KABC

KABC
Name	KABC
City	Los Angeles, California
Branding	KABC NewsTalk
Frequency	790 AM
Format	News/Talk
Owner	Cumulus Media (formerly ABC Inc., Citadel Broadcasting)
Airdate	1925 (as experimental), 1929 (as KFXB predecessor)
Callsign meaning	Assigned from former affiliation with American Broadcasting Company

KABC

KABC is a commercial AM radio station in Los Angeles, California, known for news and talk programming on 790 AM. The station has played roles in Southern California broadcasting alongside peers such as KNX (AM), KFI, KROQ-FM, and networks like the American Broadcasting Company and CBS Radio. Throughout its existence KABC has been associated with prominent broadcasters, political figures, entertainers, and events including Walter Winchell, Edward R. Murrow, Edward R. Murrow-era news traditions, and coverage of major incidents such as the Northridge earthquake and the Los Angeles riots.

History

KABC traces lineage to early radio pioneers and regional stations that arose in the 1920s and 1930s, in the same era as KDKA, WGN (AM), KMPC (AM), and KNX (AM). Ownership passed through corporate entities including the Hawkins family era, the American Broadcasting Company, and later consolidation under Disney, Citadel Broadcasting, and finally Cumulus Media. Its staff and programming intersected with national moments tied to figures like Frank Sinatra, Jack Benny, Orson Welles, Edward R. Murrow, and politicians such as Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan. KABC adapted through regulatory changes instituted by the Federal Communications Commission and technological shifts from AM dominance to FM prominence alongside stations such as KLOS and KYSR.

Programming and Format

KABC's format emphasizes news and talk, featuring anchors, local hosts, syndicated personalities, and panels comparable to talent seen on Rush Limbaugh-era syndication, Mark Levin, and hosts who moved between markets like Larry King and Dennis Miller. Dayparts include morning drive programs, midday call-in shows, and evening talk slots discussing topics intersecting with figures such as Barack Obama, Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, and policy debates referenced to institutions like the Supreme Court of the United States and legislation considered by the United States Congress. Cultural and entertainment segments have featured guests from The Hollywood Reporter, Los Angeles Times, and celebrities including Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, and Denzel Washington. The station's podcasts and digital streams expanded reach alongside services like iHeartRadio competitors and public-facing archives that mirror offerings from networks such as NPR and Audacy.

News and Traffic Coverage

KABC has provided breaking news, traffic, and weather updates for the Los Angeles area, coordinating with bureaus and reporters who cover beats similar to those at Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Fire Department, California Highway Patrol, and municipal agencies like the Los Angeles City Council. Coverage has extended to major regional events including the 1992 Los Angeles riots, the 1994 Northridge earthquake, annual occurrences like the Rose Parade, and high-profile trials at venues such as the Los Angeles County Superior Court and the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Traffic reports on freeways like the Interstate 405 (California), US Route 101, and Interstate 5 have been staples, with partnerships echoing coordination seen between broadcasters and agencies like the California Department of Transportation.

Sports and Special Events

KABC has carried sports and special-event programming, joining the local media landscape alongside KNBC television sports coverage and radio broadcasts by stations such as KMPC (AM) and KLAC (AM). The station has aired play-by-play, commentary, and analysis connected to teams including the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Galaxy, and collegiate programs like the USC Trojans and UCLA Bruins. Special event coverage has encompassed award ceremonies such as the Academy Awards, entertainment industry events tied to The Walt Disney Company and Warner Bros., and political conventions like the Democratic National Convention and Republican National Convention.

Technical Information and Transmitters

KABC transmits on the AM band with a transmitter and antenna system engineered to serve the Greater Los Angeles area, with technical operations comparable to other major-market AM facilities like KNX (AM) and KFI. The station has navigated challenges of AM propagation, signal allocation, and nighttime power considerations regulated by the Federal Communications Commission. Studios and transmitter sites have been located in facilities among affluent and industrial Los Angeles neighborhoods, interacting with infrastructure projects such as Metro (Los Angeles County) development and local zoning authorities.

Community Involvement and Awards

KABC has engaged in community outreach, public service campaigns, and charity partnerships akin to initiatives by LA City Fire Foundation, United Way of Greater Los Angeles, and arts organizations like the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The station and its personalities have received recognition including industry awards from institutions such as the National Association of Broadcasters and honors presented by local bodies like the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and the California Broadcasters Association. Notable alumni have gone on to roles in television, print, and national radio at outlets including CNN, Fox News, NBC News, and The New York Times.

Category:Radio stations in Los Angeles