Greg Papa is still off the air at KNBR. Cumulus Media released a statement late Friday that the company is exploring ways for a potential return.
What We Know: Cumulus cut Papa and midday co-host Greg Silver from KNBR earlier this week. In turn, John Lund takes over middays Monday, rejoining the station less than two years after his own layoff there. 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. Cumulus Media released a statement specifically on Papa’s departure Friday.
What They Said: (via Cumulus Media)
“For decades, Greg Papa has been one of the defining voices of Bay Area sports radio. His knowledge, passion, and connection with his listeners helped shape KNBR into what it is today, and his contributions to the station will not be forgotten.
We’re not able to comment on the specifics of his departure, but we want to be clear about this: our respect and gratitude for everything Greg has given to KNBR, its listeners, and its team runs deep. We are continuing to explore ways we can bring his voice back to the station, and we wish Greg strength, healing, and a full recovery.”
What Remains Unclear: Cumulus didn’t say what form a Papa return might take or when it could happen. Or if it happens at all. Meanwhile, Greg Silver’s next move remains unknown, whether inside the company or elsewhere.
What It Means: Cumulus’s statement breaks from the company’s usual silence following layoffs, and that shift is notable. Public backlash over Papa’s timing, amid his cancer recovery, likely drove the response. Still, “exploring” a return commits Cumulus to nothing concrete just yet. For now, Lund fills the midday chair while Papa’s KNBR future stays open.
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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.