good anchor for that matter.

She consistently flubs her lines; she tries to be engaging on the air but it comes off as artificial and syrupy. It's just not that sincere.

My early opinion is that while Bach certainly knows sports, she probably saw the handwriting on the wall that her days as a #-2 sports anchor were waning and that she had ZERO chance of becoming a #-1, at least not here in the Bay Area.

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Not So Happy Times at KGO-TV; Inner Turmoil at 900 Front Street; Zouves Drama; Ashley Contract Extension; Watkowski-Silva Still Hated; New GM Cibrowski Lack of Communication; 415 Media Wednesday Opener

Related image YOU HAVE A MESS at KGO-TV (ABC7)

You would say things are rosy at 900 Front Street, home to KGO and ABC7. You would be wrong. Like, oh so wrong.

As a matter of fact, there's genuine turmoil; massive unrest; massive bad morale; deep division; heavy-duty favoritism; an ongoing battle with a news director almost everyone can't stand; exceptional distrust amongst the rank and file and a new GM that hasn't rallied the troops when there's hostility and anxiety in the newsroom and beyond. The Circle7 gang has a plethora of hurdles to overcome and no one is manning the conference room to restore order.

We haven't even touched the Natasha Zouves issue and the rancor it's causing; Oh, and still no contract extension for veteran anchor and station de facto ambassador, Dan Ashley. Hello, is anyone home?

It's Sweeps time too and it could hardly have arrived at a worse time for the ABC O and O in the Bay Area. The morning show is a certified mosh pit of overbearing egos and miscreants who think their poop doesn't stink. Reggie Aqui is still the lonely boy Prima Donna --an ego-maniac supreme who is detested by staffers. His love/hate relationship with Zouves seems to have abated with her return but so as long as the two work together, there's a great chance the gruesome twosome will be fighting again. Said a station source: "They have no chemistry together and while Reggie played good on her return, he still has no respect for her." Likewise, she has no love for him. All this poltergeist makes the morning more of a hazardous work environment.

Jessica Castro is stunning to look at, sure, but she's apparently doesn't have the chops to become a central character in the AM platform. Castro supposedly is more concerned about her hair and shoes and doesn't like skewing the news domain. Which doesn't necessarily make her incompetent but growing discontent amongst her peers is proof positive that she's nothing more than a pretty face.

I can't fathom how Tracey Watkowski-Silva, the embattled ND, keeps her job while KGO teeters on personnel disaster zone. We've been down this road before yet Watkowski is given a long rope. Some of the various issues confronting the station aren't her (TWS) her fault but the wide gap between staff and management; the ever deepening division; is all on Watkowski's watch. She is a terrible manager with over-the-top tactics; tactics that include managing like a dictator and displaying outright favoritism as if she didn't care one iota that her players think she's a total witch. ABC continues to employ her too despite numerous legal cases; most have been settled but at a considerable cost in the several millions. It would be trite to say Watkowski has pictures but at this point, it could be true.

Dan Ashley is almost a year away from his contract expiring --a time when most negotiations for a valued anchor would begin. GM Tom Cibrowski, has supposedly decided to put Ashley's extension on the backburner which is a mistake. Ashley has been at KGO nearly 30 years and more than their cornerstone news reader, Ashley does numerous station appearances and acts as its ombudsman --he is the face of the station. He has already received multiple offers from stations and networks back east but would love to stay in the Bay Area. He'll probably be taken care of but the lack of being proactive and getting his deal done makes Cibrowski look like an amateur. This, from a guy who was a big shot at ABC and its major cog in the AM, "Good Morning America." Cibrowski should take a few days off, rent a room at the Fairmont and read some history books. It wouldn't hurt.

Did I say Larry Beil is still walking around the offices telling everyone that he's Larry Beil and terrifying interns? Yes and yes. Beil once went behind Mark Ibanez' back when both were at KTVU and told the GM (Kevin O'Brien) that "I want Mark Ibanez' job. I'm a number 1 guy." To which O'Brien then said to Beil: "Well, that ain't gonna happen, good luck." So you know what you need to know about Larry Beil.

It's not exactly peaches and cream at the local mouse house. But I do hear the late afternoon tuna-melt and beers at nearby Grumpy's are awesome.


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Friday, July 27, 2018

Carr Fire Gets Full Coverage by Bay Area TV News; Dangerous Assignments; Props to KGO-TV and Laura Anthony

Related imageTHE Carr Fire gets more intense and tragic by the minute; all the Bay Area TV News stations continue to provide full coverage with a host of live trucks and reporters covering the continuing devastation in Redding and Shasta County.

I want to give kudos to KGO (ABC7) Reporter, Laura Anthony, for some first-rate coverage from the scene of the destruction.

It's particularly hard to cover and the environment and obstacles are plenty.

Here's some video and pictures courtesy ABC7.

* I WANT to emphasize the degree and difficulty in covering these massive wildfires. I've never been on the front line of one of these disasters but I was witness to and experienced the Oakland Hills inferno in 1991; at the time, the worst firestorm to hit an urban area ever in terms of loss of life and property damage and destruction. The North Bay Fires last October eclipsed that.

*To get to the scene and provide dramatic video, reporters and photographers --still images and video cameramen often have to venture out into dangerous terrain --they are of course, restricted by the fire people but they still operate under intermittent hazardous environment and have to be extremely careful.

Image result for laura anthony KGo-TV Carr FireIt's not the most choice assignment but someone has to do it.

Saturday, June 23, 2018

More Hollyfield. Less Anthony. Recipe for Success at KGO-TV; Leslie Griffith Didn't Take Dennis Richmond's BS. A Short Story; Why Does Giants' Broadcaster Duane Kuiper Refuse to wear a Suit? I'm Just Asking; Saturday 415 Media Coffee

Image result for Amy Hollyfield KGO
Amy Hollyfield
SATURDAY 415 MEDIA COFFEE

Image result for Laura Anthony KGO
Laura Anthony
I'M NOT ONE TO BE PC HERE; I like Amy Hollyfield quite a bit on KGO-TV; I just wish I saw a lot more of her because she's a fine GSA Reporter and usually makes even the most boring stories quite interesting and provocative; speaking of boring, there's fellow Circle7 reporter, Laura Anthony, who is the polar opposite of Hollyfield; dull and dreary. My goodness watching Anthony stain the screen happens every time I see her. Anthony doesn't have any magic and her voice and look is vanilla, I know that sounds harsh but I'm giving you the truth. It's like watching paint dry. Does Anthony ever smile? No, not since the birth of Jimmy Carter, I don't care if she was covering the county fair. She looks eternally gloomy like someone fed her melba toast and tofu for lunch with a cold glass of water. Anthony needs something; a good jolt. Maybe a trip to the ocean.

Hollyfield, on the other hand, seems rather frenzied by comparison.

She oozes confidence and happiness. This may sound strange but if she were covering a murder, as bad as that would be, I could smile because at least there's some passion in the story and Amy looks like she would be having a good time. That's no knock on Hollyfield, my point is she is one happy camper.

Image result for Nurse Ratchet
Nurse Ratchet as portrayed by Louise Fletcher
Anthony is instant downer. A veritable Nurse Ratchet. What a turnoff. Am I being tough? Maybe but it's the truth.

*OK, so now that I've ruined your breakfast, tell me why I must suffer that schmuck on the Petersen Dean roofing ads? Terminal indigestion would be more favorable then watching this solar panel schmendrick. Pass the Maalox.

Image result for Leslie Griffith KTVU
Dennis Richmond and Leslie Griffith
*Sure, Leslie Griffith was slightly disturbing and troubled but she was damn good on the air. She was smart as a whip and sort of acted like she was talking directly to you as opposed to merely reading copy off the teleprompter. Yeah, she had a brain and didn't take any shit which probably cost her a job at KTVU but I really like her. A throwback to an era when some anchors actually knew what the hell they were talking about; Griffith projected power and supreme confidence. Too bad the boys at 2 couldn't handle her.

Like, say, Dennis Richmond, who didn't like Leslie because she dare speak her mind. I'm not talking on the air, mind you, I'm talking about off the air persona. Griffith often battled with Dennis because Dennis thought he was king. It could be two battling egos but it was more than that. Leslie often felt (with good reason) that Richmond was a power jerk and liked to intimidate. She wasn't the only one; she was the only one who refused to put up with Richmond's BS. Something you'll never read in the local press except here.

Image result for Duane Kuiper
Duane Kuiper
*Another thing that really irritates me is Duane Kuiper's lack of fashion technique. While the other guys regularly wear suits (except Dave Flemming) Kuiper has to put on the windbreaker --why is this a constant? Kuiper should respect the broadcast and wear professional-looking clothes and not dress like he just left the ski slopes at Tahoe. Is that too much to ask for? I think not. Yeah, I'm a little critical, sue me.

When you're broadcasting a major league baseball game you should always wear a suit and tie. Remember, you're not just some shlunk with a microphone you're representing the Giants and professional baseball; you should look like you belong.

I like Kuiper for the most part unless he sounds like he's bored and eating peanuts on the air but he can at least wear a suit and tie and try to win me over. Not an especially difficult chore and I welcome a transformation.

Like today, perhaps? I'm not holding my breath.



Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Money Dictates Shumann's Fate; KGO-TV's Lucrative Relationship with Warriors Probably Spells Doom for Veteran Sports Anchor

Image result for KGO TV and Warriors ATG I DON'T LIKE THE INEVITABLE DECISION coming regarding Mike Shumann's likely dismissal because of an alleged theft, but odds are the 28-year KGO-TV sports anchor will be fired.

There's several factors dictating this move but the biggest one is the most obvious: money.

It always is.

KGO makes a ton of money off its business relationship with the Warriors; those post-game shows involve several millions of dollars --no wonder it's all "exclusive" content.

"The revenue generated by the 'Warriors essentially pays the station its freight," said a KGO staffer familiar with the broadcast terms. Which means any deviation from its broadcast rights with the team is virtually unbreakable. That status probably spells doom for Shumann.

Image result for moneyShumann, according to those in the know, wasn't liked by many players on the team before the alleged theft incident in San Antonio.

Furthermore, after watching the video of the affair, many players stated they would no longer speak to him. That would complicate matters with KGO, which would obviously have to make a tough decision regarding Shumann's fate even if his "it was a total misunderstanding" reaction to the San Antonio is true.

KGO could simply take Shumann off the Warriors' beat (as they did before Sunday's and Tuesday's games) and replace him with Larry Beil; a decision on that and all other matters is supposedly being bandied about at KGO's 900 Front building.
Image result for Warriors KGO-TV

Monday, June 26, 2017

415 Media Exclu: ABC Courts KGO-TV's Rising Star Jessica Castro

Image result for jessica castro kgo  ABC NEWS is heavily courting KGO-TV Morning "Live Desk" anchor/personality, Jessica Castro, 415 Media has learned.

Any why not?

Castro is a rising star. Her news acumen is stellar. Her screen presence is profound. Furthermore, in an industry that almost begs resentment and jealousy, Castro has avoided both. She's almost universally liked and respected in the newsroom.

ABC News execs are planning a "massive offer" --a 415 Media broadcast source says the alphabet network would like for Castro to anchor from its LA news studio.

So far, no formal offer is on the table but a package is being formalized and the ABC7 star could be looking at a presentation any day now. That doesn't mean Castro could bolt; she loves the Bay Area and has settled in to a nice situation at 900 Front, say close friends.

We'll be watching and waiting.


Monday, August 3, 2015

Katie Marzullo Is 'Supremely Pissed Off' At KGO-TV; Rising Star Miffed Over Recent 'Hottest' Hires; Power Struggle Between ND Watkowski And GM Burton; Staffers Angry At 900 Front

 Katie Marzullo was thought to be a rising star at KGO-TV (ABC7); she's been the primary weekend anchor and also reports in the field. In addition, Marzullo has been doing fill-in anchoring during the week.


Not anymore.


Marzullo, who is universally loved at 900 Front, is both miffed and "supremely pissed off" at being replaced by San Diego newcomer, Natasha Zouves. My KGO Insider tells me Marzullo isn't going to rock the boat but privately she's seething and has told friends she feels as if the station has disrespected her.


"Katie is a professional and will continue to do her job but she's very discouraged about her situation and the direction of the station," offered my spy. "She was told she'd be the main weekend anchor and that management felt she was KGO's up and comer."


Not so fast.


Marzullo's status has become the centerpiece in what might be called a baby power struggle between News Director, Tracey Watkowski, and GM and President of KGO, Bill Burton, who was instrumental in the recent hires of Zouves and just last week, Portland and CNN anchor, Reggie Aqui. These "Hottest" new KGO anchors has touched off quite a division in the KGO newsroom, particularly senior staffers.


The staffers have great respect and possess near-universal admiration for Marzullo. Furthermore, almost everyone in the building is turned off by the direction of Burton, who seems to have taken some word from Disney to a "move to a more LA/KTLA style." Plain Speak: Lots of glitz, lots of 'flash and emphasis on "Social Media", read by "pretty people" from LA. Your basic KTLA look, but does that formula work in the Bay Area?


We won't know for sure in the immediate future but we do know that this weekend reshuffle has Katie Marzullo bent out of shape. She's apparently not alone.


























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Thursday, May 28, 2015

The Warriors' Hangover; KGO-TV Is Giddy; The Last Time The Warriors Won The NBA Finals Was 1975; Visuals For Those Who Care; Patty Hearst; 'Do The Hustle' And President Jerry Ford Outside The St. Francis

 Image result for 1975 in San Francisco

 If you think KGO-TV personnel are happy now (like presumably every other Warriors fans this morning) just wait for the next few weeks.


For starters, KGO killed in the May Sweeps. They blockheaded the competition at all-important 11 PM and did very well at 5 and 6 PM too.


Now, they get the NBA Finals and ratings nirvana (ABC broadcasts the NBA Finals and of course KGO is ABC's O and O (Owned and Operated) station in the Bay Area.


Take that, everyone else!


Which means everyone at 900 Front will be donning yellow and blue and the sales department will be eating a lot of cake.


The last time the Warriors were in the NBA Finals was 1975 (as pointed out) --they played at the Cow Palace, the dilapidated dump in Daly City.




In 1975 Jerry Ford was the POTUS. (Sarah Jane Moore tried to assassinate him in September outside the St. Francis Hotel) Joe Alioto was SF mayor. Patty Hearst was living on Morse Street with Bill and Emily Harris of the SLA. The Streets of San Francisco on ABC was #5 on TV and the local news was dominated by "Channel 7 News Scene"


#1 hit: "Do the Hustle"--Van McCoy. "When Will I See You Again."--The Three Degrees


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Monday, March 30, 2015

415 Media Exclu: Dan Ashley Re-Ups At KGO-TV 'For Many Years To Come'

 Veteran KGO-TV (ABC7) lead weeknight anchor, Dan Ashley, has signed a "long-term" contract extension that will keep the twenty-year veteran at the ABC O and O for "many years to come", according to a reliable SF broadcast source.

Ashley has been a stalwart for KGO's pm news blocks anchoring the 5, 6, 9 (on KOFY) and 11 PM newscasts.

Reached by phone, Ashley refused comment but his re-up was, according to the source, finalized last week and an official announcement from KGO should be coming any day now.

*415 Media Exclu

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KGO-TV, Channel 7, Circle 7, SF Anchors


Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Sze and Thomas Tension; Morning Family Feud At KGO-TV

 Tension at KGO in the morning between anchors Kristen Sze and Eric Thomas. It's not your garden-variety special either--just an overall distrust between the two and all the hotshots are hoping they can work it out.
 Here's the problem, among other things: both are high-profile anchors who've spent considerable time at 900 Front and from my spies both feel disrespect from each other. Thomas is pretty-much a straight-forward shooter who doesn't like gimmicks and drama. Sze is, supposedly "concerned" about her looks, (boobity-boob-boob!) which seems rather insecure and bizarre and that's drawn the ire of Thomas.

The two aren't into catfights --yet.

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Wednesday, February 11, 2015

'What Really Matters' Provides Welcome Respite From Usual TV News Minutiae; ABC7's Ashley Sets Right Tone In Commentaries

 ABC7 chief news anchor, Dan Ashley, is doing something fairly noble these days--a little old-fashioned commentary at the end of various newscasts.

"What Really Matters"--it's about two minutes --usually an anecdote about something in the daily news; an observation; analysis; god forbid, and I mean this in a good way, an opinion or two.

It's a human touch you don't see much in today's world of homogenized local TV News which tends to skew formulaic and without passion most of the time. I don't care for that and I'd bet most of you would tend to agree with me.

Ashley's commentaries remind me a lot of the late Jerry Jensen, also a KGO anchor, who ended each newscast with a similar type of presentation. Like Ashley, most stories weren't sappy nor righteous, set a proper tone and provided much-needed laughter and levity. When a subject matter was serious the issue was presented in the right context. Of course, they weren't all good but what is?

Here's hoping Ashley continues to do more of these--they are welcome and most appreciated.

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Monday, January 19, 2015

ABC7/KGO Radio Weatherman Mike Nicco Continues To Butcher The Pronunciation Of 'Meteorologist'

 Either plain stubborn or unwilling to get it right, KGO-TV and KGO Radio meteorologist, Mike Nicco continues to butcher the correct pronunciation of the word, meteorologist.


We've been here before. Now, we're just plain annoyed.


Mike: It's "me-tee-OR-rologist"--how simple is that? Apparently not the case with Nicco who routinely pronounces it: "Meter-rologist"--as he most recently did on the KGO Radio morning giggle-fest around 7 AM on Monday.


"Meter-rologists" is just plain wrongo, Mike, and it's annoying to hear a major-market talent extraordinaire butcher this so seemingly easy pronunciation as you do on a daily basis.


Please, Mike, just practice, it's really easy.


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