KGO Observations

[mred]

I think they should have more contests, as they have done in the past. Maybe people could guess the size of Bernie Ward's rear end. One, two or three axe handles wide?

 

[DavidKaye]

I think they should have more contests, as they have done in the past. Maybe people could guess the size of Bernie Ward's rear end. One, two or three axe handles wide?

But he has the love of his wife and family, according to all accounts. What do you have? Bitterness. And?

 

[HCochet]

I have been listening to KGO for about 30 years. I like all the hosts, but avoid speciality shows such as "money talk", "dining around" and "California weekend" and Joanie Gregens (sp?). But Len Tillem and Dean Edell are good. I listen all the time. In my car, in bed at night, and while working in the kitchen, etc. The only host that I don't really care for at this time is Karel. He talks about himself too much, interrupts too much. His music sucks. The big problem with his music is he plays it way too long. The ads will end and his music begins. I turn the dial, come back when I think his music will be finished and it's still going! What's really bad is when he sings along with the music. He ruins the good songs (good ones are very few) and makes the bad ones worse. I do listen to him some because I'm a KGO fan, I sure would like Shann Nix to take his spot. Why'd she ever leave?
Best songs goes to John Rothman. They're historically appropriate to the topic. Plus, he doesn't sing along. John Rothman makes the history of politics very interesting.
I really like Brian Copeland, Ray Talaiferro, Bill Wattenburg. Bernie was a great host. I wish KGO would be news talk all the time. Get rid of the morning drive news and evening news too. Also, on Dec 25 get ANY host, even Karel. Karel said he'd do it. Or play a taped show. Len is often a replay, why not replay something, anyone. Anything but 24 hours of music.

 

[rickradio]

Joanie Gregens (sp?)

Joanie Greggains. Also hosted an early morning exercise show on Channel 5 in the early 80s

His music sucks.

You're talking about bumper music? Just making sure I'm following you.

 

[woody1394]

I wish KGO would be news talk all the time. Get rid of the morning drive news and evening news too.

I hear that from time to time and never understand why one would want KGO to get rid of its news. The fact that they have the newscast during the morning and afternoon commutes is important because it gives people a chance to hear the news and traffic before they get to work, and also to catch up on the day's events after work (and don't forget the importance of traffic reports!). It is a very good balance, and I think the format works well.

BTW, did anyone hear that exchange between Rosie and Greg and that wacko religious nutcase during last night's news? THAT was GREAT radio!!! I never heard Rosie that upset, and kudos to Greg for keeping his cool (I wouldn't have been able to). And to Rosie: GO get 'em!!!! ;D

 

[LKellerIII]

"I wish KGO would be news talk all the time. Get rid of the morning drive news and evening news too."

So many years have passed since KGO started using the "NewsTalk" branding that I guess it doesn't matter. But my memory is that the "NewsTalk" slogan was coined to refer to the double format, if you can call it that -with News in some day parts and talk in others. Otherwise, it's just "Talk," right?

Up until the mid 60s, there were a lot of full service stations that would run different programming - news blocks, talk shows, variety, and even music shows on the same station. Increasingly at that time, stations were going with just one format, but KGO has bucked the odds being very successful with two formats that work well together. And you could speculate that it's kept them on top in the ratings over KCBS, since a lot of people listen to KGO for "all news" during drive times, instead of KCBS.

In LA, sister station KABC tried this same news and talk format in the mid 60s, but was beaten in the ratings by MetroMedia's KLAC - which was MORE popular in the ratings with ALL talk. Part of their success was Joe Pyne, one of the original talk radio attack dogs, in morning drive.

In the Bay Area, the reverse was true, with KGO dominating KLAC's all talk MetroMedia sister station KNEW.

As for KGO changing this, I think the old cliche "if it ain't broke..." applies well here. And I say that as a person who can no longer listen to news on commercial stations, whether KGO or KCBS. I've been spoiled by NPR.

 

[DeadAudicy]

BTW, did anyone hear that exchange between Rosie and Greg and that wacko religious nutcase during last night's news? THAT was GREAT radio!!! I never heard Rosie that upset, and kudos to Greg for keeping his cool (I wouldn't have been able to). And to Rosie: GO get 'em!!!!

I heard it, and compared to the brain oil squirting out of my own busted skull gaskets, Rosie was the picture of calm. I'm still, in my disbelief (and consequent denial), thinking it was a put on. No one can be that semi human, that naive or plain subhumanly ignorant, and still be alive without machines and wires attached.

 

[tripton99]

o

Unfortunately that cult has been around since the first dead American soldiers came home from Iraq. I thought Greg and Rosie were fair and balanced< but its hard on the ear and the heart to give the cult any podium to spew such hate.

BTW, the whole interview is now on the KGO website under something like Audio--Best of KGO.

 

[paulsecic]

I have been listening to KGO for about 30 years. I like all the hosts, but avoid speciality shows such as "money talk", "dining around" and "California weekend" and Joanie Gregens (sp?). But Len Tillem and Dean Edell are good. I listen all the time. In my car, in bed at night, and while working in the kitchen, etc. The only host that I don't really care for at this time is Karel. He talks about himself too much, interrupts too much. His music sucks. The big problem with his music is he plays it way too long. The ads will end and his music begins. I turn the dial, come back when I think his music will be finished and it's still going! What's really bad is when he sings along with the music. He ruins the good songs (good ones are very few) and makes the bad ones worse. I do listen to him some because I'm a KGO fan, I sure would like Shann Nix to take his spot. Why'd she ever leave?
Best songs goes to John Rothman. They're historically appropriate to the topic. Plus, he doesn't sing along. John Rothman makes the history of politics very interesting.
I really like Brian Copeland, Ray Talaiferro, Bill Wattenburg. Bernie was a great host. I wish KGO would be news talk all the time. Get rid of the morning drive news and evening news too. Also, on Dec 25 get ANY host, even Karel. Karel said he'd do it. Or play a taped show. Len is often a replay, why not replay something, anyone. Anything but 24 hours of music.

Shann Nix moved to Paris & got hitched about 10 years ago. I really liked her also.

 

[coppersmom]

Shann Nix is a fun person to be around. I enjoyed working with her. She is happy in Europe right now and has an adorable new son. She is not however in Paris.

Christine Craft

 

[DavidKaye]

Shann Nix moved to Paris & got hitched about 10 years ago. I really liked her also.

Well, she's just taken a new job doing -- get this -- coaching CEOs on how to communicate. She travels to various cities in northern Europe. She loves it. She makes a lot of money doing it.

 

[coppersmom]

I think Shann can communicate with the best of them!!

 

[DavidKaye]

I think Shann can communicate with the best of them!!

She couldn't seem to communicate ratings. Though I liked her as a Chronicle columnist, I thought she was awful as a talkshow host.

 

[coppersmom]

good writer,and a kick in the pants to be around....AS far as I know..the ratings she got on her weekend show....are the same as the current host..am I wrong?? KGO is a juggernaut ..you know..

 

[HCochet]

To Shann
"Hey Sugar"*


I miss your show.



*to those who don't know, Shann used to say that once in a while.