Courtesy San Diego Union Tribune

(April 3, 2009) Less than a month after one San Diego station eliminated its nightly sports report and laid off its sports department, another station is adding a regular sports segment and a full-time sportscaster.

Rich Goldner, news director at KSWB Channel 5/69, said his station will bring aboard Ross Shimabuku, a sportscaster in Phoenix for the past eight years, beginning May 4. A regularly scheduled sportscast, something previously missing from the Fox affiliate's 10 p.m. weeknight news, will debut that week.

“Our philosophy hasn't changed,” said Goldner, whose station started producing its own news in August. “It's still an emphasis on local sports how we can do more local stories in the community here in San Diego.

“You'll get highlights, but if I'm expanding, I expect the guys to turn local packages. That's what sets it apart.”

Channel 5/69 will continue its 15-minute “Game On” sports shows Saturdays and Sundays at 10:45 p.m., with Troy Hirsch remaining as host.

Last month, XETV Channel 6, which was replaced as the Fox affiliate last summer by Channel 5/69, ended its regular sportscast and laid off its sports director, a reporter/weekend anchor and a producer.