KMET was a notable FM radio station in Los Angeles, known for its rock music format. Here are some key points about KMET:
- Frequency: 94.7 MHz
- Format: Album-oriented rock (AOR)
- Operational Years: 1968 – 1987
- Nickname: “The Mighty Met”
KMET gained a significant following for its progressive rock format, freeform radio style, and influential DJs. The station was a cultural staple in Los Angeles during the 1970s and 1980s. In 1987, KMET switched formats and call letters, becoming KTWV “The Wave,” which adopted a smooth jazz format.
KLOS is another prominent FM radio station in Los Angeles, known for its rock music format. Here are some details about KLOS:
- Frequency: 95.5 MHz
- Format: Classic rock
- Launch Date: December 30, 1969
- Owner: Meruelo Media (as of the latest information available)
KLOS has been a staple of Los Angeles radio for decades, renowned for its classic rock programming and popular morning shows, such as the “Mark and Brian Show” which ran from 1987 to 2012, and the “Frosty, Heidi & Frank Show” which began in 2012. The station has a dedicated following and has played a significant role in the rock music scene in Los Angeles.
KWST was an FM radio station in Los Angeles known for its rock music format during its years of operation. Here are some key details about KWST:
- Frequency: 105.9 MHz
- Format: Rock (during its prominent years)
- Operational Years: It was most active as KWST during the 1970s.
- Changes: In the late 1970s, KWST transitioned formats and eventually became KPWR (“Power 106”), which adopted a rhythmic contemporary format in 1986 and became highly successful as a hip-hop station.
KWST played a notable role in the Los Angeles radio market during its time as a rock station before the frequency shifted formats and became a major player in a different genre.
“Pirate Radio” in Los Angeles refers to KQLZ, an FM radio station known for its rock format and rebellious branding. Here are some key details:
- Frequency: 100.3 MHz
- Call Letters: KQLZ
- Branding: Pirate Radio 100.3
- Format: Hard rock, glam metal, heavy metal
- Operational Years as Pirate Radio: 1989 – 1992
- Owner: Westwood One
Pirate Radio was launched on March 17, 1989, by radio personality Scott Shannon. The station quickly gained attention for its aggressive rock format and bold, irreverent style. Despite its initial popularity, the station struggled with ratings over time and eventually changed its format. By 1992, Pirate Radio transitioned to more mainstream rock, and eventually, the station evolved into KXEZ “EZ 100.3” with a soft adult contemporary format before undergoing further changes over the years.
KROQ-FM, an influential alternative rock radio station in Los Angeles. Here are some key details:
- Frequency: 106.7 MHz
- Call Letters: KROQ-FM
- Branding: KROQ, sometimes referred to as “The Rock of the ’80s” or “The World Famous KROQ”
- Format: Alternative rock
- Launch Date: As KROQ-FM, it began in the mid-1970s, but it gained prominence in the late 1970s and 1980s.
KROQ has been a major force in shaping the alternative rock scene, not just in Los Angeles but nationwide. The station played a pivotal role in popularizing new wave, punk rock, grunge, and other alternative genres. Notable programs and DJs, such as Rodney Bingenheimer’s “Rodney on the ROQ,” helped break many new bands and songs to a wider audience.
KROQ’s influence extends beyond music to include cultural trends and youth culture, making it a significant player in the radio industry. The station continues to be a cornerstone of alternative rock music broadcasting.
91X (XETRA-FM) is a well-known alternative rock radio station broadcasting at 91.1 FM. It primarily serves the San Diego, California and Tijuana, Mexico areas, though it could be heard as far north as San Pedro, and has a long history of playing cutting-edge music. Here’s a summary of 91X’s history and format:
Key Details:
- Frequency: 91.1 FM
- Location: Licensed in Tijuana, Mexico, but serving the San Diego market.
- Launch Date: 1983
- Format: Alternative Rock
91X’s Format:
- Alternative Rock: Since its launch in 1983, 91X has been known for pioneering the alternative rock format in Southern California. The station focuses on playing a mix of current alternative, indie rock, and classic alternative from the 1980s and 1990s.
- Eclectic and Groundbreaking: 91X quickly became a cultural force in the 1980s by promoting punk, new wave, and other non-mainstream genres that were emerging at the time. Bands like The Cure, Depeche Mode, and U2 received significant airplay early in their careers.
- Local Support: 91X is known for supporting local artists and bands, which helped bolster the alternative and punk music scene in the San Diego area.
Influence:
91X became an influential station in the alternative rock world, especially during the 1980s and 1990s. It has helped introduce listeners to groundbreaking artists and played a role in shaping the alternative music landscape across Southern California and beyond.
Despite changes in ownership and competition from other stations, 91X continues to be a major player in the alternative rock format today. It is widely considered one of the pioneering stations of the genre.