KSCO

Last updated
KSCO
Broadcast area Monterey-Salinas-Santa Cruz
Frequency 1080 kHz
BrandingKSCO AM 1080 & FM 104.1
Programming
Format Talk
Affiliations Premiere Networks
Salem Radio Network
Townhall News
Westwood One
Ownership
OwnerZwerling Broadcasting System, Ltd
KOMY
History
First air date
September 21, 1947;77 years ago (1947-09-21)
Former call signs
KLRS (1988–1989)
Call sign meaning
"Santa Cruz's Own"
Technical information [1]
Licensing authority
 FCC
Facility ID 41594
Class D
Power 10,000 watts day
28 watts night
Transmitter coordinates
 36°57′41.5″N121°58′55.3″W / 36.961528°N 121.982028°W / 36.961528; -121.982028
Translator(s) 95.7 K239CN (Watsonville)
104.1 K281CA (Santa Cruz)
107.9 K300DD (Watsonville)
Links
Public license information
Webcast Listen live
Website www.ksco.com

KSCO (1080 AM) is a commercial radio station broadcasting a talk radio format. The station is owned by Zwerling Broadcasting System, Ltd and is licensed to Santa Cruz, California. The radio studios and offices are on Portola Drive in Santa Cruz. The station can be heard over much of Central California during the day.

Contents

By day, KSCO broadcasts at 10,000 watts. Because 1080 AM is a clear channel frequency reserved for KRLD Dallas and WTIC Hartford, at sunset, to avoid interference, KSCO reduces power to 28 watts. It uses a non-directional antenna at all times [2] KSCO also has three translator stations to broadcast its programming on the FM dial.

History

KSCO signed on the air on September 21, 1947. [3] It originally was powered at 1,000 watts by day and was housed in a distinctive art deco building, which was constructed for the station, and still broadcasts there today. The founder was Charles Vernon Berlin, who also served as general manager and chief engineer. In 1962, he added 99.1 KSCO-FM (now KSQL).

In 1986, Berlin sold KSCO-AM-FM to Fuller-Jeffrey Broadcasting which owned numerous stations around the country. The AM station went to an automated format of adult standards. On March 10, 1987, KSCO-FM changed its call letters to KLRS (Colors) and its format to a new-age music format, the first station in North America to do so, with Mark Hammond as program director and Jay Peterson music director.

Since 1991, KSCO has been owned by the Zwerling family and has a talk radio format. The Zwerlings later acquired another local AM station, 1340 KOMY. Both Michael and his mother Kay Zwerling took an active role in the station with the former regularly hosting the call-in show Saturday Special and the latter writing and voicing politically conservative commentaries on a variety of topics, especially politics and current events. On January 3, 2017 Kay Zwerling died at 95 years old. [4]

Logo before translator sign on KSCO 2014 logo.png
Logo before translator sign on

On September 25, 2006, the offices of KSCO and KOMY received an envelope containing white powder. The envelope, which had no return address and contained no letter, was addressed to "AUNTIE KSCO" in handwriting described by Program Director Rosemary Chalmers as "chicken-scratch." Emergency response teams arrived on scene, and all KSCO personnel in the building were evacuated by a HazMat crew. By the evening of Tuesday, September 26, an FBI lab had determined that the powder was inert, and KSCO/KOMY's broadcast studios were deemed safe. Regular broadcasting resumed at 8 p.m. None of the four people who came in contact with the envelope experienced symptoms of any illness.

On October 24, 2022, the FCC proposed a $20,000 fine for Zwerling Broadcasting System, because KSCO had been operating outside of its licensed nighttime parameters since late 1996. [5] [6] On December 15, 2022, the FCC denied Zwerling Broadcasting's appeal, and affirmed the $20,000 fine for KSCO. [7] [8]

Apparently as a consequence of the cited long-term unauthorized nighttime operations, KSCO was directed to apply for a daytime-only (Class D) license, with nighttime power sufficiently reduced to fully protect KRLD (AM). The application was submitted, and authorization was granted. The application requested 0.028 kW (twenty-eight watts) nights, non-directionally. Daytime power remains 10 kW, also non-directionally.

The new license for 28 watts at night was granted on April 18, 2024.

Programming

KSCO/KOMY's studios on 2300 Portola Drive in Santa Cruz, CA KSCO 1080-KOMY 1340 studios.jpg
KSCO/KOMY's studios on 2300 Portola Drive in Santa Cruz, CA

The station programming is a mix of local, syndicated and brokered programming (meaning a person can purchase an available hour of time and produce their own show). A host can either pay for the hour out of his or her own pocket or find local businesses to sponsor the show in exchange for advertising.

The programming is a mix of local and national shows. The morning hours feature a syndicated news and commentary show called Armstrong & Getty, followed by NewsMax host Rob Carson, financial advisor Dave Ramsey, and various local shows covering money management, real estate law, and everything about cars. Afternoon drive time comedy and local interest is hosted by Dave Michaels. Evening and nighttime offerings include Dr. Joel Wallach, Wayne Allen Root, and Coast to Coast AM with George Noory.

KSCO does not subscribe to rating services, so listenership is unreported.

Past KSCO local programs were hosted by Rosemary Chalmers, Michael Olson, Vernon Bohr, Ethan Bearman, Daryl Alan Gault, Rob Roberts, Brian Maloney, and more. Current local hosts include Pamela Fugitt-Hetrick, Duncan McCollum, and Dean Sutton.

Translators

Broadcast translators for KSCO
Call sign Frequency City of license FID ERP (W) Class Transmitter coordinatesFCC info
K281CA104.1 FM Santa Cruz, California 153874190 vertical D 37°3′27.8″N121°46′33.8″W / 37.057722°N 121.776056°W / 37.057722; -121.776056 (K281CA) LMS
K300DD107.9 FM Watsonville, California 8824824 verticalD 37°3′27.8″N121°46′33.8″W / 37.057722°N 121.776056°W / 37.057722; -121.776056 (K300DD) LMS
K239CN95.7 FM Watsonville, California 14203837 verticalD 37°3′27.8″N121°46′33.8″W / 37.057722°N 121.776056°W / 37.057722; -121.776056 (K239CN) LMS

On August 3, 2015, KSCO launched an FM simulcast on 104.1 MHz with translator K281CA from the Mt. Madonna Tower. It uses a directional antenna with most of the signal directed at Santa Cruz.

On May 11, 2017 KSCO was granted a license for translator K300DD on 107.9 MHz from the Mt. Madonna Tower. It uses a directional antenna with most of the signal directed at Morgan Hill.

On June 8, 2017 KSCO was granted a license for translator K239CN on 95.7 MHz from the Mt. Madonna tower. It uses a directional antenna with most of the signal directed at Gilroy.

Related Research Articles

KVNI is a commercial AM radio station licensed to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, serving the Spokane metropolitan area of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. It is owned by Morgan Murphy Media, with the license held by QueenB Radio, Inc. Morgan Murphy owns seven radio stations and a TV station in the Spokane area.

KGA is a commercial radio station in Spokane, Washington. Owned by Stephens Media Group, it broadcasts a sports radio format. KGA's studios and offices are on East 57th Avenue. Most of the programming comes from Fox Sports Radio. The station carries broadcasts of the Spokane Indians minor league baseball team and the Spokane Chiefs junior ice hockey team. Going on the air in 1927, it was one of the earliest radio stations in Washington.

KNCO is a commercial AM radio station in Grass Valley, California. It is owned by Nevada County Broadcasters and airs a talk radio format. The studios and offices for KNCO and KNCO-FM are on East Main Street in Grass Valley. The station streams its programming on the iHeartRadio platform and app.

WLVY is a commercial AM radio station that is licensed to two adjacent cities in the Southern Tier of New York, Elmira Heights and Horseheads, New York. It is owned by Tower Broadcasting and airs a Top 40 (CHR) radio format.

WLOH is a commercial radio station licensed to Lancaster, Ohio, southeast of Columbus. Owned by the WLOH Radio Company, WLOH broadcasts a country music radio format. It also serves as a local affiliate for the Cincinnati Bengals Radio Network and the Ohio State Sports Network.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WYSL</span> Radio station in Avon, New York

WYSL is a commercial radio station licensed to Avon, New York, and serving the Rochester metropolitan area. It broadcasts a talk radio format and is known as "The Voice of Liberty." The station is owned by Robert C. Savage under the name "Radio Livingston."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">KFNN</span> Radio station in Mesa, Arizona, United States

KFNN is a commercial radio station licensed to Mesa, Arizona, and serving the Phoenix metropolitan area. News Talk Radio in Phoenix, it airs a financial news and talk radio format, broadcasting from studios in North Scottsdale. KFNN is owned by CRC Broadcasting Company, Inc., headed by Ronald Cohen. The company also owns sports radio 1580 The Fanatic KQFN, as well as KJJZ 102.7 The Fanatic in the Palm Springs area, and a financial expo called Financial Fest. KFNN has a lineup of local and national money related programs, with some nationally syndicated conservative talk show hosts. KFNN says it had the first full-time financial format of its kind in the U.S., starting in 1988.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WSVA</span> Radio station in Harrisonburg, Virginia

WSVA is a commercial radio station licensed to Harrisonburg, Virginia, and serving the Central Shenandoah Valley. It broadcasts a news/talk format and is owned by Saga Communications, through licensee Tidewater Communications, LLC. The studios and offices are on Heritage Center Way in Harrisonburg.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WION (AM)</span> Radio station in Ionia, Michigan

WION is a commercial full-service AM radio station licensed to serve Ionia, Michigan. The station is owned by Packer Radio WION, LLC and features a mix of locally programmed music, news, and sports. WION transmits in C-QUAM AM stereo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WGMP</span> Radio station in Montgomery, Alabama

WGMP is an alternative rock formatted radio station that serves the Montgomery Metropolitan Area, in Alabama, United States, also broadcasting via a broadcast translator on the FM band at 104.9 MHz.

WRDD is a commercial radio station licensed to serve Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. The station simulcasts a country music format with a sister station in Carlisle, WCAT-FM, called "Red 102.3". It is owned by Shippenburg Broadcasting.

KMIA is an AM radio station broadcasting a Spanish-language Christian Radio format, known as "Radio Amor." Licensed to Auburn–Federal Way, Washington, it serves the Seattle metropolitan area. The station is currently owned by Amador and Rosalie Bustos, through licensee Bustos Media Holdings, LLC. It uses a brokered programming system, where religious leaders buy time on the station and seek donations to their ministries during their shows.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">KPDQ (AM)</span> Radio station in Portland, Oregon

KPDQ is a commercial AM radio station in Portland, Oregon. It is owned by Salem Media Group and serves the Portland metropolitan area, with a Christian talk and teaching radio format known as "True Talk 800." The studios and offices are on SE Lake Road in Portland. KPDQ is co-owned with KPDQ-FM, also a Christian talk and teaching station. Each station runs its own schedule.

WLSS is a commercial radio station in Sarasota, Florida. It is owned by Salem Communications and airs a talk radio format. It is the oldest and most powerful AM station in the Sarasota-Bradenton radio market. The studios are on West Laurel Street in Sarasota.

KTAN is a commercial radio station broadcasting a classic rock format. It is licensed to Sierra Vista, Arizona, and serves the Southwestern Cochise County area. The station is owned by Townsquare Media and features programing from Premiere Networks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WWBF</span> Radio station in Bartow, Florida

WWBF is a commercial AM radio station licensed to Bartow, Florida. As the capital city of Polk County, Bartow is centrally located in the Lakeland - Winter Haven Metropolitan Area. WWBF has a classic hits radio format and is owned by Thornburg Communications, Inc. Its moniker is "102.9 WBF," using its FM dial position and dropping one of the two W's in its call sign.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">KERN</span> Radio station in Wasco-Greenacres, California

KERN is a commercial radio station licensed to Wasco-Greenacres, California, and serving the Bakersfield metropolitan area. The station is owned by American General Media. The radio studios and offices are in the American General Media complex at 1400 Easton Drive, STE 134 in Bakersfield.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">KBRC</span> Radio station in Mount Vernon, Washington

KBRC is a commercial AM radio station in Mount Vernon, Washington, and serving Skagit County. It airs a classic rock radio format and is owned by John and Julia Di Meo. The studios and offices are on Freeway Drive in Mount Vernon.

KWIL is a commercial radio station licensed to Albany, Oregon, and serving the Willamette Valley. It broadcasts a Christian talk and teaching radio format and is owned by Extra Mile Media, Inc. The studios and transmitter are on Santiam Highway SE.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">WFLI (AM)</span> Radio station in Tennessee, U.S.

WFLI is a commercial AM radio station broadcasting a conservative talk radio format. Licensed to Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, the station serves the Chattanooga metropolitan area. WFLI is owned by Tri-State Radio, Inc.

References

  1. ↑ "Facility Technical Data for KSCO". Licensing and Management System. Federal Communications Commission.
  2. ↑ Radio-Locator.com/KSCO
  3. ↑ Information from Broadcasting Yearbook 1950 page B-99
  4. ↑ "January 5, 2017: Kay Zwerling". ksco.com. January 5, 2017. Retrieved June 14, 2017.
  5. ↑ "FCC Sends $20,000 NAL to California Broadcaster". 24 October 2022.
  6. ↑ "Memorandum Opinion and Order and Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture" (PDF). Federal Communications Commission . October 19, 2022. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
  7. ↑ "As FCC Upholds $20,000 Fine; KSCO Plans to Cease Local Programming - RadioInsight". 15 December 2022.
  8. ↑ "Forfeiture Order" (PDF). Federal Communications Commission. December 15, 2022. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.