KABC (AM)

KABC (AM)
Name	KABC (AM)
City	Los Angeles, California
Area	Greater Los Angeles
Branding	KABC 790
Frequency	790 kHz
Airdate	1925
Format	Talk radio
Power	50,000 watts
Owner	Cumulus Media
Sister stations	KLOS, KSPN, KKLA-FM

KABC (AM) is a commercial AM radio station licensed to Los Angeles, California, operating on 790 kHz with a talk radio format. Founded in the 1920s, the station has played a significant role in Southern California broadcasting, featuring nationally syndicated hosts, local commentators, and news coverage of major events in Los Angeles, California. KABC has been associated with prominent media figures, network affiliations, and corporate transactions involving Capital Cities, ABC, Inc., Disney, and Cumulus Media.

History

Established in 1925 during the expansion of radio broadcasting in the United States, the station became a fixture in Los Angeles broadcasting alongside contemporaries such as KHJ (AM), KFI (AM), and KNX (AM). During the 1940s and 1950s, the station affiliated with the American Broadcasting Company and carried programming tied to network offerings alongside local shows. In the 1960s and 1970s, the station shifted formats in response to competition from FM broadcasting and television outlets like KTLA and KABC-TV. High-profile transitions included talent migrations to and from rivals such as KFI and KNX, reflecting wider industry movements exemplified by deals involving Capital Cities Communications and the later acquisition of ABC, Inc. by The Walt Disney Company.

The station adopted a talk radio format that grew in prominence through the 1980s and 1990s, paralleling the rise of nationally syndicated personalities on networks such as Premiere Networks and Westwood One. Corporate consolidation in the 2000s resulted in the station becoming part of the portfolio of Citadel Broadcasting, which later merged with Cumulus Media. Throughout its history, KABC participated in coverage of landmark events including the 1992 Los Angeles riots, the Northridge earthquake, and major political conventions held in California.

Programming

KABC’s programming roster has combined local talk shows, nationally syndicated programs, and news segments. The station has aired commentary on regional politics involving figures like Richard Riordan, Antonio Villaraigosa, and Gavin Newsom, and discussed topics intersecting with institutions such as the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the California State Legislature. Syndicated programming from networks including Westwood One, Premiere Networks, and public affairs contributors has appeared alongside local hosts who have addressed issues connected to Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Unified School District, and University of California, Los Angeles.

The station’s editorial lineup historically engaged with entertainment industry currents involving Hollywood,Screen Actors Guild, Academy Awards, and studios such as Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros. It also presented consumer reports, legal analysis referencing cases heard in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, and commentary on transportation topics related to Metrolink (California) and Los Angeles Metro Rail.

News and Talk Shows

KABC has maintained news departments that have covered municipal affairs, statewide politics, and national debates, frequently featuring reporters and anchors who also worked with outlets like Los Angeles Times, KTTV, and KCBS-TV. The station’s talk shows have hosted interviews with political leaders such as Dianne Feinstein, Kamala Harris, and Brad Sherman as well as cultural figures from Getty Center events and cultural institutions like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Regular segments have addressed public safety topics involving California Highway Patrol alerts and public health updates linked to the California Department of Public Health. The station has also produced special programming tied to election cycles, collaborating with organizations such as the Secretary of State of California for voter information and hosting debates with candidates for offices including Mayor of Los Angeles.

Sports Coverage

While primarily a talk and news outlet, KABC has aired sports analysis and play-by-play related to regional teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Rams, and Los Angeles Chargers. The station’s sports talk segments have featured discussions with sports journalists from outlets like Los Angeles Daily News, Sports Illustrated, and ESPN Radio personalities. Coverage extended to collegiate athletics at institutions including University of Southern California and University of California, Los Angeles.

Technical Details

KABC operates with a licensed power of 50,000 watts during daytime and directional patterns designed to protect other stations on 790 kHz. Its transmitter site and antenna arrays have undergone upgrades over decades to comply with Federal Communications Commission regulations and to improve signal coverage across the Greater Los Angeles area. The station’s studio locations have included facilities in central Los Angeles and broadcast complexes shared with sister stations such as KLOS and KSPN.

Former Personalities and Hosts

Over the years, KABC featured notable broadcasters and commentators who became influential in talk radio and television. Personalities associated with the station have included hosts who moved on to work with Fox News, CNN, and national syndication through Westwood One and Premiere Networks. Many alumni also held positions at local outlets including KTTV, KCBS-TV, and KNBC. The station’s roster historically included investigative reporters and metro columnists from publications such as Los Angeles Times.

Ownership and Corporate Structure

Ownership of the station has changed hands multiple times, reflecting broader media consolidation trends involving companies like Capital Cities, ABC, Inc., The Walt Disney Company, Citadel Broadcasting, and Cumulus Media. As part of corporate portfolios, KABC has been aligned with sister stations in cluster strategies common to conglomerates such as iHeartMedia and Entercom (now Audacy, Inc.), while operating under the regulatory oversight of the Federal Communications Commission regarding licensing and market concentration.

Category:Radio stations in Los Angeles