I was dumbfounded to learn this morning (Friday, Feb. 19, 2010), that Lee Rodgers has left KSFO. He was my morning companion for years and there is nothing on the dial in the 5-9 AM slot that will satisfy conservative tastes as Lee never failed to do. He brought so much humor, firmness, and general acumen to local radio.
I was on Lee’s show in March, 1985 when he did a nightly broadcast on KGO from 7—10 pm. The topic was comedy, and the magazine I was publishing at the time was the centerpiece. Lee was the only talk show host who responded to the PR I sent to just about all the major hosts in the Bay Area.
When the show was over, Lee said, “You’re taking me to BART.” He was commuting at that time from Walnut Creek, I believe. It was a riot, but a friend had surprised me earlier that evening with a limousine stocked with champagne and chauffered me to the “new” KGO broadcast center like a celebrity. On the way back we talked about a lot of issues, Lee had some champagne, and I noted 6-7 books Lee was carrying under his arm “to prepare.” His eyes were red and he said he was getting little sleep from all the prep work he had to do for his shows and interviews. No one prepared more for his guests like Lee Rodgers.
If there is a way, I hope KSFO will somewhow bring Lee back. No local talk show conservative anywhere in the Bay Area can fill his shoes.
Dennis From Danville