MediaMaven

  UW finishes 6-6 and Washington State 8-4.  Why would Seattle stations spend money to travel and cover insignificant, meaningless bowl games?  WSU just fired the DC and the OC is leaving for OKC.  DOA.  Save the dough.  Wait for the Seahawks.   Nobody but a small percentage of viewers will care during the holidays.   

Well look who turned up doing weekend weather at Seattle's KIRO7 Saturday night.  Natasha Stenbock, refugee from KOIN  in Portland.  Maybe she is replacing or substituting for real estate agent/temp weatherman Scott Haveson.   Stay tuned.  She was Chief Met at KOIN.  Budget cut there at the fabulous Nexstar company?   

  So long to KOMO's longtime weekend morning anchor Lee Stoll who did her final show Saturday.  She previously worked at KIRO7 and KREM2 in Spokane and did a little fill-in for me at the old NWCN.  She's a Northwestern U grad.   Weekend weather sidekick Theron Zahn will likely step right into anchor slot.  Newcomer Stella Sun may also be in the mix.  Zahn bid Lee a final goodbye this morning.  She is not revealing what is next, saying "That's for later." Also, next month Komo News Operations boss Dennis Hanson and longtime Production Tech Rena Mullen are retiring. There's a big Studio C station bash for them and retiring ND Phil Bruce on December 5th.

KOIN in Portland found itself in a commercial break when the Pioneer Courthouse Square Christmas tree was lighted.     Watch it and hear that the anchor had to cover.    The graphic said HAPPENING NOW.  But it actually happened a few seconds ago.    Sheesh. https://www.koin.com/video/40th-annual-tree-lighting-ceremony-brightens-pioneer-courthouse-square-in-downtown-portland/10258591/

https://youtu.be/d_mxfGFWP9w?si=MY4qieIjqxIL48VA  

Podcast link for you Dave Sims/Mariners fans on getting the dreamYankees job and his life as a sportscaster.  He shares how the job offer came together.    Dates all the way back to May.    Richard Deutsch of The Athletic is host of the Sports Media Podcast. (long pre-roll, be advised)   https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ZrqmJsUIJSX3tNNcFsu8s?si=RVfoyDbgSRKuNYCXi1Mniw

All three networks have gone way over the top on the late John Madden during the Thanksgiving day games. Enough. He created a food gimmick.  He didn't invent Thanksgiving or football. Won one Super Bowl and quit. My hometown Steelers beat him like a drum.   Overkill and young fans could care less. 

Fox 13 Seattle Meterologist Claire Anderson who is pregnant and due in January is getting national and international press about her social media conflict with a female viewer who complained about her maternity clothing.    She made headlines at today.com (NBC Today Show), the UK Daily Mail and the NY Post.   Read all about it at multiple links: https://x.com/TODAYshow/status/1861885285539201388 https://x.com/MailOnline/status/1862009445548507462 https://nypost.com/2024/11/28/media/seattle-pregnant-meteorologist-claire-anderson-blasts-critics-that-claimed-form-fitting-clothes-show9ng-off-baby-bump-distracted-viewers/

Dave Sims is so ready to leave rhe Mariners announce booth to replace John Sterling as the radio voice of the NY Yankees.  He spoke on X: “I’m an I-95 guy,” he said, “Born in Philly. Been in New York all my life, all my professional life, so I have friends and family in the area within a two-hour radius, and it’s the Yankees. Come on, seriously. I mean, it’s the New York freaking Yankees, 41 pennants, 27 World Series. Come on. You’re talking baseball. You’re talking about one of the best brands, not only in the country but in the world. Why would that not be attractive to somebody?”

KIRO 7 for cutting the great consumer advocate Jesse Jones KOMO for creating the unwatchable ARC Seattle (NOW 3 HOURS!!) on its CW station KIRO 7 for promoting a faux investigative team of anchors and general assignment reporters FOX 13 ex-anchor Jamie Tompkins for her role in the Diaz favoritism police scandal KIRO and KOMO for desperation money and mug giveaways during news casts for cheap ratings hit KOMO for its highly alarmist crime reporting agenda and just being owned by the evil Sinclair empire FOX13 for having two weather people with no journalistic cred anchoring newscasts KIRO 7 for forcing two general assignment reporters to do weather anchoring for short staffing KRAKEN Hockey Network for presenting a bland, vanilla, poorly produced pre-game show KING for using Walter Jones who offers no special insight on its 5th Quarter Show.  Get Hasselbeck! FOX13 for adding a nightly sports show we didn't need with a particularly awful set and weak guests KIRO for firing Sports Dir...

Turns out no winds of change at the top of Seattle Radio. KUOW and KZOK still 1-2.  However, 2 sports radio stations were thrown for a loss.   Full rundown below from radioonline.com https://ratings.radio-online.com/content/arb039

Cox has announced that the day before Thanksgiving is the final day for its Washington DC Bureau.  This news was leaked in late summer, now happening.   KIRO is my Incredible Shrinking Station.  Cox becomes the Incredible Shrinking Company.   This will create big holes in content for KIRO as they depend on the bureau for national story reporter packages.   Here's an X post from reporter Samantha Manning: "Today is the very last day of coverage at the Washington News Bureau. Cox Media Group has permanently closed the DC Bureau. Thank you to everyone for watching and for sharing your stories!" BTW, I am told by an industry insider that there are simply no buyers for Cox or Sinclair stations at this time -- Zero.

Mark Neerman, who has worked for Sinclair in Las Vegas, will replace Phil Bruce at KOMO on Dec. 30.   His note to staff, courtesy Rick Gevers: https://files.constantcontact.com/143c1a10201/3fa1deee-cb1c-4178-80d1-a07e3eb12025.pdf?rdr=true I was a colleague of Mark's at Belo when was ND in Louisville.   He certainly knows the Sinclair drill from his previous stint, so he is a believer, although the alarmist agenda of the company has sharpened  significantly since then.  He tried a failed entrprenuerial outside effort with Cox called Neighborhood TV, but is now back in a newsroom.    He was let go as ND at CBS-owned KPIX in San Fran two years ago and this blogger, known for his tough posts, had this information  Cannot confirm any of it. https://richliebermanreport.blogspot.com/2022/01/more-details-emerge-on-neerman-firing.html

  CBS Eveving News Anchor Norah O'Donnell said she would stay thru the election, to be ultimately replaced by a trifecta of anchors, including John Dickinson, Margaret Brennan and Maurice DuBois.   She now says she will continue until Jan 24, past the Trump Inauguration.  Clearly, she wants to be at her post during this tumultuous transition.  ABC owns the time period, with NBC second.   CBS mired in third now for quite a while. https://tvnewscheck.com/journalism/article/norah-odonnell-announces-her-final-day-anchoring-cbs-evening-news/

  Four contenders for the Nastional Sports Media Awards for Washington's Best.:   Fox 13 Seattle has a couple, KOMO with one and a hockey play-by-play guys gets a nod.   Here's a list of past winners: SPORTSCASTERS Year First Last Affiliation, City 2023 Everett Fitzhugh Kraken Radio Network, Seattle Paul Silvi KING5 TV, Seattle 2022 Chris Egan KING-TV, Seattle 2021 Ian Furness Sports Radio 950/KJR and FOX 13 TV, Seattle 2020 Dave Sims Mariners TV/ROOT Sports, Seattle

Well, I decided to give ARC Seattle another shot, the CW entry clone of KOMO News.   Worse than ever after almost 11 months.  For some reason it still has one set at 7 and the other at 8 and 9.  The show is entirely done on a two shot or solo shots, but no cut shots at all when the two anchors are bantering together.  Really hurts the pace of conversations. It is three-hours and I spun thru it, barely surviving massively rehashed news and canned faux news segments with hired guns. There is no mission for this show, it is just mish mash of content, including KOMO anchors forced to do Zoom-type interviews with these paid experts with no full disclosure.  There is no editorial control, even though some of the information offered can be useful.  Unfortunately it is more like propaganda. To wit: Interview with a VISA executive standing next to the company logo talking about consumer fraud with the company's produced graphics and b-roll Another consumer frau...

There has been some good sourced reporting about changes coming at Tegna, owners of KING in Seattle, KGW in Portland, KREM in Spokane and KTVB in Boise.   Station marketing departments (as reported here) are being sent to centralized hubbing (KING in the PNW) and the CEO has announced to GMs that streaming is the future, not linear newscasts.   More automation will come sooner than later, meaning news producers will be the switcher, not directors; so jobs are on the line.  In addition, KING could easily hub weather for the other three stations going forward. That is not a new idea.  Regional GMs are likely, too, with the marketing move a harbinger.     The latest memo from the new Tegna boss (which can be found at ftvlive.com if you do some scrolling), should be a "First Alert" warning that everything is on the table.   Even the Kraken games, which moved from Root Sports to KING and KONG and Amazon, will probably end up only streami...

KOMO and KIRO have toy drives and KING works with Northwest Harvest Food Food Drive.  Their web sites have ongoing details, too. https://komonews.com/news/local/photos-komo-toy-drive-2024-santas-castle-jblm-kids-charity-christmas-holidays-presents-families-seattle-community-pnw?photo=1 https://www.kiro7.com/toydrive/ https://www.northwestharvest.org/event/24th-annual-king-5-home-team-harvest/

T he head of Seattle's Office of Police Accountability, Gino Betts Jr., has resigned after heavy criticism of how he handled several cases. He is collateral damage in the investigation of several issues like the sordid tale of a relationship between former Fox 13 Seattle TV anchorwoman Jamie Tompkins and the previous top cop, Adrian Diaz. Per the SeattleTimes.com

The new Kraken Hockey Network gets some love from the Seattle Times.  The piece praises everyone and everything, but while a show host preaches a passionate team, it does not come across in the pre-game program, as I have previously suggested.  No energy or entertainment or innovative ideas.    I'll watch again to see some improvement. https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/kraken/the-kraken-gambled-by-creating-their-own-network-heres-how-its-paying-off/  

The Seattle Times reports that Root Sports will be its TV home in 2025.  But still $18.50 a month?  Sheesh.  A lot for mediocrity. https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/mariners/sources-mariners-plan-to-broadcast-games-on-root-sports-in-2025/

Don't usually post these from other markets, but Chuck Scarborough has 50 years at WNBC as the lead TV news anchor.   He's calling it a day and with 50 years, he tops the 47 great years for KIRO-FM's Dave Ross, which we announced earlier here.   I guess Scarborough's FAIR. https://tvnewscheck.com/journalism/article/anchor-chuck-scarborough-to-retire-after-more-than-50-years-at-wnbc-new-york/

Jen Mueller gets an 18th anniversary message from Root Sports.  I hope Root is around for #19.  I have my doubts.  But, that aside, she is great with Seahawks radio. A good one for sure. Talented and versatile. https://x.com/ROOTSPORTS_NW/status/1859647738146898113?t=TdyDj6vlSo_gcu78xaZ6bA&s=19

Big changes coming in the mornings at KIRO FM with both Dave Ross and Colleen O'Brien leaving the station:   This from Facebook: KIRO Newsradio is announcing the upcoming retirement of one of Seattle's most influential and trusted voices, Dave Ross. After 47 years with the station, Dave will sign off for the final time on December 19th, leaving behind a lasting legacy that has deeply impacted both KIRO Newsradio and the Seattle community. As reported here first more than a month ago, it's expected KIRO News Director Charlie Harger will take his spot. Not sure about Colleen as yet, who says her surprise decision is separate from Dave's (see link below) even though leaving on same date. New adventures ahead after a decade. Could Travis Mayfield, ex of Fox13 Seattle's mornings be on deck?? Will it be a new lady? https://mynorthwest.com/4012043/dave-ross-colleen-obrien-retiring-co-hosting-seattles-morning-news/

Another two-bit ratings sweeps instance of desperation from KOMO, and it isn't even money.  A MUG????? https://komonews.com/station/contests-community-events/contest-komo-morning-mug-2024?fbclid=IwY2xjawGqJlJleHRuA2FlbQEwAGFkaWQAAAYFb1O6KgEdTBxEyd3Jw1mzLOrs3WhETVzQjCeOwEwqSWY39rTcF_sLDg-o8-g_7Zuy_aem__b1bK73haEyVD5pqcqGKEQ  

We've got confrimation that KING 5 in Seattle will be one of the new marketing hub centers for Tegna, which has announced that marketing departments at its many stations will unfortunately be shut down in mid-January. My friends at ftvlive.com posted the corporate memo, the first big swing taken by the new boss who replaced the long-running corporate czar Dave Lougee (former KING GM and ND) in August.   One would think they will hub for KGW in Portland, KREM in Spokane and KTVB in Boise.  Makes sense as the station with the most resources. https://www.ftvlive.com/sqsp-test/2024/11/19/the-internal-memo

  The secret keyword is DESPERATION. Here’s how you could win: · Watch KIRO 7 Monday, November 11 through Friday, November 22 at 5:10am, 6:10am, 5:10pm and 6:10pm · We’ll announce a keyword in each of these contest hours · You have until 40 minutes past hour to enter the keyword on the form below (until at 5:40am, 6:40am, 5:40pm and 6:40pm) · One daily nationwide viewer will win $1,000

Longtime respected and talented reporter Pat Dooris is hangin' em up after 34 years at KGW in Portland.  From kgw.com: Dooris announced Friday evening that he'll be taking on a communications role in the office of incoming Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez.

From Sports Media Watch: TNT to license "Inside the NBA" to ABC/ESPN starting next season, per Joe Flint of the Wall Street Journal. Separately, WarnerBrosDiscovery and NBA settle lawsuit, with WBD to continue operating NBA TV. NBA Countdown may be the goner in this deal. Ernie, Shaq, Chuckster and Kenny will rise again in 2025 as long as none of them 'goes fishin.'

  It's official, Kelly Hanson is the new host of New Day Northwest on KING 5.  She started as a sales assistant and has been the best fill-in host for the show since Amity Addrisi left for the Allen Institute.  The memo from King program boss Jay Yovanovich; I am elated to announce Kelly Hanson has been named host of New Day Northwest! Kelly brings an array of skills to the role with a background in lifestyle content creation. Kelly has spent the last 11 years at KING 5, working as a true triple threat. Her work with our most prominent clients has produced dynamic commercial campaigns and solid professional relationships in client services, which has resulted in repeat business. Her work on the Marketing side has garnered a coveted Promax GOLD award in the top category, (Large Market/ Image). This award is considered the top award in local television marketing. And then there's Local Lens Seattle. Kelly helped start our flagship YouTube series and has singlehandedly kept ...

***Seattle Times reports Storm's mistreatment investigation is closed with no violations found, but now star Jewell Loyd has reportedly asked for a trade.  Collateral damage. https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/storm/storm-say-investigation-of-alleged-player-mistreatment-finds-no-violations/ (Accusations coming forward on player mistreatment allegations to the WNBA team https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/storm/seattle-storm-being-investigated-after-alleged-player-mistreatment/ _)

Promo running on KIRO 7 if you tune in at 5:10 and 6:10 am/pm to the news and get the payoff clue and enter to win a grand.  Must be very desperate. In the November ratings sweep.   The Incredible Shrinking and Desperate Station. They should have their faux investigative team look into the ethicd.

Friends, I am now weaning myself away from X and have moved to bsky.app for some new postings on social but will keep this blog as the MAIN SOURCE for Seattle Media News.  My handle on this new and growing app is: @ tvmavenseattle.bsky.social    The app is very sports oriented right now, so will have to do a trial run to see if media stuff can fit in.     I will maintain X for a little while longer.

Dave Sims has left his announcer job with the Seattle Mariners to become the play by play radio voice of the New York Yankees and Sims joined the station to confirm.  Amazing that the Mariners flagship, KIRO AM, was dissed on the announcment.  This from Root Sports reporter: https://x.com/AngieMentink/status/1857253161624613239

The NY Post says Mariners broadcaster is a big apple bite from replacing the immortal John Sterling on the Yankees radio team.   Getting out ahead of the Root Sports problems.   Aaron Goldsmith the obvous heir apparent.  Courtesy Jessamyn McIntyre: https://x.com/JessamynMcIntyr/status/1857153324535120178

Despite a gloomy new memo from the bosses at Bonneville radio in Utah, the latest company cuts at the Salt Lake flagship won't affect it's KIRO or KTTH, according to a source speaking on background.  Book it for now.

Sports director Aaron Levine says the powerful Gonzaga basketballers will have a home on Fox 13+ athis season.  More and more, it seems like sports is moving back to broadcast, e.g. Kraken and Trailblazers. https://x.com/AaronLevine_/status/1857091379626680426

Jake Waldo departs as cluster Promotions Director and morning show producer at Classic Rock 102.5 KZOK. Waldo has spent his entire career at the cluster since 2016. Lee Callahan  exits as morning host at Variety Hits “ 96.5 Jack-FM ” KJAQ after nine years in the daypart. She had been with the station since 2007 and also served as a news anchor for Liberal Talk 1090 KPTK, morning producer/co-host at AAA “ 103.7 The Mountain ” KMTT and producer at 1000 KOMO.

Nielsen audio is reducing from five minutes to three minutes as the new measure to count a radio listener for the ratings.  It all starts in January.   Think of all the things you can do while checking into your favorite station!  Here's more from radioonline.com https://news.radio-online.com/articles/b17986/Nielsen-Audio-Cuts-Listener-Count-to-Three-Minutes

Courtesy of ftvlive.com, we learn that KING5 environmental reporter is leaving the station and the business, but staying in Seattle.  Obviousy her three-year contract run was done. https://www.ftvlive.com/sqsp-test/2024/11/11/done-in-seattle

Checked out Kraken Home Ice on King 5 Sunday night.  Much better produced than the KHN so-so pregame shows with Ian Furness and company.  Far more energy. Better writing. Better opening sequence. Better teases.   I know it is a weekly show, but producing makes the difference.  @SeattleKraken

Farewell video for morning co-anchor Channing Curtis at KREM, who joined the station in July 2021 after stints in Tyler and Midland, TX https://x.com/KREM2/status/1855279248908357934  

 This news from PDX, a longtime radio man for the Portland Trailblazers passes away . https://x.com/johncanzanobft/status/1855046616387854561

Chris Daniels, the so-called Senior Reporter at KOMO Seattle got stomped on the Jamie Tompkins police resignation story.   He knew it was coming and didn't get it done.  Oh well, Erica Barnett of Publicola crushed it.  Bottom line is that Daniels is too busy doing sports podcasts and trying to be the sports director, undercutting Nico Tamurian.

Austin Jenkins and Susannah Frame get special recognition from the University of Washington Communications Dept. https://x.com/AustinJ_Reports/status/1854946349349003735

Jamie Tompkins, former main female anchor at FOX13 Seattle, has resigned as Chief of Staff for the former police chief Edwin Diaz  This story comes from Erica Barnett of Publicola.  https://publicola.com/2024/11/08/chief-of-staff-to-former-spd-chief-adrian-diaz-resigns-amid-allegations-she-lied-to-investigators/ This sordid tale all began in the summer of 2022 when Tompkins did a ride-along with Diaz.  Later there were rumors of an affair and preferential hiring. https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/behind-the-badge-get-to-know-seattle-police-interim-chief-adrian-diaz