Stephen Stock And Eric Rasmussen Deliver First-Rate Real News Stories; NBC Bay Area/KTVU Break Down Quality Content; The Vacuous Ronn Owens Defends Brian Williams On KGO Because 'I Really Like Him'; Thank God Callers Take Him Down; KRON New Weather Woman; KTVU New Look Gets Stamp Of Approval; TGIF 415 Media Notes

FRIDAY RUNDOWN

A case of good LOCAL TV News on display: Stephen Stock of NBC Bay Area and Eric Rasmussen of KTVU reminded us that there's still quality workmanship out there if you can apply it and hunt for a story.

Rasmussen went to a Downtown Oakland residence hotel and exposed a filthy, obscenely dark, dank and gutter place --and was able to come face to face with its owner (who didn't talk) but also a young mother with kids who had no alternative but to live at the dump. I've been critical of Rasmussen before but he was great here and his relentless pursuit of the slumlord and getting to the bottom of the affair was quality work.

*Stock, part of "NBC Investigates", (KNTV) provided a lengthy and informative essay of the state's fragile levee system --I knew it was bad but I didn't contemplate the future hellhole that awaits us if a big earthquake were to hit at the wrong place. Good work, Mr. Stock.

*The vacuous Ronn Owens at his best: Mr. Voice of Reason's hideous defense of Brian Williams based on "I really like him." Owens, "Mr. Softie"--what a complete schmuck.

*The few talk-show hosts left at KGO (on the weekend) are shaking their head over being left out of consideration for the 7-10 PM weeknight slot. The guy that got the gig got it based on his mushroom recipes.

*KRON has a new weatherwoman --thanks for keeping me abreast of the situation.

*It's easy for me to rip KTVU's new look and format but I like it. It's more crisp and fresh and it moves along at a decent pace. There's more stories and information. It's considerably more of an appealing look. It's not perfect --but nothing is perfect anymore. And yes, I've seen WEATHER AUTHORITY--is it campy and ridiculous? Absolutely ..but welcome to the world of modern-day TV News.

*Stock up: Azenith Smith: I'm loving her more every day. Talk about transformation from the news outhouse to the penthouse.

*Brian Williams easy call: if he's still got the gig at the end of Friday he'll get spared and not fired; the weekend is always the best friend of those public people whose jobs are in peril.

Azenith Smith--KTVU

*Somebody at KPIX should be informed that your quasi-new graphics look horrible. Just what's with the block-centric lettering? It looks something out of El Paso.


*The morning news gigglers on KGO and their daily tease with the mattress man: About as enticing and cool as a Fresno Arby's.




Stephen Stock--NBC Bay Area 'Investigative Unit'

*Mike Nicco giggles and Jennifer Jones-Lee giggles-back: I think all we need is Chuck Woolery


*Remember, The 'Voice of Reason's sole existence is to get out of the house and sweet-talk sweet-nothings with middle-aged women in Pleasanton who regard Target as the same as Nordstrom.


*Dear Chef Ryan Scott: I thought you were bad but after listening to 7-10 PM you might as well be the reincarnation of Jim Dunbar.


*KRON: OK, so you got the lighting right now if only you could get a bigger desk! Go down to Office Depot and do it right away. There's a sale today.


*Brian Copeland: "What if Urkel wanted to be a talk-show host? I smell a one-man show.

*Hey, did you hear? It's supposed to rain like hell for a few days! Oh Nellie!

*Ronn: Mattresses, manicures , heaping praise on dorky new talk-show hosts from 7-10 PM, you're just a fine man, Mr. Lowenstein.

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It's This Simple: A Message To My Readers

415 Media has become the go-to spot for Bay Area media professionals, viewers, listeners and those who are just interested in the goings-on of the business. I am profoundly happy that I've struck a nerve. We've grown leaps and bounds. The new advertising you see validates that and while it's great, it's not enough.


As much as I treasure the wonderful messages of support I get from you I can't pay my bills with your kind words. About two years ago, I floated a trial balloon about putting 415 Media behind a pay wall. After many of you vociferously protested, I reconsidered. I decided it was more important to make 415 Media open to all, even those who visit here often but are not necessarily enthralled with all of the content. That's OK, we don't discriminate.


So, today, I'm asking those of you that like this website, to make a contribution to keep 415 Media a permanent fixture and sustainable. I know things are difficult for most of you. But they're difficult for me too. That's why I've added this contribution button. If you value 415 Media and can afford it, a modest one-time donation allows me the liberty to write the stories you want to know about and have come to appreciate and depend on.


Please click on my Donate button and support 415Media. You don't need to sign up for a PayPal account to make a secure and confidential donation. If you do, I'll be grateful and I'll be sure to say so by private email or call. We'll also raffle off a holiday lunch with me and three of your closest friends at Tommy's Joynt.


It's not just the faces and voices you see and hear every day who make 415 Media the most widely read media news blog in the Bay Area. Many of the hard-working individuals who work long hours for short money and no recognition have given me some of my most important scoops. They do so knowing they are risking their own job to do so, but they do it because they know how important it is to shine the light of day on some of the darker aspects of the current media scene.


I know 415 Media is important to you because over 100,000 of you folks visit this site each week. Many of you write and call me to tell me just how much you appreciate reading inside information about the local television and radio personalities you love (and hate). Others have been generous about giving me news tips and sharing their insight.


I appreciate all your support and again, look forward to a lasting presence here at 415 Media.

*Look for 415 Media 'Extra" in the coming months.


Thanks in advance.

Rich Lieberman
415 Media

The Rich Lieberman 415 Media Monday Questionaire

 Many of you come here to check in on Bay Area TV/Radio. Some of you are regulars and some are new.

415 Media has grown quite considerably to a point where I wouldn't have imagined such thought a few years ago.

I want to start off Monday by probably opening up a hornet's nest, possibly, but why change now.

What do you look for when you come here? What are some of the things you like and dislike? (hornet's nest reference)

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