Somerville, one of the Bay Areas highest-paid and most visible TV journalists, has been at KTVU since 1991. Franklin (Fox Sports Net), Leslie Griffith (KTVU), Mark Ibanez (KTVU), Deanne Moenster (KTVU), Tom Pellack (Fox Sports Net), Steve Shlisky (KTVU), George Watson (KTVU), and Rita Williams (KTVU). A slightly more up to date update on George. It wasnt until four days after the bizarre incident that a New York-based spokesperson for Fox the network that owns and operates KTVU announced that the veteran anchor would be taking an indefinite leave of absence to focus on his health., KTVU also offered no prior notice that Somerville would be returning this week, although Julie Haener, his longtime co-anchor, did briefly broach the subject in a July 28 Facebook post. Johnny Depp was surprise difficult on set of comeback film, reports say, Coronation organizers wonder if Prince Harry will be a no-show, report says, Summer movies 2023: 21 reasons you should be eager to return to theaters, Tucker Carlson: How early rejection by hippie San Francisco mom made him shameless, Harriette Cole: My friend's mom didn't recognize me at my job, and she was very rude. "He (Somerville) looked drunk. We were normal-looking people who you wouldnt expect to see on TV news., Starting as an assignment editor, Zehnder was promoted to news director because of his news judgment and popularity with the staff. I'm sure current management heard that as a slap in the face. His voice and presence was so incredibly comforting to me. KTVU reporter Watson spent two weeks on the South Pacific island of Guadalcanal to film a comprehensive 45th anniversary report on the storied landing by U.S. Marines in World War II. It includes footage of legendary transit historians Harre Demoro and Ted Wurm.. She replaced Elaine Corral on the Ten O'clock News in 1998, becoming a staple on the program as Dennis Richmond's co-anchor. Dec. 1, 2015 Updated: Dec. 1, 2015 3:33 p.m. 11. But he had a profound impact on me as a child. I totally had a crush on her. ", At his lowest point, Watson was homeless, destitute and near death, he says. Thanks for posting this video, Rich, and for the update. Zehnder also hired or nurtured weather reporter Bill Martin and sports anchor Mark Ibanez, whom hed seen on TV while on vacation in Tahoe. "I'm loving retired life, really have left that stage of my life." UPDATE, 8: 31 AM PT: A source tells me Somerville was asked to leave after the first segment. The 54-year-old newsman says he had been in and out of 12-step programs for many years. Was a regular KTVU News viewer back in the days when George worked at the station, and I always really liked his work. George Watson, former KTVU (Channel 2) weekend news anchor whose struggle with alcoholism cost him his job six years ago, was rehired as a reporter and writer last month.. Watson will write and . needs these 5 sites to thrive so the city can recover. A native of Jamaica, he grew up in Miami. He just worked.. A possible reunion of old KTVU on-air people, like Watson, Dennis Richmond, Rita Williams, Lloyd Lacuesta and others might be in the works too. george watson ktvu where is he now. Zehnder also helped mold the on-air persona of popular feature reporters Bob MacKenzie and George Watson. No one said a word. A job that former KTVU boss/GM, Kevin O'Brien got him. Zehnder founded the San Leandro Times in 1991 while still working as news director at KTVU. I remember him, he was always really good at what he did. Police were on edge that night, because a few days earlier, during a May 29, 2020, protest, protesters set fires, threw Molotov cocktails and separately, a federal agent was killed by a member of the Boogaloo movement in an undisputably chaotic night. He also put out the garbage, pulled weeds around the offices, typed wedding announcements and calendar items, took pictures and did every job that goes into getting free publications into circulation. The discipline by the chief and the civilian board would be the same and run concurrently if both parties agree. Fun to follow. The Press-Enterprise. I get the impression that Les has remained supportive, through thick and thin, and (if true) that would be quite a reflection of her character. He always had faith in his people, and we always had faith in his judgment.. Alex Savidge normally anchors the 4 p.m. newscast on KTVU and the 7 p.m. news on KTVU Plus. Have you never heard of diarrhea? KTVUs Frank Somerville to take a break after bizarre newscast behavior But that's . Real No-BS professionals. He is 17 years removed from working as a reporter/anchor at the CBS affiliate in Phoenix. Frank Somerville finally returns to KTVU: Are viewers owed an explanation? She joined KTVU in 1986 as a weekend reporter and anchor, and with her alto voice and steadfast reporting, she worked her way up to become an influential force in Bay Area journalism, the East Bay Times reported. Maybe he can come back to KTVU some day even if doing special reports part time. Courtesy KTVU. Not sure what you mean by "Fox 2 branding" but "Fox 2" as a concept didn't exist during the Zehnder era, so why would it be an element? Zehnder was 87 and second youngest of four brothers, all still alive. And I wouldn't rule out Ms. Corral attending, either. You were a bright shining start in a dark, dark world. OAKLAND, Calif. - Oakland police officers have been disciplined following the deployment of tear gas and other less-than-lethal projectiles at last summer's George Floyd protests, KTVU has learned. The nine-time Emmy Award-winning Griffith worked at KTVU for 20 years from 1986 to 2006 beginning as a reporter and as co-anchor, with George Watson, for the station's 10 p.m. weekend newscast.For several years in the 1990s, she anchored that weekend broadcast by herself, doing the same as well for a weekend early evening edition. In that sendoff staffers talk about how great things were back then, with Randy Shandobil saying "If you like us at all now, it's because of Fred." Well, have to say I never heard of Zehnder till now. Viewers news may remember her as she spent more than two decades anchoring the 10 p.m. news alongside veteran anchor Dennis Richmond. Thanks Rich and George - so glad to hear he is enjoying life. He took the wrong medicationThe vodka instead of the Scotch. Posted to Fort Bliss, Texas, he worked at an Army public information office run by Sam Donaldson, later a famously brusque TV news reporter. Longtime KTVU anchor and reporter Leslie Griffith dies I miss George Watson on the nightly news. I am hoping he stays sober and maybe if a local news station takes a chance on him they can use his considerable talents. at KTVU (Mann was one of the station's first hires), O'Brien and Zehnder brought in newcomer Leslie Griffith to join veteran KTVU reporter George Watson on the weekend anchor desk. Get well soon, Frank. ), Best part about the Leslie/Mark (short man) story is that she was upset at losing him (refer back to short comment), LIVE AND DIRECT FROM SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONE, GEORGE WATSON IS ON THE PHONE. Watson said Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong will hold a news conference this week to explain more. Nor Leslie. He said that these findings and discipline are private under the police officer bill of rights. ", Watson's re-entry into the workplace was easier than he had expected, he says. I'm sure that was a subtle F.U. Armstrong, who was deputy chief at the time, also said that the June 1, 2020, protest got out of hand. For the last year, Armstrong has promised transparency and has told the community on several occasions that if the police made mistakes, he would let the public know. Sadly, it looked like he was drunk. He looked off last night. George is a solid reporter and anchor. Original music by Dan Powell and Marion Lozano . He arrived at KTVU in 2005 as a general assignment reporter. Don, to take its toll at the news studio at Jack London Square. He sold subscriptions and took in news items dead cows and broken-down milk trucks on the family phone line. It's time KTVU makes a permanent change on their main anchor desk. He was known 'bout town drunk in public. Watson also didn't realize how much the segment would have on his life later, even the more than twenty years later. It's tragically intense and real. How much will be revealed is yet to be determined. Or follow her on Twitter @ljfernandez, Evan Sernoffsky is an investigative reporter for KTVU. I can't remember the last time I saw her on air. Fred Zehnder, longtime KTVU news director, dies at 87 after being hit I remember when Doug passed away. Dear Abby: Am I overreacting to my European daughter-in-law's behavior? Surprised that he was working so recently - I don't see any online mention he was a reporter / anchor at KPHO .- the CBS affil in Phoenix. We all need help at some point.I personally am too embarrassed to ask for help currently.Severe depression going on 4 years now. I have a feeling they decided to limit the coverage of Fred's good old days, and there's been no follow up about a memorial, or more info on the alledged drunk driver, since. At Lakeport Union Elementary, he fell under the spell of a teacher who had been a news reporter, and she encouraged him. One final lapse crossed the line and that one signaled George's exit from Channel 2. Chuck Barney is the TV critic and columnist for the Bay Area News Group. After being off the air for more than nine weeks, Frank Somerville returned to KTVUs The Ten OClock News Wednesday night without addressing his unusual and lengthy absence. Since then, he has helped launch the weekend editions of "Mornings on 2," co-anchoring with Claudine Wong. For decades he lived in an in-law unit behind the home of close friends Howard and Claudette Morrison, who ended up working with him at his papers. https://plaing.smugmug.com/Friends/KTVUs-George-Watsons-60th/i-PVT68BG. What did Leslie do to get on FZ's bad side? Sad. Hope he can get some help . I watched the show, he was having a hard time delivering the words, slurring a few words. He also did not want a memorial service. I had to move in with a friend and get a retail job that paid minimal, however, getting out and working and helping people was the cure. That would be a dynamite idea and count me in as a interested observer. Drinking can help relief stress, but it can ruin someone lives and his career if you have no control over the abuse. Ken Bastida!} Police, by law and court order, must use de-escalation techniques first, before deploying such harmful, although less-lethal, agents and tools. Watson has politely turned down several nedia interview requests. Watson, George D. 68 Aug. 09, 1944 Jan. 01, 2013 Public viewing will be on Tuesday Jan. 8 from 4 to 7 p.m., at Terry Family Funeral Home. Henry Winkler advises find a passion and stick with it, no matter the stage of life Was it throwing the shoe at Ibaez (urban mythnever happened, and I am ex-KTVU and in the know) or trashing his car and smashing in all the windows (did really happen, not an urban myth).Why they hell did they keep her? He looked awful and sounded worse. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. Title not meant as any sign of disrespect, just a piece of retro bay area broadcasting history. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. But the Berkeley native, USC alum and lifelong Warriors fan will likely see a lot more camera time at the desk in the coming days and weeks. Licensed to Oakland, California, the station has been owned by Atlanta-based Cox Enterprises since 1964, making it the largest Fox affiliate by market size that is not owned. clinical psychologist jobs ireland; Tags . "When I first watched it, I had no idea it would be as impactful as it was. The state panel is preparing a final report that will suggest how to compensate Black residents to address the harms caused by the states history of slavery. Several years ago George Watson worked for KTVU-2 in Oakland. He held a news conference at the time saying that people were throwing rocks at police and "preparing Molotov cocktails.". Might want to ask your spies if I'm right. Watson and his wife plan to attend the memorial service for Zehnder when it takes place. In addition, the use of force reports into what occurred one year ago have also been completed and "discipline has been administered," according to police spokeswoman Johnna Watson, who sent KTVU an email on Monday. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @samwhitingsf. Calls to Somerville and Fox spokesperson Victoria Gurrieri Thursday morning were not returned. Separately, the civilian-led Oakland Police Commission's "Community Police Review Agency," which has its own investigative arm, found numerous sustained findings of policy violations stemming from last summer's protests. Maybe if McCormick feels good enough, he might come down from Oregon. Buy Photos. It seems odd. Former longtime KTVU anchor and reporter Leslie Griffith has died. To date, police have not yet provided evidence of those Molotov cocktails and dozens of witnesses have told KTVU that no one was causing imminent danger to police at 7:45 p.m. that night, 15 minutes before curfew, when police threw tear gas into the crowd. This photo is from 1990, early in Leslie Griffith's KTVU tenure, when she was a weekend anchor. Sad. It was created in 1984 by KTVU reporter George Watson, and produced by Don McCuaig. "Long-time KTVU anchor Leslie Griffith has died. I told my wife I bet KTVU pulls him off the air at the commercial break, which they did. Ask Amy: I put a security camera in my room, and what I saw was creepy, Ask Amy: My fiancee's family says I'm not invited, and she's going without me, The dad whose wife and child were among 5 killed by a neighbor in Texas describes how the massacre unfolded, 'Total dominance': Steph Curry breaks NBA Game 7 record, leads Warriors over Kings, Dear Abby: The reason her fiance hid his phone was something she never guessed, Mortgage fees to rise for buyers with high credit scores, fall for those with lower scores, Kurtenbach: Steph Curry built the Warriors dynasty. Everyday I couldn't wait to see him on the news. In 2008, he received a highly publicized promotion when he was named the co-anchor of the station's 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts, replacing Bay Area . At that time I thought professional help and it did help. After the series of reports aired, in 1987, Watson got a simple note from Zehnder ending with, Were lucky to have you. Watson put it on his fridge, and it was still there 30 years later. Leslie Griffith, Longtime KTVU Channel 2 Anchor/Reporter, Filmmaker A family member told KTVU that Griffith died "from the effects of Lyme Disease since she was bitten by a tick while living in Oregon in 2015.". KTVU's George Watson's 60th Read More. You're a GREAT MAN, George, we all love you. He's The Peter Principle in action. Dear Abby: I have a great life, so why have I fallen into this shameful behavior? But behind the scenes, negotiations were under way on a departure settlement. Thanks for linking that gallery! Click this link to see pics of George on his 60th birthday. I can see all of the KTVU alumni that RL mentioned getting together to remember Fred Zehnder. If you see this, thank you George. The 10 o'clock News would soon become the No. Chuck Barney is the TV critic and columnist for the Bay Area News Group. While there, he was introduced to broadcasting through a part-time job at a Eureka radio station. And that's fine with him now. I watched the first 10 minutes of the 10 PM news and Somerville seemed pretty impaired. I have thought about you often and held positive thoughts for you. Welcome back.. At the start of the 11 PM news, Julie Haener said "Frank is off tonight". PDF Class of 1996 - emmysf.tv Aug 2001 - Mar 20042 years 8 months. It is up to you to calm them down. We knew what our job was and we did it, primarily because of Fred.. A news anchor was visibly intoxicated on the air. Frank Somerville says he believes he won't be coming back to KTVU "I feel good, awesome actually. I watched him for years. Fred Zehnder, the news director at KTVU for decades, died after being hit by a truck while walking in Alameda. Sam Whiting has been a staff writer at The San Francisco Chronicle since 1988. I miss a lot of these past greats. I never knew what happened until now. What happened on first day of CHP drug dealing crackdown in S.F. Always in our thoughts George! "I would quit drinking only in order to keep my job, but I always started again because that was never the right reason to quit," Watson says. Fred Zehnder, the news director at KTVU for decades, died after being hit by a truck while walking in Alameda. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. The film blends the status of the (then) current-day BART system with looks at the amazing transit systems that existed . Somerville, 63, has been at KTVU since 1991. This began a string of jobs in TV broadcasting as a news director in Eureka, a cameraman at KPIX, and an assistant director on Van Amburgs news show on KGO-TV. It seems apparent that, even at a time when athletes and celebrities are connecting with the public by opening up about their personal struggles, both Somerville and KTVU have chosen at least so far to ignore the incident, move on and take a business-as-usual approach. RICH LIEBERMAN 415 MEDIA: George Watson --a KTVU News Anchor - Blogger Altamont Press Discussion Board :: Discussion :: Re:George Watson I hear George is doing fine --as best that can be expected --but the former Bay Area/KTVU anchor/reporter has a long road to hoe. In 2008, he received a highly publicized promotion when he was named the co-anchor of the stations 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts, replacing Bay Area icon Dennis Richmond. I really appreciated and enjoyed George's on-air work and presence. Frank Somerville , KTVU 5, 6, and 10 p.m. anchor. 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Related Articles "Leslie Griffith was a consummate professional," wrote KTVU reporter Greg Liggins. Some people are more sensitive to the effects of alcohol than others. Kevin O'Brien was the station manager, Zehnder's boss. Watson has politely turned down several nedia interview requests. "It was not a lightbulb, burning-bush experience," he says. KTVU's George Watson's 60th - plaing - SmugMug Im soooo happy to see you back anchoring the news! one reader wrote. God Bless You and George for all that you do. Viewers news may remember her as she spent more than two decades anchoring the 10 p.m. news alongside veteran anchor Dennis Richmond. Dozens of protesters have alleged in at least two federal lawsuits that they suffered bruising and even temporary blindness as a result of getting hit with toxic chemical agents and the equivalent of rubber bullets during at least two protests last summer, on May 29 and June 1, 2020. We got Mike Mabach, Andre Senior, Frank Malicoat to take over his spot. Mike Mibach grew up in the Bay Area and attended St. Ignatius College Preparatory in San Francisco (Class of 94) and College of Marin. Great to report he's living in Scottsdale and enjoying retired life, sober and tranquil many years and sounding very much the same as he did when he was an anchor at KTVU. He was already 12 years into his career when he was drafted into the Army, upon his graduation from Humboldt State, at age 22. No RL, he's a GREAT GUY, and one I admired all my years in Bay Area media. She was a real psycho-lady. The rest of the nation did too. She was a force of nature.". He's still in mourning over the cancellation of "Freaks and Geeks.". It was O'Brien that was the same boss that had to let Watson go after repeated bouts with alcohol abuse. KTVU, virtual channel 2 (digital channel 44), is the Fox-affiliated television station serving the San Francisco Bay Area. Reply Delete George looks great, and he seems to be in good spirits. George was an excellent anchor. Is she still working there? I was tempted to make a George Watson joke, but(Jessica Savitch too). Covered the aftermath of the 9-11 attacks in New York City . He's still in mourning over the cancellation of "Freaks and Geeks. She currently anchors the 4 and 7 p.m. news at KTVU, but has filled in for Somerville several times already this week. Pray constantly for pain to go away. It was Somervilles first appearance on the KTVU anchor desk since making an alarming exit from a May 30 newscast during which he repeatedly slurred and stumbled over his words and appeared to have trouble reading off the teleprompter. She stood up for me on occasion too. "It was not a call for help; I made the phone call initially to ask for money," he says. I am going to honor him when I share my story. Starting in 1978, he had a 22-year run at the TV station, where he put together the anchor team of Dennis Richmond and Barbara Simpson, whom Zehnder later replaced with Elaine Corral, Leslie Griffith and Julie Haener, all during Richmonds 20 years as an anchor. You can email her at agraff@sfgate.com. KTVU fired him too !! He wasnt like the idea that people have of a publisher sitting behind a big desk smoking cigars. I miss George Watson on the nightly news. A consummate pro, she long has co-anchored KTVUs 5, 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts with Somerville and figures to do a lot of the heavy lifting in the coming days. But he also had a remarkable middle career as news director and on-air talent scout for KTVU in Oakland. I wish Somerville well in his personal life. Frank Somerville, a veteran TV newscaster suspended from KTVU following a dispute over coverage of the Gabby Petito homicide case, said Tuesday that he believes he is not returning to the station . I'm just glad at the end of the day there is no smoke over the cubicle and I haven't shut down the station. Though station management has said it will welcome Somervilles return when he is ready, in the interim KTVU must scramble to fill the void left by one of the Bay Areas most visible journalists a man who co-anchored the 5, 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts. One of the biggest stories he ever worked was the trial of George Zimmerman, the man who shot and killed Trayvon Martin. He was an excellent writer and speaker. Now I can watch again. For the last year, civil rights attorneys and some city leaders have called out the police behavior, saying that officers violated city policy and a court order, prohibiting them from using tear gas and fire off specialty munitions as there was no proof of imminent danger, among other things. George Watson - Writer - Self-employed | LinkedIn I was stunned. ", UPDATE 10: 28 AM PT: I just received a text from Somerville: "I took the wrong meds last night. I told my wife I bet KTVU pulls him off the air at the commercial break, which they did. Another source who watched the program was more blunt. ", "This hurts my heart," CNN correspondent Sara Sinder wrote. Let's forget Fred, we came here to buy him not to praise him, seems to be the mantra of current (mis)management. George Watson Obituary (1944 - 2013) - Portland, OR - The Oregonian I remember watching him in the 90s on KTVU, the years with Elaine Coral and Leslie Griffith when they still work for KTVU. 1 Can't help but notice that the name 'Elaine' didn't appear in the list of reunion participants.

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