KTVU Gets a new Face
Dave Clark’s in and Mark Curtis is out as the co-anchor of KTVU-Channel 2 ‘s Morning News, which airs from 5 to 7 a.m. weekdays.
Dave begins his new assignment on November 1.
“We are very excited to have Dave join the KTVU News team,” says Tim McVay, KTVU Vice President and General Manager. “He brings with him 35 years of outstanding broadcast journalism and a genuine commitment to the community.”
As for Mark, Timsays he will stay on as a reporter for the station.
“Mark will transition to a reporter role,” Tim says. “As you know he is an excellent journalist and tremendous contributor to the community.”
Dave comes to the Bay Area from Los Angeles where most recently he has been an Anchor/Reporter at KCAL9 TV and KCBS TV. He also worked at KNBC TV.
A native of Philadelphia, Dave is married and has three children.
“We are really looking forward to moving to the Bay Area as a family,” Dave says.
Teresa Conti said,
October 3, 2007 at 4:59 pm
I like Mark Curits. I think he has a good personality for the morning news. How come they never ask the viewers about stuff like this?
Dave Lowerre said,
October 4, 2007 at 10:43 am
I like Mark Curtis also, I watch that Newscast every morning. Maybe I’ll go back to KRON in in in protest.
Mark Curtis said,
October 5, 2007 at 12:42 pm
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!
Anthony Marchitiello said,
October 6, 2007 at 8:52 am
Fresh face?
Is that really the reason they bumped Mark Curtis?
They fired a community member who has served us for 14 years for a “Fresh Face”?
Is there something more? Or does American media suck that bad?
Steve Ritchie said,
October 7, 2007 at 8:32 am
Mark is a straight-shooter and the best interviewer KTVU had. He adequately prepared
for his interviews and routinely surprised his guests with details and information; he also
was very direct didn’t hesitate to fire questions ‘from the other side’ …. it was refreshing
to have a more balanced perspective when he was hosting the program.
It’s a sad commentary today that somebody like Ross McGowan (ugh) stays and
Mark Curtis leaves. If you want high energy, enthusiasm, a true journalist don’t bother
applying to KTVU … if you want totally one-sided presentation, stay tuned to 2 … Dennis
Richmond sees it …. he’s bailing out within the year. What a sad commentary.
Nadine said,
October 9, 2007 at 5:49 pm
Mark Curtis was a great voice to wake up to in the AM. Maybe KTVU should re-think their decision. THERE ARE OTHER STATIONS IN THE AM.
He was informative and could actually present the news, unlike some replacements who have trouble reading what is on the tele-prompter.
GOOD LUCK MARK! I’m sure you will come out on top!
bob said,
October 9, 2007 at 10:08 pm
any truth to the rumor that dave clark is being brought in to replace dennis richmond when he retires next year?
Lynette said,
October 10, 2007 at 8:59 pm
I will not watch Channel 2 news if Mark leaves. I always thought it was the best, but seeing how it is changing, I do not like it. Mark should be keeping his job. Who needs someone from L.A
Mark – I hope you land on your feet and stay in this market. I will watch you!
Faye Dockter said,
October 14, 2007 at 9:05 am
I am sad to see Mark go…I have watched Channel 2 in the morning for the
last 10 years…Mark was one of the better personnel on the morning news.
Now will be using my remote to find a different channel!
Good Luck Mark…you will be missed by many.
Anthony said,
October 22, 2007 at 8:14 am
I too enjoy Mark Curtis… If they had to get someone new… What was wrong with
Jesse Gary, Mike Mibach or John Sasaki. KTVU’s getting too many LA imports. AS far as Dave Clark replacing Dennis Richmond… Forget it… That 10 O’clock spot should be Somerville’s and Sidner’s for the future..
Steve said,
October 23, 2007 at 9:53 pm
Without a doubt, when Richmond does retire, that position belongs to Somerville. I am less certain the folks upstairs are going to pair Sidner with him at 10 but they do have excellent chemistry.
Robert S. said,
October 26, 2007 at 1:40 pm
Sad to hear that Mark Curtis will be leaving The Morning News. I thought he was great on that show as well as well as filling in for Ross McGowan on Mornings on 2. Mark is an excellent/reporter. Seems like KTVU is trying to compete with KRON4’s untalented anchors…. Their “anchor’s” boobs seem to want to pop out at you on the screen. Give me a break not Daybreak @ KRON!!!! Hopefully , Pam, Tori, Ross, Sal & Steve will survive!! Cheers, a long time viewer.
sharon o'leary said,
October 29, 2007 at 10:51 am
Mark, My chair will always be there for you, when you need your hair cut. I’ll have my crossword ready for you .. you have alot of courage and always know the Lord has a plan .
Cheryl said,
October 30, 2007 at 6:00 pm
What a shame, regardless of the reason, I do not agree with Mark being removed from the .morning news. He and Pam are the reason I have remained a KTVU viewer for over 4 years
His professionalism and humor were a great draw. PLUS he actually shared his true personality. I felt like he was part of my family and daily routine ~ ~ I actually looked forward to 5 am, ~ not so much now
Donna Butcher said,
October 30, 2007 at 8:30 pm
What a shame! How do you justify taking off someone who is such a role model and great person in the community for you channel?!? I am with others who will now question what station I watch. When you keep people like Ross McGowan who is so boring (that I change the channel when he comes one) and remove people like Mark – it makes me wonder who you think you are broadcasting to. Time for change – since you can change so can I…..looking for a new news channel.
Matt Peterson said,
November 1, 2007 at 5:14 am
It’s a Fox channel, what do you expect? Committment to journalism? I’ll find another local morning news to watch, thank you.
Annemarie reynolds said,
November 1, 2007 at 5:30 am
You have lost a loyal fan of this morning news. I am going to channel 5. Mark Curtis and Pam Cook are excellent. You had to bring in a foreigner who has no knowledge of the local people and issues. What is wrong with you people? Mark deserves the highest ranking position as a broadcaster out there. You disgust me.
Annemarie reynolds said,
November 1, 2007 at 5:33 am
How pitiful is the replacement of Mark Curtis. Pam Cook looked sick in the faace this morning. I am selecting another channel. No one needs an outsider coming to town when Mark Curtis has been an outstanding anchor. What are you people thinking?
Phillip Bollinger said,
November 1, 2007 at 5:35 pm
I agree with all of the posted comments, I was shocked this morning when I turned on the news. I went to my computer, wrote a letter of complaint to KTVU, and changed the channel.
I hope that Mark lands somewhere where I will be happy to tune in
Jim McMahan said,
November 2, 2007 at 6:56 am
I am surprised and disappointed at Mark’s departure.
I don’t care for the other channel’s liberal bias on the news.
At least Mark delivered the news.
If it wasn’t for Sal and Steve’s traffic and weather forecasts I would switch to another
channel, I’m just not sure what what other morning show I would switch to. I guess it will
have to be one of the cable channels.
Jim
Charles Thompson said,
November 2, 2007 at 9:46 pm
What a shock to learn that Mark Curtis is no longer on the Channel 2 Morning News. He and Pam were always a great combination. Their presentation was clear and honest. Both came across as people you would want as friends; actually were news people you looked forward to seeing in the morning. Can’t say that for either Channel 4 or 5 anymore.
Then I heard Dave Clark and knew something was up since Mark wasn’t being filled in with on of the many excellent substitutes they have. Just hearing this guy’s phony, effected voice told me something was wrong. And then hearing Ross McGowan compliment him ruined it for me.
The only good that will come of this is that maybe I will get up earlier since there is no reason now to stay in bed and watch the news. Sorry, Pam, Steve and Sal.
Thomas G said,
November 5, 2007 at 6:30 am
I am really upset to see Mark Curtis has been replaced. The morning news crew chemistry was very good and their level of professionalism and sense of community was great. Now they seem very disorganized. I’ve watched Dave Clark on trips to L.A. and have never liked him. He is the quintessential “talking head”, stiff and robotic most of the time. What a shame KTVU has made this change. Like many others, I’ll be tuning to a different channel in the morning.
Linda Aniyake said,
November 5, 2007 at 7:27 am
I miss Mark Curtis and I don’t agree with KTVU’s decision to replace him, however, let’s not take our anger out on the new guy. Los Angeles is not enemy territory! I have never understood the negative feelings some Bay Area residents have for the Southland. The feeling is certainly not mutual, so why the hate?
I will stick with the Morning News on 2. I love Pam, Steve and Sal and even though I’m still a little bit in shock at the change in anchors, I will most likely warm up to Dave Clark in the coming months.
Luz Velasquez said,
November 5, 2007 at 10:25 am
I was very upset and sad to know that Mark Curtis has been replaced as 1 of the anchors on C2 morning news. He’s one of the main reasons I always turn to 2 for my morning news before I head out to work. Aside from being effective in delivering the news, he has a great sense of humor and has such the best chemistry with Pam, Sal, and Steve; making their newscast a pleasure to watch and effective. They cheer me up in the morning.
I’m not sure if I will continue watching C2 morning news now that Mark is out…
I will miss you Mark; you’ve been my “morning” for the past 8 years!!! I wish you and your family the best!!!
Take care…
Liz said,
November 5, 2007 at 11:10 am
I agree the new guy is turning me away… His voice is very “phony, effected” and just feels cheesy and fake.
I miss Mark Curtis’ warm voice and tone. I hope he stays local becuase I will follow him. The new Dave Clark guy is irritating and fake.
Linda Bran said,
November 6, 2007 at 6:49 am
I will not watch the morning news on 2 anymore. I can not stand the new guy. What is wrong with you people? It is sad that the management team has no clue what we viewers want.
Rudy Iglesias said,
November 6, 2007 at 8:42 am
As I am upset as well regarding the loss of Mark Curtis, let’s not take it out on the new guy. If you’ve ever been to Los Angeles, you would know why. It’s a certain persona that is normal there. Just think how Mark Kurtis would sound in New York and what would viewers there say about him.
Dave will probably get his niche in and would have to change to how the Bay Area lives.
You all should also remember that it wasn’t Dave Clark who came in and took Mark’s job,IT’S THOSE WONDERFUL GENIUSES AT COX MANAGEMENT who “woo’ed” him here.
If some company head hunted you to come to their company, is it your fault?
Bert said,
November 7, 2007 at 8:29 am
It’s a shame that the corporate world today has no regard for honesty or truth…
especially when it comes to those who appear to live by it…Mark Curtis reports the news
with his honest and sometimes innocent and emotional appeal…what a great way to wake
up in the mornings… when most all the news that is reported is negative and depressive,
there was Mark…with is own special way that helped us prepare for the new day…find
yourself a new home nearby Mark, we will follow.
Cat said,
November 7, 2007 at 8:57 am
My co-worker and I always talked the KTVU 2 morning news show. We noticed Mark
Curtis was gone. We thought maybe Dave Clark was filling in..but then we noticed he
failed to say he was doing so. So the manhunt began..and we googled Mark’s name this
morning and found this blog!!! We are so sad to hear the news. Mark and Pam had such
great presence. The whole morning gang just isn’t the same. We want Mark back.
Angela Marques said,
November 7, 2007 at 9:26 pm
I am so disappointed that Mark Curtis has been replaced. I woke up to Mark and Pam for years. I missed Pam when she had her babies (but glad for her, of course). It was so good having them back as a team. Mark is quite the historian and often added interesting information. He and Sal would challenge each other on points. Mark also has high ethics and although he reported facts and was very professional, one knew instinctively where he stood on an issue. I really don’t know why he was replaced and have nothing against the Dave Clakr. I don’t know of him. From the other commentaries here I can see it was probably not a good business decision. Only time will tell. I wish Mark all the best and hope to see his face on another channel soon. God Bless you, Mark!
Suzanne Moraz said,
November 8, 2007 at 7:37 am
Another lousy management decision. Too bad KTVU you just lost another viewer. I will
be switching my morning routine to another local news station. I liked KTVU news. I
liked Pam and Mark, Sal and Steve. I don’t like that KTVU unceremoniously “dumped”
Mark Curtis. He was professional, personable and very likeable. I don’t fault his
replacement those are big shoes to fill. But too bad KTVU I have a choice and I chose to
move on to another station after what you did to Mark Curtis.
Bunny Heath said,
November 8, 2007 at 8:24 am
I am very dissapointed to see someone else sitting next to Pam. I feel that Mark does a wonderful job
lending his personable way of projecting himself to the public. Sure, any Anchor can deliver the News.
That’s not why we choose to watch channel 2 in the a.m. Mark helps us folks get out the door in the
mornings on a decent note. I attended a Boy Scout Fundraiser where Mark spoke and he sure seems
like a man with true character. If you read this Mark, we wish you & your family the best and I’m sure
that the future holds something special for you.
T. S. said,
November 8, 2007 at 1:06 pm
I am also very dissapointed to think that I no longer will be able to wake up in the
morning and have Mark & Pam tell me about the events of the past 24 hours. I
have respected Mark as the most intellegent anchor person in the
Bay Area for over 10 years.
God Bless you and your family Mark, and I hope to see you on T.V. very soon!
Kim & Wilene said,
November 8, 2007 at 8:31 pm
Wow. All this hate for someone you dont even know.
Is it really that he’s so irritating or is it something else?
Dave comes across very professional and well educated.
He may not have the “community feel” you loved so much in Mark.
But give him a chance. He’s been here 2 weeks and you’ve certainly presented
us a welcoming community. Who wouldnt be overjoyed to join you??
We like Mark too. Had you been watching on the day he left he seemed Ok with it.
Since you admire him so much maybe you should take a page from his book.
Check out his own comment on this very website.
Or did you miss that too, like you missed the day he left.
Best Wishes to Mark ! ( Im sure we’lll see you again )
Welcome to Dave !
Janice said,
November 9, 2007 at 7:31 am
I’m sad to find out that Mark Curtis has been replaced. I will no longer watch the
morning news report on KTVU. I will start watching KRON.
I hope to see Mark on other Bay Area news channels as he will bring his
professionalism to where ever he goes.
I tried to give Dave Clark a try this week but they way he delivers the news brings
very little to be desired.
Becky Bonkowski said,
November 9, 2007 at 6:35 pm
Guess I was off the day Mark Curtis left, therefore I was sleeping in and had no idea untiluntil tuning in this past week that he was gone. He and Pam made a great team and were the reason I watched. I’ll still try and catch Steve’s weather and Sal’s traffic, but other than that, I guess I’ll be getting ready for work earlier. Not a big fan of the other local anchors. In fact, I switched to Channel 2 when Brian Hackney left KRON, and Mark Curtis was the perfect substitute for me. Professional, but like a friend. An everyday kind of guy. I feel like I lost a friend. I’ll miss you Mark and wish you all the best. Hope to see you on another channel soon.
becky said,
November 9, 2007 at 7:33 pm
Bring back Mark Curtis, Dave is so LA. This is not LA. Pam & Mark complimented each other.
I will no longer watch KTVU news morning or evening.
mjmsf said,
November 12, 2007 at 9:01 am
And now…Sara Sidner is gone gone gone…she too is the latest casualty. Julie Haener wins 10:00 spot, and Sara loses 5:00, 6:00, and weekend anchor roles…Channel 2 is a mess!
Ann said,
November 12, 2007 at 4:55 pm
I am so sorry to see that Mark is gone. Mark – let us know where you go and my TV
remote control will follow you there.
I would assume that Dave Clark is a fine journalist, but the sparkle that got me to turn
on Channel 2 in the morning is gone now – no offense meant to Pam, Sal and Steve.
Not a good move, KTVU.
Nick Leonoudakis said,
November 13, 2007 at 5:39 am
I think there is someone or people that should be let go at KTVU for making one of the most ridiculous decisions in morning programing history.
Ever heard of “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”?
Mark and Pam so complimented each other, it was like having your morning cup of
coffee with your pal in the morning.
I’m going back to KPIX. Good luck Mark, I feel like I lost a friend
Ivor Stravinski said,
November 14, 2007 at 12:08 pm
Mark Curtis is leaving? Wow – thats terrible!
Who is Mark Curtis?
Joe Schmo said,
November 20, 2007 at 2:50 pm
I don’t even know where to begin. First of all, I agree with with most of the comments posted here, and will, like others take my viewership elsewhere.
Kim and Wilene: While I certainly cannot and would not presume to speak for everyone here, I think we are more angry at the idiotic management at KTVU that would make such a decision. That being said, I don’t care how many years of experience Mr. Clark has, as others here have also said, he cannot “deliver” the news. He can read the teleprompter — most of the time — but his delivery style leaves a lot to be desired. And if Mr. McVay can’t see that for himself, someone needs to send him 5 dollars so he can go buy a clue.
Many years ago, in the Tampa Bay area, Cox had bought a very popular oldies-format radio station, and decided to change formats. In the course of changing formats, they fired all the DJs — many of whom had been working there many years and built up loyal followings. On the last day, a friend of mine was pleading with a couple of Cox employees not to do this, that there were real people here with real families, and “they just couldn’t do this!” To which the Cox employees responded, “We can do whatever we want; we’re Cox.” To which my friend responded “You certainly are.”
My thoughts exactly.
cg said,
November 26, 2007 at 6:52 am
Bring back Mark Curtis. Dave does not work for me….he is tooooooo
Connie Gorman said,
November 26, 2007 at 7:48 am
I am glad i found this article. I missed this. I really didnt know. I just know i was wondering what happened to Mark Curtis. I really dont care for this fresh face. Nothing against Dave. But he does not have the warmth that Mark Curtis brought to his broadcast. This news distubs and upsets me.
I started watching this news with my mom.And it was tradition for over 10 years. It has felt like family. And now a part of the family is gone. It is so sad. I want to protest
Linda Aniyake said,
November 27, 2007 at 7:27 am
I’ve tried…and tried…and tried but cannot get used to “the new guy”. I tried to have an open mind about the change but I don’t think there is any way around it…Mr. Clark as co-anchor for the morning news is a poor fit.
Kudos to Pam for being her gracious self in the past few weeks.
My family and I actually looked forward to weekday mornings, sharing our first cup of coffee with the early morning news team. We enjoyed the old team’s friendly banter – they managed to combine professionalism and a very comfortable (for a viewer’s perspective) news presentation.
Whoever made the decision to replace Mark really blew it. You took something that we loved away from us.
Susan said,
December 3, 2007 at 8:13 am
KTVU says they ousted Mark Curtis in favor of Dave Clark to improve news coverage at 5am? BALONEY! You change one man for another. Whats to improve there? Mark Curtis was your man and ktvu blew it big time. I wouldn’t be surprised if their ratings go down hill fast. I hope it does anyway.
sonya said,
December 7, 2007 at 6:32 am
I miss Mark too! I had just assumed Dave was filling in, but he never indicated he was. So then I thought maybe Mark maybe had moved to another time slot, and am so bummed to find out that he hadn’t – and in fact – he’s gone from KTVU. Then I thought maybe it was his choice to move on, and after reading this blog, that wasn’t true either. This sucks!!! 🙁
Him and Pam are so awesome together, and he was such an intricate part of the team that made me tune in each morning to Channel 2. Watching another channel’s morning news team was so foreign to me – KTVU was my comfort. But now, it’s foreign again.
Mark is awesome and he will do well in wherever he ends up – and though KTVU made a stupid decision, obviously without polling its viewers, what’s done is done – and in all reality, it’s simply not fair to take it out on Dave – hopefully I’ll get used to him soon.
Good luck Mark!!!
Betty said,
December 13, 2007 at 8:46 pm
I can’t believe KTVU replaced Mark! He was a bright light in morning news and his chemistry with Pam was unmatched. KTVU, you have severely disappointed me.
Gail Cooks said,
January 1, 2008 at 12:51 pm
I think that in order to report the news, people look for excellent readers. Whenever I watched the news on channel two, I alway found that there were too many mistakes in reading the material.
I have noticed that there are not many comments made on how well this was done.
Dave is doing an excellent job in reporting the news.
Maybe Channel 2 could pull Carolyn Tyler from channel 7, she would be an asset on 2 as well. These are excellent readers.
jeff cochrane said,
January 4, 2008 at 2:29 pm
now that i know why mark is no longer on the
morning news,i will also find a new station
to watch.way to go channel 2.