FOR WHATEVER REASON (I'll assume he was sick) Ronn Owens was absent on KGO Radio Tuesday Morning; the same morning that Mayor Ed Lee died from an apparent heart attack.Fortunately, political guru John Rothmann saved the day for KGO with an astounding two hours of live and local radio highlighted by both a powerful and poignant interview (their were several) with Congresswoman Jackie Speier.
It would be sacrilegious to say good thing Owens wasn't in the studio and I don't wish him any ill health but Rothmann's presence was vintage old KGO. His interviews were stellar. His stature as a SF-based political historian served both the listeners and his guests. He also set the right tone with a measured, valued, sensitive program complete with a much-needed degree of levity and civility. It was also nice to hear someone who has deep knowledge of SF city politics and historical presence. Rothmann has both.
If ever there were a time to get Rothamann a permanent presence on KGO; I don't have a clue what their next iteration will be; (who does?) they would add a much-needed shelf of credibility if Rothmann were on the roster. Of course, smartness and moxie seems to be a relic at 810 AM but oh well, what the hell.
Damn, I missed Rothmann. I wish I would have known he was on the air. Rest in Peace Mayor Ed Lee.
ReplyDeleteI've always liked Rothman. Who knows where the hell Owens was? Was he missed? I tried to listen this morning, but the amount of commercials just turned me off and I turned off KGO! And Owens lowering his voice at the end of sentences is getting real old.
ReplyDeleteRonn Owens is a tremendous talent!
DeleteI too like Ronn, he's beat up often on this blog and not objectively
DeleteYes I think your are right, Ronn gets a bad rap on this blog. I have listened to KGO for almost 20 years, Gene Burns and John Rothmann was always my favorites, could not really pick one or the other. Ronn and Pete Wilson followed right after those 2, then some of the fill in's, Gill Gross (who when he was on 910 turned just boring and annoying beyond belief) Bill Press. I for the most part like Brian Copeland, and think he gets a bad rap on this blog as well. I don't like all his shows, but he does some decent ones, and cover local stories fairly well, his interviews with show biz personal can be really interesting, such as Ben Vereen, the daughter of Grace Slick and Paul Kanter (musicians from my youth), since he is black why shouldn't he talk about issues unique to blacks? Certainly Michael Medved and especially Dennis Prager talks about issues unique to Jews. Having said all of this, it is clear that Ronn is not the talk show host he use to be, but considering all the mediocre and plain bad hosts (i.e. Chip, Bearman, Sussman) Ronn still does a good show, at least I can listen to him, the others not so much, actually not at all, except for Sussman although I like him least of all, but KSFO does a decent traffic report, which I need. At times I switch to Armstrong and Getty, and depending on their subject I might stay with them. Has anyone told Sussman he is annoying as hell, he repeats words over and over, his "Damn Jim" is stupid and juvenile, and what with the "Gak Gak" he and Katie throw in at odd times, I'm baffled they have any ratings, but then I do listen to them for about 20-30 minutes every morning, at least the days I'm working.
DeleteI agree on "Copie", some shows are good but he "lays an egg" far too often.
Deleteso you are the one guy who listens to the answer.
DeleteGodspeed Mayor Lee, & thoughts & prayers to the Family & loved ones. You will be missed!
ReplyDeleteGOD??? yea Maybe the Steinly family can have a thought for Fast Eddie's sanctuary city policy..
DeleteRothmann still untethered, unfestooned after all this time. Have you not yet guessed why, Rich?
ReplyDeleteSomeone at that organization either does not like John or is envious/ intimidated by his presence, and refuses to allow him to rise to a higher status. It's like a teacher being denied tenure for vague, never clear reasons.
Rich, I couldn't agree with you more. I was only able to catch Rothman's 11:00 am hour til noon-best radio KGO has done in years. I fear if Ronn was on KGO radio today, he would have asked the Coroner to read one his mattress ads.
ReplyDeletei missed it but i do know later in the day chip and the yentas spent another fun filled afternoon discussing chip's sex life and bathroom habits for the 1200th time.
ReplyDeleteWas the cackling hen on with him?
ReplyDeleteHer "sky is falling" routine got old in the first week...it's just too OTT for me.
DeleteRothmann is so head and shoulders above those clowns they've put in regular spots on KGO. They are boring and clueless. Will KGO ever get smart and give Rothmann a regular slot?
ReplyDeleteRothmann is good but what a know it all spazz. He also leans wayyyyyyyy left in everything he talks about. Everything Trump does is a national security situation where the world is about to end, according to him.
ReplyDeletehey scott, rothman served in the nixon administration. and i have known him since i was a kid and his old apartment is now his office and library and he has read every book in that library and more...so he does know it all.
ReplyDeleteand he is right...everything trump does is a danger to all of us...stop being a wingnut and be a patriot.