KFI - Broadcasting

Broadcasting

KFI began as an experimental radio station in Earle C. Anthony's garage. As the programming improved and more money became available, the station was moved to his Packard automobile dealership building, formerly located at Tenth and Hope Streets in Los Angeles, with the "flat top" antenna mounted on its roof.

The transmitter was eventually relocated from Anthony's business establishment to its present location in La Mirada, California, where a 722-foot vertical tower was erected, and the KFI studios, and the studios of its sister station KECA, were moved to 141 South Vermont Street. The 141 South Vermont building is now gone, replaced by a parking lot.

Today, KFI broadcasts from its Burbank, California studios on 640 kHz on a 50,000-watt non-directional AM transmitter which is located in nearby La Mirada at 33° 52' 47" N, 118° 00' 47" W. As a class A signal, KFI can be heard throughout Southern California and some distance into Nevada, Arizona, northwestern Mexico, and, at night, in some parts of Hawaii and most of the western United States. According to a May 1, 2004 broadcast by Art Bell, this station can even be heard by sensitive receivers in parts of the Eastern United States. Some Canadians in British Columbia while others in Alaska were able to pick up KFI signals in the winter months, and even as far away as Japan, Philippines, Guam, American Samoa, New Zealand, Australia, and parts of Central America down to Panama.

In Summer 2004, KFI became the most listened to talk radio station in the United States, beating New York City WABC in cumulative audience during the rating period.