KNBR’s search for a new program director is over. BSM has confirmed the Bay Area Sports Leader is promoting Adam Copeland from within, filling the vacant role previously held by Kevin Graham who left the station in late August. He’s expected to oversee KNBR 104.5/680, KNBR 1050, and 810 The Spread.
Copeland moves into the role despite no prior programming experience. He does however have a number of believers inside the company who feel he’s ready for the challenge.
Larry Blumhagen, Regional Vice President//Market Manager, Cumulus San Francisco and Los Angeles, said: “We are excited to have Adam Copeland as Program Director for these iconic stations. In his active role as a KNBR on-air personality, Adam has a connection with our listeners and a unique grasp of what they want from our platforms. We believe Adam will lead these great Sports stations to new heights.”
Adam Copeland added: “For a kid who grew up in the Bay Area listening to KNBR, being named the station’s Program Director is beyond any dream and opportunity I could’ve imagined. I could not be more excited. I want to thank Cumulus and Larry Blumhagen, as well as Dave Milner and Bruce Gilbert for their confidence in me. I started at KNBR as an in 2009, but I wouldn’t have found the love and success in the various roles I’ve held since without so many colleagues and friends who have helped me along the way. The KNBR brand has been a pillar of the Bay Area sports landscape for decades, and I look forward to providing our listeners with the most informative and entertaining content that best represents us, Bay Area sports fans. I can’t wait to get started.”
During his time at KNBR, Copeland has worked his way up the ladder. He joined the station in 2009 as an intern in the promotions department and was later hired as a part-time board operator. In 2017, he was promoted to full-time producer of “KNBR Tonight,” was then named host of “The Leadoff Spot,” from 5am-6am, and served as producer/board operator of the “Murph and Mac Show.” In 2018 he added co-hosting duties on the San Francisco Giants pre-game show and joined KNBR’s coverage of 49ers pre- and post-game shows before landing the coveted co-host role in afternoons opposite Tom Tolbert in February 2022.
The promotion for Copeland doesn’t signal the end of his on-air run. He’s expected to remain in his current role of afternoon co-host. Reaction to the move locally was mixed. Some were excited to see what Copeland could do with the increased responsibility. Others wondered why management would elevate a talented but inexperienced individual and put them in a situation that requires co-hosting a four-hour drive-time show.
KNBR bounced back last quarter after a subpar spring book. The station finished ahead of its local competition 95.7 The Game in mornings but trailed in middays and afternoons. Getting that reversed becomes top priority now for Copeland.
