KNX (Los Angeles)

KNX (Los Angeles) KNX is a commercial radio station in Los Angeles, California, broadcasting a news/talk format on 1070 AM and 97.1 FM. Owned by Paramount Global through CBS Radio, KNX operates in the media landscape alongside broadcasters such as KFI, KABC, KFWB, KPCC, and KCRW, and competes for audiences with outlets like KTLA, KCAL-TV, KTTV, KCBS-TV, and KNBC. The station has played a central role in Southern California broadcasting history, interacting with institutions including University of Southern California, Los Angeles Times, City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County and emergency agencies like Los Angeles Fire Department.

History

KNX traces roots to early 20th-century broadcasting developments involving companies such as Westinghouse Electric Corporation, Columbia Broadcasting System, Radio Corporation of America, General Electric, and regulatory milestones like the Radio Act of 1927 and the Communications Act of 1934. Throughout the Great Depression and World War II, KNX adapted coverage to national events like the Pearl Harbor attack, the Nuremberg Trials, and the Korean War, mirroring transitions at networks such as NBC, ABC, and Mutual Broadcasting System. Ownership and affiliation changes linked KNX to media conglomerates including Viacom, Paramount Pictures, Westwood One, Infinity Broadcasting Corporation, and later asset reorganizations involving CBS Corporation and National Amusements. The station's evolution paralleled technological shifts exemplified by milestones at RCA Victor, Edwin Howard Armstrong, and the rise of FM outlets like KROQ-FM and KUSC. KNX has been part of civic moments involving Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Lakers, San Fernando Valley incidents, and coverage of events such as the Northridge earthquake, the LA Riots, and presidential visits by figures including Franklin D. Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy.

Programming and News Operations

KNX operates a 24-hour news wheel influenced by formats pioneered by outlets such as WCBS (AM), WINS (AM), WOR (AM), and syndication services like AP Radio and Reuters. The station's newsroom coordination interfaces with agencies and organizations such as Associated Press, Federal Aviation Administration, California Highway Patrol, Los Angeles Police Department, Federal Communications Commission, and National Weather Service. Programming decisions echo practices at broadcasters including NPR, Bloomberg Radio, Fox News Radio, and ABC News Radio. KNX's coverage spans local beats linked to institutions like Los Angeles Unified School District, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, California State Assembly, California State Senate, and federal representation including United States House of Representatives members from California and United States Senate delegations. The station has also partnered with cultural institutions such as Los Angeles Philharmonic, Getty Center, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and community organizations like United Way.

On-Air Personalities and Staff

On-air talent and staff at KNX have included journalists, anchors, and reporters who have had careers intersecting with personalities and organizations such as Walter Cronkite, Edward R. Murrow, Howard Stern, Rush Limbaugh, Ira Glass, and personalities from Entertainment Tonight and Variety. Producers and reporters have moved between outlets including KTTV, KCBS-TV, KABC-TV, KTLA, KNBC, KTTV, Los Angeles Times, The Hollywood Reporter, and Los Angeles Daily News. Field correspondents coordinate with emergency responders from Los Angeles County Fire Department, California Highway Patrol, and municipal agencies including City of Long Beach and City of Pasadena. News directors and program directors have backgrounds linked to institutions such as Syracuse University S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, University of California, Los Angeles, and USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.

Technical Facilities and Coverage

KNX broadcasts from transmission facilities and studios that relate to engineering advances at companies like Harris Corporation, Nautel, Transmitter Products, and technologies pioneered at institutions such as Bell Labs and AT&T. Its AM transmitter on 1070 kHz provides wide-area coverage across Southern California, reaching counties including Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and Ventura County, with fringe reception into San Diego County and across the Pacific Ocean under certain conditions. FM simulcasting on 97.1 MHz extends urban coverage, complementing digital platforms including streaming services used by iHeartRadio, TuneIn, and affiliates on SiriusXM. Technical coordination involves frequency allocations overseen by the Federal Communications Commission and propagation phenomena studied at research centers like NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

Community Involvement and Awards

KNX engages in community initiatives and charitable partnerships with organizations such as American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels, March of Dimes, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, and civic campaigns with City of Los Angeles Mayor's Office. The station's public service and journalism have been recognized by awards from bodies like the National Association of Broadcasters, the Peabody Awards, the Edward R. Murrow Awards, the Pulitzer Prize-linked journalism community, and regional honors from the Los Angeles Press Club. Special coverage has intersected with cultural events including the Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, Emmy Awards, and public crises such as Hurricane Katrina relief coordination and California wildfire responses.

Category:Radio stations in Los Angeles