Radio Wars: KNBR reigns supreme, ‘The Game’ treads water

Bay Area Stats Guy January 23, 2013

Another month of radio ratings has been posted, yet the story remains the same. KNBR rules the sports radio world while “The Game” saw their numbers continue to remain flat.

Here are the ratings numbers updated through what Arbitron calls the “Holiday” period covering the December 6 through January 2 dates (numbers on demographics or specific shows aren’t available to the general public):

San Francisco
	November		December		Holiday
Station	AQH%	Reach	AQH%	Reach	AQH%	Reach	Owner
KNBR-AM	8.1	1,506,700	4.2	713,400	3.8	686,600	Cumulus
KGMZ-FM	0.7	268,600	0.7	225,700	0.7	189,200	Entercom
KTCT-AM	0.8	347,000	0.8	365,600	0.6	211,800	Cumulus

*AQH is Average Quarter-Hour Share or the average share during any quarter-hour during the course of the day. Reach is the total number of people that tuned in during the course of the week.

For those who are more visually oriented, here are the ratings in graphical form for the last year:

The changes for the holiday reporting period were not very drastic compared to what we have seen in months prior.

KNBR slowed the listenership drop it saw last month and is well above their ratings from this time last year. The 49ers were in pretty much the same place a year ago as they were this year, so I am not sure if that can explain too much of the 25% ratings increase. Perhaps the surprising Warriors, who went 11 and 3 during this span on their way to their best start in a generation, are acting as a decent radio draw.

Over on “The Game,” the treading water act seems to be continuing. For the third straight month KGMZ posted a 0.7 rating with falling total listenership numbers. This time last year it seemed that “The Game” might be closing the gap with KNBR a bit. I was cautiously optimistic that come the winter of 2012-2013 that 95.7 might start chipping away at KNBR’s listenership lead. Two reporting periods into the winter months, that hasn’t seemed to happen. With just a month remaining before Spring Training and two to go before KNBR is ready to get fat on Giants regular season broadcasts, there isn’t much time for “The Game” to make up ground.

Looking forward, with the 49ers headed to the Super Bowl both “The Game” and KNBR should have no trouble coming up with topics to discuss. This year both stations will even carry a radio broadcast of the game (I’d love to see the head-to-head ratings comparison during the Super Bowl), although not that many people will actively choose radio over TV for one of the biggest TV events of the year.

YOY Changes:

Holiday 2011 – Holiday 2012
	Ratings	Listeners
KNBR	26.3%	4.3%
KNBR 1050	-16.7%	-47.3%
KGMZ (the Game)	-14.3%	9.8%

When you take a look at the year over year changes, KNBR has had strong gains from what was one of their lowest months last year. A 26% increase in ratings is very strong and I am sure that they hope it is something that they can build on with the 49ers playoff run in the next reporting period. Over on the “B” station things are bleak, ratings and listenership are both down as they have been for most of 2012. Perhaps things will change some fresh programming from CBS radio to spur some new listeners.

Things have not gone as well for “The Game” — for the third straight month they posted lower ratings than what they had last year and those ratings weren’t all that impressive to begin with.

With 2012 in the books we now get to move our attention to the relatively big changes that took place with “The Game” becoming the Bay Area ESPN affiliate and KNBR taking on CBS Sports Radio programming. I don’t know if either of these will show up in the numbers, but it does provide something to new to speculate about.

About the Author

Scott "Bay Area Stats Guy" Willis is a life long sports fan who has a fascination with the statistical side of things. He has been writing on these here internets about the San Francisco Giants since 2010 at Crazy Crabbers and at Bay Area Sports Guy since 2011 but if you dig real deep some of his high school newspaper stuff is out there too. You can follow him on twitter @BAStatsGuy or Google +Scott Willis

Twitter -

96 comments

Newest | Oldest

Stan

Another thing...emails? Raddy makes them up many times. He claimed today for example that he had "many" emails that warned him to not talk about the 49ers or he would be fired"..and of course Raddy then boasted he didn't care,blah,blah, Its beyond belief anybody would send that to him. You know it. And he has a history of pretending he's reading something on that card..and then he made up what he wanted the audience to hear to make him look good. Did that to me a few years ago. Why I learned..

Stan

I think he's just angry that almost all men his age are retired and he wants to hang on until 73. Hey,if you can't tell your woman to give you a break and lead a more modest life..why go on 50,000 watts and talk about it?

Stan

And why Raddy is hard to work with..He must have been peved at Krueger. 'Cause Raddy let it out that Krueger's free use of a Lexus ran out. And making fun of Americans who drive thrifty cars is so uncool. Its 2013 not 1974.

Stan

At 63,why doesn't he just enjoy the Bent,the steam room and the 70 " wall tv without bragging about them? Get old and enjoy..why antagonize with the bragging when he knows NOBODY is happy for him having them..they just give him the finger. He must be a glutton for punishment...or just a glutton..

Otis Byrd III

Nice Super Bowl show with Damon and Larry Krueger today so far. Even though this is Super Bowl weekend, this is the kind of weekend show that I was talking about that KNBR should have every weekend, even during baseball season (even though they would have to sqeeze in before or after Marty Lurie), where Damon and Larry talk sports for a few hours. Why not? But yeah, Damon Bruce and Larry Krueger really would be a good pairing, if Lee Hammer ever considers pairing them both up in the future.

Otis Byrd III

His birthday is actually today. I just checked on wikipedia.... Happy Birthday Gary!

Otis Byrd III

Yeah, I agree. KNBR does air WAY too many commercials. It's the same ones all the time, and they're aired ad nauseum, at least 2 or more times a day whether it's 680 or 1050, even on weekends. It's bad enough that 95.7 airs some of the same commercials, except it sounds better I guess. LOL. I understand that this is how KNBR makes their money, since these companies probably pay them through the nose to air these commercials (I guess this is what radio hosts mean when they say they have to pay the bills, whenever they have to take a commercial break) but, can't they still make money and air less commercials at the same time? Where's Dan Browne aka formerKNBRemployee to explain this to us? For anyone that has a radio background or is currently working at a radio station, how much money do these companies really pay these radio stations to air these same commercials? I'm sure KNBR/Cumulus gets paid hundreds, if not G's (thousands) to air these commercials. Not to rag on Gary and I'm kind of just joking here but, I wonder if this is part of how Gary's humongous salary gets paid. LOL

Stan

It was his birthday yesterday,63.

Otis Byrd III

Oh wow, I didn't know that. I'm surprised Gary didn't mention it yesterday. Happy belated Birthday Gary!

Freddie

For years I've had KNBR on the headphones when I'm outside for a walk or doing yard work but now that Cumulus has settled in I find myself changing the station to FM music or whatever and not tuning in until certain call-in guests are scheduled like Brent Jones, Steve Young, Kruk/Kuip, Drew, etc. Why? Well, for me a kind of listenership line has been crossed, and it concerns commercial blocks which have been stretched to what seems like 10-12 minutes, interspersed with useless CBS sports minutes and whatnot. Anybody have any idea just how many extra ad minutes they've added to a broadcast hour? Seems to me like at least 6. Anyway, it's kind of a deal breaker or tipping point for me, a former loyal listener, as far as staying tuned in all the time.

Stan

Sure- same here. And when you do sit through a block and they come back- for 2 minutes and back to commercials?..adios KNBR.

Otis Byrd III

Stan, I agree with you. Gary really should retire. Even though it sounds kind of messed up, it's true, whether you're a fan of Gary or not. When you see the simulcast of his show on TV, when he's doing interviews and listens to the responses, sometimes he looks like he's falling asleep, even though he's probably just closing his eyes listening to the response, and probably thinking about what he's going to ask next. It's just a bad look. It's almost kind of embarrassing really. If I was Krueger or the guy that Gary always mentions from CSN California, during breaks I would tell Gary to wake up. LOL. But yeah, Gary really should retire. He's had a great career in this business, and has had his own style in doing it his way, but it's time for him to call it quits. Yes, KNBR would be different without him, but Gary's show is better without him. Krueger really could host that show by himself, and if Damon ever moved back to 680, even though I would rather Damon host his own show, I wouldn't mind a Krueger-Damon pairing. I think Krueger is a better co-host to Damon than he is Gary, but I think a lot of that is because they both have that same sports passion. Krueger gets along with Gary and their tight and the Gary and Krueger pairing has worked, but sometimes Gary's laughing feels phony. I agree with the criticism of that. Krueger has to carry Gary's show, and Gary probably knows it, hence the Krueger has saved him jokes. As I've been saying though, I doubt Gary retires now. He has a young wife as you mentioned Stan, and he has younger kids to support, so there's probably no way that he can retire now, even though it would probably be the best for KNBR at this point. I mean, wouldn't these be better KNBR 680 weekday lineups, than what they have now?: 5AM-9 AM- Murph and Mac 9AM-Noon- Larry Krueger Noon-3PM- The Damon Bruce show 3PM-7PM- Tom and Rod Brooks (I wouldn't mind this pairing, even though I would probably still listen to Townsend and Bucher in this timeslot though. I would move Fitz to 1050 with Ray Ratto from Noon-3PM. LOL. They would probably hate each other, but that would be somewhat entertaining radio) 7PM-10PM or after the Giants or Warriors game-Sportsphone with Ray Woodson -or- 5AM-9AM- Murph and Mac 9AM-Noon- Krueger and Damon Bruce Noon-3PM- Fitz and Brooks (eh, I guess) 3PM-7PM- Tom and Ray Ratto/Eric Byrnes/whomever else 7PM-10PM or after the Giants or Warriors game-Sportsphone with Ray Woodson

Stan

When he says that he's got ten more years left..it sounds so hanger-on,THEN I almost feel sorry for him. But he takes the big money,and gets social issues backwards and he is stuck in 1962. He was better off all these years to just stay at KRON. Radio made people dislike him.

gray

Knbr has a lot of commerials on my 30 minute lunch they played 20 minutes of commerials

lime

Why didnt Radnich go to New Orleans?

Stan

Because he's old,jaded,and too lazy for that kind of work. That's the truth. Like KRON or KNBR wouldn't want him to go? better ratings then his usual sitting on his keister "work". If he could host a show and talk no sports or a mix..THAT'S what he wishes. Papa went..I'm surprised. Greg still got the fire I guess.

Otis Byrd III

Greg Papa is at the Super Bowl probably/mainly because he is covering it for 95.7 and CSN Bay Area. As far as Gary goes, I won't dog him like that, but I wouldn't be surprised if what you said is true, Stan. LOL at him trying to use his wife not wanting him there, as a scapegoat, when he was talking about why he wasn't going to the Super Bowl on KRON. He could've just took her with him. I'm sure she wouldn't have turned down a chance to go to the Super Bowl in New Orleans with Gary. I just couldn't picture Gary there. He does have a been there, done that attitude about going to the Super Bowl since he's been to previous Super Bowls, and blaming his wife and not being able to hang with the younger guys, as scapegoats/reasons not to go to the Super Bowl.

Stan

Otis,he's 62. He would rather stay home,watch it on his 72" wall TV that he brags about,and eat. Other guys his age are retiring-like Martin Wyatt did in 2007. Raddy? young wife,expensive life!

Otis Byrd III

Mainly because he said he can't hang with the younger guys probably like Krueger, as well as Damon and maybe some of the 95.7 guys like Townsend and Bucher. I wasn't really expecting Gary to go to the Super Bowl. Were you?

925 g-man

The overall product sucks from the game, they say they cover all sport teams but when the a's and giants were in the playoffs they focused majority of the tme on the giants being an a's flagship station. Raider talk I give you that wasn't much to talk about but when you waste nearly a week talking about akers that's a joke they spent more time talking about teyo than the raiders. They had dana white on the morning show once but won't talk about mma then what was the point of the interview. They promoted the andre ward fight but when pacquaio got knocked out there was no talk about that. I hope the a's leave the game once the contract is up and let the game burn down.

Otis Byrd III

95.7's product isn't too bad in general, as far as having an alternative station to KNBR goes, but it just doesn't compare to KNBR's product at times. Yes, 95.7 does have a new freshness or as they say "the new hotness", which is refreshing at times from how KNBR does things and it is an interesting contrast to KNBR, but KNBR is still the big dog though. As others on here have said, as long as KNBR carries Giants, 49er, and Warrior games, they will probably always be more popular than 95.7. 95.7 at times can be too amateur hourish, which in a sense can make it hard to take them seriously as a sports radio station at times. The "Lucky Break" competition is an example of this, even though it's nice they give people a chance to tryout for a 1 yr. contract on 95.7. As far as 95.7 covering the Giants more than the A's in the playoffs goes, the Giants NLDS series against the Reds was more dramatic than the A's ALDS series against the Tigers, when it looked improbable the Giants were going to come back the way they did, when they were down 2-0 to the Reds. The A's had a compelling ALDS series against the Tigers, and the A's very well could've and probably should've won that series, but they weren't really expected to beat the Tigers though, and they lost to Verlander in Game 5, who pitched one of the games of his life in that game. The A's kept that series interesting, but it wasn't as dramatic as the Giants-Reds NLDS series. Townsend took tons of A's calls after the A's ALDS series games though, so there was a lot of A's conversation during the playoffs, as well as Giants conversation. I remember there being more A's conversation during the ALDS than Giants conversation during the NLDS on 95.7. 95.7 didn't really start talking more Giants in the playoffs, until the A's were eliminated from the playoffs and the Giants were in the NLCS and World Series. As far as Akers goes, that was a major story because he was missing so many big kicks in big games. Thankfully the 49ers are in the Super Bowl now and hopefully it won't come down to him winning the Super Bowl, but Akers' struggles this season, really could've screwed over the 49ers season this season, and of course that was a big deal around here. If the 49ers would've had a lower seed in the playoffs and not had that bye week, they probably wouldn't have made the Super Bowl this year, and a lot of it would've been Akers fault, because of his struggles in key situations in big games. He even missed a kick in the NFC Championship Game against the Falcons, but thankfully that wasn't the difference in the game, the 49ers won that game, and are in the Super Bowl! A struggling kicker is always a big deal though because so many NFL games are won and lost by the kicker. The Teo thing was a huge deal because of how bizarre it was. The conversation about him has kind of slowed down a little bit, but that was a huge story for a few days a couple of weeks ago. It wasn't talked about as much on 95.7 though to me. Damon Bruce talked about it a lot on KNBR 1050 for a day or two, but it didn't get as much local media attention to me, as it did national attention. As far as the Raiders go, there was really no drama with the Raiders this season, and no one really expected them to do much this season, especially with a rookie head coach, and a team that is rebuilding. They were getting beat badly in some of their games. There was a lot of talk about the Raiders on 95.7 this NFL season, but there wasn't really much for them to say about the Raiders with the way they were losing game after game this season, after a while, compared to what the 49ers were going through this NFL season during the regular season with the Kaepernick-Alex Smith QB controversy, Akers struggles, and other issues. There were just more storylines and talking points to the 49ers during the regular season this season, than the Raiders. As far as the boxing stuff, no one really talks boxing, but it is too bad that Andre Ward doesn't get more pub though. He really is underrated, but it's nice to see a Bay Area guy do big things in boxing! MMA is becoming big, but it doesn't have that huge following..... No offense, but as others on here have said, the A's and the Raiders just don't move the needle like the Giants, 49ers, and even the Warriors do. Yeah, some of the topics they talk about regarding the Giants, 49ers, and Warriors on 95.7 (especially the Kaepernick-Smith QB controversy), are kind of discussed ad nauseum because you hear about the same topics on KNBR regarding the Giants, 49ers, and Warriors, but they just move the needle more. 95.7 realizes this, and that you don't get as many callers talking A's and Raiders like you do Giants, 49ers, and Warriors. I doubt the A's leave 95.7, especially since Townsend covers the team very closely, and what other station can the A's go to right now? They would probably have to consider KNBR 1050 (as we all know, the Giants own KNBR 680 during baseball season) if they ever moved from 95.7, but I doubt that happens. If the A's moved from 95.7, Townsend would be out of a job. Well maybe not, but the A's are very important to him as we all know. There was a 4-6 yr. or so run where the A's were on a different station every season it seemed like, until 95.7 picked them up in 2011. The A's seemed to have found a radio home on 95.7 for now. I doubt they want to go back to changing flagship radio stations each season.

925 g-man

I'm glad the game is dropping ratings hopefully they"ll learn the hard way that you can't ignore the east bay fans. I'm one of the many that have boycotted the game unil after the bowl. You get tired of hearing te same topic hour after hour just asked differently. I found rick tittle on tune in app. Hese a great host and the game will show him no love. For now maybe for a while I'm happy not listening to the game.

Otis Byrd III

They haven't really ignored the East Bay fans. Townsend and Guy Haberman were at the A's Fanfest the other day, and the Raiders were talked about throughout the NFL season on 95.7. How are they ignoring East Bay fans in your opinion? Not to sound like a pompous San Francisco guy, but there isn't much going on with the East Bay teams right now, with the exception of the Warriors of course, and the Warriors are more of a Bay Area team that everyone in the Bay Area can get behind. The A's aren't playing yet, and the Raiders didn't have a good season. I mean, no offense, but what do East Bay fans expect? The Giants just won their 2nd WS in the last 3 years, and the 49ers are in the Super Bowl! I mean, if 95.7 didn't talk about the Giants and the 49ers, the people wouldn't be doing their jobs since they're claiming that they talk about all the Bay Area teams. If the A's won 2 out of the last 3 WS and the Raiders were in the Super Bowl, of course 95.7 would be all over that. The East Bay teams will be talked about soon enough. Spring Training is around the corner, and I'm sure they will talk a lot of A's, probably a week or two after the Super Bowl. Is this why some are boycotting 95.7 until after the Super Bowl?

OBIII - you know I generally agree with you, but 95.7 has just driven everything into the ground. Yes, it's awesome that the Niners are in the SB and it's easily expected to be the number 1, 2, and 3 stories covered. However, the Warriors are on a tear that we haven't seen in a while and the Sharks are off to their best start in franchise history, neither of which you would be aware if you listened to 95.7. This is the big problem with sending everyone to the Super Bowl. Sending half the station and featuring half the shows coming from there makes sense. But 24/7 is overkill.

Otis Byrd III

Yeah, I agree, the Warriors and Sharks almost haven't really existed on 95.7 this past week, and part of last week. A lot of that is because of the Super Bowl coverage, which has been great, but yeah, it is kind of too bad that the Warriors and the Sharks haven't been talked about as much. It just shows you how big the NFL is, and how popular the 49ers are here in the Bay Area. I'm sure it probably would've been almost the same on 95.7, if the Raiders were in the Super Bowl. I think part of it too is because the Warriors were on the road late last week, and the beginning of this week, and people probably can't catch them in the earlier 4 and 5 PM PT start times when the Warriors are in the Midwest and East Coast, and maybe the people at 95.7 thought there wouldn't be much interest since they were on the road, and the audience probably wouldn't be able to catch the games because of the earlier start times. When people come home from work, the game is probably already over. I know this will never happen but, it's kind of too bad Midwest and East Coast NBA and MLB teams can't start their games at 5 PM PT for East Coast teams or 6 PM PT for Midwest teams, which would still be 8 PM ET or CT, when West Coast teams play them out there, just so that West Coast fans can catch the games. As far as the Sharks go, they might be getting the most shafted because some people lost interest because of the lockout, so some fans aren't tuning into them, or at least not until after the Super Bowl and with all the Super Bowl coverage, the Sharks are almost like the forgotten team because of the lockout, and how many games they've played so far to start the season. I'll give Bucher and Townsend credit for trying to squeeze in some Warriors talk, and they did one of their shows last week from HP Pavilion (the Shark Tank), for the Sharks home opener. I agree with you about 95.7 pretty much sending the whole station down to cover the Super Bowl. They should do like KNBR did and send some people, but not the whole station. I agreed with them sending Murph and Mac, Krueger, Damon Bruce, Rod, and Ray Ratto even though he's probably there more for CSN Bay Area, than KNBR. It's too bad they didn't send Kate Scott though. It sucks for her she has to stay with Gary. LOL. 95.7 should've just sent the Rise Guys, Greg Papa, and Bucher and Townsend, even though I'm not sure Bucher should've went because he just got to 95.7, even though it probably would've been awkward if Townsend just went by himself.

JoeC

Gary Radnich is horrendous. Just completely unlistenable. Most of the time it's incomprehensible, sophomoric joshing with guests and crew and talking over people. Nobody else can get a word in. It's suffocating. Dude's ego is the size of a the Queen Mary. Too bad the talent doesn't match.

Jacob Wang

Stanford's Rose Bowl run not creating a bump for 1050?

Otis Byrd III

The sad thing is, no one really listens to games on 1050, I don't think. The Rose Bowl was actually broadcasted on 3 stations that day. The Stanford broadcast on 1050 with Dave Flemming, the ESPN radio broadcast on both 680 and 95.7, which was kind of odd. I'm sure most people probably listened to it on 680, even though Flemming does a great job on the Stanford football broadcasts on 1050. On a side note, Dave Flemming is starting to be the next Greg Papa or Ted Robinson here in the Bay Area. I know it's a stretch, but the guy can do it all, as far as sports broadcasting goes. He's more like Greg Papa and Ted Robinson in that regard. Of course, he's most known for calling Giants games on 680, but he does a great job on Stanford football broadcasts on 1050, and he does a pretty good job calling some college basketball games on ESPN.

erik

There was always the rumor for years that Steve Young and Troy Aikman were gay. Never proven but it was out there until each of them got married.

FunkE1 Kenobi

They "got married . . ." Gee, then. They can't possibly be GAY!?! Puh-leez.

Stan

Speaking of Kwame Harris. Everything about that was funny. It sounds like Oscar and Felix arguing over Oscar pouring ketchup on Felix's fauxgras. Then,the pulling pants down in the parking lot. Everybody has crazy problems.

Gene Frenkle

Awesome Papa quote from yesterday...He and Lund were playing the old video of Harbaugh, where he is ranting about the QB putting his knuckle in the C's asshole...Papa says "Did Jeff Garcia volunteer to demonstrate this position? Following by Steve Young then Troy Aikman?" Hilarious!

Stan

I heard that..but didnt really get it. I never heard anybody hint that Steve Young was gay. Papa thinks Steve was/is gay? And Papa wonders why athletes cant say they are gay?

Gene Frenkle

I agree with many here. The Game's content is much better than KNBR's...BUT...1) the signal discourages local advertisers and listeners and 2) I'm thinking the ratings canyon between The Game and KNBR is due to radio demographics--the Game appeals to guys in their 30 and 40s, like me, but not as many of them listen to the radio anymore. No one in their 20s listens to the radio. Old dudes make up the bulk of the radio audience and these guys aren't switching to listen to The Game--they are sticking with the old school stuff on KNBR...they love their Raddy. Not sure what the Game can do about that--but naming segments The G Spot probably turns off a lot of the older audience.

Eric

I like what the Game is doing and you gotta beleive if the GURU sucked he would be off the air but the fact that he is still on was a brilliant PR move by Barrett, I actually enjoy the GURU when he is not yelling , How many african americans at KNBR??? Just saying, I also went to the GRIDIRON GALA and met the GURU who does look like Denzel lolllll........

BT_indahouse

I agree, many knbr interns posting here trying to slam the GAME. But, the GAME has been giving minority voices a chance unlike the racist "old and busted" and their fanboys.

Stan

Without a doubt,the KNBR nerve center has been on the attack lately. Yeah,20 people are more likely to be 3 or 4 interns or- I don't doubt-some KNBR/Cumulus management types on the company computer doing the Nixonian dirty tricks. With KNBR's hosts full blessing,I 'm sure.

Stan

But if it makes you feel better..I don't read your posts unless I have to under mine. I can skip right over all yours. No interest at all in what you think.

Stan

Reggie never see's the irony of his posts about me. Too convoluted for him. Like the Zito thing..hee-hee...

Stan

Yeah? I sure seem to always get your attention don't I?

ReggieWrite

Off course Stan. That makes perfect sense, LOL! KNBR/Cumulus management and KNBR broadcasters' top priority is dealing with Stan, an obscure internet troll whose most popular comment is: "Hidden due to low comment rating"

Fitz's Future Unemployment Check

When exactly is he not yelling? He's the biggest mouth breather on the station, makes Lund sound totally listenable.

Tru

I know a lot of east bay fans who have been turning off the Game until after the Super Bowl. I wonder if that will reflect in the ratings?

Stan

The WAR is on between Radnich and D.Bruce. And Kreuger is backing Raddy. Kreuger said "he hoped not" that he and Bruce will be sharing a room. I wish I had heard Bruce's show..he must have said something for Raddy to be openly hostile to start out the show. Sure,Raddy giggled when he did "schtick". So did Jack the Ripper...

Otis Byrd III

Krueger is friends with Damon. Krueger probably has to side with Gary because he is Gary's co-host, and he has to see Gary everyday. If he gets on Gary's bad side, Gary would probably turn on him like he did Damon in a sense. But yeah, Krueger and Damon are tight! Krueger came on Damon's show for a couple of minutes, pretty much to talk about their Super Bowl plans in New Orleans plans next week before the Super Bowl. BTW, Damon will be doing the 49ers postgame show with Krueger after the Ravens-49ers Super Bowl game! I'm happy this decision was made. No offense to Rich Wolcoff but, he sucked on 49ers postgame this season. Krueger made the 49er postgame show this season. That was a terrible decision to take Damon off the 49er postgame show, but at least he will be doing 49er postgame next Sunday, for obviously the biggest 49er game of this season! Hopefully this will be the start of Damon being back on 49ers postgame again. But yeah, Krueger and Damon are tight! They really are legitimately good friends. It doesn't sound phony when they both talk to each other. As far as Gary and Damon go, yeah, I guess there's been a war (if you want to call it that), between Gary and Damon ever since they were paired together back in August 2011. Like I've said before, it is kind of dumb. It wasn't their decision to be paired up together, and when they were paired up, it just didn't work out. They both could've made it work, but their egos probably didn't allow them to. Damon is probably mad at Gary because Gary took those two extra days off on his vacation and I think he even visited 95.7 when he was on vacation, which was probably a slap in the face to Damon, if not KNBR in general at the time. Then when Gary came back, Damon wasn't his co-host anymore, but he went back to 1050. I don't really understand Gary's dislike for Damon, even though part of it could be that Damon kind of tried to take over Gary's show. That whole situation is crazy, but they both could be leading us on at the same time though.

Stan

I know Raddys style. So I could figure Bruce must have said something. Radnich cant wait until the show starts to get revenge. Then spends the next three hours telling the world,nothing bothers him. Bruce isn't Pam Moore or Ray or..any sycophant that you have to be to work with him.

Stan

I think its interesting that those like Bruce,Dibs,Townsend maybe,who had a job to fall back didn't last with Radnich. Just those who need him to stay employed in the bizz put up with his "love".

Slam

If you're a KNBR radio guy, your smartest move is to kiss Gary's ass. He is the King. And you have to let him make fun of you. Damon is having none of that and I respect him for it. He's gonna succeed or fail doing his own thing. The first time Gary made fun of him, he came out swinging. He has a big ego and he's good at what he does. So KNBR is smart to keep them apart, and let them both do their thing.

Otis Byrd III

Yeah, that's the thing about Gary though. Him making fun of other media members and younger media people going through the ranks, is almost like an initiation of sorts. Yeah, he's probably just joking around most of the time, but sometimes it does get tired, especially when he uses the same jokes over and over again, that could offend people. People are going to get tired of it. I guess Damon is probably the only guy to check Gary on that, perhaps. I agree that it is good that KNBR probably keeps them apart, even though we all feel that Damon should be back on 680. That would be kind of awkward if Damon was to move to 680 in the spot that Fitz and Brooks are in now, and Damon would have to "faceoff" with Gary and Krueger, unless they would just get rid of the "faceoff" with that spot, kind of like how Gary and Krueger don't "faceoff" with Murph and Mac, but I think that's usually because they go long and they don't have time for the "faceoff". I agree with you on Damon. It's good that he sticks to doing things his way, and he's not going to change the way of doing his show. It's kind of too bad it's gotten him in trouble though, such as being demoted to 1050, not getting as much notoriety on KNBR in general, and being in somewhat hot water with the big wigs of the front offices of the Giants, 49ers, Warriors, and maybe even the front offices of the A's, Raiders, and Sharks too, but mainly the Giants though. He never really has Giants players on his show or other Giants-related guests like Larry Baer or Kruk and Kuip or Jon Miller on his show. I think Dave Flemming has been on his show. I think the last Giants player that Damon interviewed on his show was Posey back in 2010. But yeah, it's nice that Damon doesn't change who he is or how he does his show to cater to the front offices of the Bay Area sports teams, even though it probably has gotten him in trouble at times, which is kind of too bad. It kind of shows how these teams kind of control what is being said in the Bay Area media, and if you are very critical of them, you might pay a price.

TommyJ

Just announced on The Game-"Lucky Break 2-Guru Boogaloo"....the ratings decline will continue.

Otis Byrd III

haha. Wow, they're doing this again? Maybe I should try out. No offense to them but, sometimes when you listen to The Guru and Zachariah (sp?), I feel like I could host a sports show. Doesn't anyone else get this feeling too when you listen to those guys? The thing is, I think I would get too nervous and wouldn't want to embarrass myself in front of everyone there. LOL. But wow, they're doing this again. I'm kind of surprised, even though I guess it's not bad that they're giving people a chance to tryout to host a sports show.

Fitz's Future Unemployment Check

The few times I've heard them, I've realized all you need for a show is to yell all day long about how people should be fired, make terrible predictions (Guru thought the Raiders would beat Baltimore) and thump your chest about the rare ones you get right while ignoring any bad one. I totally could do that.