Papa unconcerned about any backlash over move to KNBR
It has been an eventful year for veteran Bay Area sportscaster Greg Papa.
In January, he became the new radio play-byplay announcer for the San Francisco 49ers — a role he never envisioned while holding the same job for the Raiders from 1997 through the 2017 season.
Then, last month, he gave up his noon-time sports talk show on KMGZ (95.7 FM — The game) and jumped to KNBR (680-AM), the 49ers flagship station. Beginning today, Papa will reunite with his previous KMGZ on-air partner, John Lund, to launch a program on KNBR’s 10 a.m.-2 p.m. time slot.
Papa’s move triggered a substantial revamp at KNBR that included the departures of longtime fixtures Gary Radnich and Bob Fitzgerald. (Papa and Lund take over the time slot once ruled by Radnich).
His arrival at KNBR comes as the ratings battle between upstart KMGZ and the selfdescribed “Sports Leader” intensifies. Papa’s
former show ranked as the most popular on KMGZ’s roster and consistently beat KNBR’s offering in the time slot. Now, he faces off against his former colleagues.
We recently caught up with Papa to get his take on things. (This interview has been edited for length and clarity):
The overhaul at KNBR is pretty dramatic. Are you prepared to hear, or read, some criticism from some who believe this hire essentially forced out Radnich and Fitzgerald?
Well, the changes weren’t for financial reasons. They were all about having to create a time slot. … I work for myself, first of all, and try to meet the highest of standards. And then it’s also about the audience and how to please them, first and foremost.
Now you’re taking over a time slot long occupied by Radnich, who has been proclaimed by himself — and others — as “the man who built the station.”
I have tremendous respect for Gary and when we open the show on Tuesday, we’ll acknowledge him. He’s been very good to me over the years. We’re not close friends, but we’re certainly not enemies. … I admire his style and what he has accomplished in this market.
Do you intend to do anything differently with this show? Anything you hope will set it apart from previous iterations?
Not really. I expect it to be similar to the show we did before on 95.7. We’re going to have some fun and (the content) will basically spring from our personalities, our knowledge of sports and the respect we have for one another. We’ll feel things out a little bit and see how things go. KNBR is somewhat different than 95.7.
In what way?
Well, 95.7 is more of the up-and-comer and in that position you’re more inclined to push it a bit. You’re trying to make your mark. You’re trying to take down the champ, so you’ve got to throw more haymakers.
What do you hear from Raiders fans these days? Sentiments of nostalgia — or bitterness?
I have felt nothing but love and admiration from Raider Nation and the feeling is mutual. … I’m not a spiteful person. I spent 21 years doing Raiders games and for many young fans, I was their liaison to the team. In those early years, there were a lot of (TV) blackouts so they built a connection to the Raiders through radio.
I’m sure there are some fans who are glad I’m gone and some who don’t like where I’ve landed. But this is my job and it’s the way the business works.
And what about 49ers fans? Do you feel like you’re being embraced by them — or is it still an ongoing process?
When I switched to the Giants from the A’s (on television in 2004), I felt some uneasiness. I wasn’t as comfortable. There was a little more apprehension. With this switch, I don’t sense it. I was fortunate to have been around Levi’s Stadium (for TV pre- and post-game shows) last season. I’ve heard some good-natured ribbing from a few fans: “Oh, you’re finally in the NFL.” ... Or “We’ve got more trophies than them.” But not one person has looked me in the eye and said, “Papa, you suck. Go back to the Raiders.”
I’ve not felt any ill will. I’m sure there’s some out there on the message boards. But I’ve worked my ass off and I’m more prepared than I’ve ever been going into a season.