Ronn Owens moves to KSFO in major Bay Area radio shakeup

KGO (810 AM) laid off most of its news staff Thursday and announced that veteran show host Ronn Owens is moving to a new post at sister station KSFO (560 AM).|
KATY LIEBER
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

In a big Bay Area radio shakeup Thursday, KGO (810 AM) laid off most of its news staff and announced that veteran talk show host Ronn Owens is moving to a new post at sister station KSFO (560 AM).

Owens, who has been battling Parkinson's disease since 2001, thanked his listeners in a Facebook post for their support, calls and friendship over the 40+ years at the San Francisco talk station. "Words can't even begin to express my gratitude. You have become family to me. We've laughed together, cried together, debated major issues together and grown together.

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Owens also addressed the layoffs in the post, saying they are part of the station's "new direction" and that he felt "absolutely terrible" about the job losses.

His new show on KSFO starts Monday, where he will be filling the 3 p.m.-6 p.m. time slot.

The changes, by Atlanta-based station owner Cumulus Media,, hint at a format change that eliminates local news in favor of mostly syndicated talk shows.

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