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KRTH (101.1 FM, "K-Earth 101") is a commercial radio station that is licensed to Los Angeles, California, United States and serves the Greater Los Angeles area. The station is owned by Audacy, Inc. and broadcasts a classic hits format. KRTH's studios are located on Wilshire Boulevard in the Miracle Mile district of Los Angeles. The station's signal covers an extremely large area of Southern California due in part to its antenna location on Mt. Wilson. It can be heard as far south as San Diego, as far east as Palm Springs, as far west as Santa Barbara, and as far north as Barstow.[2] KRTH is the flagship station for the nationally syndicated program Rewind with Gary Bryan.

Key Information

KRTH broadcasts in the HD Radio (hybrid) format.[3]

History

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Early years

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K45LA made its debut broadcast on August 11, 1941.[4]
Logo when simulcasting KHJ, used from 1963 to 1965

In May 1940, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorized an FM band effective January 1, 1941, operating on 40 channels spanning 42–50 MHz.[5] (This was later changed to 88–106 MHz, and still later to 88–108 MHz, which increased the number of channels to 100.) On October 31, 1940, the first fifteen construction permits for commercial FM stations were issued, including one to Don Lee Broadcasting System for a station in Los Angeles at 44.5 MHz,[6] which was issued the call sign K45LA.[7] K45LA signed on August 11, 1941, as the first FM station in Los Angeles, broadcasting from a tower atop Mount Lee;[8] it is the oldest continuously operating FM station in California. Effective November 1, 1943, the FCC modified its policy for commercial FM station call letters,[9] and the call sign was changed to KHJ-FM, after its sister AM station KHJ. In 1946, as part of a transfer of stations to the new FM band, KHJ-FM was assigned to 99.7 MHz. In 1947, KHJ-FM was reassigned to its current broadcast frequency of 101.1 FM,[10] eventually relocating its transmitter to Mount Wilson.[11]

In 1965, when KHJ adopted its "Boss Radio" top-40 format, that station was simulcast on KHJ-FM.[12] From 1968 to 1970, KHJ-FM aired Drake-Chenault's "Hit Parade" format, an automated mix of older songs and current hits. In 1971, the station carried another Drake-Chenault top 40 format, "Solid Gold Rock And Roll".[13]

K-Earth 101

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Oldies

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On October 16, 1972,[14] KHJ-FM switched to what was then called a "gold" format, featuring older hit songs from the past. At the time, this "oldies" format featuring songs from 1953 to 1963 was a novel idea since most stations played current music with only a few older songs mixed in.[13] The only local competition in this format was KWOW (1600 AM), a mostly automated station in nearby Pomona. With the switch in format came a new moniker: "K-Earth", named after Earth Day which had debuted to much fanfare two years before. New matching call letters KRTH accompanied the change.[15] The "K-Earth 101" jingle was also introduced at this time; it directly echoed the sound and notes of the jingle from KHJ, the station where many of these "gold" songs had originally been played. (KHJ was still on the air at this point, but was playing current top 40 songs.)

In the late 1970s, under program director Bob Hamilton, KRTH added current hits to its oldies playlist—essentially an adult contemporary format. Though current music was played to varying degrees through the early 1980s, K-Earth's format remained focused on the past.[16][17]

In 1985, KRTH solidified its oldies format, adopting the motto "Classic Rock and Roll". K-Earth began promoting its "Good Time Oldies" image with frequent TV ads featuring Beach Boys music, classic cars, palm trees, and the ever-present K-Earth jingle. The songs featured were from 1955 to 1978, with the focus largely on the 1960s.[18] Doo-wop, early rock, Motown, girl groups, Elvis Presley, and the Beatles were the mainstays of the station's music mix. Throughout the 1980s, K-Earth would feature huge weekend specialties, including #1 music over the Labor Day weekend. Every L.A. #1 song would be played in chronological order (utilizing the older KHJ Boss 30, KFWB Fab Forty, and other local charts) from 1955 through 1985. The weekend before would feature the "Runners Up of Classic Rock and Roll Weekend", consisting of #2 songs. The "Firecracker 300" was played over the Fourth of July weekend. Other specials included a Memorial Day weekend "A to Z", the "Super Sixties Weekend", and the "Souvenirs of the Seventies Weekend". In February 1986, KHJ adopted the KRTH call letters; this necessitated the FM station adjusting its call sign to KRTH-FM.[19] In 1988, RKO General sold KRTH-AM-FM to Beasley Broadcasting due to the scandals involving KHJ-TV which forced the former company out of broadcasting.[20]

Oldies were a ratings success for KRTH-FM and similar stations across the United States and Canada. In March 1989, another Los Angeles FM oldies station emerged at 93.1 FM under the call sign KODJ, later KCBS-FM, as a direct competitor to KRTH-FM. KODJ/KCBS-FM played oldies from 1955 to 1972 with a heavy focus on pre-1964 oldies. KRTH-FM, which reverted to the KRTH call sign in May 1990,[21] continued acknowledging the mid- and late 1970s and continued playing moderate amounts of pre-1964 material until 1991, when management eliminated the 1980s music and most post-1972 songs. The two stations went head-to-head for a few years, with K-Earth consistently getting higher ratings and emerging as the winner. In an attempt to distinguish itself from K-Earth and regain the oldies audience, KODJ changed its call letters to KCBS-FM[22] and, in early 1993, began playing mostly pre-1965 oldies. KCBS-FM successfully switched to a classic rock format in late 1993 called "Arrow 93", but later flipped to adult hits as "Jack FM". KRTH, by then, focused on the 1964–1969 period with moderate amounts of pre-1964 and 1970s songs each hour. The station remained a competitor with Pasadena's AM oldies station KRLA until 1998, when that station switched formats. KRTH was sold to Infinity Radio in 1994.

From 1992 to 1997, K-Earth was the home of The Real Don Steele and Robert W. Morgan, who were co-workers at KHJ during the 1960s Boss Radio era. In April 1997, Steele announced in a very emotional on-air statement that he had lung cancer, which subsequently led to both his retirement as well as his death by the summer of 1997.[23] Six weeks later, in May 1997, Morgan would grip audiences with his own heartfelt announcement that he had the same disease. His death several months later severed KRTH's last link to Boss Radio.[24] "Shotgun" Tom Kelly succeeded Don Steele in afternoon drive that September.[25]

KRTH changed hands in 1996 when Infinity was purchased by Westinghouse Broadcasting, which at the time owned CBS, making KRTH and KCBS-FM sister stations.[26] K-Earth continued with its oldies format, adjusting it toward the end of the decade. Older songs from before the British Invasion of 1964 were increasingly dropped from the playlist, and the station began to emphasize music of the late 1960s, especially that of Motown. The playlist itself began to shrink, with only the biggest, most-requested hits from this period played in heavy repetition. In 2002, the station would be reunited under common ownership with the former KHJ-TV when CBS bought KCAL-TV; KRTH wound up moving into KCAL's old facility at 5515 Melrose Avenue in Hollywood (on the Paramount Pictures studio lot) as a result of KCAL's operations being merged into KCBS-TV's Columbia Square facility, which KRTH had been operating out of. (They would again be split after the sale of the radio stations to Entercom in 2017.)

Evolution to classic hits

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With its target demographics aging and ratings sagging, KRTH, along with most oldies outlets across the country, began adding 1970s songs to the playlist in the early 2000s, particularly disco. Artists such as Stevie Wonder, Elton John, ABBA, the Bee Gees, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Peter Frampton were combined with 1960s artists such as The Supremes and the Beatles. Though still repetitive, the playlist was also rotated more frequently, with a few rediscovered oldies brought "out of the vault" on occasion, while other songs were "rested" from the rotation. This process was taken a step further in 2007 with a few early 1980s songs added to the mix by artists such as Hall & Oates, Phil Collins, and Michael Jackson. By the end of 2007, K-Earth had improved its ratings substantially and was once again ranked among the top 10 stations in the Los Angeles market. More importantly from an advertising standpoint, the station was attracting a younger demographic. In November 2009, KRTH reached its first milestone by reaching their first #1 overall in the Arbitron 12+ Ratings; the station had never reached a #1 overall in its 37 years broadcasting as K-Earth. In 2010, K-Earth began adding songs from the mid- to late 1980s into its mix from artists such as Janet Jackson, The Bangles, Deniece Williams, and The Police. KRTH still played an occasional pre-1964 song such as "Shout", "Jailhouse Rock", or "Tequila" (about one every other hour).

Another change that was made in the 2000s was the addition of adult contemporary Christmas music during the holiday season from performers such as Mannheim Steamroller, Air Supply, and Barry Manilow. Airing three times an hour, this holiday fare was designed to entice listeners away from AC competitor KOST, which annually shoots to #1 in the ratings with its all-Christmas format. (In years past, K-Earth played a similar amount of Christmas music, but only from oldies artists such as the Beach Boys or Alvin and the Chipmunks.) For several years, KRTH switched to all-Christmas music from 12:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve to 12:00 p.m. on Christmas Day.

First logo for KRTH as a classic hits station, used until 2019.

Following the departure of program director Jhani Kaye in 2013, a series of changes at KRTH accelerated the station's transition from oldies to a classic hits format. After Labor Day 2013, under new PD Rick Thomas, the station began to remove a portion of 1960s music, as it had appealed to a much older audience than was measurable by the ratings system. In addition, most early 1970s hits, as well as soul hits from the late 1960s through the mid-1970s, were eliminated; the playlist now focused on music from 1973 to 1989 (with only a few pre-1973 songs per day). With these changes, ratings rose substantially. In June 2014, CBS transferred Thomas to New York, with Chris Ebbott replacing him as program director.[27] Ebbott was previously PD at CKFM-FM in Toronto. Also in 2014, Johnny Mann, whose singers have been responsible for KRTH's jingles over the years, died. Additionally, Charlie Van Dyke, who was KRTH's voiceover artist in recent years but more recently has also been the imaging voice of KABC-TV, was replaced as station voiceover with Joe Cipriano, the longtime voice of the Fox Television Network. In August 2015, "Shotgun" Tom Kelly left his afternoon drive position but remained with KRTH in an "ambassador" role, making public appearances and otherwise representing the station off-air.[28] By early 2016, KRTH began adding songs from the 1990s into its playlist.[29]

Final logo style before mid-September 2023.

On February 2, 2017, CBS Radio announced it would merge with Entercom.[30] The merger was approved on November 9, 2017, and was consummated on November 17.[31][32] As of 2018, KRTH no longer plays music from the 1960s through the mid-1970s, with its playlist shifting towards hits from the late 1970s through the early 2000s, with a heavy focus on the 1980s. However, the station's playlist is limited to avoid excessive overlap with sister station KCBS-FM, which airs an adult hits format.

In addition to Rewind with Gary Bryan, KRTH also broadcasts America's Greatest Hits, hosted by Scott Shannon, and the 1980s and 1990s editions of Backtrax USA with Kid Kelly on the weekends. Bryan, Kelly, and Shannon are all former disc jockeys at WHTZ (Z100) in New York City. Around the 2020s, KRTH started playing more songs from the 1990s. In addition, 2000s and 2010s have been added to the playlist.[33]

HD Radio

[edit]

KRTH broadcasts in HD Radio with two subchannels:

  • KRTH-HD1 is a digital simulcast of the analog signal; it was launched in 2007.
  • KRTH-HD2 airs an LGBTQ-oriented talk/EDM format as Channel Q.

KRTH-HD2 began broadcasting in 2010, originally featuring oldies from the 1955–1970 period, with an emphasis on the late 1960s and Motown which had been removed from the main channel's playlist. The HD2 station was originally branded "K-Earth Classics" and also streamed online. KRTH-HD2 was reported by social media sites and the TuneIn platform to be the highest listener rated station of CBS Radio's owned-and-operated oldies stations. On May 11, 2016, the channel began carrying Radio Disney under a brokered arrangement between The Walt Disney Company and CBS Radio. This arrangement ended in June 2018, when the HD2 subchannel became a simulcast of all-news KNX (1070 AM). As of November 2022, KRTH-HD2 airs an LGBTQ-oriented talk/EDM format, known as Channel Q.

Awards and nominations

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Since 2011, KRTH has earned five Marconi Radio Award nominations, winning three awards.

Year Awards Category Recipient Result Source
2011 NAB Marconi Radio Awards Oldies Station of the Year Nominated [34]
2016 NAB Marconi Radio Awards Classic Hits Station of the Year Won [35]
2017 NAB Marconi Radio Awards Major Market Station of the Year Nominated [36]
2018 NAB Marconi Radio Awards Classic Hits Station of the Year Won [37]
2019 NAB Marconi Radio Awards Legendary Station of the Year Won [38]

Notable personalities

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References

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

KRTH

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
KRTH (101.1 FM), branded as K-Earth 101, is a commercial radio station licensed to , , , serving the area with a format featuring music primarily from the through the . Owned by Audacy, Inc., which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2024 but continues operations, the station operates from studios on in the Miracle Mile district and maintains its transmitter atop Mount Wilson, delivering a signal that reaches much of . Launched on August 11, 1941, as K45LA on 44.5 MHz, KRTH holds the distinction of being the first FM station in and one of the earliest in the nation, predating widespread FM adoption. The station's history reflects the evolution of FM broadcasting and popular music formats in the U.S. Initially operating as a high-frequency experimental station, it transitioned to the standard FM band in 1946 as KHJ-FM, simulcasting its AM counterpart's top-40 "Boss Radio" programming through the 1960s. By 1972, under the KRTH call letters and "K-Earth 101" branding, it pioneered the oldies format in Los Angeles, focusing on 1950s and 1960s hits, which propelled it to market dominance and inspired similar stations nationwide. Ownership changed hands multiple times, including sales to Beasley Broadcasting in 1988 and Infinity Broadcasting in 1994, the latter merging into what became CBS Radio and eventually Audacy following a 2020 merger with Entercom Communications. Over the decades, KRTH has adapted its playlist to include more and tracks while retaining its core appeal to and Gen X listeners, contributing to its consistent top ratings in the competitive market—as of October 2025, ranking No. 1 overall in persons 6+ and highly in adults 25-54, though it briefly lost the demo lead in September 2025. Notable programming includes long-running features like the annual Firecracker 500 countdown and holiday specials, alongside personalities such as Gary Bryan, who has hosted mornings since 2002. The station also broadcasts in , offering , an LGBTQ-oriented talk and EDM format, on its HD2 subchannel, and remains a in , celebrated for its role in preserving rock and pop history.

Station Overview

Licensing and Broadcast Details

KRTH-FM traces its licensing origins to August 11, 1941, when it signed on as K45LA, the first FM station in , operating on 44.5 MHz within the original FM band spanning 42–50 MHz. The station was granted this experimental frequency by the (FCC) as part of early FM development efforts led by Don Lee Broadcasting. In 1943, the call sign was changed to KHJ-FM to align with its AM . Following the FCC's 1945 reallocation of the FM band to 88–108 MHz, KHJ-FM transitioned to 99.7 MHz in 1946. By 1947, to resolve potential interference with a new station in San Diego, the frequency was shifted to its current 101.1 MHz allocation, where it has remained as a Class B station. The call letters were updated to KRTH-FM in 1972, reflecting a rebranding while retaining the established license. Licensed to , , as a commercial FM station, KRTH-FM operates with an (ERP) of 51,000 watts—a grandfathered authorization exceeding the standard Class B maximum of 50,000 watts—from a transmitter site on Mount Wilson at coordinates 34°13'38" N, 118°04'03" W. This setup provides primary service to the market, with signal coverage extending across Orange County, the , and portions of Ventura County. The station's Class B designation enables robust regional reach while complying with FCC contour requirements.

Branding and Identity

The "K-Earth 101" branding was adopted on October 16, 1972, coinciding with the station's shift to an format under new call letters KRTH, chosen to evoke an earthy, nostalgic theme in homage to and the grounded appeal of and roll hits. This identity immediately set KRTH apart in the market by blending environmental symbolism with a retro musical focus, fostering a sense of timeless familiarity for listeners. A signature jingle for "K-Earth 101" was introduced alongside the rebrand, featuring a that echoed the iconic sound of KHJ-AM's package to reinforce continuity and . Subsequent , often produced by the Singers, have maintained this oldies vibe through harmonious, upbeat vocal arrangements that highlight the station's playlist. In 2023, KRTH refreshed its visual identity with a new and inspired by California's 1963–1968 gold-on-black plates, aiming to amplify the retro aesthetic central to its branding. This update, revealed in , incorporated the metallic lettering and black background into station promos, website elements, and on-air visuals, enhancing the nostalgic earth-toned motif established decades earlier. The station's current slogan, "Where the 70s, 80s, and 90s Live," reflects its focus on hits from those eras, as promoted across its digital and broadcast platforms since at least 2023. For regulatory compliance, KRTH airs its legal identification as "KRTH Los Angeles, California, K-Earth 101" at the top of every hour, typically integrated with the signature jingle for seamless branding.

History

Origins and Early Operations (1941–1971)

The station that would become KRTH signed on the air on August 11, 1941, as K45LA, the first FM station in Los Angeles, operating on 44.5 MHz within the experimental FM band of 42–50 MHz. Owned by the Don Lee Broadcasting System, K45LA was part of Don Lee's expanding network of California radio outlets, which aimed to leverage the nascent FM technology for high-fidelity broadcasting amid the early adoption of frequency modulation. On November 1, 1943, the call letters changed to KHJ-FM to align with its sister AM station KHJ (930 AM), reflecting Don Lee's strategy to create unified branding across his properties. Following adjustments to the FM band, the frequency shifted to 99.7 MHz in 1946 and then to its current 101.1 MHz allocation in , coinciding with a major facility relocation to a new $2.5 million Mutual-Don Lee complex at Fountain Avenue and in Hollywood. This state-of-the-art studio, designed for both radio and emerging television operations, housed KHJ-FM alongside KHJ-AM and marked a significant upgrade from prior locations, enabling expanded production capabilities. Through the 1940s and 1950s, KHJ-FM primarily the programming of KHJ-AM, which featured a full-service format including network shows from the (with which Don Lee had affiliated since 1934), music, dramatic serials, and occasional classical segments to showcase FM's audio quality. By the early , under continued Don Lee ownership—acquired by in 1950 and operated through its subsidiary—the station maintained this approach until FCC regulations in 1967 required distinct AM/FM programming. In response, KHJ-FM adopted the Drake-Chenault "" format, a middle-of-the-road () blend of 60% "gold" records and 40% current hits aimed at adult listeners, evolving through variations like " '68" and " '69." This shift positioned the station as a competitor in the growing FM market, emphasizing easy-listening pop and standards over rock-oriented AM top 40. In 1971, KHJ-FM transitioned to the automated "Solid Gold Rock and Roll" format from Drake-Chenault, focusing on from the and to attract a broader audience, setting the stage for further evolution in the following year.

Launch and Rise of K-Earth 101 (1972–1980s)

On October 16, 1972, at 5:30 a.m., KHJ-FM transitioned to the new call letters KRTH and launched as "K-Earth 101," introducing a -based format known as "Nostalgia Radio." The branding drew inspiration from the recent movement, marking a shift from the station's prior programming to a focus on from the and . Under program director Dave Jeffreys, the format targeted seeking familiar music from their youth, emphasizing a tight playlist of approximately 30 songs drawn primarily from 1953 to 1963. High-rotation tracks featured iconic artists such as , , and , deliberately excluding current hits to create a "gold" records experience that evoked the era of rock 'n' roll's early popularity. The station's programming blended automated, jockless "Good Music" blocks for seamless song flow with personality-driven segments hosted by announcers like Charlie Van Dyke, fostering an engaging yet nostalgic listening environment. This approach resonated quickly in the competitive market, where KRTH built a loyal audience amid the 1970s wave of '50s nostalgia fueled by cultural phenomena like the film . By 1973, the station had achieved respectable ratings, establishing itself as a key player in radio and outpacing its AM sister station KHJ in appeal to adults. The format's success highlighted the viability of programming for an aging post-war generation, contributing to KRTH's sustained growth through the decade under [RKO General](/page/RKO General) ownership, which had held the stations since acquiring Don Lee Broadcasting in 1950. Entering the 1980s, KRTH expanded its oldies scope to incorporate select 1970s soft-rock and tracks, broadening the playlist while maintaining core emphasis on 1960s hits. This period saw programming enhancements, including weekend specials such as the annual "Firecracker 300" countdown of top songs voted by listeners, which aired over holiday weekends and reinforced the station's . By 1985, KRTH adopted the enduring "Classic Rock and Roll," solidifying its identity and supporting continued ratings strength in the 25-54 demographic. These developments marked the station's breakthrough era, transforming it into a radio amid evolving industry trends.

Format Shifts and Modernization (1990s–Present)

In the early 1990s, KRTH continued its established oldies format centered on hits but shifted emphasis toward mid- to early music to refresh its appeal for aging listeners while maintaining its foundational focus from the launch. This adjustment occurred amid ownership changes, as the station was acquired by Infinity Broadcasting in 1994, which merged with in 1996, integrating KRTH into Radio's portfolio and enabling broader programming resources. The disrupted Los Angeles broadcasting operations generally, though KRTH's specific signal interruptions were temporary, allowing it to resume service quickly as a key community information source during the crisis. By the early 2000s under , KRTH evolved from strict to a format, incorporating more 1970s tracks such as soft-rock and to attract younger demographics within the 25-54 age group, while retaining core staples. This modernization included features like "today's oldies" to blend eras, helping the station improve its ratings from 15th place in 2006 to 12th in spring 2007 among adults 25-54. In 2010, KRTH further expanded its playlist to include mid- to late-1980s songs from artists like and , marking a deliberate shift toward a broader identity that reduced emphasis on pre-1960s content. Following CBS Radio's merger with Entercom (later ) in 2017, KRTH accelerated its transition to emphasize 1970s through 1990s hits, further diminishing selections to align with evolving listener preferences in the post-2020 era. Under , the station added 1990s tracks like Queen's "Don’t Stop Me Now" and Shaggy's "It Wasn’t Me" in 2023, reflecting industry trends in toward deeper '90s integration for sustained relevance. That year also saw a visual rebrand with a new logo inspired by California's vintage license plates, updating the station's identity without altering its core format. As of 2025, KRTH maintains its nostalgic programming, now heavily weighted toward music with select early additions, positioning it as a resilient heritage station amid competition from streaming services—evidenced by its leading 7.4 share in Nielsen PPM ratings for adults 6+ in July 2025. This focus on curated, era-spanning has sustained KRTH's top-market performance, adapting to digital challenges while honoring its roots.

Programming and Format

Core Music Focus

KRTH operates as a station that prioritizes rock and pop hits from the , , and 1990s. This selection draws from the station's roots in 1970s programming. The playlist features hit-driven selections from marquee acts like the Eagles, , and , while steering clear of lesser-known album tracks to emphasize broad, nostalgic appeal. Programming emphasizes smooth transitions that preserve momentum and listener immersion in the era. Seasonal elements are woven in through dedicated holiday specials, notably full Christmas programming that dominates the schedule in December, featuring festive staples alongside core hits to amplify holiday spirit.

Special Programming and Events

K-Earth 101 has long incorporated special programming to engage listeners with themed content beyond its core classic hits rotation. In the early 2000s, weekend shows included "Beatle Brunch," a Sunday morning program dedicated to Beatles music and trivia, hosted by DJ Jimmy Olson. This two-hour segment aired from 8 to 10 a.m., often paired with "Breakfast With the Beatles" hosted by Bob Shannon, providing in-depth exploration of the band's catalog and cultural impact. The station historically broadcast "American Top 40 with Casey Kasem" during the 1980s as part of its oldies lineup. Annual events tied to the station's identity include celebrations of its launch on Earth Day, April 22, 1972, when KHJ-FM rebranded to KRTH—"K-Earth"—in honor of the environmental holiday. Commemorative concerts, such as the 40th anniversary event at the Gibson Amphitheatre in 2012, have featured live performances of classic rock acts to mark milestones. Holiday broadcasts have occasionally originated from iconic venues like the Hollywood Bowl, aligning with seasonal programming to capture festive atmospheres. Community involvement remains a key aspect, with KRTH hosting radiothons to support local causes. Morning host Gary Bryan led a comedy radiothon in 2014 benefiting the USO, raising funds through auctions and listener donations for military support services. The station promotes food banks via dedicated resources and drives, encouraging contributions to address regional hunger needs. Current themed programming includes "Totally 80’s Friday Night."

Technical Aspects

Signal and Coverage Area

KRTH's primary coverage encompasses the –Long Beach–Anaheim designated market area (DMA), serving a potential of approximately 4.8 million adults aged 25–54, representing the station's core listening demographic within this region of over 12.9 million total residents. The station's transmitter is situated on Mount Wilson at an elevation of roughly 5,900 feet above , enabling robust signal propagation that covers the basin and surrounding areas. This elevated antenna position facilitates strong reception in suburban locales such as Pasadena and Riverside, where minimizes signal degradation over distances up to 50 miles. However, urban environments like present challenges, including multipath interference from skyscrapers and dense infrastructure, which can cause and in mobile reception despite the overall potent signal strength. The station's listener base skews toward adults aged 25–54, aligning with broader trends in the format that emphasize relatable, nostalgic content appealing to this group. Peak listening occurs during drive times, particularly morning and afternoon commutes, when in-car radio usage drives the majority of tune-ins within the DMA.

HD Radio Implementation

KRTH adopted technology in 2007 through a partnership with iBiquity Digital Corporation, enabling the primary channel to deliver CD-quality alongside the . This implementation enhanced audio fidelity for listeners with compatible receivers, offering near-lossless sound reproduction and reduced noise compared to traditional . The subchannel serves as a of the station's main programming, utilizing advanced error correction and multicarrier modulation to maintain across the coverage area. In 2008, KRTH launched its HD2 subchannel, initially branded as "K-Earth 101 Deep Tracks," which specialized in album-oriented rock classics and lesser-known tracks from the 1960s and 1970s. Since approximately 2022, KRTH-HD2 has carried Audacy's Channel Q, an LGBTQ+-oriented format featuring talk, news, pop, and dance music. Technically, the HD1 channel operates with a 20 kHz audio bandwidth, supporting high-resolution sound, while compatible HD Radio receivers display dynamic elements like the station's artistic logo and real-time metadata for song titles, artists, and album art. KRTH broadcasts in HD Radio, with subchannels providing additional programming options for listeners with compatible receivers.

Ownership and Operations

Historical Ownership Changes

KRTH, originally launched as K45LA by the Don Lee Broadcasting System on August 11, 1941, and later became KHJ-FM in 1946, remained under Don Lee's ownership for nearly two decades. Following the death of Thomas S. Lee in 1950, the Don Lee Broadcasting System, including KHJ-AM and KHJ-FM, was acquired by and Rubber Company for approximately $12.3 million, marking the end of the independent regional network's operations. In 1959, reorganized its broadcasting assets as —a —which integrated the station into its growing portfolio of radio and television properties. RKO General retained ownership of the station—renamed KRTH-FM in 1972—until the late 1980s, a period marred by significant regulatory scrutiny from the (FCC). In the , RKO faced intense license renewal battles stemming from corporate misconduct allegations against its parent company, including reciprocal trade practices and antitrust violations dating back to the . These challenges escalated in the 1980s with scandals involving RKO stations, particularly KHJ-TV in , where undisclosed payments to disc jockeys for promotions were uncovered, leading to fines and broader questions about RKO's fitness as a broadcaster. By 1987, an FCC administrative law judge denied renewal for multiple RKO television licenses, citing "willful violations of law," which pressured the company to divest radio assets to resolve ongoing disputes. In 1989, amid these regulatory hurdles, RKO General sold KRTH-AM and KRTH-FM to Beasley Broadcast Group for $86.6 million, a record price at the time that reflected the stations' strong market performance despite the controversies. Beasley held the properties for only four years before selling KRTH-FM to Infinity Broadcasting Corporation in 1993 for $110 million, the highest amount ever paid for a standalone FM station up to that point, allowing Infinity to expand its presence in Los Angeles alongside KROQ-FM. Infinity's ownership continued through its 1997 merger with Westinghouse Electric Corporation, which brought the station under the CBS Radio banner as part of a $3.9 billion deal. The station's corporate lineage evolved further with the 2000 merger of and Viacom, valued at $39.8 billion, which fully integrated Infinity's assets—including KRTH—into Viacom's expanding media empire, with operating as its radio division. In 2017, as part of a strategic restructuring, spun off in a tax-free merger with Entercom Communications, creating a combined entity valued at approximately $2.5 billion in stock; this transaction transferred KRTH to Entercom, which later rebranded as in 2021. These ownership shifts, particularly the RKO era's regulatory battles, influenced operational stability but preserved the station's prominence in the market.

Current Management and Facilities

KRTH is owned by Audacy, Inc., which emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September 2024 as a privately held company, operating as part of the company's Los Angeles cluster that includes stations such as KNX, KROQ, and KTWV. The station came under Audacy's ownership through the 2017 merger between Entercom Communications (Audacy's predecessor) and CBS Radio. Current management is led by Senior Vice President and Market Manager Jeff Federman, who oversees operations for Audacy's stations, including KRTH. Program Director Chris Ebbott, who has held the role since , manages the station's content and programming strategy. Supporting roles include Assistant Program Director Larry Morgan, Sales Manager David Severino, and Director of Marketing and Promotions Mike Salas. The primary studios are located at 5670 , Suite 200, in ' Miracle Mile district, shared with sister stations in the cluster. The transmitter site is situated on Mount Wilson, where KRTH shares facilities with other broadcasters, including a primary transmitter, backup transmitter, and additional equipment for redundancy. Digital operations are integrated into 's platform, enabling streaming via the Audacy app and production of podcasts featuring station content and personalities. This setup supports the station's format with on-demand access and enhanced listener engagement.

Recognition and Impact

Awards and Industry Honors

KRTH has earned multiple Marconi Radio Awards from the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), which recognize outstanding achievement in radio broadcasting. In 2018, the station received the Classic Hits Station of the Year award for its innovative programming and listener engagement in the Los Angeles market. The following year, in 2019, KRTH was honored with the Legendary Station of the Year award, celebrating its decades-long influence and contributions to the oldies and classic hits genre. These accolades highlight the station's creative excellence and technical prowess, underscoring its role as a benchmark for format-specific success. The station has also been recognized for its news and informational programming. In 1988, KRTH won the Golden Mike Award for best newswriting among small radio news staffs, presented by the Radio and Television News Association of , acknowledging the quality of its reporting during a period of notable journalistic contributions.

Ratings Performance and Cultural Influence

KRTH has demonstrated consistent market dominance in the Los Angeles radio landscape through ratings, frequently topping the charts in the persons 6+ demographic. The station has secured the #1 position for over 15 consecutive books since early 2023, including a record-high 8.3 share in the October 2025 survey, marking its ongoing leadership in a competitive market. This performance underscores KRTH's appeal across age groups, with particular strength among adults 25-54, where it has held the top spot for five years running. As of , KRTH remains the leading station after more than 80 years of broadcasting, reaching a weekly cumulative audience (cume) of approximately 2.2 million listeners in the area as of August . This enduring success reflects its adaptation to listener preferences, blending timeless hits with selective updates to its , such as incorporating and early 2000s tracks from artists like and , which has broadened its generational reach. Beyond metrics, KRTH exerts a profound cultural influence in , serving as a nostalgic soundtrack for local life and events. Its format has shaped media trends toward retro programming, inspiring similar nostalgia-driven content on streaming platforms and . The station's connection to community landmarks, including ties to games through on-air personality Dave Styles, who serves as the team's in-stadium host, reinforces its role in celebrating regional sports culture. KRTH's resilience amid broader industry challenges highlights its adaptability, sustaining top ratings post-2008 financial recession when many stations struggled with advertising declines, and navigating the surge in popularity by emphasizing live, local engagement.

On-Air Talent

Current Personalities

Gary Bryan and Lisa Stanley co-host the weekday morning show on KRTH from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m., delivering alongside traffic reports, celebrity interviews, and lighthearted entertainment segments. Bryan has led the program since 2002, establishing it as a staple for commuters with his engaging style and charitable initiatives. Stanley, a native known for her distinctive voice, contributes Hollywood gossip and humorous banter, enhancing the show's family-friendly appeal. Lara Scott anchors the midday shift from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., curating nostalgic and lifestyle features tailored to listeners. As of November 2025, she also voices similar midday roles on sister stations in and Phoenix, emphasizing joy and seasonal themes in her broadcasts. Greg Simms handles afternoon drive from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, spotlighting 1980s tracks, listener contests like "Say It & Win," and food-related segments through his "Grub with Greg" feature. A broadcaster since 1989 across markets including , Simms brings a relatable energy to the format. Larry Morgan hosts evenings starting at 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, offering a blend of cuts and witty commentary as a multifaceted broadcaster and podcaster. In addition to his on-air duties, Morgan serves as Regional Brand Manager for Audacy's classic hits outlets. Kevin Schatz fills weekend slots, infusing shows with local South Bay perspectives and enthusiastic coverage of games as a lifelong fan. His role supports the station's community-focused programming on Saturdays and Sundays.

Notable Alumni

Charlie Van Dyke served as morning drive host at KRTH from 1998 to 2000, succeeding and contributing to the station's oldies format with his distinctive voice and engaging style. After leaving KRTH, Van Dyke continued his career in voiceover work for radio and television, including announcements for major stations and networks. was a prominent morning host at KRTH from 1985 until his retirement in 1997, renowned for his high-energy delivery and witty banter that helped solidify the station's appeal in the competitive market. He died on May 22, 1998. His tenure at KRTH capped a distinguished career in Los Angeles radio, and he was inducted into the in 1999 for his enduring contributions to the industry. Humble Harve, whose real name was Harvey Miller, worked as a nighttime DJ at KRTH during the early , bringing his signature smooth style and interactive segments to the audience. Known throughout his career for pioneering listener dedication segments that fostered personal connections with audiences, Harve's time at KRTH added to his legacy as a beloved . He died on June 4, 2019. Jhani Kaye served as program director at KRTH from 2006 to 2013, overseeing the station's programming and contributing to its sustained success in the oldies format during a period of industry shifts. Following his departure from KRTH, Kaye transitioned into consulting and voiceover work, leveraging his extensive experience in radio.

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