KGFM (101.5 MHz, "101.5 Big FM") is a commercial FM radio station in Bakersfield, California. The station is owned by American General Media and the license is held by AGM California.[2] KGFM airs an adult hits radio format.

The studios and offices are on Easton Drive in Bakersfield.[3] The transmitter is off Breckenridge Road.[4] KGFM is a Class B FM station with an effective radiated power (ERP) of 6,700 watts.

History

Beautiful music and Soft AC

On October 1, 1964; 60 years ago (October 1, 1964) KGFM first signed on the air.[5] It was the sister station of AM 1230 KGEE (now KGEO). Originally, KGFM was largely an automated beautiful music station playing lush instrumental cover versions of popular songs, as well as Broadway and Hollywood show tunes. This coninued through the 1960s and 70s. By the 1980s, KGFM was adding more vocals and had moved to an easy listening sound. By 1992, KGFM completed the transition to soft adult contemporary.

KGFM stayed with soft AC until 2005, when the decision was made to emphasize gold product along with adult contemporary music. During the weekends, it played songs from the 1960s and 1970s, which targeted the Baby Boomer demographic.

Hot AC and Adult Hits

In 2013, KGFM picked up the tempo and began its transition toward a hot AC format, dropping all songs from before 1980. KGFM rebranded as "101.5 Today's Best Mix". By 2015, KGFM was only playing songs recorded after 2000.

On April 1, 2021, KGFM changed its format from hot adult contemporary to adult hits. It rebranded as "101.5 Big FM".[6]

References

  1. ^ "Facility Technical Data for KGFM". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  2. ^ "KGFM Facility Record". United States Federal Communications Commission, audio division.
  3. ^ "KGFM Connect". May 15, 2017. Retrieved May 15, 2017.
  4. ^ "Predicted Coverage Area for KGFM 101.5 FM". Radio-locator. May 15, 2017. Retrieved May 15, 2017.
  5. ^ Broadcasting Yearbook 1977 page C-17
  6. ^ KGFM Goes Big With Variety Hits Radioinsight - April 1, 2021


No tags for this post.