A month after Cumulus Media controversially cut him loose, Greg Papa is heading back to KNBR’s weekday lineup. The Sports Leader has signed the 49ers’ radio voice for a new midday feature, Lunch With Papa, alongside twice-weekly team updates this NFL season.
KNBR announced Papa’s return on-air on Thursday, ahead of the 49ers’ season opener against the LA Rams from Melbourne, Australia.
The new programming marks Papa’s return to KNBR’s weekday lineup, where he spent seven years as a fixture of the station’s midday programming before being laid off in August. The dismissal drew considerable ire from Bay Area listeners and many in sports media, considering Papa’s recent battle with leukemia.
The show, which will air for one hour on weekdays at noon, pairs Papa with John Lund. During football season, Papa will also appear twice weekly on KNBR’s Morning Drive and Afternoon Drive shows with “Niners Updates With Greg Papa.”
Cumulus Media San Francisco/Los Angeles Regional Vice President and Market Manager Larry Blumhagen said, “Greg Papa is a Bay Area icon in sports broadcasting. His name and voice are synonymous with sports in this market. That connection is even stronger when speaking about the San Francisco 49ers. We are excited to have Greg back on air sharing his insights about all things Niners, and more!”
Papa commented, “I’m thrilled to be back on The Sports Leader and even more thrilled to be working with my good friend John Lund again. Let’s do this!”
