Sacramento TV and Radio Future

Purple Reign · May 18, 2013

I hope you all don't mind me starting a thread discussing the future of the Kings TV and Radio presentation in the Central Valley.

And what got me thinking about this is the opening monologue of the Grant Napear Show on yesterday. If you did not hear it go to http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/category/grant-napear/ And when the May 17 show is available, check it out, it was very honest and compelling.

Napear was very transparent about his juggling Kings PBP on TV and talk show host on radio. He revealed (for the second day in a row) that his relationship with the Maloofs had deteriorated over the past two years due to his loyalty to the Sacramento community in attempting to keep the team versus his loyalty to his employer. Napear was refreshingly honest about the difficulty he had in trying to serve God and man. And as one that is not a big fan of Grant Napear's crass NY, rigid and in your face radio style, he has really gained my support and respect over these last few months.

Which brings me to the topic at hand. According to a media magazine (http://www.multichannel.com/content...ings-tv-rights-team-remains-sacramento/143384), the ballyhooed 10 year contract that the Kings signed with Comcast Sports Net, ends at the end of the 2013-14 season.

Remember when Maloof Sports and Entertainment signed that deal!! http://www.kingsfans.com/forums/sho...h-out-to-Valley&highlight=television+contract

Purple Reign · May 18, 2013

I am one to believe that just as the front office, coaching staff and players on the floor need overhauling; the television and radio presentation of the Kings is in need of a mass transformation. It is dated, it is stale and it is behind the digital times.

After listening to Grant these last few days, it sounds like to me that he is unsure of his future. He has not said it, but if you pay attention you can tell. But I do believe because this is the last year of the CSN deal that Grant and Jerry will be around for at least one more year (just a guess). But after that, I believe that we may see a new presentation from the Kings organization.

I personally would like to see the Kings back away from the Bay Area based Comcast. The Kings in my view is dead last in coverage behind Giants, Niners, Sharks, A's, Raiders and even the MLS San Jose team. I am sick of playing second fiddle to The Bay. I hope it is possible that Ranadive can secure an interim local contract first (3, 10, 13, 40) one that can cater to the locals with coverage, magazine shows.

Then begin the process of developing a Regional Sports Network designed for the Central Valley from Sacramento to Fresno to Vacaville and to the Northern border of California, with the Sacramento Kings as the anchor team.

swisshh · May 18, 2013

The Kings aren't strong enough to carry a sports station on their own and there isn't much outside of the bay area in NorCal to garner interest. College sports doesn't have a large enough draw around here to supplement a Kings station.

I do hope there is a shake-up in the broadcasting persona and format. I don't like Grant and I feel he must lose his job for selling out the fans. I also feel that he just doesn't have much of an entertaining personality. The 'brash NY attitude' is not a problem for me. The problem is that his callers are just really low IQ, low sports IQ, and he cherry picks the lowest of the low and most obvious of the obvious to rant on. He can't fill a slow sports day to save his life. He can't involve the outside world or just toss a smidge of pop culture in to liven things up. He's from a prototype of the pure sports media guy, but his play by play and commentary are not strong enough to hold him up. I don't recall the G-man making many jokes or references, but his play by play is so good that I don't care. Grant is a robot in comparison. His play by play is nothing but catch phrases and nearly automated responses. He has no dynamic element to his play by play and he doesn't mesh well with many other personalities. That's why we're stuck with Jerry Reynolds.

So I think we're stuck with bay area cable for now, but I hope the presentation is a lot better and far more dynamic in the future. Also, bring back Kayte.

ninjabiscuit · May 18, 2013

I like Grant's play by play, personally. I think he and Jerry do a decent to good job of calling the games. Gary Gerould is awesome as well.

On the other hand, I've tried listening to Grant's radio show several times, and I always end up changing the station as soon as someone calls in. He's so irritable and impatient with the callers that listening is unpleasant for me.

If I had my druthers, I'd replace him with someone else (Carmichael Dave? I liked Kozimor a lot as well, personally). Also, I liked Kayte a lot when she was here, and not just because of her looks. She knows the game, and she's smart and articulate.

Bibbilicious · May 18, 2013

Personally I am ok with the the broadcasters but I completely agree with the presentation. Everything from the commercials to the half time presentations to the openings intros feels very dated and low budget. I know its not a popular opinion to like the broadcasters and I can understand that. I just grew up watching those two and I really do love hearing them. But I really would like a lot of stuff to be updated. Plus I want Carmichael Dave to have some part on radio again. That would be nice. Also I would love if Kozimor came back

VF21 · May 18, 2013

I have one request: BRING BACK KAYTE CHRISTENSEN!

I'm really tired of the "Grant sold out the fans' rhetoric. I like Grant and Jerry and hope they continue. I love Gary Gerould and cannot imagine him not being the voice of the Kings. I'm certain the over broadcast production will have a complete overhaul. Having money to spend and a decent product to promote will make all the difference in the world.

Warhawk · May 18, 2013

VF21 said:

In general I agree. Just wish Grant would do either the broadcasts or the radio and not both. I like Gary and Jerry. Kate should really come back in some capacity - she was great. Loved Koz too.

Purple Reign · May 18, 2013

VF21 said:

After listening to Grant yesterday, I don't believe he sold the fans out either. He told the story about he and Gavin aloof getting into a heated argument on the sidelines of the Staples Center recently. It seems the Maloofs did not appreciate Napear siding with keeping the team in Sac. Napear in so many words told him to shove it and let me do my job.

As far as a Regional Sports Network, I know it may be wishful thinking, but I believe that Ranadive is a media and digital visionary. And if he has the desire to revolutionize "NBA 3.0" as he calls it, He can not do it with a brand that gets only gets a 30 second after thought mention on the CSN 30 minute sports show.

Based on the sample of Ric Bucher, Jim Kozimor (who I think kind of turned on Sacramento in his Twitter war with C. Dave), that clown Ray Ratto and the rest of the Bay Area media, Sacramento is a complete pimple on the face of what is relevant. I don't mean to be small time, but Vivek Ranadive deserves better than "sloppy seconds". With the CSN contract expiring, I can't think of a better time to broaden the media horizon detached from The Bay.

King Baller · May 18, 2013

I also like Grant and Jerry calling the Games on TV. Gary Gerould is the best radio announcer, bar none.

After listening to Grant explain his respect for what the Maloof's had done in the past I even admire his loyalty. In Cowboy lingo Grant was riding for the Brand. I don't share Grants views, but I do understand why he defended the people who paid him all these years. Heck who would we b&%$# about if Peaches was not around

I hope we see a return of the pregame and postgame shows. Kayte and Koz would be great.

KB

Purple Reign · May 18, 2013

I don't think Kozimor is coming back to Sacramento.

With much love, I don't see what the infatuation is with Kayte Christenson. She was good, but not "bring her back after 5 years" good.

I would love to see Napear stay as well as Jerry Reynolds. But I would like to see "Carmichael" Dave Weiglen have a bigger role than what he had. Something like a Kings "on camera" contributor. Like a side line reporter or a lifestyle/feature reporter for pre game and/or halftime.

As far as radio, I would like to see Jason Ross be the heir apparent to Gary Gerold. I feel that over time JR has earned at least a chance to do PBP once Gerold retires.

VF21 · May 18, 2013

Purple Reign said:

Kayte has grace, charm, an incredible BB IQ and a fantastic sense of humor. She was an asset while she was here and could easily be the same again.

I'd like to see Carmichael Dave back on the radio. He's not a "on camera" kind of guy, and he'd probably be the first one to tell you so. Radio is his niche and he fills it very well. I think he'd fit perfectly back at KHTK, wher he could still cover the Kings and all the other sports he loves. But...

If anything, Kayte and Dave could host the pre-game/post-game show, much like the old 'House Party Live." I agree that Kozimor will probably not be back.

Bibbilicious · May 18, 2013

Thats what it was called! I was racking my brain for the name. I really miss the House Party Live pregame show they used to do back in the day. I used to watch that before every game.

Gary · May 18, 2013

I want Kayte back as well.

I would still like to see Grant and Jerry on since they have been the face of Kings broadcasts for a long time. They are a lot better than average although my 95 year old Grandfather always says about Reynolds "WHAT IS HE LOOKING AT! HE'S LOOKING ABOVE THE CAMERA RATHER THAN RIGHT IN IT!!!" I never got why my Grandfather constantly sees that lol.

Anyhow, leave the G-Man in place as long as he wants, and Jason Ross would be a great replacement. He has a LOT of experience with college and other sports.

Bricklayer · May 18, 2013

VF21 said:

Let's get this done:

https://www.facebook.com/BringBackKayte?skip_nax_wizard=true

Anybody want to start a twitter hashtag so we can link them up?

rainmaker · May 18, 2013

I agree with Warhawk on Grant, should do radio or PBP, not both. I really don't care if he's been honest lately about his issues toeing the line in the Maloof vs Sac saga. Why? Because he's been such an arrogant a** to a large portion of this fanbase for years, shouting down any opinions which don't support his stance, which actually is often clueless on the basketball side of things. It's funny, we should forgive and forget about years of Grant being an absolute douche on the air simply because his employers are now moving on? Give him a second chance when he holds unprofessional grudges against former players(Webber, BJax) and a current player(Cuz)? I'm sick of his shtick and he chose it. Maybe I'm wrong in assuming this but I'd say the large majority of NBA PBP announcers out there if in Grant's position could have handled it without shouting down one fan after another.

We need to overhaul the whole program. I fully support bringing Katy back. She actually knows the game and can converse intelligently, and as a bonus is a pleasure to look at. Have Grant pick one or the other, preferably radio for me and replace both Grant/Jerry on tv. I'm all for bringing back House Party Live or something similar, but no CDave. Please no. He doesn't know the game. Great fan, a super fan is you will, but keep him the hell away from all basketball related discussion pre and post game. Put him back on KHTK. Koz isn't coming back either. Works for CSN Bay Area, now lives down here, does PBP for the Earthquakes, and he knows next to nothing about basketball in the first place.

I can understand the feeling of wanting to relive the past somewhat, but really aside from bringing Kayte back into Kings related discussions and adding CDave to KHTK(not Kings talk), I would clean house. New era, need new voices. I got pretty sick of Grant/Jerry constantly dumbing everything down and then blowing everything a certain someone did out of proportion like he's a franchise savior. I watch a lot of GS games and Jim Barnett offers far, far more analysis than Jerry can ever dream of, and while they're homers on the GS telecast, it's nowhere near what I see with Grant/Jerry.

All that bring said, I doubt Grant/Jerry go anywhere. But if so, then get that condescending, analytically challenged a-hole named Grant off the radio.

Overall I'd like to see the level of basketball intelligence and analysis on air, both tv and radio massively improve. GS has Greg Papa and Gary St Jean doing pre and post game where they offer far better analysis than what we get and their actual game broadcasts with Barnett offer more, and I wouldn't even say GS is near the top of the league with that but I do notice a big difference when changing to our games.

VF21 · May 18, 2013

Bricklayer said:

I just posted the Facebook link with #BringKayteBack

VF21 said:

Okay, the link doesn't work on Twitter. Not sure why...

Okay, got it fixed. And tweeted.

Kingsfan23 · May 19, 2013

Grant and Jerry - I will separate Grant's duties on PBP and radio because they are different entities.. On radio, I've been vocal on my displeasure on some of the issues hes taken, and he crossed a line with his defense of the Maloofs backing out of the arena, and other issues. For strictly play by play, I think he is still one of the better commentators, and don't mind him being retained. Never liked Jerry, don't feel he adds much, but I guess he is there to play off Grant.

Gary Gerould - I'll tread lightly since I know I'm in the minority.. Given how most feel, he should be retained. I personally would prefer a younger voice with a personality I can relate to.

Brac-o-matic · May 19, 2013

Kingsfan23 said:

I disagree. I really like the fact that Gary, Grant and Jerry ALL have been with the team for 25+ years. They have seen all the highs and lows, and can give personal stories about the early days of the team, memories about Arco I, etc. I know they will retire eventually, but I would love to keep them as long as possible. I am not excited about bringing a younger voice who has no idea what the playoff days of the early 2000's were like, and has no clue why we hate Robert Horry so much...

Packt · May 19, 2013

It is very much like Grant to air the laundry after someone leaves town.

I'm not a fan and would prefer he left. But I understand it won't be easy to replace someone who's so entrenched in the position. I expect he'll stick around in some capacity and be enough of a brown noser that he'll stay a prominent figure with the team.

pshn80 · May 19, 2013

VF21 said:

Well said. I share your views on outr existing three - Gerouid, Reynolds and Napier- and it pleases me to hear you say it. Improving the team will result in an improved radio/TV presentation.

nebs · May 19, 2013

I'm sick of Grant. I think I'm more sick of him on the radio though. But I agree that if he is sticking around that he'd be better if he was doing one or the other.

Mr. S£im Citrus · May 19, 2013

ninjabiscuit said:

I'll say this about Napear and Reynolds: I do think that the two of them have a strong on-air chemistry, and I think that this (usually) covers up a lot of their flaws. I don't think that either one of them are particularly good at their jobs, but I think that their chemistry goes a long way in their favor. And, if there's one thing positive about Napear and Reynolds, it's that I think that it's more than just a job to them.

All things being equal, even though I personally put each of them in the bottom third in the league, respectively, I'd probably rather keep the two of them than replace them with two guys who may be more skilled/talented, but are just going through the motions, or have no sense of the team's history. And, regarding Gerould, let's not speak of getting rid of him, ever again; he should stay until he's ready to retire.

jpsls · May 19, 2013

Grant can go. Sticking up for your bosses because it's the company line I understand, but denigrating callers with opposing viewpoints to the company line is pathetic. You can defend your bosses without chastising callers.

arwen undomiel · May 19, 2013

Back to the network subject: to be honest I lost a lot of my passion for the Kings when they went to Comcast. I live south of the NBA's Mason-Dixon line (it's cuts between Vacaville & Fairfield), and the end result is that I can't watch without ponying up for League Pass (or is it NBATV now?). I'd like to see a split between Comcast and one of the local stations, perhaps My58 (KQCA). I can understand the local stations don't want to lose or jeopardize their network programming in primetime, so maybe a local station could broadcast some of the midwest and eastern road games and let Comcast have the primetime home and west coast games. I'd be happy if I could catch 20 games a season on a local outlet.

Telemachus · May 19, 2013

Purple Reign said:

I have no problem with the Kings staying with Comcast, but would like them to try to get some deals with "local" channels other than just the Sacramento area. I live in Merced, and can't watch the games that are on Ch. 10. I also think they need to really upgrade their radio coverage. They used to be broadcast all over central and northern California. I think they are still on a station out of Chico (not sure), but mostly you have to be able to get 1140 if you want to listen to games. Once again, for me, I can get 1140 in Merced during the day (it gets real spotty at night), but can't listen to a game if I'm further south. I pretty much work in my truck and often as far south as Bakersfield. It would be nice to be able to listen to games once again.

Gary · May 19, 2013

CH10 will never happen again unless they simulcast the Kings on 10-2 or 10-3. Too many people would be pissed off is they were to miss Dancing with the stars or whatever for a Kings game. Since DVRing episodes has become so big a change in time could mess someone's shows up big time. So I am fine witht he Kings still working with Comcast or perhaps maybe channel 31? They don't have any good shows on (well none of the networks have good shows that I like except fox40 and animation domination).

Gary · May 19, 2013

Telemachus said:

I have no problem with the Kings staying with Comcast, but would like them to try to get some deals with "local" channels other than just the Sacramento area. I live in Merced, and can't watch the games that are on Ch. 10. I also think they need to really upgrade their radio coverage. They used to be broadcast all over central and northern California. I think they are still on a station out of Chico (not sure), but mostly you have to be able to get 1140 if you want to listen to games. Once again, for me, I can get 1140 in Merced during the day (it gets real spotty at night), but can't listen to a game if I'm further south. I pretty much work in my truck and often as far south as Bakersfield. It would be nice to be able to listen to games once again.

I used to get 1140 pretty clear all the way down to bakersfield. Mostly in the night when all the static cleared up. I still do get some Fresno stations and the bay area really clear.

Livinthedream · May 19, 2013

At the very least, Napear should be dropped from radio. Not sure his abrasive NY style works in Sac in my opinion. As far ad Grant leaking that he had disagreements with the Maloofs and therefore supported Sacramento is a stretch. Grant is looking out for himself and trying to make sure he has a job. When he thought the team was going to Anaheim, he wrote us off and did it willingly . When he realized the team would stay in Sac this time around, all if a sudden he was always about Sac and it's grassroots movement. Not buying it. We conveniently forget that Grant repeatedly to Carmichael Dave that what the fans thought didn't matter and he is wasting his time. Grant is just jumping on the winning side. I can't respect that and it will always be in the back of my mind when I see or hear him.

As far as Kozimor, he didn't turn on Sacramento . He was telling Carmichael Dave not to trust Grant or KHTK. That's what Marcos Breton was telling Dave too.

Purple Reign · May 19, 2013

There is no way Grant will be "dropped" from radio. There is a reason he has been in the same time slot in Sacramento for the past 18 years. The dude gets ratings. If he didn't, he would have been gone a long time ago.

Some one said that once the team improves, the TV presentation improves. True, but there is such thing as on air talent, graphics, non-basketball content improvement for the fringe fan in spite of the product on the floor. Things such as commercials, lead ins and lead outs, side line reporting, pre/post/halftime productions, interviews, integration of social media, etc.

As far as 1140, I feel that them affiliating with CBS Sports is a huge improvement. I believe once Don Geronimo is gone, then 1140 can get back to quality 24 hour sports programming and more time to dedicate to the Kings. I am not a huge fan of Gary Gerold, although I feel that he should go out on his own terms. I don't think there is much you can do to improve a radio broadcast other than widen the range of the station. I will never, ever ever understand why you can't get 1140 past Modesto, but you can get KNBR in Las Vegas on a good night. Confusing.

The Hammer · May 19, 2013

Livinthedream said:

For VF, this underscores my issue with Grant. To think we can't get someone better, even who has a history with the area/team, is underestimating the community. We could grab a young broadcast major from CSUS and they'd be as good as Grant, without the history of douchebaggery. We're better than that.

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