KGO 810, legendary longtime Bay Area talk radio station, ends format, leaves cryptic message

Bay Area radio station KGO 810 has shut down its talk radio programming, issuing only a cryptic message and replacing the local shows with pop music and promotions on air.

“Today we say goodbye to the legendary KGO,” read a message on the AM station’s website that came up Thursday morning for those who clicked on the website or links to “Ways to listen” or shows such as John Rothman’s or Pat Thurman’s.

“Over the last 80 years, KGO has been here for Bay area listeners covering and discussing all the news that has impacted our world and local communities. We thank you for your loyalty and for trusting KGO to be your source for information. We also want to sincerely thank all the talented men and women that worked so hard over the years to produce award-winning programming on KGO.

“On Monday, 810 am begins a new era. We hope you will tune in.”

On-air promos at around 11 a.m. Thursday called the mysterious programming switch “the biggest gamble in Bay Area radio history” and made references to betting and money.

Songs played Thursday morning followed the theme:  Pet Shop Boys’ “Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots Of Money);” followed by Pink Floyd’s “Money” and then “Take the Money and Run” by Steve Miller Band.

A subsequent promotion clip said, “Coming Monday: A radio station that covers ALL the action,” followed by the song “All I Do Is Win” by DJ Khaled.

Cumulus Media, the parent company of the station — which has studios in San Francisco — did not immediately respond to questions about the shutdown.