Sunday, February 10, 2013

Dear Ronn Owens and Gary Radnich: A Love Letter from Rich, (Sort of)




Many of you assume I hate Gary Radnich and Ronn Owens. I do not. While I have been overly critical and continue to call them out when I see fit over their professional work, it never gets personal. There are other individuals too, but since Owens and Radnich are two of the biggest media people in the market, they make for convenient targets--none of it personal.
In Owen's case, sometimes, because I feel, (as do many), that his uber-annoying habit of making guests read the mattress ads borders on tacky, I'll refer to him as mattress man. I'm not the only one who feels that way but even if I were, I'd still chastise him. It's particularly painful when the guest might be a past cabinet official or someone like that.

By the same token I'd still listen to Owens do thirty minutes with Alan Dershowitz and John Bolton. Wolf Blitzer too. Why? Because even in the twilight of his career he can still do a damn good interview. It's called entertaining radio. Better yet, it's on terrestrial radio too--what a bargain. That doesn't mean I have to fall in love with Owens over his recent professional transgressions which I took personal because I feel, still do, that he sold out his colleagues and damaged his own legacy. My own personal opinion. I'm got going into detail because most of you who come here regularly know the story.

Hate is a strong word. I don't hate Owens. He probably despises me but that's his deal--not mine. My conscience is clear and I know in my heart of hearts that's how I feel and how I reacted to his act on the air the day after will never disappear. That said, even at his worst, Owens is the top dog in the radio market here which says a lot about SF talk- radio. Michael Krasny over at KQED is a sort of 1 or 1A depending on guest, but when on his game--minus gadget minutiae, Owens can turn it up a notch. He's nowhere near where he once was but who is? 'Nuff said.

With regard to Gary, much the same way. I'm critical of Radnich because he makes it easy. When he continues to mail it in each and every day, I'll nail him on it. I don't listen to him much anymore because he's become much too insecure and has a nasty habit of taking personal shots--this, from a guy who rails at people who take personal shots at him "and my family." The irony.

That said, every now and then, especially on TV, the old Gary is still good. Funny too, especially when interviewing a sports personality. The two-shot on TV of Raddy essentially calling out some coach a few years back remains ingrained in my mind. It was vintage good Gary--the kind of raw content that not only made for compelling and candid local TV content, but resonated well with viewers alike. Better yet, the fact that a former co-anchor who sat next to Radnich the early evening it occurred and made a point of figuratively high-fiving him made it even better.

Good Gary on radio lacks. When he's alone, solo, without the X's and o's guy, and tackles an occasional sports talk-radio subject, he can still move the needle. Problem is when he tries to convey to the "younger demo" that he's still hip and can recite a Kanye West lyric is when he gets into trouble. First off, it's, again, insecurity. I can relate. I'm insecure myself. Pretty much anyone in this business, even the greatest, have their moments.

Radnich takes it further. It's almost as if he wants to have it both ways. His faux mocks of local media people are not always appreciated by some. How do I know? Because I asked. He tries to laugh off the frequent digs but those on the receiving end are not always endeared to him. Most don't care because he's lost a lot of his cachet. He can still belt out the three-run homer but he's batting seventh, not third. That's OK, Eric Byrnes stole $30M from the Arizona Diamondbacks.

I've never been personal with Raddy. I've heard all the stories. I believe in the word, karma. And as I get older and wiser, really, what's the purpose? Life is too short and considering what's taking place in our world today, the mess, the mayhem, this and that, why bother.  (Yes, I'm now getting overly philosophical but it's a damn blog--what were you expecting, a Philip Roth piece in The New Yorker?)

As I have repeated ad-nauseum here many a time, this place isn't about gossip. Rumors, thoughts, make-the-round lunch talk and water cooler material, sure. You want to call that gossip, go ahead. Perez Hilton, I'm not, which could probably rev up the $$-worth of this site and temporarily help me pay my medical bills and lousy habits.

Mostly, this site is a go-to for people who are interested in the goings-on in local SF Bay Area and South Bay media. Do I have some disdain for some of the content providers? Of course. Hate? That's too strong a word. Clearly, there are people who hate me. Fine. It goes with the territory and when you delve into the inner sanctum of people with bigger egos than the size of Jupiter, it's to be expected. I get it.

I also get the fact that some people take it real, real, personal, which, frankly when you're dealing with a business that is personal in nature is reasonable enough. As long as nobody gets hurt, as they say, it's OK.

I don't want to give off the perception that I'm suddenly on an Alan Alda crusade. Look, I have my favorites and there's people that I don't care for and vice-versa. Funny thing is that, not surprisingly, some of the people who have been subject to some of my most lethal shots, are good friends, which is fine even though this is not about making friends. They tend to look at the big picture and understand what all of this is about. That's not to say I'm the gospel and have never regretted some of the things I've said or opined. Life is a series of chapters--we all make mistakes. I'm no different in that respect.


So let us get it on the record. I don't hate anybody other than Terry Bradshaw, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Tuck rule and Tom Brady. Toss in Donald Trump , Walt Coleman, Tom LaSorda and Chris Wallace, yeah, then utter the H word. Wait, I left out Ann Coulter.

Everone else? Don't have to love 'em, but hate? Hell no.


Let's go to Tadich and have lunch and break bread. Life is too short.




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73 comments:

  1. Can't forget Coultergeist. Still as delusional as ever thinking only one side will ever be right. What a dull shtick, and even a duller following!

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  2. My God how you go on about Radnich....

    He's a guy who has been a major presence on the local scene for a long time and is still at it. He's gotten a little older but haven't we all.

    The public like him. He still draws ratings or those villainous employers has who have no trouble firing people would have gotten rid of him long ago.

    I listen to him on radio, He seems like a nice enough guy. And here's the disconnect for me. Rich is always talking about him and has so many negative things to say.

    It's not that complicated; you like him or you don't. He's not that edgy or very complex. Yet Rich goes on and on about how he rips other people and hints at all sorts of skeletons in his closet and character defects.

    Rich's endless commentary about Radnich, seems wildly excessive. He's not that important, one way or the other.

    And finally, the deceit of Rich prefacing this whole thing by saying he "doesn't hate Radnich," and that it's not personal is laughable to anyone who reads this blog.

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    1. I could hate you, "F and B", but right now I'm having a pretty damn good steak and besides, you're just so damn interesting and predictable. And you obviously are infatuated with "this blog." Now pass me more linguini.

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    2. Talking about being predictable, Rich has two main tropes:

      1) disapproving of whatever is popular today
      2) revering any relics of the past

      Predictable Rich, everything in those good old days was great and today the business is going to hell in a hand basket.

      This item fits mainly into trope number #1 but when he starts talking about "Old Gary" he starts drifting into good old days mode.

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    3. "You like me, F and B, you really like me!" Sincerely, Rich's ex-wife, Sally Field.

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  3. Jealousy and envy are so unbecoming, Rich.

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  4. Rich, keep exposing the ins-outs of our local media. If you don't, no one will!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks; call my agent, bombastic Bushkin.

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    2. What has he exposed except his obsession with Radnich? Please, provide a concrete example of something Rich has expose.

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  5. Ratnich was at his worst on Saturdays Giants Fan Fest at the very start introducing his "kids". Kate S got a good one in when she said "i got to save the show" after his comments.

    What a pompous ego hes got. As he would say "nobody cares"

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    Replies
    1. Felt sorry for them...no smiles,and they didn't want to be there.

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  6. Rich, I believe the criticisms aimed at Radnich and Ronnnn Owens are warranted. Keep up the good work!

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  7. Who is Rich Lieberman and why does his opinion on anything interest anyone? I'm serious. ...if you don't like Owens or Radnich don't listen to them. Lieberman denies it, but he's a gossip blogger, nothing more. He could use some grammar/syntax lessons, too.

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    Replies
    1. Who are you? And if, as you assert, "a gossip blogger, nothing more,", why torture yourself ane read me? Seriously, Professor.

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    2. This blog is totally gossip. Certainly not real news.

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    3. "Thanks for the endorsement...Yeah, we're not the NY Times." Sincerely, Maureen Dowd.

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  8. I listened to Ronn last week for the first time in over a year. I found it very sad. He is like a race car driver who used to be given the very best car to drive, but now must confine his talents to a tractor pull.

    He seemed less than animated and changed the topic every half hour. EVERY HALF HOUR! And the few calls he got were obviously less quality than before. Some were even completely off topic....something that would be rare a few years ago.

    And he even tried to stir up calls by discussing gun control. GUN CONTROL! What next? Abortion? Sounded like a small town talk show host blowing on dying audience embers.

    I finally switched off the car radio in a wave of sorrow.

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    Replies
    1. Didn't Rich write that Owens was retiring? Guess that was just gossip.

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    2. Ronn told a former co-worker that he "was seriously thinking about 'retiring." It took place at a well-known Italian eatery months ago. I got it from a good source and I still stand by the account. Obviously, he, (Ronn), changed his mind and the employer was interested. It's a great country, America.

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    3. It really doesn't matter how well-known the eatery was. Your story was wrong.

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    4. No, the story was/is right. Sorry Jared.

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    5. So your headline "KGO Radio's Owens Set to Retire" was accurate? Seems like he's still on the air.

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    6. Yeah, he changed his mind after telling a former talk host at NB Restaurant that he "was set to retire." He's gotta pay the bills, maybe that was the reason.

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    7. Well that's the difference between gossip and news. Rumors aren't news. News has to be accurate.

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  9. "While I have been overly critical and continue to call them out when I see fit over their professional work, it never gets personal."

    Oh no, it never gets personal! Really, repeating hearsay anecdotes about what Raddy says and does off-air is all about his "professional work."

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    1. I haven't said a word about "hearsay anecdotes", moron. Read the post, assuming you have half a brain, or maybe you're an intern.

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    2. I've ready your multitude of previous items about Radnich which are loaded with second-hand stories about Radnich allegedly making people cry, cruising around town, etc.

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    3. Not second-hand, but rather first hand. From an anchor who worked with him several years back. If that's not credible enough for you, then perhaps you should shift away from here and go bowling.

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    4. If you didn't witness it yourself, it's second-hand. And it sure is gossip.

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    5. I'm going by a 100% reliable source. The account is accurate...by your logic, we didn't land on the moon because "you didn't 'witness it, it's 'second hand--sure is gossip'". Get a grip.

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    6. Here's Webster's dictionary of secondhand - "received from or through an intermediary."

      Rich, you weren't there, your story was second-hand.

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    7. Were Woodward and Bernstein at the Watergate during the burglary? Nope. Must be "secondhand."

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    8. Rich, it's you who said that your stories were not second-hand, see February 10, 2013 at 10:12 PM above.

      I am explaining to you what second-hand means. Woodward and Bernstein weren't at the Watergate during the burglaries but they never claimed that they were there or had first-hand knowledge.

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    9. Hey Rich,
      You think your tale about Radnich making someone cry is as big as Watergate? You're counting on that to be your claim to fame?

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    10. I think moron should add "And anal" to his title.

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  10. Lieberman knocks Radnich for ripping other people. Sure seems to me that Lieberman does a lot more ripping oh this blog than Radnich ever does on his show.

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    1. Uh, yes, part of this blog deals with critical thought--some good, some bad. "Ripping" indeed, which is the point. I also praise and highlight too but I guess you ignore that notion. Oh well.

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    2. It's OK for Lieberman to "rip" but OK for Radnich to do the same?

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    3. Uh, yes. We provide. You comment. Ain't this a great country?

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  11. Radnich gets what he deserves. He has zero credibility. He better not work Saturdays because the post offices will be discontinuing Saturday delivery soon.

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  12. No, Rich doesn't dislike Owens or Radnich. He DESPISES them.

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  13. In other words, with the rumor of KGO possibly going back to the 'talk' format Rich sees a need to try to mend fences with Cumulus and the main on-air talent in hopes of being considered for a gig.

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    1. Great to see the KGO/KNBR interns and "producers" at work so early on a Monday! Did someone bring in free donuts?

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    2. Sorry shlump bal-guf, I work in the service industry in the North Bay, sorry to disappoint you on your go-to dismissive reply to subjects that get your panties in a wad.

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    3. Rich's one joke about anyone who disagrees with him working for Cumulus is getting a little old.

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  14. Rich, I've been reading your blog for at least a few years now. I enjoy it or I wouldn't keep reading it. However, as I've said before, you ARE obsessed with Radnich. To some extent, I can see why. Gary seems just as obsessed with you. I'm a fan of his show and work on KRON. I know you guys are, obviously, not on good terms. It would just be a little refreshing for you to admit it is personal on both sides. As Kramer said on Seinfeld, "Can't you two see you're in love with each other?!". Ok, maybe not, but you do seem to have similar personalities.

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    1. I haven't written about him for months. I have no issues with him. He's the one who makes comments about this site and me, (veiled). It WAS personal, but that was a long time ago and I've since moved on--he hasn't.

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    2. Radnich makes comments about this site?????
      Yeah, right! I've never heard them.

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    3. Rich's persistent paranoid delusion that Radnich is talking about him. Why would he bother?

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  15. This blog is ALWAYS criticizing Radnich but it's always innuendo. Lieberman never comes out and says exactly what he's complaining about. Is is because Radnich may not be the same person when he's not on the air? Who cares! No one is.

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    Replies
    1. That's all he's got, innuendo. Rich pretends he's hard hitting. More like a cream puff

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  16. I love your cat fight with Radnich.

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    1. It's not a fight unless more than one person is involved. So far it's all coming from Lieberman.

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  17. Talking about Radnich AGAIN????
    Enough already. How do you spell OBSESSED?

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  18. 'Mattress Man' and 'Raddy.' Don't we hear more than enough about these two guys? How about some fresh news and prospective?

    And Stan? Please refrain from writing to Lieberman's blog anymore. Your comments are really stupid and lame, and you need to get a life fella!

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    1. Au contraire. People love my KNBR posts because they are quotes of whats really said. Accurate and in context with my insight added. 24,000 people..what do you do that has ever gotten the public interested?

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    2. Hate to break the news to Stan,
      1) his comments aren't posts
      2) his delusional impressions aren't quotes
      3) his crazy thoughts are not accurate
      4) no reason to believe anyone loves or even agrees with him
      5) pathetic if he believes he's responsible for the popularity of this blog.

      He's proud that he's "gotten the public interested." Sounds like a guy desperate for attention, whatever it takes.

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  19. Radnich begs for it. He utters the most stupidity per hour on 50,000 watts then any other host. Its not even close. And he's getting meaner. Ted Robinson,Bruce,Cohn via Kreuger..and even the new business guy seem fed up with his "teasing". The list gets longer..for another day.

    When your page jumps from 5,000 views a day to 24,000? People want to know..the Raddy news.

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    1. And I bet you listen to him spew that stupidity every day. Never listened to Radnich's radio show save for when I see it on TV as I flip past it.

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  20. Hell,I MADE Radnich. He would have been just another ignored old fart without me. And he knows it.

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    Replies
    1. Stan, if you really believe that you need help.

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  21. I don't listen to Owens Much any more. Here's one reason. I remember right after the big firings at KGO. Ray Taliaferro, John Rothmann, Gene Burns and the rest were gone just like that. Then I hear Ronn say on his show that he was gonna talk about the issue and his friends that he worked with for decades. I thought, "Wow, Ronn is gonna pay tribute to all those people he worked with over the years." Well the show started, Ronn took two calls about the firings, then changed the subject. He paid a 15 minute tribute to his "friends". Owens was a total Jerk about it. Also I hear Ronn does not want Karel to ever fill in for him when he goes away. I hope that is just a rumor.

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  22. Stan, you remind me of one of those persistent callers on one of those lame talk shows on the 'Game' who wants to be considered a insider. It's really pathetic. You should try to get a life! What kind of work do you do for a living anyway? It obviously doesn't involve any kind of writing, because your punctuation and spelling are comparable to that of 2nd grader! Learn how to write a little better and then perhaps some people might take you more seriously!

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    1. Stan is an uneducated fool living in his own fantasy land. He thinks his comments are what control the content of the Bay area radio scene. Yes, he truly believes that he MADE Radnich. He also thinks it is ok to write like a third grader. He then retorts with a "Your (sp) a Republican", or "another KNBR intern". His "posts" continue to get slammed by other commentators. And he still doesn't get it. Check out BASG. He will "post" 20 times on a single topic and they all receive so many dislikes they get removed.

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    2. Stan - Get a job or a girlfriend. You clutter this blog's comments section.

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    3. Stan, if you think you're all that interesting get your own blog. PLEASE

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    4. I'm fascinating..all of KNBR write in under various names. I must be doing something very right.
      Hey you cowards..you gave up on BASG because you fear my comebacks..so you go to here where you can be anonymous wusses.
      Many more to come!..MANY!

      And get a clue..local bloggers love me. And why not?

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  23. From your Jan. 29th post: "I haven't listened to the bloated one on Knibber morning with his younger bud but I heard he mentioned me a few times." Really? Calling Radnich 'bloated' is not getting personal? That is all about his professional work? I believe that wasn't the first time there has been references to Radnich's appearance.

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  24. Hey Rich, when you throw around personal insults you can't disguise the fact by throwing in a gratuitous "it's not personal."

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  25. Hey Stan- No retort from you to the pointed criticisms that smashed down on your head like a pile of cow dung!

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  26. Radnich is a third-rater, and always has been. No real substance at all. Pure schtick, and it was never interesting.

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