KNBR/San Francisco Changes: Gary Radnich Retires, Bob Fitzgerald Exits, Report Has Greg Papa In New Lineup

Changes

Big changes are afoot at CUMULUS Sports KNBR-A/SAN FRANCISCO with the retirement of longtime host GARY RADNICH and the exit of midday "FITZ AND BROOKS" co-host BOB FITZGERALD.

RADNICH announced his retirement on TWITTER FRIDAY, saying his "Plan was to retire at the end of the year but with my 70th birthday ahead it makes sense now. Thank you audience for 36 years of TV-Radio!" On SUNDAY, RADNICH followed up his abrupt retirement tweet with a tweet that said, "Looking forward to my final #KNBR show this week with my family and the people who helped me. Thank you for all the kind responses."

RADNICH had previously retired from crosstown independent KRON-TV last year and was hosting 10a-1p on KNBR with LARRY KREUGER.

Meanwhile, FITZGERALD's name suddenly disappeared from KNBR's posted schedule, with BROOKS now listed as solo 1-3p. And as initially reported by THE ATHLETIC's STEVE BERMAN reported late SUNDAY, the new lineup will pair 49ERS play-by-play man and former RAIDERS voice and crosstown ENTERCOM Sports KGMZ (95.7 THE GAME) host GREG PAPA with current afternoon co-host (and PAPA's former partner at THE GAME) JOHN LUND for 10a-2p, with LUND's afternoon co-host TOM TOLBERT moving up to 2-6p and being joined by KREUGER and BROOKS. MARK WILLARD's evening show is adding another hour to run 6-10p.

“I am thrilled to be returning to the powerful airwaves of The Sports Leader,” said PAPA in a press release confirming the changes. “Being reunited with JOHN LUND on the flagship station of the 49ers is the perfect combination.”

CUMULUS VP/Market Manager DOUG HARVILL said, “From the time GARY RADNICH started at KNBR he was a pioneer in the sports-talk format. He built a close relationship with listeners through his entertaining and intriguing perspective on sports and life. I cannot express how appreciative all of us at KNBR are for the opportunity to have partnered with him on his KNBR journey.”

FITZGERALD said, “Quite simply I’d like to thank everyone that I had the great fortune of working with at KNBR. From my co-hosts, in particular ROD BROOKS, to our tremendous producers and staff I have encountered over the great many years. For three decades it has been my great privilege to entertain the incredible sports fans of the BAY AREA. KNBR will always have a special place in my heart and I wish everyone at the station all the best moving forward.”

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