The Federal Communications Commission last month gave the green light to CBS Corp.'s proposed acquisition of American Radio System Corp.

But what remains to be seen is how the San Jose-based stations involved, including KUFX-FM and KSJO-FM, will come out of the buyout.

Following FCC approval of its $1.6 billion acquisition of Boston-based American Radio. New York-based CBS promptly confirmed months of rumors by laying off nearly everyone at KITS-FM, its alternative rocker in San Francisco. The company then replaced the entire staff with that of KOME-FM, its alternative rocker in San Jose.

As a result of the gutting of KOME, which has long bested KITS in the ratings, Howard Stem's popular syndicated morning show is now airing out of San Francisco - the No. 4 radio market in the nation, with $255 million in revenue last year.

San Jose is No. 28, with $42 million in revenue, according to market research firm Duncan's American Radio in Cincinnati.

KOME - the second-highest-grossing station in San Jose, with $7.1 million in billings last year - is now a shadow of its former self, airing music and recorded station IDs without live personalities.

KITS, which most recently ranked No. 13 in the San Francisco market, is still a comparatively high revenue producer, with $8.8 million in sales last year. It provides wider coverage than KOME, with a 105.3 signal vs....