popular radio station KNBR, known for its extensive sports programming, has parted ways with two of its prominent figures.
KNBR parts ways with Paul McCaffrey, F.P. Santangelo, ends 51-year run for nightly call-in show https://t.co/3lnl9uG9Zs pic.twitter.com/E2N6MoDrgg
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 30, 2023
According to SFGate.com, Adam Copeland, KNBR’s program director, confirmed that well-loved morning show co-host Paul McCaffrey and nighttime host F.P. Santangelo has not been retained by the station.
This development brings an end to McCaffrey’s impressive 18-year tenure and Santangelo’s popular nighttime call-in show, which had been a nail on the radio station for an impressive 51 years.
signaling a massive shake-up in the structure of the iconic station. KNBR, which has always been a significant player in sports broadcasting in Redwood City, California, and beyond, is yet to announce the replacements for McCaffrey and Santangelo. Currently, the station’s morning slot will be filled by temporary hosts.
Adding to the shock of McCaffrey’s dismissal, it appears, per SFGate’s reports, that his co-host, Brian Murphy, remains with the station.
Moreover, the cutbacks also led to the dismissal of Executive Lee Hammer, who served as the former program director at the station.
The dismissal of Santangelo signifies the end of the KNBR Tonight show, previously running from 6 p.m to 10 p.m nightly.
Broadcasting on a 50,000-watt clear channel station, 680 AM, the show boasted a substantial reach, extendable to most parts of the western U.S and even as far off as Hawaii.
After San Francisco Giants games, the KNBR Tonight show would continue till midnight.
While the reasons behind these dismissals remain speculative, Santangelo, in his farewell post on Twitter, blamed budget cuts for the show’s demise.
“I want to thank everyone @ KNBR for the amazing opportunity to be a part of their station for a second time around!” Santangelo posted. “I was informed today that due to budget cuts there will no longer be a 6-10pm show. That said I’m super grateful for the time spent bonding with all the amazing Bay Area Sports Fans.
“I’ll miss talking with you on a nightly basis the most. Hopefully now though, it will be in person after Giants game. Thank you for all your love and support. You guys are the best!
I want to thank everyone @KNBR for the amazing opportunity to be a part of their station for a second time around! I was informed today that due to budget cuts there will no longer be a 6-10pm show. That said I’m super grateful for the time spent bonding with all the amazing Bay
— F.P. Santangelo (@FightinHydrant) November 29, 2023
Further, KNBR holds broadcast rights for the San Francisco 49ers, setting up an even more critical decision-making process in its organization and planning.
KNBR’s rivalry with 95.7 The Game, the official broadcast station for Golden State Warriors games, underscores this uncertainty given the intense ratings battle in the Bay Area.
Unsurprisingly, fans and KNBR listeners were upset about the changes at their beloved station.
Susan Slusser, a renowned sportswriter for the San Francisco Chronicle, perfectly encapsulated the collective disappointment by stating, “This is such a bummer. I love this show!”
This is such a bummer. I love this show! https://t.co/YfgmgTTywN
— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) November 29, 2023
