*A few moles inside the building tell me Ronn Owen's producer, Jared Hart, is openly censoring calls. Listeners calling in to inquire about various topics, including the KGO/Cumulus bloodbath, have been told the topic is off-limits.
Furthermore, according to some, even callers who have manged to make it through the process, have been pre-screened.
Are they paranoid? Sounds like it.
*Another source confirmed that Owens was seen after his program on Thursday at the Waterfront Restaurant smiling wide and drinking wine.
*Owens has decided the best way to get rid of all this is to utilize the "ignore" card. That's OK, he's entitled to a tactic. If you think his listeners are incensed, you should know how Rothmann, Wattenburg, Tillem, Taliaferro and Gross feel. Karma is a bitch, as you know.
*Contrary to a report, no, Owens did not do his show from KNBR's (another Cumulus property) studios at 55 Hawthorne. He was at 900 Front. I'll bet you a Temperpedic mattress on that one.
*The "callers" on Owens' show amount to a few plants. That's when your producer calls his girlfriend, who calls her girlfriend, who then calls her mother, who then calls....you get the point.
*The cannibalization continues: Mucho KNBR "talent" now appearing on the "new" 810: Ray Ratto, Damon Bruce, Ted Robinson, (a decent man); and that doesn't include the torsos from KGO-TV.
*Kevin Keeshan: The news director at ABC7-KGO had a producer at the rally request a soundbite from me. I immediately, politely declined--the producer insisted. OK, sure, I relented and talked for a few minutes.
Later on, I was told that Keeshan nixed running my comments. Which is fine, since in retrospect, I wasn't looking to detract from the rally, and besides, Keeshan pulled the stunt. Payback? Not really, but I have a long memory.
*Why did I appear on Michael Savage? Because I was invited on and wanted to talk. And yes, I think he's funny and does an entertaining show even if I disagree with a majority of his politics, which ironically is so least a part of his show.
He's funny. He's irreverent. He's unique and yes, he's entertaining. He's also creative in a most raw and inventive manner. You can be viewed as "revolting" and "right-wing" and still be entertaining. Savage's monologues on Chinese food, his dog, Teddy, and making pasta border on brilliant.
And, yeah, he's a bit nutty at times. But unlike Lowenstein/Owens, at least he's not a phony. Quote me.
*Funny thought: I'm getting invites to appear on the second most popular radio show in America and a nudge from MSNBC, but KGO-TV? Nope. Funny. (The power of 415 Media rules the day, dude!)
*Follow me on Twitter
Anyone who dismisses The Savage Nation is missing out on a great show. I am a liberal from Berkeley and get a kick out of listening to Savage. His show is not always political and that's when he is at his best. I literally have tears in my eyes sometimes from laughing so hard. As for Lowenstein. You make me sick Ronnnn. Is he talking gadgets today?
ReplyDeleteKGO censoring/controlling the subject matter on calls comes as no surprise in the biz. As an example, for many years, if someone wanted to talk about hockey on KNBR during an open call period, the producer would say, "We're not talking about that now." And there's no doubt that anything to do with the Giants, 49ers and Warriors -- no matter how big or small -- gets the "drop everything" priority at that place. Why? KNBR holds the broadcast rights to all three...and has partial ownership of the Giants (Boy, talk about conflict of interest. Who was the dolt that agreed to that?).
ReplyDeleteFreedom of speech? My butt. Radio stations want to control their interests. They don't care about supporting a citizen's constitutional rights.
The big media conglomerates think the listeners/viewers/readers are lemmings that need to be led to the sea. Uh, no. Anyone with half a brain can and should think for themselves.
The media field is so cluttered. Everyone's out for their own interests. Listeners/viewers/readers need to use some common sense. This "It's all about me" attitude will hopefully end soon. But probably not...
why note owen's real last name, and not savage's?
ReplyDeleteis ronn a phony...or does he not have such an iron clad contract as many believe
attackin the remaining hosts or employees is a waste of time
in a thread below, one of the commentors noted that everyone should just move on...that its time to face facts...the corporations control it all and there is nothing to be done about it
wrong attitude....weve been doing that for the past 30 years
the people of america have gotta fight back and stem the tide of becoming the most powerful banana republic in the world
the 96 telecommunications act was not good for for biz or for the country
it must be repealed
Wonder how long it will take Ron N. ("N" for Neutered) Owens to start whining about his ratings dropping--it won't be long now--but I won't be listening to hear it!
ReplyDeleteI think his goose is cooked and his "iron-clad" contract will actually become an unhappy prison for him--locking him onto a sinking ship. Sure hope a new competitive station emerges to put the final nail in Owens' career coffin.
When did Ronn leave the station? Was he driving his own car? Did he even look at the protestors?
ReplyDeleteDid you take a sanitizing bath with plenty of Clorox after your meeting with Savage? I'm disappointed that you would lower yourself to speak to him, let alone appear on his show. I can't think of anyone on the airwaves who is as vile, as bigoted and as toxic as Savage.
ReplyDeleteFor shame.
"If you think his listeners are incensed, you should know how Rothmann, Wattenburg, Tillem, Taliaferro and Gross feel. Karma is a bitch, as you know."
ReplyDeleteRich, are you saying all the "nice talk" from Rothmann and Gross yesterday about the people inside the kgo building was just for the camera? It was noticeable that among all the names mentioned, "Owens" was not one of them. Come on, Rich... spill it!
When Bernie Ward effed up 4 years ago, many hosts, including Karel, Christine Craft and Gene Burns openly talked about it and allowed callers to voice their opinions. Many hammering Bernie over the sad events. Pat Thurston was totally disgusted by it, so it wasn't down political lines. But all the talk was uncensored and very interesting over this. I don't recall Ronn talking much about it. I know him and Bernie didn't get along. Bernie's still in prison for 4 more years, and Ronn will be in his own personal prison for the next 2 years.
ReplyDeleteYes, I hate what happened. I loved the kind of "News-talk" that KGO offered for decades. I miss the personalities, and I miss the format.
ReplyDeleteNo, I am not listening to anything that I didn't listen to before the "bloodbath." And, I won't listen to Ronn, Brian, Karel or Pat during hours that aren't of interest to me ... just as "BB" (before bloodbath).
Yes, I plan to be at the Dec. 30 "occupy." I'd have been there, yesterday, but I had to be in Santa Rosa.
No, I have no vested interest in Cumulus. I hadn't heard of them, before this sorry episode. Were they to start to fail, tomorrow, I'd grab the Pom-Poms, and become head cheerleader.
Yes, I'm calling/boycotting remaining sponsors.
Got it? Have I made it clear?
Now. It is NOT the fault of the remaining employees, some of whom we hear -- some of whom we don't. Another poster made reference to that "sad, sad building." I'm sure that's what it's like. (I said, in another post that I'm a bit sick of Jared Hart, "boy producer.")
Had Ronn walked out, "in solidarity," with the other hosts, he'd have been lauded as heroic and magnanimous. I'd have agreed.
But, we DON'T KNOW all of his considerations, and to demonize him for NOT having done so is outrageous.
Also, the hated Cumulus (I agree), is not the first corporate owner that KGO Radio has had. (As with Cumulus, until Citadel became their owner, I'd not heard of them, either.)
However, Disney IS not, Capital Cities and The American Broadcasting Company WERE NOT little "mom 'n pop," organizations!
First, identify the enemy ... THEN "occupy!"
11:40: I'd like to know the answer to the first two of your questions. I think I can guess the answer to the third.
ReplyDeleteLet's see how Cumulus and Ronn ignores 50,000 "Ronn Owen's, KGO Radio 810 AM, and Cumulus Media Suck's " Newly printed bumper stickers!
ReplyDeleteA good news talk station will always screen calls to put though callers who are on the topic, to the point and have something to add to the conversation. Though I know the quality of callers seemed to be slipping in recent years with people giving rambling preambles ("I was born in SF, lived here 30 years, worked at...) or digressing from the topic at hand or offering a bizarre theory not supported by facts that added nothing to conversation.
ReplyDeleteSo I understand KGO not putting on callers who want to complain about something that isn't on-topic....of course they do that NOW.
Owens is like that pro player whose skills and popularity have waned but his contract makes him untradeable.
ReplyDeleteHell, he's become the "elephant in the room."
Love 10:35's post! Don't love - in fact, very much dislike - the popularity that pundits like Weiner/Savage continue to have. Pity the fools who find such pomposity laugh-out loud entertaining. No wonder we no longer have civil debates about trying to improve our lives and make our governments become as proficient as the best businesses in the land! Fans of the Weiners, Limbaughs, Hannitys, Becks - all pathetic! And I also avoid Maddow & Olbermann! And yes, Owens' actions are very disappointing! Letting Jared Fart run the building doesn't help! (speaking of Fartmen, I wonder if America's Got Talent will see fewer contestants from the heartland because of Howard Stern.) BTW, the best talk show? Golf Channel's Morning Drive. ESPN's Pardon The Interruption is okay, too, although Kornheiser sometimes is Weiner without the political vulgarity. Charlie Rose is cool, too.
ReplyDeleteSounds like fun, sorry I missed it.
ReplyDeleteWhen he was down the hall at KSFO, Savage was in the habit of referring to Owens as "Mister Softee". Which I thought was a little harsh at the time : )
Rich, I've looked for the podcast of your visit with Savage, but have had no luck. Do you know of one? I'd love to hear it (as would many others, no doubt)!
ReplyDeleteI assume Owens can see the end coming and will ride out his contract for all it's worth to maximize his financial position in retirement.
ReplyDeleteIf he was seen as acting happy after his broadcast, I prefer to believe it wasn't with regard to the situation at KGO that has made so many of us in the Bay Area so upset.
In any case, Ronn Owens survives for now at KGO, but no longer perhaps as the knowledgeable, credible, and independent voice, we thought he was.
As someone still well within their dubious target demographic and a long time KGO fan, Cumulus's massacre at KGO sucked, it still sucks, and I'm gone...
10:35 AM Nice try, hey WTF, you have no constitutional rights to call in and talk about hockey. Callers are maybe 1/2 of 1% of the listeners. If a host simply catered to the whims of the tiny percentage of people who call in they would be ignoring the 99.9 percent of people who never call, and have no interest in your topic.
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping that Jared (the producer) has a short tenure at KGO.
ReplyDeleteHe is better suited producing KNBR's morning show.
Where excessive sound drops and juvenile use of teenage slang is the norm.
Send them your resume Jared.
I wish to correct the previous poster.
ReplyDeleteRonn was not talking about gadgets (although it was next on his list).
Rather Ronn was discussing the finer points of Survivor, American Idol and Dancing with the Stars.
That guys watches too much TV.
Hey !0:35...there is this:NO ONE GIVES A FUCK ABOUT HOCKEY...
ReplyDeleteAs far as Michael Savage? Don't agree with 90% of his views but he is THE most talented broadcaster I've ever heard.
His non political stuff is brilliant...as good as anyone ever.
I caught the tail end of your talk with Savage, Rich. I'm glad you reiterate what you said there, here on your blog because you seemed awfully willing to bow down to him. I could swear that you were saying how much you liked his show and reiterated it like 5 times - and Savage did very little to engage with you, asking straight questions with not much else sprinkled in.
ReplyDeleteWere you afraid that he would call you a names if you didn't do otherwise? I felt like that was the case...
@4:46 p.m.
ReplyDeleteIIRC this is because Ronn had supposedly admitted on-air that he used Viagra.
I think Jared is a good guy. I am not an "insider" and he let me on to talk to Ronn, no problem at all. He sounded like a nice guy, just imho.
ReplyDeleteOf course "Savage" is a phony from his name to his show.
ReplyDeleteHis real name is Weiner, he studied plants and failed. He created a rightwing nutjob persona to get attention and money.
If he hated the bay area as much as he pretends to, why wouldn't he move somewhere more palatable.
WRINER IS A PHONY.
Cumulus: "A cloud forming rounded masses heaped on each other above a flat base at fairly low altitude." And now it appears to settled on KGO AM.
ReplyDeleteAnd if I may add Mr. Ronn Owens is a toxic waste.
A flush down the drain will be suitable and welcome.
Mr. Owens is smirker.
Louis
Rich will do anybody's show, as long as they put him on the air so he can brag about it here.
ReplyDelete