Bay Area radio personality Greg Papa has spoken out about his recent layoff from station KNBR, occurring while he is engaged in a difficult battle with leukemia. Papa, 63, who has been the play-by-play announcer for the San Francisco 49ers, described the situation as unexpected and emotionally taxing.
Papa was diagnosed with leukemia last summer after experiencing illness during a vacation in France. The diagnosis led to significant health complications, including a period in the ICU where he was placed on a ventilator and in an induced coma. He spent 78 days hospitalized, describing the experience as life-threatening and life-altering. His younger sister provided stem cells for a bone marrow transplant, but this led to complications, including pneumonia.
Despite his health struggles, Papa stated he was cleared to return to his radio show, "Papa & Silver," which he co-hosted for seven years. He expressed his expectation of returning to work, only to receive a phone call informing him of his termination from the station. He is still employed as the play-by-play announcer for the 49ers and hopes to return to calling games this season.
Cumulus Media, the owner of KNBR, issued a statement acknowledging Papa's contributions and stating, "We’re not able to comment on the specifics of his departure." The company added that its "respect and gratitude for everything Greg has given to KNBR, its listeners and its team runs deep," and that it is "exploring ways we can bring his voice back to the station."
Cumulus Media, which operates 394 radio stations, filed for bankruptcy protection in March, citing competition from digital audio platforms, changes in the advertising market, and declining radio audiences. The company previously filed for bankruptcy in 2017.
Lamont Hollywood, another personality from sister station 107.7 The Bone, was also recently laid off.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established by the David Benzer Strike Out Fear Foundation to assist with Papa's recovery expenses.