Longtime KNBR talk-host, Ralph Barbieri, has signed a new contract with the all-sports station, (680 AM).
Barbieri, who's been at the Cumulus sports-talk outlet since 1984, spoke to me via phone and confirmed the deal. Barbieri, (Razor and Mr. T Weekdays 3-7PM) refused to comment on the length and terms of the new deal. His old contract expired Nov. 1, (and not Dec. 31 as I had indicated in a previous posting).
"I'm happy it's done," said the Razor. Financial terms were also not disclosed, (although it's believed he makes a mid-to-high six figures).
Barbieri wanted to clear up a few other things, including his frequent road trips with the Giants and Sharks.
"All of the trips I make are on my vacation time and I pay for all my trips. I want to make that clear, " stated Barbieri.
*He denied that his recent public disclosure of his medical condition, (Early stages of Parkinson's disease) was timed.
"I called Scott, (Ostler, of the Chronicle) and wanted to get it out and in the open. I didn't want it to become rumor fodder."
He noted that Amici's Pizza, for which he does advertising for and has a strong relationship with its owner, Peter Cooperstein, has a clause in its deal with KNBR that if Barbieri were to leave, it would end its relationship with the station.
"That's a clause that's always been there."
*Rich Lieberman 415 Media Exclusive
*Follow me on Twitter and Facebook
so i take it that knbr will not be going all sports news
ReplyDeletewow...ralph pays for his own road trips...thats dedication
That guy has a strong resemblance to Pete Wilson... at least in that pic.
ReplyDeleteThat is very disappointing that Ralph ( I don't follow sports anymore} gets a renewed contract. All well I have stopped listenning to the sports blow hole for a long time.
ReplyDeletewell Ralph, good for you for keeping your job in this economy and this climate where your corporate masters are looking to shed costs. hope it works out for you.
ReplyDeleteI still think you're a tiresome host and interviewer though, and you should be thankful to have Tolbert around.
Hey Ralph if you do look at this blog, it is quite apparent and almost a joke, that your partner takes his job very seriously and his knowledge of sports is way past yours,perhaps you can prepare yourself a little bit better then your two second prepareness in the past.
ReplyDeleteHumm. Ralph is highly critical of Corporate America and all its evils.
ReplyDeleteYet this is the same guy who willing takes a nice pay check from a corporation such as Amici's.
What a hypocrate.
Move back to Europe.
We, the listeners, lose. 95.7 continues to win my ears.
ReplyDeleteVintage Ralph. Love him or hate him, when asked a question, he gives a clear, succinct answer. It may not be the answer you want to hear, but you are going to get an answer nonetheless. Smart move on Cumulus's part- I didn't think they wanted to get into a legal battle with Ralph. It would have looked bad from a P.R. standpoint and they would have spent at least 5 times as much (in legal fees alone, not to mention lost revenue for KNBR) fighting Ralph than if they had just re-signed him.
ReplyDeleteGood for you Ralph! Enjoy listening to you and Tommy each day on my commute home. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteI've stopped listening months ago and needed a break from the same stuff. I've been giving THE GAME a shot too. But, I guess, good for Ralph for still working after last week's ax came down. Get it while you can, I guess!
ReplyDeleteSo someone explain to me why there would be a legal battle between Cumulus and Ralph if they didn't re-sign? Over his illness? How would this be any different that the medical problems Gene Burns has been having?
Not a huge Razor fan, but he's got the best show on that station by a long shot.
ReplyDeleteCrossing 3 to 7 off my list. Thank god for the IPod and car connector!
ReplyDeleteSo this must mean that KNBR producers won't get that nickel raise now that Ralph's gotten locked up. Wouldn't want to strain Lew Dickey's purse any much more.
ReplyDeleteGuess there are a lot of washed up middle aged men who want to hear Ralph blather on. The pizza sucks too. I'm gone to 95.7
ReplyDeleteRalph pisses me off a lot, especially with his long winded questions and the way he fancies himself a member of the intelligentsia, but man, no better radio than his epic battles with Giants GM Brian Sabean. Pure sports talk gold. Hope to hear a lot more of that in the future.
ReplyDeleteFinancial terms were also not disclosed, (although it's believed he makes a mid-to-high six figures).
ReplyDeleteralph makes $500,000 or higher? talk about an overpaid windbag...if you're trimming the fat, ralph should be the first one to go.
Thank goodness for satellite radio.
ReplyDeleteThat fat fuck would never have a job in any other media market. I thought the Bay Area was sophisticated....sad sad sad!!!
ReplyDeleteThank goodness for 95.7.
ReplyDeleteKNBR in the late morning segment, the early afternoon and late afternoon (times when I have been able to listen) are absolutely horrible.
From juvenile behavior to outright arrogant hosts, KNBR needs to be cleaned out like KGO. I wouldn't be bothered one bit.
I like the game broadcast, however. And, Eric Davis, part of that team on KNBR is on 95.7, which has far better guests than KNBR's usual, predictable guys.
Oh, not to mention one of KNBR's stalwart call-ins may be facing SEC action in regard to a certain Los Altos investment company that KNBR refuses to adequately report on, thereby degrading its journalistic cred even more.
I thought he was vulnerable. Obviously Cumulus believes he's worth the money and contract. Good for him..
ReplyDeleteHe didnt use his illness as a contract ploy? Oh,then if it had been somethng that would have cost him his job,he would have done the same thing?-lol.
ReplyDeleteAmazing what people will say to the public.
I'm sure that Cumulus got him for a deep discount off his last contract. He probably would take $1 a year just to keep his health benefits. This guy is the biggest waste of airtime in the Bay Area, other than that loser Bob Fitzgerald. If Fitz re-ups, then there will be no reason to listen to KNBR from noon 'til 7:00 PM each day. And Ralph, why don't you earn your new paltry contract by keeping up to date with what's happening in the sports world and stop mailing it in like a bum. That guy should be paying KNBR to work on a show, not the other way around.
ReplyDeleteRich, what did you expect Ralph to say? "Yes, I used my illness disclosure as a leverage ploy with Cumulus?" Of course he was going to deny it. And as far as the Giants not paying for his trips to their out-of-town games, I find that hard to believe. Ralph would usually call in for 5 minutes and report on the "atmosphere" in opposing team's ballpark. Maybe he considered that a "work day" so it was okay to have the Giants underwrite the entire boondoggle.
ReplyDeleteno better radio than his epic battles with Giants GM Brian Sabean. Pure sports talk gold. Hope to hear a lot more of that in the future.
ReplyDeletePure crap...no different in tone than listening to your wife nag you to buy her a new dining room set. If you pay attention you'll note that Ralph really is insistent about getting other to spend their money to satisfy his wants. So what you consider sports talk gold is simply Ralph wheedling Sabean (and the Yorks, when it has to do with the 49ers) for money.
Which is fine...if that's what you're into. Frankly, nothing ever caused me to change dial position faster than that.
He actually pays for his trips but I guarantee you the game tickets are free with his connections, which is a huge expense. Ralph this is hoping you go on as many vacations as possible because when you do, that is when I will listen to the 3pm to 7pm slot. You arrogant bag of wind. !!
ReplyDeleteHere is a link to a 2001 Fathers Day article about Ralph and his new son.
ReplyDeleteOn his search for a surrogate, "I wanted someone who was just in it for the money. A person who knew they wouldn't be involved in raising the child." The surrogate's husband was a listener of KNBR.
http://articles.sfgate.com/2001-06-15/news/17602375_1_fresh-air-herb-caen-coffee-table
You fucknuts that keep talking 95.7 should get the fuck out. That station is fucking trash. Dan Fucking Dibbley?
ReplyDeleteChild please. It blows and KNBR has the Giants, 49ers and Warriors.
Wake me when they lock up the Giants or Niners.
Gee, after all the firings I was thinking that Cumulus was pretty smart. And then they re-sign Barbieri !!! YGBK.
ReplyDeleteI still don't have a reason use my No. 2 button on my car radio for KNBR ... make some big changes & I'll use that button for about 4-5 hours per day.
Looks like I will be permanently switched over to 95.7.
ReplyDeleteBlue Monday!
ReplyDeleteRevolting news.
Knbr is a 24 hour Giant's commercial. If I want to hear about the Bay Area's other teams, especially the A's/Raiders/Sharks I have to go to 95.7.
ReplyDeleteWow.
ReplyDeleteI just hope Ralph finds a little more "energy" for his segments - he sounds tired, old - but can still "bring it" from time to time.
Radnich has got to go. From his condescending attitude "I work at KRON - screw off" - to Fitz and Brooks (just plain bad). Dont get me started on the Frat Boys from 5-9.... that is unbearable to listen to.
Last thing - Rich... you really must tone down the vitriol you have for so many people in this business. You're like the kid who got picked last for sports and want your revenge.
You know who the REAL windbags are? You morons who can't handle Ralph's politics. You clowns couldn't argue your way out of a paper bag. Go back and get your Fox "News" talking points... you're all lost without them.
ReplyDeleteCongrats Ralph. Well deserved. Keep up the good fight. I don't always agree wtih you, but I certainly respect your integrity. KNBR was smart to keep this winning team together.
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ReplyDeleteAnonymous at 439?
ReplyDeleteSeriously???
Tommy T is that show and has been one of the only worthwhile hosts on Knbr for some time now. Fits is bright but painfully cocky/insecure. Brooks couldnt studder his way through a wheres waldo book. Raddy is tired/clearly collecting larry is agreeable. Murph/mack terrible. Who does sports phone again?I guess good for the guy...god knows why anyone with a decent set of ears would re up this nasely pseudo intellectual.
ReplyDelete