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KCBS-FM (93.1 FM) is a commercial radio station in Los Angeles, California, serving Greater Los Angeles. It is owned by Audacy, Inc., and broadcasts an Adult hits music format branded "93.1 Jack FM".

Key Information

Unlike most radio stations airing the Jack FM formula, KCBS-FM runs a fairly focused playlist of popular classic rock and modern rock tracks. Currently, the station has no DJs. The only voices heard on Jack-FM are Crystal Z and Dr.Cranfill with "Jacktivities" (events and whatever announcements deemed worthy by "Jack") and Howard Cogan supplying prerecorded quips and ironic remarks between songs. Unlike most other stations in this format, the call sign does not include any form of the word "Jack", opting instead to keep call letters tied to the station's former CBS corporate identity.

Although Jack proclaims that the station is run "in a dumpy little building in Culver City", the KCBS-FM studios and offices are actually located at 5670 Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles, after moving from a previous location at the corner of Fairfax and Venice in 2018. The transmitter is atop Mount Wilson.[2] KCBS-FM broadcasts using HD Radio technology. Two digital subchannels carry country music and sports betting formats.

History

[edit]

The Young Sound and mellow rock

[edit]
Logo as KNX-FM during the "Mellow Rock" years.

On March 30, 1948, the station signed on as KNX-FM.[3] In its early years, KNX-FM was mostly a simulcast of sister station KNX (1070 AM). In the mid-1960s, KNX-FM, along with other CBS-owned FM radio stations, began airing an easy listening format branded as "The Young Sound". It played mostly instrumental cover versions of popular songs, but it was a bit more uptempo than competing beautiful music stations.

In 1973, KNX-FM switched to a mellow rock format, featuring artists airing on other rock stations but choosing softer selections than heard on rivals KLOS and KMET. (Volunteers launched an internet stream recreating the KNX-FM format of the 1973-1983 era in 2019, now calling itself "TheMellowSound.net, a KNX-FM 93 tribute".[4][5][6] Another tribute website is simply "mellowrock.com" with a similar mix of mellow rock and classic features.)[7]

Hitradio 93

[edit]

On August 25, 1983, KNX-FM adopted a contemporary hit radio music format, similar to the other CBS Radio FM stations, and branded as "Hitradio 93 KKHR". The heritage KNX-FM call sign switched to KKHR. KKHR was not a traditional top 40 music format of the time, as the playlist was more stringently limited to 30 songs.

The original KKHR disc jockey staff consisted of Lou Simon, Dave Donovan (whose real name is Joe Cipriano), Chris Lance, Todd Parker (replaced by Jack Armstrong several months later), and Mark Hanson. Rich Fields, who would later become the announcer on The Price Is Right for over six seasons, also joined KKHR in the station's last year with the "Hit Radio" format.

Until 2023, the KKHR call sign was now used by an Americana/Texas country/southern rock hybrid station serving Abilene, Texas. That station is now known as KABT.

Mellow rock returns

[edit]

Due to the station's lackluster ratings, the mellow rock format and heritage KNX-FM call letters were returned under the new branding "Quality Rock" in 1986.[8][9]

KNX-FM struggled with low ratings, and was not able to re-capture its original audience.[10] On March 2, 1989, at 12 pm, following a day-long stunt with a ticking clock during songs and an announcement from vice president and general manager Charlie Seraphin, an oldies music format was introduced and the heritage KNX-FM call sign was dropped yet again. (The KNX-FM call letters returned to the Los Angeles airwaves on December 21, 2021, when they were picked up by co-owned 97.1, formerly KNOU).

Oldies 93.1

[edit]

With the new oldies format, the station switched its call letters to KODJ and the branding changed to "Oldies 93.1".[11][12] KODJ competed with crosstown oldies rival KRTH, which later came under common CBS Radio ownership when limits were relaxed by the FCC.

KODJ focused more on the 1950s and the early 1960s era of oldies music than KRTH. DJs on KODJ were The Real Don Steele, Charlie Tuna, Rich Fields, Machine Gun Kelly and Jeff Serr. In response to KODJ's debut, KRTH gradually reduced and eventually faded out the number of newer songs from its playlist, focusing mainly on the 1960s decade of oldies with a few songs from the late 1950s. In addition, KRTH brought in Bill Drake as consultant while featuring all new jingles by the Johnny Mann Singers, which helped it reach higher ratings.[13] The Real Don Steele left KCBS-FM in mid-1992 to join KRTH. Charlie Tuna, the morning host at KODJ/KCBS-FM from 1989 to 1993, would later work at KRTH from 2008 to 2014. After his tenure at The Price is Right, Rich Fields was also on KRTH for a time as well.

On July 12, 1991, at 2 pm, KODJ changed to its present call sign, KCBS-FM, as part of a re-imaging marketing campaign to bring in new listeners believing the "CBS-FM" call letters had a stronger association with the oldies format.[14] These call letters had previously been used by two CBS-affiliated stations (now KSOL and KLLC) in San Francisco.[15] KCBS-FM still kept the oldies format, but shifted its focus mainly to the 1960s decade of oldies with a lesser selection of 1950s oldies, and more early-1970s rock oldies to better compete with KRTH.[16] (Since December 3, 1993, the KODJ calls have been assigned to a classic hits station in Salt Lake City, Utah.)

Arrow 93.1

[edit]

KCBS-FM struggled with low ratings, while KRTH continued to hold the majority share of the oldies market. On September 10, 1993, at 3 pm, KCBS-FM flipped to a mixed classic rock and classic hits format, and branded itself as "Arrow 93FM, All Rock and Roll Oldies".[17] The moniker "Arrow" stood for "All Rock and Roll Oldies". The new format focused on the late 1960s and the entire 1970s decade with an emphasis on only classic rock oldies, not including adult contemporary hits, Motown, bubblegum, disco or doo-wop.[18]

The Arbitron ratings for KCBS-FM went from 18th to 3rd place by the end of 1993, making the new format an immediate success.[19] The station kept the KCBS-FM call letters, but would only quickly identify its call sign once at the top of the hour per FCC station identification requirements. The format would later evolve towards classic rock of the late 1960s, 1970s, and early 1980s, and re-branded itself as "Arrow 93FM, All Rock & Roll Classics" in 1996.[20]

Jack-FM

[edit]

In 2005, Infinity Broadcasting (as CBS Radio was known at the time) won the licensing rights to brand its adult hits music formatted radio stations as "Jack FM". This led to yet another format change for KCBS-FM. On March 17, (St. Patrick's Day), after an all-day stunt with music from U2 (as that band is from Ireland), the classic rock format was dropped, as "93.1 Jack FM" debuted in Los Angeles, airing an adult hits format that started in Canada and was getting picked up in numerous U.S. markets.[21] The Jack format was a break from the heavily niched formats that had developed beginning in the 1970s. Jack was also unusual in that it employed no DJs, and had a much larger playlist than the typical classic hits or classic rock radio station.

The Los Angeles incarnation of Jack includes more modern rock titles than most Jack outlets, reflecting the local influence of KROQ-FM during its alternative heyday. Initially, KCBS-FM played a blend of pop and rock hits from the late 1960s to late 1980s, with a sprinkling of newer, sometimes almost current, tunes. Eventually, the newer songs and pop songs were phased out in favor of mostly classic rock and classic alternative. KCBS-FM is the longest-serving of all of CBS' Jack stations. CBS also introduced the Jack FM format in New York City, Las Vegas, Chicago, Dallas, Minneapolis, Seattle and Baltimore.

Though the station has no DJs, KCBS-FM will occasionally respond to current events, such as playing all Michael Jackson songs following his death, or spinning a celebratory tune or two following a local sports victory (especially with the Rams).

The "voice" of Jack FM is a real person named Howard Cogan. His quips which are heard between songs are created by a team of writers. As Jack became popular, Cogan moved to Los Angeles to record his comments more easily. He is also the voice-over artist for other "Jack FM" stations around the country.

In October 2008, CBS Radio chose not to move the KCBS-FM call letters to its sister station at 106.9 FM in San Francisco, after that station flipped from classic hits to an all-news simulcast of KCBS. That station remains KFRC-FM, heritage calls in themselves.

Entercom and Audacy

[edit]

On February 2, 2017, CBS Radio announced it would merge with Entercom.[22] The merger was approved on November 9, and was consummated on November 17.[23][24] As part of the agreement with CBS, Entercom was given the rights to use the brand and trademarks for KCBS-FM along with sister stations WCBS-AM (now WHSQ) and WCBS-FM in New York City, KCBS-AM in San Francisco for a 20-year period after which Entercom (or succeeding entity) will be required to relinquish using those call-letters.[25]

As part of the merger, the FM radio rights to the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League were moved to KCBS-FM from KSWD, which was sold off as part of the deal when it flipped to Christian adult contemporary format as KKLQ on November 16, 2017. The Rams broadcasts were FM only, and regular programming was exclusive to the Audacy app during game broadcasts, including in Los Angeles.[26]

On March 30, 2021, Entercom rebranded to the corporate name "Audacy". KCBS-FM programming is found on the Audacy.com website and app.

On June 6, 2024, KCBS-FM temporarily rebranded as 93.1 Blade FM in honor of Richard Blade receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.

KCBS-FM HD

[edit]

In addition to the main Jack FM format on HD1, KCBS-FM-HD2 simulcasts KFRG, its co-owned country music station in San Bernardino. Before KLSX switched from talk to CHR in 2009, 93.1 HD2 carried a CHR format with the "AMP Radio" branding.

Former sister station KFWB had been broadcasting on the KCBS-FM HD3 signal, but due to that station's sale, its signal is no longer heard on KCBS-FM. As of December 6, 2018, that signal began simulcasting all-news KNX (AM 1070). It has since carried KFRG/KXFG. On January 25, 2021, KCBS-FM-HD3 started carrying a nationally syndicated sports radio network, the BetQL Network, as "The Bet".[27]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

KCBS-FM

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
KCBS-FM (93.1 FM), branded as "93.1 JACK FM", is a commercial radio station licensed to Los Angeles, California, serving the Greater Los Angeles area with an adult hits format that features an eclectic playlist of popular songs primarily from the 1970s through the 2000s, delivered with minimal disc jockey interruptions and a humorous, irreverent on-air voice known as "Jack".[1][2][3] Owned and operated by Audacy, Inc. as of 2025, the station transmits with an effective radiated power of 27,500 watts from a transmitter located in the Hollywood Hills, covering Los Angeles County and surrounding regions.[1][4] The station signed on in 1948 as KNX-FM, owned by CBS, initially broadcasting a middle-of-the-road (MOR) format of mellow pop music to complement its AM sister station.[5] Over the decades, it underwent numerous call sign and format changes, including a brief stint as Top 40 "Hit Radio 93" under the KKHR calls in 1983, oldies as KODJ starting in 1989, and rock-flavored classic hits as "Arrow 93" after adopting the KCBS-FM call letters on September 10, 1993.[5] In March 2005, the station flipped to its current adult hits format as "JACK FM", adopting the tagline "Playing What We Want" and emphasizing a random, varied playlist that includes both major hits and obscure tracks, which helped it achieve strong listenership in the competitive Los Angeles market.[5][2][6] KCBS-FM has been recognized for its innovative programming approach, including temporary rebrands like "93.1 Blade FM" in June 2024 to honor longtime station personality Richard Blade receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and it maintains a strong digital presence through streaming on the Audacy app.[7][8] The station's ownership traces back to CBS until the 2017 merger with Entercom (now Audacy), solidifying its role as a key player in Audacy's Los Angeles cluster.[9][10]

History

Early years and easy listening (1948–1970)

KCBS-FM, originally known as KNX-FM, signed on the air on March 30, 1948, as a sister station to the CBS-owned KNX (1070 AM) in Los Angeles, primarily simulcasting the AM station's programming with only limited independent content.[11] Owned by CBS from its inception, the station benefited from the network's resources, including shared news, entertainment, and sports content that enhanced its reach in the post-World War II era when FM radio was still emerging as a viable medium.[11] This simulcast approach was common for FM outlets at the time, allowing CBS to extend KNX's established audience while complying with early FCC regulations that encouraged but did not yet mandate distinct FM programming.[12] During the 1950s and early 1960s, KNX-FM continued its simulcast operations, with gradual technical improvements reflecting the growing infrastructure of FM broadcasting, such as enhanced studio facilities at CBS's Columbia Square in Hollywood.[13] By the mid-1960s, in response to FCC rules requiring more original FM content, the station began transitioning away from full duplication, introducing separate programming while remaining under CBS ownership.[12] This period marked the station's evolution toward a distinct identity, leveraging CBS's national affiliation for syndicated features and talent. In the late 1960s, KNX-FM adopted the "The Young Sound" easy listening format, a syndicated CBS offering designed to appeal to young adults with light adult contemporary music, including vocal tracks by artists like Frank Sinatra and Andy Williams alongside instrumental covers of popular songs.[13] The format emphasized a relaxed, sophisticated sound to attract a post-war demographic seeking alternatives to rock-heavy AM radio, featuring deejays such as Steve Allen and Bob Crane who hosted shows blending music with light talk.[13] This shift positioned KNX-FM as a pioneer in beautiful music programming on the FM dial, capitalizing on the clearer audio quality of FM to deliver lush arrangements and orchestral interpretations.[12] By 1970, the station's easy listening approach had solidified its niche, setting the stage for a natural evolution into mellow rock elements in the following year.[13]

Mellow rock and format shifts (1971–1988)

On April 1, 1971, under CBS ownership, KNX-FM transitioned from its easy listening roots to a mellow rock format branded as "The Mellow Sound," offering a relaxed alternative to the high-energy album-oriented rock stations like KLOS and KMET dominating the Los Angeles market.[14][13] This shift emphasized softer selections from rock artists, including the Eagles' harmonious ballads like "Peaceful Easy Feeling" and Carole King's introspective tracks from Tapestry, alongside singer-songwriters such as Joni Mitchell and Boz Scaggs, creating a sophisticated, adult-oriented playlist that appealed to listeners seeking a calmer FM experience.[13] Program director Steve Marshall, who had begun shaping the format in the early 1970s, curated deeper album cuts and light jazz infusions to differentiate the station, fostering a loyal audience among affluent adults in Southern California.[13] The format's stability was influenced by the FCC's 1981 deregulation of radio, which eliminated mandates for non-entertainment programming and guidelines on format diversity, granting stations greater flexibility to experiment amid growing competition from FM outlets.[15] By the early 1980s, however, CBS sought to capture younger demographics, leading to a dramatic pivot on August 25, 1983, when KNX-FM rebranded as KKHR "HitRadio 93" and adopted a contemporary hit radio (CHR) format targeting teenagers and young adults.[16] Under new program director Michael Sheehy, the station shifted to high-energy pop hits from artists like Michael Jackson's Thriller era smashes and Madonna's debut singles, featuring tight playlists, upbeat jingles, and personalities such as Jackson Armstrong to compete with Top 40 rivals like KIIS-FM.[17] This change propelled KKHR to a "worst-to-first" surge in Arbitron ratings, achieving the No. 1 position in Los Angeles within months of launch, though it alienated the station's original mellow rock listeners.[18] By 1986, KKHR's ratings had eroded amid intensifying competition from stations like KOST-FM, prompting CBS to revert to the KNX-FM callsign and reinstate a mellow rock format on May 31, emphasizing adult contemporary rock with album tracks from artists like Steely Dan and Linda Ronstadt to recapture the older, upscale demographic.[19] Station manager Robert Nelson oversaw the transition, incorporating lifestyle reporting and serene on-air delivery to evoke the pre-1983 vibe, though the core audience had partially migrated elsewhere.[19] This reversion highlighted the format's instability during the decade, as CBS navigated commercial pressures and listener preferences in a deregulated environment, ultimately setting the stage for further evolutions beyond 1988.[20]

Oldies and classic rock eras (1989–2004)

In March 1989, KCBS-FM, then operating as KNX-FM, transitioned to an oldies format under the new call letters KODJ and branded as "Oldies 93.1," focusing primarily on upbeat 1960s hits such as tracks by the Beatles and the Beach Boys.[21][22] This pivot from the station's prior mellow rock era provided a bridge to softer classic rock elements while introducing a nostalgia-driven playlist that quickly propelled KODJ into high Arbitron rankings, generating national interest in Los Angeles radio competition.[23] On July 12, 1991, the station changed its call sign to KCBS-FM as part of a re-imaging effort to leverage the CBS brand for broader appeal, while maintaining the oldies format with an expanded emphasis on 1960s and early 1970s music, including Motown selections like those from the Supremes and British Invasion tracks from the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.[24][25] Under continued CBS ownership, this stability allowed for consistent programming that sustained listener engagement amid market challenges. In September 1993, KCBS-FM rebranded as "Arrow 93.1," shifting to a classic rock format that delved into deeper album cuts from artists like Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, differentiating it from pure oldies competitors through a blend of rock staples from the late 1960s to the 1980s. The format, automated for efficiency during off-peak hours, achieved strong ratings by fall 1993, piercing long-standing market ceilings. Ownership remained stable under CBS until its 1995 acquisition by Westinghouse Electric, followed by the integration with Infinity Broadcasting in a $3.9 billion deal that merged operations and supported format consistency through 1998 when CBS restructured its radio holdings.[26][27]

Jack FM adoption and recent developments (2005–present)

In March 2005, KCBS-FM transitioned to the adult hits format branded as "93.1 Jack FM," replacing its long-running classic rock "Arrow 93.1" presentation with an automated, DJ-free playlist drawing from the station's rock heritage.[28] The format emphasized eclectic variety, playing hits spanning the 1960s through the early 2000s, such as tracks by AC/DC, The Police, and the B-52's, voiced in a signature irreverent style by Howard Cogan.[29][30] This shift aimed to broaden appeal through unpredictable sequencing and minimal interruptions, positioning the station as "Playing What We Want" without traditional jocks.[6] Ownership of KCBS-FM evolved significantly in the late 2010s amid industry consolidation. In November 2017, CBS Radio merged with Entercom Communications in a $2.5 billion deal, forming one of the largest U.S. radio operators and transferring control of the station to the new entity.[31] Entercom rebranded to Audacy in March 2021, reflecting a pivot toward integrated audio platforms including podcasts and digital streaming, though KCBS-FM retained its core Jack FM identity.[32] Under Audacy, the station has incorporated occasional live segments, such as Richard Blade's "Flashback Lunch," to enhance listener engagement while maintaining the automated backbone.[33] In June 2024, KCBS-FM temporarily rebranded as "93.1 Blade FM" on June 6 to honor veteran DJ Richard Blade's induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame, featuring new imaging and promotions tied to his career before reverting to Jack FM the following day.[34] Recent years have seen programming tweaks for wider demographic reach, including curated promotions and playlist adjustments to include more modern rock edges, amid Audacy's broader challenges.[35] The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January 2024 due to heavy debt from prior acquisitions, emerging restructured in September 2024 under new ownership led by Soros Fund Management, but facing ongoing financial pressures.[36] In March 2025, Audacy conducted layoffs affecting approximately 250-300 employees nationwide, including the departure of KCBS-FM program director Ralph Stewart, signaling potential further operational shifts though no format change has occurred as of November 2025.[37]

Technical facilities

Transmitter and signal coverage

KCBS-FM broadcasts on the frequency of 93.1 MHz in the FM band, operating with an effective radiated power (ERP) of 27,500 watts.[1][38] The station's transmitter is located on Mount Wilson in the San Gabriel Mountains, at coordinates 34°13′55″N 118°04′21″W, with an antenna height above average terrain (HAAT) of 1,074 meters, enabling broad signal propagation across the region.[1][38] As a Class B station under Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations, KCBS-FM is designated for secondary service areas, providing interference protection to primary Class A and C stations while maximizing coverage within its allocated contour.[38][39] The non-directional antenna pattern supports consistent signal distribution, though the dense clustering of transmitters on Mount Wilson requires adherence to FCC spacing rules to mitigate potential interference from adjacent-channel stations.[1] The station's signal covers the Greater Los Angeles area comprehensively, extending eastward to Riverside and San Bernardino counties and southward into portions of Orange County, reaching a primary contour radius of approximately 96 kilometers based on FCC propagation models.[40] This wide footprint serves approximately 13 million residents in the Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim metropolitan statistical area (as of 2023), with the elevated HAAT contributing to reliable reception in urban and suburban zones.[1][41] HD Radio operations extend the analog signal's reach by multiplexing digital subchannels without altering the primary analog coverage parameters.[1]

Studio locations

KCBS-FM's studios were originally located in the CBS Columbia Square building at 6121 Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, where the station began operations as KNX-FM in 1948 and remained until 2004.[42][43] This facility served as the West Coast headquarters for CBS radio operations, hosting production for the station's early easy listening and mellow rock formats.[42] In 2004, as part of CBS Radio's consolidation efforts amid the sale of Columbia Square, KCBS-FM relocated to 5901 Venice Boulevard in the Crestview neighborhood, sharing space with KROQ-FM in a facility previously used by other stations.[43] This move supported the station's transition through format changes, including the adoption of the Jack FM adult hits brand in 2005, by providing production capabilities suited to its needs.[43] Following the 2017 merger of CBS Radio with Entercom (now Audacy), KCBS-FM consolidated further in 2018 to its current location at 5670 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 200, sharing the high-rise tower with sister stations such as all-news KNX (1070 AM) and others in the cluster.[44] This relocation from the previous site at 5901 Venice Boulevard near Fairfax Avenue was driven by the sale of the older property for $26 million, enabling cost efficiencies and integrated workflows across Audacy's Los Angeles properties.[45] The post-2000s relocations have enhanced operational efficiency for KCBS-FM, particularly through the integration of digital broadcasting tools and automated systems tailored to the low-personnel Jack FM format, which relies on voice-tracked programming and minimal on-site staffing.[44] These changes under successive owners have optimized production for the station's broad adult hits playlist while maintaining a presence in central Los Angeles.

HD Radio subchannels

HD1: Main programming

HD1 simulcasts the main analog signal of KCBS-FM, broadcasting the adult hits format in digital format.[1]

HD2: Country music simulcast

HD2 carries a country music format, simulcasting KKGO (105.1 FM).[1]

HD3: Sports betting network

HD3 airs programming from the BetQL Network, focused on sports betting content.[1][46]

HD Radio subchannels

HD1: Main programming

KCBS-FM's HD1 subchannel functions as the primary digital stream, simulcasting the station's analog signal with the Jack FM adult hits format. This digital channel launched in January 2006 as part of CBS Radio's initiative to deploy HD Radio technology across over 60 stations in 17 markets, including Los Angeles.[47] The programming on HD1 exactly replicates the analog broadcast, featuring an automated playlist of rock, pop, and hit songs drawn from multiple decades without disc jockey interruptions. Representative tracks include "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi and "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" by Eurythmics, emphasizing a broad, eclectic variety typical of the Jack FM brand introduced on KCBS-FM in 2005.[48][49] Employing iBiquity Digital Corporation's HD Radio technology, HD1 provides CD-quality audio that surpasses traditional FM in clarity and reduces interference like static and fading. In the Los Angeles market, a leader in HD Radio adoption with 38 digital stations by 2009, this enhancement integrates seamlessly with the main format to offer listeners equipped with HD receivers improved sound fidelity.[50][51]

HD2: Country music simulcast

The HD2 subchannel of KCBS-FM, branded as "93.1 HD2 K-FROG," was launched in early 2019 following the 2017 merger of Entercom (now Audacy) and CBS Radio, which facilitated expanded digital multicasting across its stations.[52] It simulcasts the country music format of sister station KFRG (95.1 FM) in San Bernardino and KXFG (92.9 FM) in Menifee, providing listeners in the greater Los Angeles area with access to programming not fully covered by KFRG's analog signal, which weakens in urban LA due to distance and terrain.[53] The subchannel mirrors KFRG's focus on new country hits from contemporary artists such as Morgan Wallen, alongside a selection of classic country tracks for broader appeal.[54] Programming aligns directly with KFRG's schedule (as of April 2025), featuring the local morning show "Kelli and Anthony in the Morning" with Kelli Green and Anthony Donatelli (weekdays 6-10 a.m. PT), "Heather Froglear" (10 a.m.-3 p.m. PT), "Katie" (3-7 p.m. PT), and evening show "Rob & Holly" (7 p.m.-midnight PT), among others.[55][56] This includes coverage of live events like the annual K-FROG Christmas Throwdown concert and occasional feeds from Nashville-based networks for awards shows or special broadcasts.[57] Audacy's ownership structure enables this cross-station simulcast, optimizing HD Radio multicasting to deliver the format efficiently without dedicated analog infrastructure in LA.[52] Technically, HD2 operates at a lower bitrate—typically around 64 kbps for secondary channels—to conserve bandwidth and support additional subchannels like HD3, ensuring reliable audio quality comparable to streaming services while prioritizing the main HD1 signal.[58]

HD3: Sports betting network

In January 2021, KCBS-FM launched its HD3 subchannel as an affiliate of the BetQL Network (rebranded as The BetMGM Network in February 2025), branded as "The Bet," offering a 24/7 sports betting-focused format aimed at providing listeners with odds, analysis, and expert picks.[59][60][61] This move by then-parent company Entercom (now Audacy) capitalized on the growing U.S. sports wagering industry following the 2018 Supreme Court decision that invalidated the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), enabling states to legalize sports betting. The 2025 rebrand expanded Audacy's partnership with BetMGM, enhancing content delivery for around 100 hours of original weekly programming.[62] The programming emphasizes real-time updates on betting lines for major leagues including the NFL, NBA, and MLB, blending national syndicated content with occasional local Los Angeles sports references to teams like the Dodgers and Lakers for regional relevance.[63][64] As of August 2024, the weekday lineup (PT times) includes "The Daily Tip" with Michael Jenkins and Chelsa Messinger (3-6 a.m.), "BetQL Daily" with Amon-Ra St. Brown (6-9 a.m.), "Lucky in Vegas" with Gill Alexander (9 a.m.-12 p.m.), and "You Better You Bet" with Nick Kostos and Ken Barkley (12-4 p.m.), all tailored to "wager-tainment" that mixes education and entertainment without musical elements. Recent updates have incorporated experts like Brad Evans for fantasy and betting insights, Sam Panayotovich for daily analysis, and Femi Abebefe for midday programming, enhancing the network's depth amid partnerships like the one with BetMGM.[65] Prior to the 2021 launch, the HD3 subchannel had simulcast portions of the CBS Sports Radio network, providing general sports talk that transitioned into the more specialized betting format to align with industry trends.[62] The subchannel operates at a low bitrate of approximately 32-48 kbps, suitable for its talk-oriented content and optimized for HD Radio receivers or streaming via the Audacy app, ensuring accessibility despite the tertiary channel's limited bandwidth allocation within the overall HD multicast structure.[66][67] By June 2021, Audacy expanded the affiliation to additional markets, and the 2025 rebrand solidified its national footprint under The BetMGM Network.[68]

References

  1. KCBS-FM 93.1 MHz - Los Angeles, CA - Radio-Locator.com
  2. 93.1 Jack FM - Playing What We Want - LISTEN LIVE - Audacy
  3. KCBS-FM - 93.1 Jack FM Radio – Listen Live & Stream Online
  4. Adult Hits, By The Numbers: Audacy Owns The Top Three, iHeart ...
  5. KNX Los Angeles Radio History - Playlist Research
  6. Jack lures fans by not saying much - Los Angeles Times
  7. Dr. Cranfill - Saturday 8pm-1am | 93.1 Jack FM - Audacy
  8. News Bites: '93.1 Blade FM,' Deborah Roberts / Suzyn Waldman ...
  9. KCBS | TV Stations Wikia - Fandom
  10. Entercom Spinoff Mystery: Many Stations Enter Trust. - Inside Radio
  11. [PDF] 1948-08-16-BC-Los-Angeles.pdf - World Radio History
  12. Radio KCBS-FM (Jack FM) | United States | Listen Live - LogFM.com
  13. KNX FM 93.1 - socalradiohistory.com!
  14. From 1973 to 1983, KNX FM 93 The Mellow Sound was CBS ...
  15. Chilling the Internet? Lessons from FCC Regulation of Radio ...
  16. KNX-FM Becomes HitRadio 93 KKHR - Format Change Archive
  17. The First Minutes of KKHR Airchecks 1983 | RadioDiscussions
  18. KKHR 93.1 LA Hitradio 1984 Station Composite - Facebook
  19. KNX-FM TO RETURN, IN A MELLOW MOOD - Los Angeles Times
  20. KKHR 93.1 - socalradiohistory.com!
  21. KNX-FM Changes Format, Call Letters - Los Angeles Times
  22. [PDF] RR-1989-03-03.pdf - World Radio History
  23. [PDF] Broadcasting ii Nov 6 - World Radio History
  24. RADIO - Los Angeles Times
  25. [PDF] s simpl - World Radio History
  26. TWO RADIO GIANTS TO MERGE, FORMING BIGGEST NETWORK
  27. CBS earns $2.87 bil through Infinity IPO - Variety
  28. KCBS Los Angeles Changes To "Jack" - Pulse Music Board
  29. Radio turns up Jack - Variety
  30. Howard Coganhowardcogan.com
  31. Entercom Finalizes Merger With CBS Radio, Becoming No. 2 Radio ...
  32. Press: Entercom Rebrands, Changes Name to Audacy
  33. Los Angeles - Playing What We Want - KCBS-FM | 93.1 JACK FM
  34. Audacy Brings Blade FM to the Airwaves as Stars Align for Host ...
  35. Format Update: Are Stations Playing What They Want Getting ...
  36. Audacy — which owns KROQ, KRTH — files for bankruptcy
  37. Even More Names Affected From Last Week's Audacy Layoffs
  38. FM Query Results -- Audio Division (FCC) USA
  39. FM Broadcast Station Classes and Service Contours
  40. KCBS-FM Radio Station Coverage Map
  41. CBS Columbia Square - LA Conservancy
  42. We (Still) Love LA: Columbia Square and KFWB - Fybush.com
  43. Radio Stations to Move to Miracle Mile Office - Los Angeles Times
  44. Contact Us | 93.1 Jack FM Los Angeles - Audacy
  45. [PDF] CBS Corporation
  46. KCBS-FM Playlist - RADIOWAVE MONITOR
  47. They want to make you say 'oh wow' - Los Angeles Times
  48. Top 10: HD Radio penetration
  49. As HD Radio Turns 15, Industry Looks Back – And Ahead.
  50. Kevin Callahan Adds KFRG PD Duties - RadioInsight
  51. What's on Southern California's HD radio stations? Here's what you ...
  52. KFRG-FM Playlist - RADIOWAVE MONITOR
  53. On Air Hosts & Shows | KFROG California - Audacy
  54. K-FROG's Christmas Throwdown - Audacy
  55. Multicasting - HD Radio
  56. Entercom To Launch Sports Betting "BetQL Audio Network"
  57. Entercom Tries Betting Radio in L.A., Denver
  58. Why this radio station is betting on sports gambling - Daily News
  59. The Bet L.A. - Sports Talk And Wager-tainment - LISTEN LIVE | Audacy
  60. The Bet L.A., KCBS-HD3 93.1 FM, Los Angeles, CA - TuneIn
  61. Audacy Announces Series of Programming Updates for BetQL ...
  62. Audacy Announces Addition of New “BetQL Network” Programming ...
  63. High Quality, Consistent Multicast Engineering - HD Radio
  64. Field Observations of Elevated FM HD - Radio World
  65. Audacy Flips Seven Stations To BetQL Network - RadioInsight
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