Greg Papa says medical clearance came before Cumulus Media laid him off. Papa was one of many reductions in force by Cumulus Media in a nationwide layoff that occurred over the past weeks.
What We Know: Papa, 63, and co-host Greg Silver lost their midday Papa & Silver slot amid Cumulus’s nationwide layoffs. John Lund, previously let go in 2024, has returned to replace them. Despite it all, Papa has broken his silence on his departure in an exclusive interview with NBC Bay Area detailing his continued health battle. He says the San Francisco 49ers, have stayed fully supportive throughout his recovery. However, he didn’t state if he’s hoping to make a return to the radio station.
What They Said: (All quotes via NBC Bay Area)
Greg Papa on any return to KNBR: “I’m cleared, by the way, to go back on the radio show that I had, that I no longer to have. The talk show was always something I thought I could return to. Doing games is a different challenge. So, I was fully preparing to return to work. There was never discussion that that would not be the case. Then one day you get a phone call, and I thought it was a return to work plan again. I was cleared. My [doctors] cleared me to do that. They went the other way, and they chose to terminate that contract. So I went from terminal to terminated in a short period of time. But I’m also indestructible. On a human level. It’s hard to understand that could be done to you. But it does happen.”
Greg Papa explains the challenges of his battle with cancer: “There were many nights there that I felt that I may die. You know, cancer is unfair. Cancer’s sudden. Cancer’s cruel. There were nights I went to sleep thinking I may not wake up. Cancer kills you cell by cell.”
Greg Papa on how his health battle has shifted: “I was put on a ventilator and was incubated. I was in an induced coma for about five days, and went from a life-threatening situation for certain to a life-altering one. I made a lot of progress since I’ve been home, and made a lot of progress since late July.”
Greg Papa on the support of the San Francisco 49ers: “The [San Francisco] Niners have been incredible to me. They’ve supported me this entire time. Goals are hard. I have a goal in my mind. But as I say, things change.”
What Remains Unclear: Cumulus hasn’t detailed why it moved on Papa despite his medical clearance. The company released a statement following outrage from KNBR listeners and several talent stating they are navigating ways for a Papa return. It’s still unknown if both parties can come together on a resolution.
What It Means: The optics couldn’t be worse for Cumulus right now. Cutting a cleared broadcaster who nearly died months earlier fuels criticism the company prioritizes cost savings over loyalty. As Cumulus attempts to put out the fires caused by the cut, moments like this shape how audiences and talent view its next chapter. Trust, once lost publicly, is hard to rebuild. We continue to wish Greg Papa a speedy recovery in his continued health battle.
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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.