Changes are happening again at KNBR. The radio station is changing up middays in a move that is sure to generate local reaction. John Lund is returning to the station to host the timeslot solo.
What We Know: John Lund’s return signals the end of Greg Silver and Greg Papa’s show. Lund teamed with Papa for most of his Bay Area tenure from 2011-2024. KNBR laid him off in November 2024, moving Silver into his spot. After losing his job, Lund relocated to Arizona. He has been doing part time work since for Westwood One and Arizona Sports. Lund is expected to host the midday show on KNBR starting August 10th. He will continue his relationships with Westwood One and Arizona Sports.
Greg Papa has battled leukemia over the past year. The situation forced Papa to be away from the show. He has not been on the air in months following a return in September of last year. The Bay Area legend recently told the San Francisco Chronicle that he hoped to make a return to his daily KNBR program. Sources tell Barrett Media that if Papa’s health improves KNBR would have interest in a reunion.
Silver joined KNBR in 2023. In addition to working with Papa on the midday show, he has also hosted postgame coverage for Cal football. Greg is the son of accomplished sports writer and reporter Mike Silver. No word on Silver’s status moving forward on Cal programming.
KNBR’s parent company, Cumulus Media are undergoing layoffs today. People in different markets, brands and divisions have been affected.
What’s At Stake: KNBR is in a difficult position here. From a PR standpoint it’s tough to part ways with a show, especially when one of its lead hosts is battling leukemia. If Papa is unable to work after months on the sidelines though, the station does have to provide a solution to excite listeners and advertisers. Adding Lund is a positive as he adds local familiarity and a lengthy relationship with Papa.
With recent reports of tension between KNBR and the San Francisco Giants organization, prior issues in the programming department, and the loss of popular hosts in recent years such as Tom Tolbert and Paul McCaffrey, the brand’s stability and direction are going to be questioned. Restoring local confidence, team relationships and lineup consistency should be top priorities.
What Remains Unclear: Papa’s future as voice of the San Francisco 49ers remains unclear. Last year the team utilized multiple play by play announcers. No word yet on the team’s plan for the 2026 NFL season. This is the first time Greg Papa has been a free agent. Doctors have given him clearance to host shows from his home studio starting in late-July. Whether he appears on KNBR, other local outlets or elsewhere remains to be seen.
What It Means: KNBR has featured three different midday lineups in roughly 20 months. That creates whiplash for listeners. Papa’s ongoing health battle and absence from the radio station unfortunately created a large challenge for Cumulus. The company and station felt a decision needed to be made for the business of the brand. The best possible outcome is Papa’s health improves, and a future reunion with KNBR and Lund follows. We wish the best to Greg in his battle, and to Lund and KNBR in creating stability in middays.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.