KROQ

KROQ
Name	KROQ
City	Los Angeles, California
Area	Greater Los Angeles
Frequency	106.7 MHz
Format	Alternative rock (varied over decades)
Owner	Audacy, Inc.
Airdate	1962 (as KROQ-FM evolution from earlier stations)

KROQ is an influential Los Angeles FM radio station known for shaping alternative rock radio and modern rock programming in Southern California. It played a pivotal role in promoting bands during the punk, new wave, grunge, and alternative movements and interacted with the music industries surrounding Los Angeles, Hollywood, Sunset Strip, Warner Bros. Records, MCA Records, and Elektra Records.

History

KROQ's lineage traces through Los Angeles radio developments and personnel linked to stations such as KHJ, KMET (FM), KPPC-FM, KNX (AM), and personalities associated with Pasadena and Long Beach scenes. Early programming shifts intersected with cultural moments like Sunset Strip riot, the rise of punk rock, the new wave movement, and the emergence of bands promoted by labels like Sire Records, Epitaph Records, and Geffen Records. The station's evolution involved managers and consultants who had worked with organizations including Infinity Broadcasting, CBS Radio, and later Entercom (now Audacy, Inc.), reflecting corporate consolidation trends involving Viacom and Westinghouse Electric Corporation.

Programming

Programming incorporated specialty shows, countdowns, and festival tie-ins that connected to events such as the Riot Fest, Coachella, Lollapalooza, and the Summerfest circuit. Regular features highlighted artists from labels like Sub Pop, Matador Records, and Domino Recording Company, and formats adapted to chart movements tracked by Billboard and playlists influenced by charting on the Alternative Songs chart. Syndicated segments and partnerships involved networks including Westwood One, Premiere Networks, and on-air promotions with venues such as The Roxy Theatre, The Troubadour, and Whisky a Go Go.

On-air personalities

The station hosted notable on-air figures and DJs linked with broader media careers and collaborations with artists like Iggy Pop, David Bowie, Patti Smith, Billy Idol, and presenters who later worked at stations such as KLOS, KIIS-FM, and KROQ-FM (FM) alumni who appeared with outlets including MTV, VH1, NPR, and Sirius XM. Emcees and programmers had intersections with managers and promoters from SFX Entertainment, Live Nation, and independent promoters connected to AEG Presents.

Music and cultural impact

KROQ influenced breakout success for acts that became staples of alternative and mainstream catalogs, including Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Cure, Depeche Mode, U2, R.E.M., The Smiths, The Clash, The Ramones, Green Day, The Strokes, Radiohead, Oasis, Arcade Fire, Nine Inch Nails, Beck, LCD Soundsystem, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Sonic Youth, Stone Temple Pilots, No Doubt, Blink-182, Coldplay, Muse, The Killers, Interpol, Franz Ferdinand, Modest Mouse, The White Stripes, The xx, Kendrick Lamar, Radiohead, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Jane's Addiction. The station curated annual events and compilation releases tied to venues and festivals such as Roxy Theatre (West Hollywood), The Wiltern, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and collaborations with labels such as Capitol Records and Island Records to promote touring, record launches, and charity drives associated with organizations like Musicians On Call and Live Aid-era fundraising.

Technical information

KROQ broadcasts on 106.7 MHz from facilities sited with terrain considerations near Mount Wilson and transmitters that conform to Federal Communications Commission allocations administered in coordination with markets including San Diego, Palm Springs, and Orange County, California. The station's signal, antenna pattern, effective radiated power specifications, and studio-to-transmitter links evolved alongside technological shifts involving companies such as NAB (organization), IEEE, and equipment vendors like Rohde & Schwarz and Harris Corporation as FM stereo and digital streaming technologies progressed to include online platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, and company streaming services operated by Audacy, Inc..

Awards and recognition

The station and its staff received industry recognition and awards from entities such as the National Association of Broadcasters, the Radio Hall of Fame, trade publications like Billboard (magazine), and honors at ceremonies attended by executives from Clear Channel Communications, Cumulus Media, and labels including Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music Group. Individual programmers and personalities were acknowledged in lists and retrospectives produced by outlets such as Rolling Stone, LA Weekly, and Los Angeles Times critics.

Controversies and incidents

KROQ's history includes on-air and promotional controversies intersecting with public figures, artist disputes, and legal matters involving entertainment lawyers and firms associated with Rosenfeld Meyer & Susman-era counsel and music industry litigation tied to labels like Warner Music Group and Universal Music Group. Incidents prompted public debate featuring commentators from The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and broadcast regulation discussions within the Federal Communications Commission framework, as well as reactions from artist management representatives from companies like Wasserman Music and agencies such as CAA and WME.

Category:Radio stations in Los Angeles County, California Category:Alternative rock radio stations in the United States