KCBS/San Francisco Morning Sports talent Steve Bitker to Retire

[Y2kTheNewOldies]

https://news.****************/cgi-bin/rol.exe/headline_id=n40517

Congrats after 3 decades at KCBS All-News.

After 30 years, KCBS/San Francisco morning sports anchor Steve Bitker will be retiring at the end of this week. To commemorate his final day on May 14, KCBS will air a tribute for Bitker and feature live interviews with several key figures in the sports world who have crossed his path over the many years, including members of the San Francisco Giants, Oakland A's fellow sports journalists and broadcasters.

"Without a doubt, Steve delights in his job. He is an exemplary broadcaster, a fastidious journalist and a revered Bay Area sports historian. But he is also a husband, father, doting grandfather and world traveler. Steve has a substantial bucket list, and he's decided it's time to tackle it - without the intrusion of an alarm clock and twice-per-hour deadlines," said KCBS Director of News and Programming Jennifer Klurfeld Seelig.

 

[PTBoardOp94]

Think it's a coincidence that a number of veteran staffers have left WINS, KNX and KCBS in the last couple of weeks? Seems like they must have had a buyout at Audacy.

 

[xkxrx]

Did they name a replacement? Or will they even replace him? With the internet is there really a need for a sports anchor at an all-news station since most fans today get their fill of sports news from other sources? Perhaps they'll switch to the anchor just reading last night's scores and a "rip and read" story or two.

 

[michael hagerty]

Did they name a replacement? Or will they even replace him? With the internet is there really a need for a sports anchor at an all-news station since most fans today get their fill of sports news from other sources? Perhaps they'll switch to the anchor just reading last night's scores and a "rip and read" story or two.

Sister KNX in L.A. laid off its sports guy, Randy Kerdoon, last week, I'm guessing sports won't be part of either station. Last night's scores this morning is truly old news in today's environment (anyone who cares checked their phone when they woke up).

News stations have been dumping sports for a couple of years now. Unless a sports story rises to the level of news, it likely won't be covered.

 

[TheBigA]

Think it's a coincidence that a number of veteran staffers have left WINS, KNX and KCBS in the last couple of weeks? Seems like they must have had a buyout at Audacy.

Maybe. After 30 years in the same job, at age 68, perhaps it's a good time to retire.

 

[radio128]

Sister KNX in L.A. laid off its sports guy, Randy Kerdoon, last week, I'm guessing sports won't be part of either station. Last night's scores this morning is truly old news in today's environment (anyone who cares checked their phone when they woke up).

News stations have been dumping sports for a couple of years now. Unless a sports story rises to the level of news, it likely won't be covered.

That's why there needs to be unique content. Not just "The Dodgers lost 10-1 last night. They've now lost ten of their last 15 games." Something like, "KNX spoke with Dave Roberts who tells us what he intends to do to end this slump."

 

[TheBigA]

That's why there needs to be unique content. Not just "The Dodgers lost 10-1 last night. They've now lost ten of their last 15 games." Something like, "KNX spoke with Dave Roberts who tells us what he intends to do to end this slump."

What makes that "unique content?" That's the same question every reporter asks him on press day.

 

[michael hagerty]

What makes that "unique content?" That's the same question every reporter asks him on press day.

Exactly. That interview aired five minutes after the game on ESPN and was on digital platforms five minutes after that.