Pat Thurston is being groomed to replace Gene Burns on KGO Radio's 7-10 PM weeknight slot.
Nothing is official, and Burns may return soon, but clearly the handwriting is on the wall.
The move may be imminent as Burns, who has been at KGO since 1995, has been besieged by a series of health problems that has kept him off the airwaves several times in the past year. (He broke his back in early December and most recently suffered a fall which resulted in broken ribs.)
The move to Thurston may be imminent. How so? KGO lists her on their website as a 7-10 PM hostess, in addition to her regular gig on the weekend early-morning shift. (Sat./Sunday 1-5 AM)
It has been rumored for some time that Burns may have been contemplating retirement anyway as many of KGO's veteran air talent have taken buyouts or early retirements.
It also helps that Thurston would become the station's only full time woman talk host. KGO has been criticized for its prime-time weekly "all-white middle-aged men" talk hosts.
Thurston has been at KGO since 2007. She has had previous stints at KSRO in Santa Rosa and the late KPIX-FM in the mid 90's.
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I am slowly acquiring an ear for Ms. Thurston and feel she would be a good choice to take over the 7PM slot. Hope Gene sticks around part time...a real top notch broadcaster...really enjoy his style.
ReplyDeleteI would not rely too much on the KGO website for information. They still have David Lazarus listed as a host. Come on!
ReplyDeleteAlthough, I hope for Gene’s return, I would welcome Pat Thurston’s move to the 7pm to 10pm slot, she’s intelligent, is not afraid to debate and conducts excellent interviews. In my opinion she is the best female host KGO has had in the last 20 years with Shawn Nix a distant second and Christine Craft a very distant 3rd.
I do believe criticism of KGO’s “all-white middle-aged men” lineup is warranted, except I would amend it to read: “all-white middle-aged Jewish men". Different perspectives would be welcomed.
I agree with my fellow Anonymous posters above. While I hope Gene recovers and returns to his 7-10pm slot, I enjoy listening to Pat Thurston. She is intelligent, knowledgeable, and a breath of fresh air.
ReplyDeleteShe lays the melodrama a little thick at times, but I'd still rate her above the bombast/schmaltz of John Rothman. I hope Gene can at least return part-time, beyond his weekend foodie show.
ReplyDeleteThat's just the programming schedule for the week. She's filling in while he mends. If you look up Gene's name, it still lists him as the host of that time slot. How 'bout giving a guy a chance to get well before filling his job? They'd be stupid to replace him unless HE decides to step down. He's the best they've got.
ReplyDeleteAgree with above comments. Not sure how John Rothmann would feel about it. Perhaps the 10 pm slot is more accomodating to his other endeavors. If Pat takes over 7-10, I would offer two suggestions. First, for the prime time slot, she needs to select and frame her topics to appeal to a broader audience than just the left. She did this during her fill-in days but seemed to morph into the Lioness of the Left (a la Bernie Ward's Lion of the Left persona) when she got the permanent weekend shift. Not that Gene is perfect. Too often, he goes with topics that have already been talked to death by Ronn and Gil. Also, he has a habit of taking a mundane topic and sticking with it all three hours. I mean, three hours on whether smoking is immoral? Second, Pat and the KGO promotions department can make her more interesting by reintroducing who she is as a person. There's more to her than the fact that she worked other radio gigs in town and has triplets -- her Army background (first KGO talk show vet since Pete Wilson; her Secret Service work etc. There was an ex-CIA agent on WCCO in Minneapolis/St. Paul (Jack Rice), and the fact that he was not just a lifelong talk show guy made him more interesting.
ReplyDeleteIt didn't get any better than Burns/Ward/Taliaferro. I don't envy KGO management. Time marches on, one way or another the KGO lineup is not going to look the same in a few short years. Several of our favorites have hit the 8th decade of life. As hard as it was for Dean Edell to quit he has probably had enough of it. Pat has big shoes to fill, I'll give her time to find her niche. I like Rothmann but he is far to parochial. When is he going to learn than bashing other religions while promoting his own does not make for good radio?
ReplyDeleteAlthough I would much prefer Christine Craft in that slot, I hope that KGO finally gives a prominent spot to a female. The station has become too homogenous and, face it, too boring.
ReplyDeleteA commenter above referred to the "bombast/schmaltz" of Rothmann and I enthusiastically concur!! His vaudeville voice is so grating when he introduces a guest or when he does his "my friend Shirley" schtick. Other than that, however, I really like his depth and seriousness and his vast knowledge base. If he would only cut back on the carnival schtick.
I agree that a female voice in the prime talk show slots (either Pat or Christine) would be a good change. As a political history junkie, I really was into John Rothmann when I moved to the Bay Area a few years ago. Also, I'm generally in his camp politically. But he lacks nuance on issues. Once he stakes out his position on the issue at hand (which is a good thing), he is utterly incapable of tweaking his view should a caller point out some facts or subtleties that are at odds with his position. He's very respectful to callers with differing opinions, but that's not the same as actually considering their views. Ronn and Gene, on the other hand, love it when a caller does this. The only exception, in Ronn's case, is if the subject is Jimmy Carter or Israel.
ReplyDeleteThurston sucks. Whinny bitch voice goes through my head like an nail.
ReplyDeleteAfter Pete Wilson died, I stopped listening in the afternoons. If Gene Burns goes, then I will stop listening at night. Pat Thurston's voice just annoys me....
ReplyDeletegod pat thurston is Booooooorrring...and whenever i've heard her she sounds like a friggin communist..she'll fit right in on both counts with the bitter bitter christine craft and the snoozers like rothman, gil gross, and ron owens...what a snoozefest at kgo...what the hell happened to a once-great station??
ReplyDeleteI'd much rather see Thurston get Gene's slot than Christine Craft. I hate to bash a fellow Sacramenton, but Christine has a tendency to completely shut down callers if she gets her dander up over something that might have been said by the caller; I don't think I've heard Thurston do that (yet). They should all take lessons in reasonable discourse with the callers from Gene.
ReplyDeletedear anonymous..I'm amused...I am a full time lawyer at a heritage law firm. I could not work every night. I too enjoy listening to Gene's show when I can and I've heard him call people who get his dander up, horses' asses. I guess you think that is endearing and reasonable discourse when a man says it. I think it's pretty funny. In any event I've always liked listening. I'm a fill-in host..I've never sought or asked for a full-time job at KGO. I have also never been ..nor will I ever be a 'Sacramenton"
ReplyDeleteLong time KGO listener, all the way back to the 60's, so have heard many hosts. Really liked Michael Krasny, and the irreplaceable Bernie Ward. Gene has a great way with actual dialog. As for hyper-organized John Rothmann, I agree with the above comments re: his bombastic ways. I have the fingernails-on-the blackboard sensation every time he introduces "Our OWN" whoever. I too am weary of "My dear friend Shirley", and references to "My old boss, Dick Nixon". Wattenberg? Fuggettaboutit!
ReplyDeleteI agree that KGO - a liberal station - needs some diversity. But Thurston, Craft, or Nix aren't the answer. Humm, Bernie Ward could broadcast from the pen!?? Ha!!
ReplyDeleteGene Burns is an all-time classic: smart, logical, with a depth of knowledge.
Dr. Wattenburg is an all-time classic: irreplaceable. Long live Dr. Bill!
Humm, will Mickey Luckoff buy that local station, as rumored... and maybe bring Ronn Owens with him? Part owner?
I have noticed some differences in Gene Burns' voice and speech. It seems like all the meds he has to take for his health problems have been (slightly) affecting his on-air voice. I notice his tongue seems a bit thicker. He has problems getting words out properly, where they once flowed from his mouth like an unrestricted faucet turned on full. When you have listed to Gene Burns long enough, it's not too hard to notice these small issues, when compared to how he was before his health problems. Of course, I could only dream of being half as good at public speaking as he is now, even with the effects of medications! I just hope he'll be healthy enough to enjoy a long and peaceful retirement (whenever that occurs).
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to learn Pat Thurston is a potential replacement for Gene Burns. If she truly wants to be considered a viable voice for anything, I suggest she lose her "valley girl, cutsie voice." It turns me off, and in my mind it makes her novelty...one to not be taken seriously. Aa for John Rothman, I liked him much better when he was in the running as Bernie Wards replacement. I do resent his other religious denomination bashing. As for the time he worked for Nixon, he continually exalts the fact that he was part of it. What job of import could he have held over 40 years ago?
ReplyDeletePat T. reasonable replacement for the quintessential talk show host and linguist?!!! NO Way! You've GOT to be kidding? And she DOESN't shut people down? Seems you haven't been listening much.
ReplyDeleteOr maybe because she hangs up on people before shutting them down verbally you just haven't noticed. She apparently reFUSED to debate, just carrying on with her own opinion in the self-righteous, "I always know what's right" manner. I definitely have already had enough of her. Only in some other universe could she possibly be considered anywhere near a replacement for someone as superb as Gene...how sad I am to hear of potentially losing my Gene...
I hope that Gene Burns can hold on a while longer. While I don't hate Pat Thurston, neither do I find her interesting enough to listen to, for the most part.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of diversifying the station, if you are strictly looking at it from a viewpoint of gender, then it would change it. If you are looking at it from a viewpoint of viewpoints, it would me it much less diverse. KGO is turning into a lockstep liberal station. Before you had some diversity of opinion, such as Gene's libertarian viewpoints and Pete's somewhat middle of the road attitude. Now, you are just getting lefties. Ronn turns out to be the least liberal of all the hosts after Gene goes (with the exception of Bill Wattenberg, but he is on when I am unable to listen).
Anyway, I hope Gene can mend and hang in there for a couple of more years, for my own selfish enjoyment. If he retires soon, best wishes to him.
If Gene Burns goes, that station is in trouble. Gene is the best host they have. When Bernie Ward was on, he and Gene ruled. Being Jewish myself, I would like to point out that 'middle aged white Jewish men' is incorrect as Bernie is Catholic and Gene is also Christian (Gene does a Christmas special).
ReplyDeleteRonn is bland. Gil Gross is bland. PETE WILSON WAS GREAT. All the females who broadcast, SUCK. Bland and some of them are quite shrill too.
I stopped listening to Bernie's time slot when he left. If Gene goes I will not tune KGO on. I'll be at 1590, 740 and AM 1220. Or on FM for tunes.
I have listened to Gene Burns for quite a while. He is quite intelligent, & although I do not always agree with him on certain topics, I respect his presentation of his views.
ReplyDeletePat Thurston has not that talent that she can present things in a fair mode. She is quite leftist, to me, & I cannot see me listening to her on KGO. I do not now. I turn off that station for another when she is on. As I will do if she sustains that slot of Gene's.
John Rothman, well, I enjoyed him much when he took over for Bernie, but since he has this slot of Bernie's, he has become quite far left with no fairness in many ways. Before he had a seemingly open mind, presenting much of both sides & you oould judge & understand more. Now, the Shirley bit & the intro of the others for their segments, eg.traffic updates on news, etc, is so aggitating I have to turn him off. Which I never thought would happen. It is getting TRITE. Very.
Please keep Gene. That is KGO's salvation for late night, in my opinion. For me, anyhow.
Thank you.
I have listened to Pat Thurston in her slot and as a fill-in host for Gene Burns. Many times her she states somethings that are NOT FACTUAL. She does not get her facts right. Second she is a nice person but her time slot is best for her. Regarding Christine Craft, she is as intelligent, logical & has been a talk show host longer than Pat Thurston. She is no less than John Rothmann, Gil Gross, and Brian Copeland. One can learn a lot from Christine too, just like Gene and John Rothmann. By the way, Gene was born Catholic, John, Ron & Gil are the 3 Jewish talk show hosts on KGO. All are nice. Dr. Bill is clever, intelligent, and a pompous ass.
ReplyDeleteKGO is a tired qqwstation ,so many commercials , few good hosts. KGO proves thats liberalism is a mental disorder. Look at there host Dwyne Garret killed himself, Bernie Ward is in prison, Krel went crazy on the air and was fired. News talk, no way, Ron Owns needs to retire, he is just an actor, KGO owns the airwaves , they decide if you get on the air, they had the power to make northern Calif great, but go with the same programing year after year.....
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear of Gene's illness. Pat T. is in insufferable idiot. With Gene gone, there is no reason to listen to KGO,
ReplyDeleteGene is wonderful and I do wish him the best and I do hope he returns.
ReplyDeleteKGO has for years displayed a deaf ear regarding listers' wants, and kept Bernie Ward on the air long after THEY KNEW about his criminal charges were pending and the disgusting nature of those. And we all know where that went.
Gene is the star of KGO anyway, and it will be a sad day when he goes. No one can replace him. (BTW -- it's also time for Ron Owens to go. His ego is detectable over the radio, and his fake laugh is becoming intolerable.)
How about a little political diversity? Not just far left all the time. Rothmann always has an interesting program without annoying those who do not agree with him.
ReplyDeleteI hope Gene gets well enough to return. He does a good program.I can not stand Pat T. I agree with the comment, she does not get her facts correct. I would like to see a woman, a great idea, but definitely NOT Pat I think John Rothman is extremely intelligent and articulate. A wonderful host.I also really enjoy Ronn Owens progam. He has great guests and treats listeners with respect.
ReplyDeleteI no longer listen to KGO. Gene was my last connection to the station. Pat Thurston is awful. She was at KPIX and nothing has changed.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to like Pat Thurston, but I just can't.
ReplyDeleteOnce upon a time, KGO had a fiery, lefty, African American radio host who was great. What was her name? Oh Julianne Malveaux, I think. I didn't agree with her all the time, but I always enjoyed her program. They should get a bright, verbose African American woman to host a show and see their audience swell.
I didn't know Ray Taliafero sp) was white!! Wow!
ReplyDeleteGene is far and away the best of KGO's evening hosts, and was just about the only reason to tune into the station after 7PM. Pat Thurston's show-opening monologue is consistently so one-sided and over the top that I feel compelled turn the dial before she even finishes. 3-5 minutes of Pat running her yap is 3-5 minutes too much.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad to say, but KGO listeners are probably victims of reverse gender discrimination. Pat Thurston might be he most qualified (from KGO's perspective) host available for that time of day. They require a female personality to remove the "sexist" label, and require a dedicated leftist mindset to remain consistent with their primary ideology, and the ideology of the majority of Bay Area KGO listeners. They are preaching to the choir, then passing the offering plate with 20+ minutes of commercials per hour. Ironically, the most intelligent host (Dr. Bill Wattenburg)is not liberal, and the most articulate (Gene Burns) is the most ideologically independent.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that KGO needs more than gender diversity, it needs (forgive me) younger hosts to speak to all those radio listeners out there who are under 60 years of age.
ReplyDeletePLEASE NOT this VALLEY GIRL and SO RADICALLY to the LEFT...your numbers will DROP big time if you keep this thurston lady on....gene was somewhat center LEFT but I can assure you this Thurston lady will not do it and the numbers will show it...that voice and so so misleading on her facts to back up her radical views and I am center left...WOW..KGO...big mistake
ReplyDeletethe talk magazine listed KGO as one of the most commercially time consuming talk show program..has everyone seen how many commercials they have now and I am SO sick of these commercials being promoted with the hosts...it is OVER KGO and you better wake up...your numbers are dropping fast. I do NOT listen much with the exception of bill wattenburg but I see his views are self interest as well involving GM,etc.
ReplyDeletePat Thurston is screechy and not nearly as informed and well read as she feigns. Every night I turn on KGO hoping to hear Gene, but instead get fingernails on a blackboard. I can't switch the dial fast enough. I really tried to like her, too. What about Christine Craft? Aside from her insane belief that pit bulls are gentle, she is hands down a better choice.
ReplyDeleteKGO is in BIG trouble if Gene goes. If Pat replaces Gene,this station has really gone all the way to the left. I only listen to John Rothman, Ronn, and Dr Bill. The rests of the hosts are to far to the left or extremely boring! Its sad to see this station go downhill.
ReplyDeletePat Thurston??? Bad idea!!!
ReplyDeleteI love Pat Thurston. And glad to hear Karel is coming back at the end of the month. KGO's finally getting their liberal voice back. The next to go better be that horses behind Dr. Bill.
ReplyDeleteHe should stick strictly to science questions. He treats callers like dirt if they don't agree with him.
I keep hoping Gene Burns will be back. Can't stand his replacement and wish KGO would have someone with some economics education so I won't have to permanently turn them off.
ReplyDeletePat Thurston - Just flat out annoying. I don't always agree with Gene but respect the way he presents his views. And I certainly miss him on Dining Around. It is what I call "my show" on Saturdays. I hope Gene is back soon. He is missed.
ReplyDeletePat's radio voice is so "cloying". One initially thinks that she will openly listen to all sides of an issue. But she is very slick in how she "disposes" of a caller who disagrees. Last evening there were a couple of very thoughtful ideas from listeners, ideas i would have loved to have heard developed, but she cuts them off, willy nilly! They were very polite, seemingly informed (from their perspectives) callers. If a caller agrees w/ her though, she gives them plenty of time to express their thoughts. They form a little mutual admiration society for all enjoy. It took one show to see where she fits, politically, in the scheme of things. She is hard left. I like to listen to all points of view. I won't be listening any longer.
ReplyDeleteI used to listen to KGO in the evening. No longer. The reason that station stayed #1 for so many years was that the main talent was generally left-centrist with the extremist left hosts being kept to late night. With the extremists like Pat Thurston moving into prime time, it's time to change my listening habits. I'll miss you, KGO.
ReplyDeleteI have been glued to KGO since I moved to Baja California 15 years ago. Ray Taliafero has been a constant note of sanity. Gene Burns' diction is so fluid it redeems his libertarianism. But Ms. Thurston is tedious.
ReplyDeleteNow Stacy Taylor - that is a truly brilliant person. He should take any new position.
I have listened to Gene Burns for many years and enjoyed his positions and has even inspired me to call in from time to time.
ReplyDeletePat Thurston is not a replacement in my world. I have turned her off many times because of her errogant positions. She has insulted callers for there point of view or comments. There is a finite amount of listeners and she is well on her way to rid all of them at KGO.
Hurry back Gene if that is in your future. God Speed.
If Pat is the replacement KGO will have one less listener.
The bay area is such a diverse community. I dont understand why KGO has all these white folks as talk show hosts, except Ray. There should be asians, african americans, filipinos, etc. KGO has not kept up with the listening community - for that alone the station will lose out.
ReplyDeleteThe term "hostess" in talkradio is sexist. She is a host like any other host.
ReplyDeletesorry to learn about Gene's health issues. I don't mind listening to Pat, just can't stand her cutesy 'no,no,no'. I do like John R. but he's so wishy washy sometimes, but what a memory he has for dates and history. And Wattenburg? he's so mean, I definitly turn off KGO on sat and sunday night. I love listening to Gene when he really gets going on an issue. I also think there's no one better for 'Dining Around'. that guy knows food and wine.
ReplyDeleteHow about the Stephen King killed John Lennon guy? maybe give him a time slot
I hope you will soon be feeling much better, Gene. Your fans miss you but the most important thing now is an improvement in your health.
ReplyDeleteI Used to enjoy Christine Craft but she has become totally intolerant of any view but her own. Pat Thurston not much better. Why not try some of your other excellent KGO women. Rosie Allen was great when she filled in some time back.
I sure will miss Gene Burns should he go away. He is one of a kind and always very compelling listening. I greatly admire his vocabulary as well, and use thereof.
ReplyDeletemiss you Gene.
ReplyDeleteI just tried to listen to Pat as she filled in for Gene yet again. 15 minutes was more than I could take. Nice lady, I'm sure, but her voice and style annoy me. KGO will lose me as an evening listener. Move John R. up or bring in the guy who has done some subbing lately on KGO. I think his name is Tracy.
ReplyDelete-Jason
I too miss Gene Burns on KGO, but I'm also glad I can listen to Pat Thurston without staying up all night. If Gene does retire, Pat would be my first choice as his replacement in this time slot. Common-sense liberals need a voice on the radio, and in my opinion, Pat Thurston is the one!
ReplyDeletePat Thurston is not a suitable replacement for the eruidite Gene Burns.
ReplyDeleteI think Pat is has no charisma, no energy, and her thinking is dogmatic and monotonous. She's so bloody boring. KGO's having a hell of a time finding good, new talent.
ReplyDeleteGene Burns was just on KGO; he is anticipating coming back to the radio, either from home or in studio. I really miss him. I miss the intelligent conversation.
ReplyDeleteThurston is predictable. She takes the far left position every time, but I listen. Talk show hosts love to hear themselves talk. And only the good ones avoid interrupting callers who have something interesting to say (which is infrequent). I always like Rothmann. I like talk show hosts who are NOT predictable on which position they will take on a issues -- Burns, Karel, Edell (hated to see him go), Craft and Ronn are examples. I once heard Bernie fart on the air, and I recently dreamed he was released from prison (an absurd sentence) returned to the KGO airways. Too bad he was an idiot -- very smart idiot, tho. I'm very happy Karel is returning, a truly unique voice.
ReplyDeleteWhat they need to do is retire Burns and get Karel back on every night. Thurston could follow him getting rid on one note Johnney Rothman! We need some young life. The vulgar, lewed black guy who is gay needs to go too. He is too old and can barely speak. He is a black racist of the first order. What is his name ray tailio.
ReplyDeletePLEASE get RID of Bill Wattenburg so I can listen to KGO on the weekends!! What a rude, foulmouth man, who thinks he is the smartest human on this planet, but I along with many others, strongly disagree and classify him as a nobody!! Glad to hear Karel is returning - at least he gives you a laugh. Pat is nice but must tonedown her voice.
ReplyDeleteKGO is in a tough programming place, having to replace icons of talk radio these past few years. For the prime time evening slot, Pat Thurston is too much of a drama queen to listen to on a regular basis. I find the overblown emotion difficult to believe. Christine Craft is too bitter to host a non-late night show. She is better off in Sacramento with her dogs. John Rothmann is too much of a Democrat party hack to hold a balanced conversation on any topic. I recently read his academic book "Icon of Evil", which I found interesting, but very repetitive, kind of like a talk show. Old habits die hard I suppose. I get tired of Dr. Bill too. I understand the benefits of heavy life helicopters, CAT bulldozers, natural forest fires, and nuclear energy, and the perils of the CARB, coal power plants and MTBE. Is there anything else in the world to discuss?
ReplyDeleteI believe Marty Nemko to be a most interesting politically balanced (my opinion) host. I regret KGO is letting him go. We should hear from him more often (though not the career gig).
ReplyDeleteGee, were my comments on Mickey's tribal affirmative discrimination hiring policies
ReplyDeletea little too close to home for you ?
Ronn hasn't been anywhere the top of any game for 30 years and the smarter critics like Bill
Mann have always recognized that fact for many years.
Your site's a waste.
Marty Nemko would be great in the Gene Burns slot. Please, please get rid of Pat Thurston - Shrill and smug at the same time - I turn her off.
ReplyDeletePat Thurston or Christine Craft to replace Gene Burns? That's the final straw. Will find another station even if it means listening to more static. Rather endure reception static than those women's voices.
ReplyDeleteIt is very disappointing and frustrating to tune in to Gene's program every time and found Pat was on instead. I don't like the other KGO hosts especially the female ones, they are very annoying. I noticed the medication effects have had on Gene but I really hope he can get back on air soon!
ReplyDeleteUgh!!! Pat Thurston in place of Gene Burns in the evening??? If this happens, there will no longer be a reason to turn on KGO...except for Sunday afternoon at 4:00p...Len Tillem! Yay!
ReplyDeleteHear that that obnoxious lout Carrel is coming back. What a
ReplyDeleteloud mouth. Won't be listening.
Pat is okay but shes the feminine Bernie Ward if
you like only lefties.
Ronn is the only one who has divergent views and
isn't all leftie.
I find Pat to be cloying and histrionic. She favors insinuation and innuendo over getting her facts straight. If she takes over for Gene for good, I will not be listening.
ReplyDeleteKGO has gone to more heat and less light. That was true of Gene as well. When I hear Thurston or Craft I’m gone.
ReplyDeleteKarel’s return is just a sign of further deterioration at KGO. I’m listening less and less.
At first I found Pat to be somewhat arogant and seemed more interested in her own voice over the callers. But as time has past she has become more friendly and likeable. I too hope Gene's health improves so that perhaps they could chare the spot.
ReplyDeleteAnother note on the guy covering for Gene on Dining around. His material is good but please loose the gay lisp. People in radio should not have speach impediments.
Yikes... KGO would be moving in the Air America direction and alienating a substantial minority of it's listener base. Gene was a nice fit, and not uber political. Thurston is a passionate gal, but too ultra-liberal-utopia...
ReplyDeleteThurston has skills, but seems to lack the ability to approach each issue on the merits.
ReplyDeleteInstead she seems very prone to approach the issue from a predetermined point of view and then back-fill her position with items and "facts" that fit her theory.
This leads to inevitable shallow thinking.
Alternative views are discarded without proper evaluation.
Perhaps she'll gain enough self confidence to have her own views...and lessen her jerking knee.
My boyfriend and I used to drive up to the top of Mt. Hood in Oregon when we did forestry work just to hear Bernie Ward...oh I was bummed when he got busted. I LOVE Gene Burns...fair, respectful, SMART, well-spoken...please get better quick Gene we adore you and miss you.
ReplyDeletePat Thurston sounds like an intelligent woman, but I agree, the cutesie voice can be annoying. It would be good to get a female host on, but it's got to be the right one. Shawn Nix was horrible, sounded like someone I'd hate to get seated next to at a dinner party, bitchy voice. I really like Christine Craft, but as she herself posted, with a full-time law practice, not feasible. She's respectful, tough, and has a fabulous speaking voice. And she can be funny too! Chris Brecher has an excellent speaking voice, mellow but smart sounding. And this writer is a middle aged white female...with a grad. degree in Communications!! Truthfully I'm less concerned with gender than just listening to an exceptional host...but I've gotta believe there's at least one female host out there who can pull this off...
KGO has LEFT me. Once upon a time, KGO could actually brag that they had hosts covering a broad range of opinions. That was what was stimulating and engaged my mind. Now it is left all the time. Pat brings nothing I care to listen to - I have tried. Now, each Monday I turn the dial - hear her and turn off KGO. I hardly ever listen anymore. I want diversity of mental view - it would be nice to get that in a variety of packages including female and Asian - but it is the mindset that is the most important diversity I hunger for.
ReplyDeleteHow about Tammy Bruce? Or Michele Malkin? Not my political viewpoint - but if you must have a female check - at least make it someone with a (for KGO now) different point of view and the ability to intelligently argue with facts - not ineundo and vitriol.
Just no way you can replace Gene IMHO. Not one of the hosts has the class and experience in human nature that Gene has. He is such a strong thinker and is so fair in his thinking. Sometimes to the left, sometimes to the right but always presents his reasoning well. Pat T is too much to the left and now that Karel is coming back and Ray T is still there we need someone with balance. J. Rothmann is just not balanced thought he pretends to be. Sometimes I wonder if he realizes how pompous he sounds. Bill should stick to science as he has become worse than Ray T. in the way he treats people. I hear all these great fillin hosts and wonder why none of them get more time. It would have been nice during this time that Gene was away to hear a variety of people. And please any one but Christine. That phony laugh of hers drives me up a wall plus she has gotten rude in her old age.
ReplyDeleteI wish Gene well and hope he returns to the airwaves soon. I read somewhere in these comments a suggestion that he might take an "early" retirement...and say, too late for that! I met met Gene 20 years ago in New Hampshire. At that time he was broadcasting on Boston's WRKO and was giving a series of lectures in honor of his *50th* birthday. So you can add those numbers up. Good luck Gene and Return soon!
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I LOVE Gene Burns. Although he has been facing several health challenges, he's got the knowledge and experience and blessed with a Male Set of Pipes to communicate which sounds so young and powerful over the radio.
ReplyDeleteWe met Gene in person at the 2010 Chronicle Wine Competition along with his very personal attendant Joel. A true professional.
We wish Gene the BEST and hope its just a temporary vacation from KGO.
Thank GOD for that Pink Progressive of Common Sense, and Canine Lover Extraordinaire, the Flamboyant Karel which we are listening to right now. The Gorgeous 1 Said it!!!
I turn the radio on every week night and no Gene Burns. If he doesn't return I will begin looking for a "new favorite radio station".
ReplyDeleteSorry, Pat's voice annoys me. Get well, Gene, and come back on the air! As an aside, Bill W. is so boring I can't force myself to stay awake after 10pm when he is on.
Awful, awful, awful ... Thurston sucks. The only real quality about her is that she is a real amateur. Put her on as a co-host with Ray Taliaferro -- they deserve and compliment each other. Better yet, with that numbskull Karel.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, KGO is going to hell in a handbasket. Certainly lost me as a listener.
I've been a listener to KGO since 1959 and that was several years before 'talk radio' existed. All the greats from Ira Blue, Jim Moore and Jim Eason to the present Gene Burns and Ronn Owens. I've always wanted to call in on Owens show and ask for Owen. Owen Spann of course.
ReplyDeleteI remember when the manager came in once and substituted for Jim Moore in the 60's because he went out on strike. Also the time when the entertainment editor died on set. Also the time when Bernie took us through a sex club. Little did we know. There were the great and not so great but overall KGO was always the best. Mickey did a lot by being who he was.
As to the present: can't stand Ray T or Craft or Karel. They all think far too much of themselves and it shows. Ronn and Burns and Len Tillen are my present favorites. Rathmann not so much. He was better before he got Ward's spot. Dr Bill should stick to science because his knowledge of everything else is so limited. Sure, he's good with trucks and tractors and nukes, of course. Too bad about Ward, but he was pretty hard to take anyway. I don't miss him but wonder how he's doing down there.
If Gene doesn't come back I may not listen to the station anymore. Actually, I haven't had it on much lately. I always listen for Burns but if he's not there I turn off the radio. His sub is not too good. Her voice gets to me. Nix was the same. Couldn't stand her either.
I'm afraid my favorite radio station is going down hill rapidly and without Burns it's a gonner. Get well Gene, we miss you a lot. KGO has no class without you.
I like people who pick on the problems in their own group. Rothman -- who I used to love -- went off the deep end when he got his full time gig.
ReplyDeleteHe's always talking or complaining about ... the Pope, or evangelicals or the right wing.
Dude, get a clue. There are problems on all sides. Talk about those in whose group you agree with, and you'll come across as balanced.
But not any more.
I disagree with Christine on a number of things, but some of the stuff she's talked about -- like the huge number of 100K+ staffers that Arnie personally had -- was awesome. As was her discussions about the "walk for the cure."
What's unfortunate is, is that there is no good person speaking up for altnerative health practices.
Thurston is just another Abortion Democrat, hardly a suitable replacement for the multi-talented Burns.
ReplyDeleteGood Bye KGO, it was a great 35 years.
I miss Pat Thurston dearly on the week-ends; by 7PM I am sleeping! I've always been an Early to Bed, Early to Rise individual. I don't care for Craft, and forgot the man whose on Sat. morning, I like him. I see Karel is back too, GREAT! Quite honestly, there are only a few great female radio hosts, Randi Rhodes is the best for she is INTELLIGENT, and a wealth of information. It's what I like about Pat. For they are entertaining, knowledgeable and funny. It's sad that the Naysayer's on this board throw their darts, fact is NO ONE is PERFECT, and I don't agree with everything they say, but certainly won't burn the cross because they believe EVERY AMERICAN is entitled to their PERSONAL FREEDOM and BUSINESS, as long as they are not in your household telling, and FORCING their beliefs down your throat, as the RePUKElican Party does too often.
ReplyDeleteI've been a long time fan of Gene's for ovr 20 years and miss him and hope him well. However, I love listening to Pat Thurston and think she's great
ReplyDeleteI didnt' like ward before he got busted. Ronn is great, and Rothman...a little goes a long way. Pat must have a very busy life but I hope she's there for a very long time. Way to go, Pat.
KGO: please keep craft off the air.
Pat is okay, except when she apologizes for illegal immigration. She simply will not tolerate opposing views on that subject. She's got some white guilt to work out on that. Nonetheless, I do tune her in every night to she what's up. Half the time, I hang on.
ReplyDeleteRothman is an out and out tool for the state department and the military industrial complex. He shuts down callers who oppose the war in Afghanistan, inferring that they're asking for something we can't have, which is a voice in decision making about using our armed forces.
Ronn is simply too milquetoast, just never getting mad over anything.
Ray is his usual, ranting self. Worthy of listening 20% of the time.
Karel brings some vim and vigor back to the station.
But, I do hope Gene can mend. His standards are the highest, and his depth of knowledge is terrific. I miss him a lot; and tuned in 95% of the time.
The talk show format, and it's demographic, is aging. It faces a dilemma not unlike the evening news: How to attract the young audience. Tough question, and a real challenge to revenue, advertising, and ratings.
Wow! I have been wondering what catastrophic event lead to Gene Burn's voice (and mind) having been co-opted nightly by this Pat person . . . all to often I've tuned in hoping - yearning - for the deep intelligence, quick wit, open-mindedness and yes, challenging thinking of Mr Burns, easily the best talk radio host I've ever heard.
ReplyDeleteHaving read these comments I find myself agreeing with the preponderance of them:
* Gene is irreplaceable
* Pat is most likely a nice person but doesn't cut it is a Major Market talk show host; I tried, tried tried to warm up to her, but in the end she's too self-righteous with those who present contradictory or even nuanced arguments against her stance.
Ray is a parody of himself (as is Korel), and "Dr." Bill, who actually has the gall to allow ads extolling him as the Smartest Man On Earth, is beyond insufferable - his massive ego combined with caustic dismissal of callers having the misfortune to object to his extremely narrow views makes for such a textbook example of how NOT to be a radio host that it has long made me question the judgment of KGO management who keeps him on.
I'm afraid the last great refuge of intelligent radio has collapsed into an abyss of self-aggrandizing, to our collective loss.
Au revoir, KGO - it was great for a long time.
Ditto the above comment. I get smarter when I listen to Gene Burns. I just get bored listening to Thurston. I don't always like KGO talk and only listen for a few minutes on the way to and from work. BUT, I would make it a point to listen to Gene. Not just for WHAT he said, but HOW he said it -- truly a master wordsmith. I already mourn the demise of the English language. Please, please, Gene...come back. But, if you can't, then take care of yourself and get well.
ReplyDeletePat Thurston is a competent enough talk host,
ReplyDeletebut no way approaches the level of Gene Burns!
I also don't like most of the topics that she
has on the show :(
Just heard Gene Burns on KGO on his Dining
ReplyDeleteAround show. He said that he will be back
on his weekday show on Monday night! Great
to hear this! :)
Thurston is way below the caliber of Gene Burns (or most other KGO host for that matter) and has no business being on the air in the evening. She was horrible on KSRO and she's been abysmal filling in for Gene. I have no problem with her being on in the middle of the night just like the other broken record named Taliafarro.
ReplyDeleteMy tuner goes to FM when I hear her come on and my overall listening to KGO has probably dropped about 80% since she started filling in.
I can not listen to Pat Thurston for long. She is not very bright and far too
ReplyDeletemelodramatic and repeats herself constantly. Gene is brialliant and Rothman is a genius. If you want real variety on KGO then listen to Karel. He is over the top, and he loves being over the top. He is very entertaining. I am so glad Gene is back and if he retires, they have to do better than
Thurston.
Karel is taking over for Gene tonight. He is great!!! I really miss Gene every night he is away, but feel grateful that I don't have to put up with Pat tonight!
ReplyDeletePat is very talented. First rate.
ReplyDeleteGene is GREAT! So glad to have him back.
As noted about comment so far glad we don't have to put up with local yocal talent Pat Thurston, 5 nites a week . KGO needs some real female inteligence on the show and another black female like Star Parker . Its called "equal opportunity employer.KGO has had one black male host for 31 years.
ReplyDeleteGene Burns is the best radio host I have ever heard. I used to live in the bay area and continued listening via the internet. He is a master at developing a topic and looking at all sides of the issue. I sure hope he returns even if is on a part time basis. I really miss the stimulating conversation he provided nite after nite. Please find a way to bring him back. Thanks
ReplyDeleteWith Gene gone, there is no reason to listen to KGO, I have been with KGO since Owen Span I am gone. KCBS has good 24 hour news also CNN 1590 So here I come.
ReplyDeleteGene was the best of all the hosts, Thurston is the most biased, closed-minded dope I've ever heard, Kraft is no better, so there are NO decent female hosts for the station. Owens is boring,and Talefiero is a complete racist and dope! Dr. Bill was the only host, other than Gene, who added value to KGO. All the others subtracted value from the station.
ReplyDeleteThurston and Kraft are both abominations, man-haters, spewing incorrect information, ridiculously far-left, impossible to listen to them. Kgo could not do worse putting these two disgraces on the air. Only Ward was worse. Gene Burns gave the station some much needed class, Owens needs to retire, he is so full of himself he cannot hide it.
ReplyDelete