Former KOVR-TV news anchor Sam Shane has been tapped to co-host the KFBK Morning News less than a week after the show’s former co-host left under unusual circumstances.
Shane, who worked for Sacramento’s CBS station KOVR (Channel 13) until his contract expired in late 2017, is no stranger to KFBK (1530 AM, 93.1 FM): He has filled in over the last two years in various capacities for show hosts who are sick or on vacation. He has also filled in for national programs produced or aired by KFBK, including the syndicated Tom Sullivan Show.
“Sam’s deep roots in our community and his connections in the Capital City mean that he has a wealth of experience, perspective and views to draw upon that will give clarity and perspective to the day’s events,” Bill White, KFBK’s program director, said in a news release announcing the hire.
Shane joins co-host Cristina Mendonsa, another former television news anchor, on the KFBK Morning News. It was not clear when Shane would start.
The news comes less than a week after former KFBK Morning News host Dan Mitchsinon was terminated from the station. A source said at the time the departure was due to low ratings, though some speculated it may have been connected to a decision by Sacramento NBC affiliate KCRA-TV (Channel 3) to end their editorial relationship with the station over concerns about a content sharing agreement between the two broadcasters (The Desk could not confirm Mitchinson’s termination was related to the station’s issue with KCRA).
After the news of his departure was first reported by a former KFBK senior editor on Twitter, Mitchinson took to social media to confirm his release from the station. He continues to be active on Facebook and Twitter.
