Mark Curtis Responds
Mark Curtis has been doing a great job at KTVU-Channel 2 and it looks like he won’t be around for much longer.
Mark Curtis
After reading the original post, Curtis responded to the blog item about him leaving:
Thanks for the kinds words. I have loved my 14 years at KTVU and am sad to be leaving. This was NOT my choice or decision, but these things happen in the world of TV. Thanks to the viewers for making our show #1 for so many years. God Bless you!
In an e-mail, Bob Smith wrote:
Mark was FORCED out…and will only be a reporter until his contract ends in January. This “transition” stuff is BS.
So what can a viewer do? Contact KTVU here.
Gary said,
October 12, 2007 at 6:12 am
Mark Curtis is a good man and one of the few news anchors that I respect. I will soon find another media to get my news. Best of luck to Mark and I hope he remains in the area.
Ray said,
November 2, 2007 at 6:30 pm
Sorry to see Mark go, but as Mark says it is part of the business. I guess I’ll take my business elsewhere. KRON? He and Pam are what I look forward to seeing in the morning for my news. However, I could do without Sal. KRON seems to be the station for now.
Ann said,
November 4, 2007 at 10:20 am
I am sad to see Mark Curtis going. We found his manner affable and comforting in the face of some horrible news stories. We love Sal too! I could do without Steve the weather guy. Nobody did it better than Rhonda – we miss her!
Glen said,
November 5, 2007 at 6:18 am
First you lost the Giants, now Mark Curtis, then me.
Stefanie said,
November 5, 2007 at 11:30 am
Mark and Pam were so good together! I have spent many mornings with them for many years…and now it looks like I will be spending my mornings elsewhere. You have made
a big mistake…but I guess you will soon figure that out. As for Steve the weather guy
I think he’s great!!
Rafael said,
November 5, 2007 at 1:44 pm
This is just another move towards the “LAing” of Bay Area news stations. By that I mean the “fakeness” of the anchors. For as long as I have been watching local news (about 40 years) I have always enjoyed the fact that our news teams looked like us and had a much different feel than every where else. Channel 11 is the prime example. It’s totally unwatchable in my opinion.
PK said,
November 6, 2007 at 7:53 am
We have been watching and enjoying the morning news on KTVU for years. I am very dissappointed in the way the station uses the term “Transition” when they demote their
staff or firing them.
This recent act with one of our favorites “Mark Curtis” is a perfect example. He was a great co-anchor and good for the station. You need to keep it “real” here in the Bay Area; and bringing in plastic talent from the lesser part of the State is not welcomed. First, Elaine Corral, then Leslie Griffith, and now our beloved Mark Curtis. Who’s next, Ross McGowan; Frank Sommerville; Steve Paulson; Sal Castaneda?
We will now bid farewell to your station and focus on either NBC and CBS for our news coverage in the Bay Area.
This is no longer the family station which we have enjoyed for years. We are so dissappointed in the way management treats it employee’s it say alot about how if feels about its viewers.
Bye!
Carol said,
November 6, 2007 at 8:38 am
Very sad to see Mark go, I’ll miss his happy face & positive attitude. He gave the show a feeling of family. To make my own personal statement I’ll be watching morning news on KRON. KTVU lost a good man.
Denise said,
November 6, 2007 at 9:42 am
I am very disappointed in KTVU for letting Mark go. I, along with the others, will no
longer be a KTVU morning watcher.
DM said,
November 6, 2007 at 9:55 am
Sad to see Mark go. He is a great anchor. He is local and I appreciate that. He is involved with local events and he is one of us. I hate to see people brought in that are not local. They They really have no clue as to the local issues and concerns. All they are doing is reading from the teleprompter. They have no idea what they are talking about or the locations they are describing. I think the station exec’s blew it on this one. If they feel they need to get rid of people, why not poll the viewers first. Maybe there needs to be a change at the top. What a novel idea. I will be looking for a new source for my morning news. Too bad.
Maggie said,
November 6, 2007 at 9:58 am
Why, when you have a combination that works, do you network idiots feel the need to
change it? I used to see Mark and Pam in the mornings after their broadcast, going for
coffee, and they would always say hello. I watched KTVU in the morning because of
them, but I will be going to KRON starting tomorrow. Dave Clark has no personality.
I believe your decision to “pretty up” the broadcasters is going to cost you many viewers.
Dave W said,
November 6, 2007 at 11:38 am
Send this Dave Clark back where you found him and put Mark Curtis back where he has done such a great job in the early AM at Channel 2. Clark’s obvious affectations are way to perky for this time slot.
I have been watching KTVU for 25 years and the Giants were there for 50. Now the Giants are gone and so am I until Mark returns to his rightful place next to Pam Cook.
Terry B said,
November 7, 2007 at 7:24 am
Removing Mark was a big mistake. Who’s next? Pam Cook…better not. Special Olympics is very sad to see Mark go, he was a big supporter and friend. We’ll miss him.
Andrew said,
November 7, 2007 at 8:23 am
I am SO DISAPPOINTED in KTVU now that they’ve let go, re-assigned Mark Curtis. Are you out of your mind? There was no better class act than Mark and with his co-anchor Pam (another class act), the news was real, honest and accurate. I don’t need some flashy personality for my news because they’re all looking for that big break and don’t stay around for long anyway. It happens ALL THE TIME to other stations. Mark and Pam are part of my morning M-F and reported the news instead of sensationalized it like they do on other local stations. You blew it big time and I am seriously considering where I get my morning news now. As for Dave Clark, he’s obviously a gentleman and well-groomed as a news reporter but for God’s sake, when you bring someone else in to fill someone’s shoes, TEACH THEM HOW TO PRONOUNCE THEIR REPORTERS’ NAMES!!! That’s a dead give-away that they’re not local and how insulting to the reporters (I’m talking about the mispronunciation of Kraig Debro and probably others). At least prime your replacements before throwing them in. You could’ve had Claudine Wong fill in as she sometimes does. She’s great. You haven’t even added Dave Clark to your own website. What does that tell you? And for Dave, either shave off the Gestapo spaghetti mustache or grow it fully. Henry Tannenbaum, are you listening too? Guys, your mustaches look RIDICULOUS and they challenge your looks big time. Mark, we miss you and love you and hope KTVU apologizes, puts you back where you belong and then gives you and Pam a big raise for being there for so many wonderful years.
Raedee McAleese-Kahl said,
November 7, 2007 at 10:51 am
I too am sad to see that Mark Curtis is gone. I have been watching for years and I think that Mark and Pam had a great chemistry. This Dave Clark guy is too affected.
He isn’t natural and that is what always set you apart from other stations newscasts.
I always enjoyed the total professional and natural way Mark and Pam delivered the
news. Please don’t get rid of Frank and Tori or I’m outta here!
Cindy said,
November 8, 2007 at 6:55 am
I can’t believe that KTVU feels that Dave Clark is a better anchor than Mark Curtis. Mark was genuine and relatable while Dave (no offense, I’m sure you are a nice guy) is stiff and comes across as a charicature with his voice inflections. BRING MARK BACK!!
Kate said,
November 8, 2007 at 11:56 am
Big mistake!
Henry Tenenbaum said,
November 9, 2007 at 5:47 pm
Hey, Dave,
Gimme a break! have no control over my moustache. It’s got so much seniority on my mug that it tells ME how to shave.
Henry Tenenbaum said,
November 9, 2007 at 5:48 pm
Hey, Andrew,
Gimme a break! have no control over my moustache. It’s got so much seniority on my mug that it tells ME how to shave.
Susan said,
November 10, 2007 at 8:30 pm
Mr. Mark Curtis, you will be sadly missed by so many early morning risers, the best of luck wherever you go, our loss is definitely their gain! You will not soon be forgotten.
Kim Jenness said,
November 12, 2007 at 6:39 am
Mark Curtis was doing a great job on KTVU. What a lovable man. He and Pam made a great morning team.
Business is business, but I think you’ve made a mistake.
Art Encke said,
November 12, 2007 at 5:37 pm
Will KTVU”s management ever tell the viewers the Real reason that Mark Curtis was replaced? I doubt it. Used to make it a point to start the day with the 5:00 A.M. News o n channel 2. Have now switched to channel 4. Will also Not patronize any advertisers or buy ythe products shown on that program. Big mistake on KTVU’s part.
Tish and Craig said,
November 13, 2007 at 7:15 am
We are regular viewers of KTVU news and were shocked to find that Mark Curtis had been replaced. You can see the affect this is having on the monring crew. Pam, Steve and Sal, as professional as they are and as hard as they try, shows signs of distress. KTVU had a crew with a very natural chemistry. The chemistry is gone. Good luck Mark. Good luck Pam, Sal and Steve.
cindy said,
November 14, 2007 at 7:03 am
Mark was always a pleasure to listen to during hard new stories. Watching
the news now is cold and scripted.
Lucy said,
November 14, 2007 at 7:06 am
I agree with all the other posters. Mark Curtis was an enjoyable part of the morning broadcast and the team is not the same without him. I am not enjoying the new replacement. I will be switching to other local broadcasts and definitely not watching Channel 2 as much as I have been. Sal and Steve are an essential part of my morning, but I’ll be checking in on their reports periodically and then switching to other stations. Bad move KTVU. You’ve turned off a large portion of your audience.
brian caveney said,
November 14, 2007 at 8:04 am
I just wanted to put in another vote for Mark Curtis
Rachel said,
November 14, 2007 at 12:13 pm
You’ve lost another faithful viewer due to your transition! I will also tell my family and friends to boycott KTVU. Big mistake on your part!!! Mark You will be missed.
Bev said,
November 14, 2007 at 3:46 pm
I am really disappointed in the removal of Mark Curtis. I did not know he left the station until Dave Clark showed up (and I finally did a search today as to why.) What’s the issue? Put him Mark Curtis back where he belongs and leave the KTVU news alone. Seriously, do you really want to look and act like all the plastic idiot teleprompter readers in LA?
Sheri Crane said,
November 14, 2007 at 7:44 pm
KTVU has made a big mistake. My guess is that the KTVU’s rating will go way down!
Mark is a class act and Dave Clark is just to fake for me. He does not mesh with Pam.
I thought that Mark was just on vacation, but now that I know he is gone, I will
switch to a different network starting tomorrow morning. Good-bye KTVU!
Mary said,
November 15, 2007 at 7:36 am
REALLY bad move on the part of KTVU. If management felt they needed to make a change to get more viewers, Dave Clark was not the answer. Even if by some miracle they do draw in new viewers as a result of the switch, it’s a zero sum gain because they are going to lose so many viewers who, like me, just can not watch anymore because this new guy is YUCK! This new guy’s voice grates on my ears –it’s SO fake, and his “look” just isn’t appealing at all. Mark and Pam were natural and thus comfortable to watch/listen to, and that is what worked about the team. As others have mentioned, the appeal of the KTVU team was it’s real-ness, and without a doubt that is gone, gone, gone.
If they had to replace Mark, why not pick from the team they already have in place. It worked for the Ten O’Clock News (Julie H). Kraig Debro is great. I would have missed Mark, but I wouldn’t be complaining if they had replaced Mark with someone watchable.
News director Ed Chapuis said he hoped viewers would give Dave Clark a chance. I did. Ed, Dave Clark is not the right fit for this team AT ALL. The guy is plastic and as a result stands out like a sore thumb which means you can’t stop focusing on him. The very, very outdated hair and mustache, and the fake voice. I really can’t watch– I have to find another channel for my morning news. And Ed, you also wrote that the “team” looks and sounds great together. NOT. There is no chemistry, no flow, and as the other viewers have mentioned Pam, Steve and Sal seem numb.
If you can’t bring Mark back, at least find someone other than this guy to co-anchor the news. He’s dreadful.
Brenda Fields said,
November 15, 2007 at 2:37 pm
I was out of town when the change occurred. I was programmed to wake up to Mark Curtis. How sad! While I will give Dave a chance, on the mornings that I have watched, he seems uncomfortable and makes his co host, uncomfortable. The newscast has lost most of its flow. It is obvious that they are struggling.
Chris Jewell said,
November 16, 2007 at 7:50 am
I agree with all the previous posters. Mark Curtis had an authenticity that does not appear to be present in Dave Clark’s style. It is really important for an early morning news show to keep it relaxed, especially in The Bay Area (this is not LA or NY!). Dave Clark’s affection annoys me (although I do have sympathy for the man as he is in a difficult position).
Mike Freel said,
November 18, 2007 at 7:41 pm
Add my disappointment to all the rest that will miss Mark and so disappointted in those responsible for his demise at KTVU!
Kellie said,
November 19, 2007 at 7:02 am
I was really upset when I saw this new guy taking Marks place, I thought maybe he was sick and he was coming back until when I turned on the news and Dave was still there. Don’t like him he seems to plastic. This is outrage and I hope they change there minds…Mark was a classact and please bring him back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Boulder Creek said,
November 20, 2007 at 7:29 am
I was hoping Mark was on vacation, but it seems its a permant one! I spent every morning with him and Pam. They (Pam and Mark) were the real thing! Can’t get used to the new guy… way TO POLISHED! Big mistake on KTVU part!!!!
Sad said,
November 20, 2007 at 10:18 pm
I’m really sad that Mark Curtis is no longer on Ch. 2. Although he came off as a know-it-all sometimes, I learned to appreciate it. He & Pam did a wonderful job together. No offense to the new guy, but he doesn’t mesh well with everyone else.
Hopefully disgusting Dennis Richmond will be gone soon. I hate the fact that they probably brought on this Dave Clark guy because they’re losing one african-american anchor in Spring 2008 when Dennis finally retires and want to keep Ch. 2 the ‘face of Oakland’.
mmgigs said,
November 21, 2007 at 7:12 pm
I also couldn’t figure out where Mark went. I Googled his name to figure out what was
up, and am very disappointed to learn that he is off the morning team. I believe KTVU
has made a big mistake. I would love to see him back, but realize KTVU Management
probably doesn’t feel the need to re-evaluate their decision. Good luck to Mark, and
thank you to the morning team for your hard work and the sacrifices you make to
report the morning news.
Santa Rosa said,
November 21, 2007 at 8:15 pm
I don’t suppose that the “brass” that arranged for Mark’s departure could be convinced
that they made a huge mistake. Probably a little late for an apology. I’m sorry to learn
that an intelligent and compassionate newscaster like Mark can be cast aside so easily.
Mark is an important part or our bay area community. I look forward to seeing him
anchor for some more deserving news station. KTVU has lost points on this one.
Jo said,
November 30, 2007 at 8:15 am
I loved Mark Curtis and watched him and Pam faithfully every weekday morning. When I didn’t see him for a while, I was worried that he might be ill. I thought the new man, Dave Clark, was doing a good job of “filling in” for Mark. I decided, today, to look up what was going on and I was very disappointed to see that Mark will not be returning. I always felt so comfortable watching him and Pam in the mornings. My husband always turned on the news to KPIX and I would immediately switch it to KTVU because I like their style of reporting and all of their anchors and ancillary reporters such as Sal and Steve with the traffic and weather. I have found myself, lately, switching to channel 7 to watch the morning news. I really don’t care for the “LA” type of reporting, where everything seems like I’m watching Regis and Kelly, no matter how serious the news matter is that is being reported. I thought Mark was “Everyman USA” and I loved the way he looked on screen, very natural and like someone you might know in real life. I will miss seeing his pleasant face in the mornings. I’ll have to reprogram my TV to come on to another channel for the morning news.
Greg M said,
December 24, 2007 at 7:18 am
Well,know I can watch Brent and Laura at 6 am. Had to stop watching Mornings on 2 at 7am because that Sal Canstaneda is such a Primadonna he makes me ill! KTVU is going downhill quick!