S-F Radio: Go Fund Me Set-Up to Benefit KGO Icon Ronn Owens

Ronn Owens, the beloved Bay Area radio personality who shaped the airwaves for nearly five decades, says he is facing significant financial hardship after enduring a series of health challenges.

The S-F  Chronicle reports the 79-year-old former KGO host, whose voice became synonymous with San Francisco talk radio, revealed in a Facebook post on New Year’s Eve that his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease, along with multiple bouts of cancer, heart issues and recent hospitalizations, has left him struggling to keep up with medical costs.

“Life has thrown a few more punches my way,” Owens wrote on Tuesday, Dec. 31. “It’s been a rough road, and honestly, it’s hard to admit that the financial strain has become overwhelming on top of everything else.”

Owens, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2001, retired from KGO in 2021 — shortly before the station’s longtime news-talk format was discontinued. 

A fixture in the Bay Area media landscape, KGO had been the region’s top-rated radio station for decades, with Owens hosting influential guests like President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his tenure. 

For much of his career, KGO was the station where the Bay Area’s daily news agenda was set, and Owens was its trusted voice.

Despite his long-standing success, Owens acknowledged that he never imagined a time when he would need financial assistance.

A member of both the National Radio Hall of Fame and the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame, Owens has seen his health decline over the years, with Parkinson's disease complicating his recovery from other illnesses, including COVID-19 and pneumonia.

Friends and family have set up a GoFundMe page to help Owens cover his mounting medical expenses, including a recent extended hospital stay. The goal is set for $60,000.

Owens, now living in Arizona with his wife, Jan Black, expressed his gratitude for the support, thanking the community that has been integral to his career.

Owens was a renowned radio host and journalist who spent 38 years at KGO810 AM in San Francisco. His career spanned over four decades, earning him numerous accolades and a loyal following.

Early Career and Achievements

• 1968-1980: Owens began his radio career at various stations, including KFAX and KSFO, before joining KGO in 1975 as a news anchor and reporter.
• 1980s-1990s: He transitioned to hosting his own talk show, focusing on news, politics and current events.
• Awards and Recognition: Owens received multiple awards, including:
• Edward R. Murrow Award (2007) for Best Radio News Documentary
• Peabody Award (2008) for his documentary series "The Voice of the People"
• Inducted into the Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame (2007)

Notable Shows and Segments

• "The Ronn Owens Show": His weekday talk show (10 am-2 pm) featured in-depth interviews, news analysis and listener discussions.
• "The KGO Morning News": Owens co-anchored this weekday news program (5-10 am).
• "The KGO Weekend News": He hosted this weekend news magazine show

Impact and Legacy

• Influential Voice: Owens' insightful commentary and interviewing style made him a respected figure in Bay Area journalism.
• Community Involvement: He actively participated in charitable events and fundraisers.
• Mentorship: Owens guided aspiring journalists and radio professionals.

Departure and Post-KGO Career

• 2019: Owens retired from KGO after 38 years, citing a desire for new challenges.
• Current Endeavors: He continues to engage in public speaking, writing and consulting.

Industry Recognition and Impact

• National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Distinguished Service Award (2019)
• Radio Hall of Fame induction (2020)
• Bay Area journalism icon, inspiring future generations

Ronn Owens' remarkable career at KGO has left an indelible mark on San Francisco's radio landscape.