KCBS' Shafer Provides the Goods on News Without Gimmicks

 I'VE ALWAYS BEEN A HUGE Margie Shafer fan. Love her anchor ability --love her reporting in the field.  It's a shame KCBS doesn't use her more often.

I heard Shafer this (Monday) morning --she was filling in for Stan Bunger (vacation)--not only can she anchor and not only is her delivery very newsy and cogent, Shafer can do a pretty good interview too, something lacking in today's marginalized radio news environment.

Shafer is a no-nonsense news-radio journalist. There is no idle, useless chit-chat. There is no attempt at useless humor. Shafer sticks to the basics and that's a welcome respite from the usual, banal, suspects who believe, (wrongly) that we tune in to hear them (and not the news).

With Shafer at the mic, I do both.

Shafer, as indicated, is under-utilized. I'd like to hear more of her, be it anchoring or in the field, reporting. Her work is always a pleasure to listen to, a professional at work giving Bay Area listeners a solid, crisp, news presentation without gimmicks and shtick.

I just wish Shafer were more of a regular KCBS presentation.