Brian Greif Steps Down As KRON GM

Citing health reasons, Brian Greif, general manager of KRON San Francisco, has decided to resign from the station, following weeks of consulting with doctors.

Greif, 53, who has worked in local television for more than 30 years, told TVNewsCheck that he will need extended recovery time and physical therapy for at least three months, following an unsuccessful back surgery this past summer. He says a second surgery could be necessary if the rest and therapy prove ineffective.

“KRON is a very special place and deserves a full-time manager,” Greif wrote in a memo to staff before Christmas.

A Media General spokesperson says a GM replacement hasn’t been made at the news-heavy station.

Greif, who points to helping build the Newsplex at WSVN Miami and developing the video journalist system at KRON as career highlights, remains determined not to call it a career.

“I’m not ready to stop working,” he says. “But right now, I still need help with the day-to-day activities.

“KRON is a unique place — just the nature of it. We do nine-and-a-half hours of news Monday through Friday and 55 hours per week with 60 people. When there’s a big story, I want to be there. My work ethic takes over and I start doing things that I shouldn’t be doing.

“The company has been great to me and I’m very grateful.”

Under Greif’s watch, KRON has transformed itself into a digital success. A change in the website earlier this year resulted in a 300% increase in traffic, and the launch of a 24/7 digital news channel has helped make the station profitable over the past four years.