For many years, people across the San Francisco Bay Area tuned in to one special station for news, talk, and entertainment: KGO Talk Radio. No matter if it was the start of a busy morning or a quiet evening at home, KGO became a trusted friend for millions of listeners.
KGO started as a local music station but soon grew into a top source for news and talk. Its story shows how radio and the way we get information in America have changed over time. In this article, you’ll discover KGO’s history, meet the famous hosts, and see why this station still means so much to so many people. Let’s explore what made KGO special to listeners and how it changed through the years.
Key Takeaways
- A Legacy of News and Talk: KGO 810 AM was a pioneer in the news/talk format, shaping how millions of people received their daily information and analysis for over 60 years.
- Iconic Personalities: The station was home to legendary hosts like Ronn Owens and Gene Burns, whose unique styles created a deep connection with their audience.
- Shift in Broadcasting: KGO’s recent format changes highlight broader trends in the radio industry, including the move away from traditional AM talk and the rise of niche sports and gambling content.
- Community Impact: Beyond the airwaves, KGO played a significant role in the Bay Area community, covering major local events and providing a platform for public discourse.
The Origins of a Broadcasting Giant
KGO’s story started long before it became known for talk radio. The station began in 1924, launched by General Electric in Oakland. At first, KGO was part of the NBC Blue Network and played music, drama, and different types of shows. Things began to change in the 1960s and 1970s, as KGO started to focus more on news and talk programs. By the late 1970s, KGO switched completely to news and talk. This move helped the station become one of the top radio choices in the Bay Area.
This big change happened because people’s listening habits were shifting. More and more people turned to FM radio for music because it sounded better, so AM stations like KGO had to try something new. KGO decided to stand out by hiring hosts who could talk about the news, interview local leaders, and invite listeners to join conversations through call-ins. By choosing talk and news over music, KGO became a lively, interactive station. This set KGO apart from music-only stations and made it a trusted source for news and community connection in the Bay Area.
The Golden Era of KGO Talk Radio
The 1980s and 1990s were the golden years for KGO Talk Radio. During this time, KGO was the most listened-to station in San Francisco. People trusted KGO to give them accurate news and loved listening to friendly, knowledgeable hosts. The station felt like a place where everyone in the community gathered to talk. Listeners could hear the latest updates, learn about local politics, and listen to important debates about the country. Tuning in to KGO meant being part of a larger conversation that connected people all over the Bay Area.
Ronn Owens and other hosts became local celebrities because of their interesting interviews and shows that encouraged listeners to call in and join the conversation. KGO focused on live and local programming, making listeners feel like they were part of what was happening in their community. When big news broke—like earthquakes, sports events, or important political updates—people knew KGO would have the latest information fast. During these years, the station was more than just a news source; it was a daily companion and an important part of life for many people in the Bay Area.
Iconic Hosts Who Defined the Station
KGO became famous because of its talented hosts. These hosts were more than just people on the radio—they felt like friends to the listeners. They asked smart questions, led interesting talks, and helped people feel part of something bigger. Whether you listened for news, advice, or just for fun, these hosts made everyone feel welcome and involved.
Ronn Owens: The King of Bay Area Radio
Ronn Owens was the heart of KGO for nearly 40 years. His midday show was famous for its lively interviews, easy-to-follow topics, and fun talks with listeners. Ronn had a gift for making any subject simple and interesting. He could talk with famous guests, discuss tough issues, and always made everyone feel welcome. Ronn won many honors, including the Marconi Radio Award, and was added to the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2015. When he left KGO in 2018, a lot of longtime listeners felt it was truly the end of an era.
Gene Burns: The Gentleman of Talk
Gene Burns brought a friendly and easy-to-understand approach to KGO Talk Radio. He became famous for his “Dining Around” show, where he talked about the Bay Area’s food scene. Gene didn’t just talk about food; he also explained politics and important news in a way that was simple and clear. He always spoke calmly and with respect, which made him different from other hosts who could be loud or intense. Many people enjoyed listening to Gene because he was kind, knowledgeable, and made them feel comfortable and informed.
Other Memorable Voices
- Dr. Bill Wattenburg: A scientist and inventor, Dr. Bill’s “Open Line to the West” was a weekend staple where he answered questions on everything from car repair to nuclear physics with his signature gruff but brilliant style.
- Bernie Ward: A controversial and passionate host, Bernie Ward’s evening show was a lightning rod for debate, tackling political and social issues from a progressive viewpoint.
- Ray Taliaferro: As the host of the overnight show, Ray Taliaferro engaged a national audience with discussions on a wide range of topics, becoming a prominent African American voice in talk radio.
The Shift Away From News/Talk
In October 2022, everything changed for KGO. Out of nowhere, the station’s owner, Cumulus Media, stopped all the news and talk shows that listeners loved for years. The radio was silent for a few days. When it came back, KGO had a new purpose: sports betting. The station got a new name too—“The Spread.”
This major change happened because of business reasons. Fewer people were listening to traditional talk radio, and advertisers wanted to reach a younger crowd interested in sports and betting. KGO changed its format to match what advertisers and these new listeners were looking for.
Many loyal listeners were sad and upset about the change. For them, losing KGO’s news and talk shows felt like losing a trusted part of their daily lives. The station’s switch is a good example of how long-time media companies struggle to keep up when people have so many choices for news and entertainment.
If you want to learn more about how radio and media are changing, you can visit sites like talkradionews.
The Rise of “The Spread”
The new format, called “810 The Spread,” is focused on sports betting and lifestyle content, broadcasting all day and night. Unlike the old KGO, which featured live, local shows, most of the programming now comes from the BetQL Network and is made for a national audience—not just the Bay Area. This is a big shift from the days when local hosts and listener call-ins were at the heart of KGO. Instead of being a place for the whole community to join in and share ideas, KGO now centers on sports betting, appealing mainly to listeners interested in that specific topic.
Feature | Classic KGO News/Talk | 810 The Spread (Current) |
|---|---|---|
Primary Content | News, politics, lifestyle | Sports betting, analysis |
Programming | Live and local hosts | Mostly syndicated network |
Target Audience | General Bay Area population | Sports bettors, fantasy fans |
Listener Interaction | Heavy call-in segments | Limited to network hosts |
This table makes it clear how much the station’s focus changed. KGO went from being a place where everyone in the community could share their thoughts, to a station mostly about sports betting for a smaller group of listeners.
The Enduring Legacy of KGO 810
Although the original KGO Talk Radio isn’t on 810 AM anymore, its impact is still seen today. For over fifty years, KGO was the leader in local news and talk shows. The station helped start the careers of many famous broadcasters and brought people in the Bay Area closer together. KGO’s story is a big part of American radio history. It proves that radio can keep people informed, help them connect, and build a strong community.
Many podcasters and digital content creators were inspired by voices from KGO. Even though how we get news and talk shows has changed, people still want local news they can trust and good conversations—just like KGO gave for so many years. Today, new technology has changed where and how we listen, but the reasons KGO was special—trust, personality, and community—are still important. If you want to learn more about how Americans get their news now, you can visit the Pew Research Center, which shows how people are moving from radio to digital sources.
Conclusion
The story of KGO Talk Radio is one of change, connection, and adapting with the times. KGO became a favorite in the Bay Area by listening to its audience and being part of people’s daily routines. Even though the station now has a different format, the voices and conversations that made KGO special still matter to longtime listeners. This piece of radio history shows how important traditional media has been for keeping people informed and connected, even as new technology changes the way we get news. KGO’s legacy lives on in memories, old shows, and the lessons it taught about building community through radio.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What happened to the old KGO Talk Radio?
In October 2022, KGO’s owner, Cumulus Media, suddenly ended the news and talk shows that people had listened to for many years. The station got a new name, “810 The Spread,” and started focusing on sports betting shows.
Q2: Can I still listen to the old KGO hosts?
Yes, some old KGO hosts are still active. For example, Ronn Owens now has a podcast. Other hosts may have moved to different radio stations or chosen to retire. To find your favorite former hosts, try searching their names online to learn where they are now or what shows they might be doing.
Q3: Why did KGO change its format?
KGO changed its format for business reasons. Fewer people were listening to traditional talk radio, and advertisers wanted to reach younger listeners. By switching to sports betting content, the station hoped to attract a new and bigger audience. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) handles radio licenses but does not tell stations what kind of programming to air. The choice of format is up to the station owners.
Q4: What is on 810 AM now?
Today, 810 AM in San Francisco is known as “810 The Spread.” The station plays shows from the BetQL Network. These shows are mostly about sports gambling, analysis, and related topics.
Q5: Where can I find local news and talk in the Bay Area now?
You can listen to KCBS 740 AM for all-news updates or KQED 88.5 FM for public radio news and talk shows. Many people who used to listen to KGO also enjoy podcasts or get their news from websites and online sources.
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