Where are they now?
We are compiling updates from all our local Bay Area Radio professionals. Submit your story!
Joel Abramson
- Role(s): Production Director, Music Director, DJ & Announcer
- Years Worked: 1973-2012
- Stations: KSEL, KZOZ, KTIM, KBLX. EDU:KYHS, KOHM, KSFS, KSJS, KOHL
- Website
My story starts in the Bay Area, goes to Texas, California’s Central Coast, and returns to the Bay Area. Educational radio is significant in this Journey:
– Junior HS, KYHS Ygnacio Valley HS Walnut Creek DJ.
– Senior HS, KHOM Monterey HS Lubbock Tx, PD & DJ.
– KSEL AM/FM/TV(ABC affiliate) Lubbock Tx, DJ.
– Attended SFSU and graduated with BA in Radio & Television. DJ & PD at KSJS at college. During the summers I returned to Lubbock to produce and DJ at KSEL.
After college was Production Director & DJ at KZOZ FM San Luis Obispo CA. 2 Years later became Production Director and DJ at KTIM AM & FM San Rafael. Became Production Director/Announcer at KBLX AM(KRE) & FM lasting 27 years.
In 1998 was hired by SJSU/RTVF Dept. Chair MIKE ADAMS to develop and teach a class on Pro Tools in conjunction with the college radio station KSJS. This developed into a part time teaching career that included De Anza and Ohlone Community Colleges(KOHL FM) and Ex’pression Colleges teaching Radio, Television, and Film Sound production and media theory classes. 2014, MA Theatre Arts SJSU, thesis: The role of Radio in the emerging Digital Age.
Joel is married to SJSU sweetheart Karen Rosenkrantz (Karen Dark) DJ & Program coordinator KBLX/KRE 1980-84
Jerry Bell
- Role(s): News Anchor and Reporter
- Years Worked: 1976-1986
- Stations: K-101
I worked an internship into a full time job at K-101. I started my career in this big market in my early 20’s and worked mostly out of the City Hall press room. I went on to anchor in morning drive. It was a fascinating time. I covered the AIDS epidemic, the assassinations of Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone and the Patty Hearst trial…
I moved to Denver and spent 35 years at KOA and iHeart talk stations in the Denver. I’ve been a News Director, Pd and News Anchor and Reporter. I’m a member of the Denver Press Club Hall of fame. I love Denver but my best radio stories come from my SF days.
Stan Bunger
- Role(s): News Anchor and Reporter
- Years Worked: 1977-2021
- Stations: KRKC, KVML, KTHO, KXRX, KFBK, KCBS
- Website: www.stanbunger.com
After graduating from West Valley College and San Francisco State University, I did what everyone did back then: subscribe to “Broadcasting” magazine to look for “Help Wanted” ads. My “lucky break” came when a college friend mentioned a job at KRKC in King City, CA. Armed with my hard-won FCC 3rd Class license, I became the News Director and morning DJ, earning $600 a month.
After a brief stay at KRKC, I worked my way up (measured by elevation, at least) to jobs at KVML/Sonora (we actually ran all-news from 6 to 9 AM) and KTHO/South Lake Tahoe. My Bay Area break was at KXRX in San Jose, carrying all-news blocks in morning and afternoon drive. After KXRX dumped the news/talk format (I was the guy who flipped the switch to a simulcast with KSJO, fading up on The Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again”), I collected a few unemployment checks, became the Assignment Editor at KNTV (Channel 11), and wangled my way into a job at KFBK/Sacramento as Assistant News Director.
In April 1982, I started at KCBS as a street reporter and weekend anchor. Ten years later, I took a detour to Dallas (KRLD), returned to the Bay Area to do some tech-related TV reporting, and re-joined KCBS in 2000 as AM anchor, choosing my own retirement date in 2021.
I programmed KOIT from 2011-2013, thoroughly revamping the brand and returning the station to a ratings leadership position in San Francisco. Led a talented staff of market veterans including Jack Kulp and Teri King. Instituted a disciplined, PPM-oriented music approach based on incisive market research and comprehensive television and direct mail campaigns. These drove sustained audience increases in key advertising demos. By 2013, KOIT had risen to #1 Adults in the Bay Area, establishing the foundation for continued ratings dominance in the years that followed.
In addition, I led turnarounds at other major AC outlets including KOSI/Denver and WLYF/Miami, along with Classic Hits WMXJ/Miami which achieved the best ratings in its history during my tenure. My career also included successful stops in New Orleans, San Antonio, and Raleigh.