Classical Music Radio Stations in Los Angeles

Looking for the best classical music radio stations in Los Angeles? Check out our list of the top five stations, based on listener reviews.

Introduction

If you’re looking for a classical music radio station in Los Angeles, there are several options available to you. Classical KUSC, K-Mozart 105.1, and KSBR 88.5 are all dedicated classical music radio stations that can be heard throughout the LA area. Each station has its own unique programming, so you’ll need to tune in to find out which one is the best fit for your tastes.

KUSC is the largest and most popular classical music radio station in Los Angeles. It’s owned and operated by the University of Southern California, and it offers a wide variety of programming, including news, interviews, and live performances.

K-Mozart 105.1 is a smaller station that specializes in Mozart music. It’s a good choice if you’re a fan of the composer or if you’re looking for something a little different from the standard classical fare.

KSBR 88.5 is owned by Saddleback College and offers a mix of educational programming and classical music. If you’re looking for a station that offers more than just music, KSBR may be the right choice for you.

KUSC

KUSC is a nonprofit public radio station licensed to the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California. KUSC is operated by USC and is the largest classical radio station in the country. It airs a variety of music, including symphonies, operas, and chamber music, as well as interviews and other public affairs programming.

Programming

In addition to broadcasting classical music, KUSC also broadcasts special programs, including “The L.A. Phil Live,” which features live broadcasts of concerts by the Los Angeles Philharmonic; “The Hollywood Bowl Live,” which features live broadcasts of concerts at the Hollywood Bowl; and “KUSC Presents,” a series of live broadcasts and pre-recorded segments featuring local, national, and international classical artists.

History

KUSC (91.5 FM) is a listener-supported public radio station broadcasting to the Greater Los Angeles area. Owned and operated by the University of Southern California, it is one of the largest classical music stations in the US.

KUSC’s studios and offices are located on the USC campus in Los Angeles. The station’s transmitter is based on Mount Wilson, overlooking Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley. KUSC’s broadcast radius includes over 5 million people in Los Angeles and Orange counties, as well as parts of Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties.

KUSC first went on the air in 1946 as a 10-watt college radio station. It was originally housed in USC’s Student Union building, then moved to Taper Hall in 1957. In 1963, the station increased its power to 50,000 watts and began broadcasting 24 hours a day. In 1969, it became one of the first classical music stations in the country to be owned by a public university.

Today, KUSC is one of the most listened-to classical music stations in America. It is also syndicated nationwide to over 100 other public radio stations. The station is known for its award-winning locally produced programs, including “The Hollywood Bowl Show” and “The Lullaby Hour.”

KCRW

KCRW (89.9 MHz FM) is a National Public Radio member station broadcasting from the campus of Santa Monica College in Santa Monica, California. The station is the flagship station of NPR for the Greater Los Angeles area. KCRW produces original content for radio, podcasts, and the Internet.

Programming

KCRW’s all-music programming is distinctive and eclectic, featuring a mix of new and notable artists from around the globe.

The station’s signature morning show, “Morning Becomes Eclectic,” is internationally known for its innovative music mix and intelligent interviews with guests from the world of arts and entertainment.

Programs like “Here & Now” and “To the Point” keep listeners informed on current affairs, while shows like “Soundcheck” offer in-depth coverage of the latest developments in the music world.

History

KCRW (89.9 MHz FM) is a public radio station broadcasting from the campus of Santa Monica College in Santa Monica, California, United States. The station is a member of National Public Radio, and broadcasts mainly news and talk programming weekday mornings and evenings with some arts and cultural programming mornings and afternoons on weekends. The station’s general manager is Jennifer Ferro.

KCRW began life in 1945 as a two-watt classroom voice intercom at Santa Monica City College above the Fox Westwood Village movie theater. The system was designed to save money by eliminating the need for students to return to campus after class to retrieve messages left for them; instead, student workers would answer the phone and take messages for their peers.

KUSC vs. KCRW

KUSC and KCRW are the two main public radio stations in Los Angeles that primarily play classical music. They both have a similar format, but there are some key differences between them.

KUSC is owned by the University of Southern California and has a more traditional approach to classical music. They play a mix of well-known classical pieces and lesser-known works, and they also feature regular programs exploring specific composers or themes.

KCRW is owned by Santa Monica College and has a more modern approach to classical music. In addition to playing both well-known and lesser-known pieces, they also feature new works by living composers. They also have a regular program called “New Releases” where they play recent recordings of classical music.

Other Classical Music Radio Stations in Los Angeles

If you’re looking for more classical music radio stations in Los Angeles, here are a few more to choose from. All of these radio stations offer a variety of classical music to enjoy.

KMZT

KMZT (1260 AM) is a radio station broadcasting a Classical music format. Licensed to Malibu, California, USA, it serves the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The station is owned by Mount Wilson FM Broadcasters.

K-Mozart

K-Mozart (1260 AM) is a radio station in Los Angeles, California, USA, broadcasting classical music. K-Mozart is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

K-Mozart operates at 1260 kHz on the AM dial. The station’s effective radiated power is 10 watts daytime and 5 watts nighttime. The transmitter is located on the Beverly Hills Anti-Defamation League building.

Classics for Kids host Nathan Oliveira speaks to children about the music and the composers who created it.

K-Beethoven

K-Beethoven is a 24-hour classical music radio station in Los Angeles, California, United States. It is owned by the University of Southern California and operated by National Public Radio member station KUSC.