Ronn Owens is a legendary talk radio host best known for his 47-year tenure at KGO 810 AM, where he became the Bay Area’s “Voice of Reason.” His sharp yet fair-minded approach to talk radio made him one of the most respected and influential broadcasters in the country.

Throughout his career, Owens interviewed some of the most notable figures in politics, culture, and world affairs, including Presidents Carter, Clinton, and Obama, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and California Governor Gavin Newsom. Whether discussing global conflicts, domestic policy, or everyday issues that mattered to his listeners, Owens always brought a thoughtful, engaging perspective to the conversation.

His work earned him some of the industry’s highest honors, including:

• Two NAB Marconi Radio Awards for Major Market Personality of the Year (2003 & 2010)

• National Radio Hall of Fame Inductee (2015)

• Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame Inductee (2007)

• Named one of the Top 25 Greatest Radio Talk Show Hosts of All Time by Talkers Magazine

Beyond radio, Owens authored Voice of Reason: Why the Left and Right Are Wrong, reflecting his commitment to fair, nuanced discourse over partisan extremes. In 2014, he publicly shared his battle with Parkinson’s disease, becoming an advocate for awareness and research while continuing to engage with his audience.

Now retired and residing in Arizona, Owens remains a respected voice in media, leaving behind a legacy of intelligent, reasoned dialogue in an era of increasingly polarized conversations. He is married to longtime KGO and KCBS radio personality Jan Black. They are the parents of two daughters, Sarah and Laura, and grandparents to Gavin.

Ronn Owens speaking into a microphone while holding a pen
Two men posing playfully in a room, Ronn Owens and Mohammad Ali, who is the one in a striped shirt seated, and the other standing, playfully headlocking the seated man.
Ronn Owens and Nancy Pelosi posing in a radio studio, with a person working behind them.
Ronn Owens and Gavin Newsom smiling in an indoor setting next to a window, with a whiteboard in the background.
Ronn Owens wearing headphones speaking into a microphone.
Two men posing for a photo at KGO AM 810 in San Francisco, one man wearing a suit and tie, Barack Obama, and the other in a dark shirt, Ronn Owens.
Ronn Owens wearing Beats headphones and a blue polo shirt, smiling and talking into a microphone.
George Lopez, Bob Saget, and Ronn Owens posing together in formal attire, smiling
Ronn Owens and Tim Ferriss posing happily in front of a broadcast studio sign, one wearing a "take five meditation" shirt.
Ronn Owens and Martin Short in suits smiling and laughing at an event.
Ronn Owens and Nancy Pelosi smiling.
William H. Macy and Ronn Owens taking a selfie at an event with "Award" visible in the background.
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Chris Matthews and Ronn Owens standing together and smiling.
Ronn Owens and Madeline Albright smiling and hugging, with the man wearing glasses and a patterned shirt.
Ronn Owens and Jane Fonda at KGO AM 810 in San Francisco.
Ronn Owens smiling beside plaques for KGO AM 810 Radio Studio M and Ronn Owens Broadcast Studio in San Francisco.
Ronn Owens in glasses and a checkered shirt sitting and talking, with a watch on his wrist.
Hugh Jackman and Ronn Owens at a San Francisco Giants game with people in the background.
John McCain and Ronn Owens standing side by side at KGO AM 810 in San Francisco.
Ronn Owens and Condoleezza Rice
Bob Saget, Mark Thompson, Gavin Newsom, and Ronn Owens
Jackie Chan and Ronn Owens at KGO AM 810 in San Francisco.
Ronn Owens and Barbara Walters at KGO AM 810 in San Francisco.

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