Before he checked himself into the Sharp Grossmont Hospital emergency room to see a doctor, longtime San Diego radio talk-show host, TV personality and popular emcee Mark Larson phoned the ER to ask about the wait time.
“Sharp Grossmont has one of the busiest ERs in the state. It was mid-afternoon on a Friday, and, fortunately, they said only eight people were waiting. So, I dropped by to find out what was going on in my body,” Larson told Times of San Diego.
The bloating in his lower left abdomen was diagnosed as lymphoma and resulted in a one-week’s stay at Sharp Memorial Hospital followed by chemotherapy treatments every three weeks, which began in April while in the hospital.
“Non-Hodgkins lymphoma is a type of cancer and one of the most common types of lymphoma, and there is a high survival rate,” Larson said. “I’m treatable, curable and, God willing, we’ll have victory and good news about remission after my last treatment at the end of July. In the meantime, the show must go on.”
Larson is continuing his regular work schedule of co-hosting with Leland Conway a weekday talk show from 6 to 8 p.m. on News Radio 600 KOGO-AM, as well as Sunday morning appearances to talk politics on KUSI-TV.
“Overall, I’m feeling fine,” said Larson. “My bones ache a few days after chemo and I take an occasional nap from fatigue. The bad cells that have gone rogue don’t like the treatments, which is good. And, I’m eager to learn what I need to learn on this road of life. There are so many other people going through much worse and tougher situations than mine, so I’m grateful. I’m finding joy in every moment, no matter what. ”
At 49 years, Larson currently holds the current, active longevity record for on-the-air radio and TV broadcast presence in the San Diego broadcasting market. He has worked at a half-dozen San Diego radio stations during his career, primarily KFMB, KCBQ and KOGO.
“We arrived in San Diego from Rockford, Illinois as very young newlyweds on June 12th, 49 years ago, and I’ve been working continuously on-air in radio ever since,” said Larson, who doesn’t talk about his age. “Just say that I’m in my middle-earlies.”
Instead of waiting to lose his full head of hair from chemotherapy, Larson decided to go bald early.
“I was watching tumble weeds fall out of hair when my art teacher and buddy Kenda Francis suggested a military-enlistment haircut now instead of later,” said Larson. “I’m looking forward to what kind of new crop grows back in August, maybe resembling a chia pet. Right now, my shiny top is what the cool kids are wearing this summer.”
Larson said the cancer diagnosis has resulted in a “life-sorting.”
“Although I wouldn’t wish this disease on anyone, it certainly has changed my perspective about life,” he said. “I’m enjoying the little stuff and I don’t get riled-up about things that used to bug me. It has caused a life-sorting, so to speak.”
An avid pilot, Larson is not permitted to fly solo while undergoing chemotherapy, according to Federal Aviation Administration rules.
“That’s one of the toughest things I’m missing right now because I’ve been flying a couple of times per week for the past eight years,” he said. “It’s okay to ride with another pilot who is the pilot in command, but not solo.
“I love flying. It’s my way to relax plus stay focused in my mind. Other people do crossword puzzles, but I think flying is a better way to keep to keep sharp mentally. To me, it’s essential.”
Also, Larson said he has been watching comedy shows, including old TV comedy sitcoms, such as “I Dream of Jeannie” (aired from 1965 to 1970) and “Bewitched” (aired from 1964 to 1972), to keep his spirits positive.
“I believe that a positive attitude and healing go together, so I’m trying to be positive every day and keep a sense of humor,” he said. “The more you laugh, the lower the pain and better the healing. So, I’m watching old TV shows. Some of those old shows are hilarious and priceless. The jokes work today just like they did back then.”
Larson said he’s received lots of encouragement from lymphoma and other cancer survivors, including from some people who don’t agree with his mostly-conservative political views.
“I’m very grateful for the outpouring of love and support,” he said. “And, I’ve also been surprised at the number of people who have come out of the woodwork because you’re now a member with them in the club,” he said. “Some of them have been people who don’t like me. It’s been sorta a strange blessing.”
Larson also said his Christian faith has helped him cope with the cancer.
“As a believer, imperfect as I am, I have a number of questions on my list to ask God in Heaven, such as `what were you thinking with this disease for me,’” he said. “I just need to remember that other people are dealing with much more difficult situations than me. I try to remember what that country song says: “If you’re going through hell, keep going, don’t stop.’”
Jack in the Box and T-Pain unleash Munchie Meal ad campaign
San Diego-based Jack in the Box has announced this year’s annual summertime ad campaign for its late-night Munchie Meal features Grammy-winning artist, streamer, podcaster and gaming legend T-Pain.
The T-Pain Munchie Meal, available until July 27, is “a flavor-packed, gamer-approved meal designed by none other than T-Pain,” a company statement said. “Whether you’re couch-locked, console-ready or out on a late-night drive, Jack and T-Pain have you covered.”
The meal features a choice of Burg-r-Tater Melt or Chick-N-Tater Melt, one taco, medium-sized curly fries, cookie, small drink and T-Pain air freshener.
“Late nights are when I’m at my most creative, whether I’m in the studio or gaming with my crew,” T-Pain said in a statement. “Jack has always been the spot for those sessions. This Munchie Meal hits every craving when I’m up all night chasing wins.”
In previous Munchie Meal campaigns, the fast-food hamburger chain has partnered with hip-hop heavyweights Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg.
“T-Pain is a multi-hyphenate force and creative powerhouse, just like Jack,” said Ryan Ostrom, chief customer and digital officer at Jack in the Box. “We both thrive on variety. From music to gaming to food, T-Pain brings something different to every experience. At Jack, we’ve built our brand around that same idea, offering unexpected flavor mash-ups and bold choices for whatever you’re craving. This Munchie Meal brings it all together for the fans who want more after dark.”
The current Munchie Meal campaign with T-Pain will include a live-streamed event on June 26 on Fortnite, the online multi-player game. Fans will be invited to jump-in, squad-up and compete in real time with T-Pain from his pro gaming studio.
This year’s campaign also includes the launch of a new online game called Jack Zone Wars. Available on T-Pain’s gamer’s desk, Jack Zone Wars turns soda cans, monitors and game controllers into terrain for digital battles.
Founded in 1951, Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK) operates approximately 2,220 restaurants across 22 statements, along with 600 Del Taco restaurants across 17 states.
San Diego’s OAN names Richard Levine president of distribution
Herring Networks, the parent company of One America News Network, a San Diego-based, conservative-leaning cable-TV streaming network, has named Richard Levine as president of distribution.
A statement said Levine will lead the distribution efforts for OAN and A Wealth of Entertainment (AWE), another TV channel operated by Herring Networks, across traditional cable and satellite distribution, along with the networks’ streaming, digital and broadcast deployments worldwide. Levine’s responsibilities will include analyzing developing markets, monetization opportunities and distribution strategies across emerging video platforms.
With two decades of expertise in video programming, Levine was previously head of distribution for two major national broadcast station groups. He also has held senior programming roles for YouTube TV, AT&T U-verse and DirecTV.
“Richard’s deep understanding of video programming and distribution is unmatched,” said Charles Herring, president of Herring Networks, Inc. “He has navigated this industry from every angle, giving him unique insight into how content providers and video distributors can collaborate to better serve audiences. His expertise will be invaluable to our company and make him a trusted partner for leading video platforms in the U.S. and beyond.”
“I am honored to be a part of OAN and AWE, two brands dedicated to providing highly desired programming that I’m proud to represent,” said Levine. “I’m thrilled to take the reins of distribution when the video marketplace is evolving rapidly on multiple platforms. It’s an exciting time.”
Levine earned a law degree from Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth.
Herring Networks recently announced it had signed a multi-year content carriage agreement with Spectrum TV, which will make OAN available to more than 12 million Spectrum TV subscribers across the country.
Spectrum TV, operated by Stamford, Conn.-based Charter Communications, is one of the nation’s largest cable and streaming TV providers with approximately 12.16 million residential TV subscribers as of the first quarter 2025, according to Charter’s 1Q earnings report.
In May, Charter Communications and Cox Communications announced plans to merge in a deal worth $34.5 billion, a figure that includes $21.9 billion of equity and $12.6 billion of net debt and other obligations. The combined company is expected to use the Cox name and Charter’s Spectrum, the brand on its cable, broadband, mobile and other services, as the consumer-facing brand.
Rick Griffin is a San Diego-based public relations and marketing consultant. His MarketInk column appears weekly on Mondays in Times of San Diego.
