Talk radio is a major phenomenon worldwide, but it’s particularly trending in the United States.
As the ultimate way to hear political insights, entertainment shows and niche segments, talk radio attracts millions of listeners every week.
About 15 million Americans listen to the top 15 talk radio shows.
For LA locals, talk radio is an incredible resource. Not only does it help radio lovers connect with some of their favorite stars, but it’s also a great way to keep up to date with helpful information and news reports.
Talk radio attracts all types of listeners, from politics enthusiasts to sports fans across the city. So how do you find the best channels?
Today we’re taking a look at some of the most reputable talk radio stations in Los Angeles.
The 11 Best Talk Radio Stations in LA
The best talk radio station in the LA area for your needs depends on the type of content you are looking for.
Talk stations often produce a variety of programming, ranging from laid-back chat sessions to comedy shows and political commentary.
Today we are specifically focusing on the most popular talk radio stations in Los Angeles.
Here are our top tips.
1. KABC
Cumulus Media is one of the most popular commercial AM radio stations in Los Angeles and owns KABC.
The station was launched almost 100 years ago, in 1925. It’s the flagship station for the USC Trojans football and men’s basketball teams, so it’s a great option if you want to hear some of the latest sports commentary.
KABC is also the Los Angeles affiliate for a number of popular programs, such as: America in the morning And The Ben Shapiro Show.
According to Nielsen, the station was ranked #27 in the list of top LA radio stations in 2022.
KABC is a pioneer in the LA talk radio landscape, having been one of the first companies to focus on a 24/7 all-talk playlist.
It was also the top radio station in LA in the ’70s and one of the most listened to stations in America.
Frequency: AM: 790KHz
Website: KABC
2.KRLA
KRLA, also known as AM 870 The Answer, is a commercial radio station licensed in Glendale, California.
The station, which belongs to the Salem Media Group, follows a conservative talk radio format with various programs.
On weekdays listeners can expect listeners The morning answer with popular presenters Grant Stinchfield and Jennifer Horn. The rest of the day, the station airs various nationally broadcast Salem Radio Network programs.
KRLA is known for its advice-focused columns that offer tips on everything from managing your finances to caring for your pet.
The channel generally uses a formal and intelligent tone, making it great for those who want something a little more sophisticated.
Frequency: AM: 870KHz
Website: KRLA
3. KTNQ
KTNQ or TenQ is a Los Angeles licensed talk radio station owned by the Latino Media Network.
It broadcasts a Spanish news and talk format with various unique listening options.
In addition to current affairs and news programs, the KTNQ network also shares a lot of sports-oriented content with commentary on famous matches from the Univision Deportes Radio landscape. I
Interestingly, since 2011, the station has also served as the LA Dodgers’ flagship Spanish-language station, broadcasting commentary on Dodger games.
The station has often been ranked as one of the top radio stations in LA, with popular hosts like Gustavo Vargas, Gabriela Teissier and Juan Rodriguez.
Frequency: AM: 1020kHz
Website: KTNQ
4. KPCC (LAist)
Non-commercial educational radio station KPCC is licensed in Pasadena, California and serves the greater LA area and the San Fernando Valley.
This station is owned by Pasadena County College and broadcasts various public radio programs and news segments. It also operates as an affiliate of Public Radio Exchange and NPR.
KPCC began broadcasting under the original callsign of KPCS in August 1957, before later changing its name to KPCC.
In 2023, the station began rolling out LAist, although the callsign remained the same.
The channel’s current program includes regular sessions such as Take two with A Martinez And The frame with John Horn.
There are also weekday scientific features highlighting some of the latest discoveries in the scientific world.
Frequency: FM: 89.3MHz
Website: KPCC
5. KPFK
KPFK, a listener-sponsored station in North Hollywood, streams 24 hours a day over the internet and on FM wavelengths.
The station began broadcasting in 1959. Interestingly, with its 110-1,000 watt transmitter, KPFK is one of the most powerful VHF transmitters in the western United States.
Like most Pacifica stations, KPFK offers programming on a variety of topics, from discussions of the performing arts to public affairs and newscasts.
The program is usually offered in English, but there are also offers in Spanish five evenings a week.
KPFK has played a significant role in radio history over the years. For example, Ladysmith Black Mambazo made their first appearance on the KPFK network.
Frequency: FM: 90.7MHz
Website: KPFK
6. KFWB
Owned by Lotus Communications of California, the KFWB station airs a regional Mexican music format combined with talk show segments.
This particular station has quite a colorful history in the broadcasting landscape, having once been the radio voice of Warner Bros. Studio.
Founded in 1925, the network helped launch the careers of some of the most prominent celebrities on the American scene today, including Bing Crosby and Ronald Reagan.
Over the years, the channel changed its focus, exploring exclusive news and talk-based content before concentrating on the sports commentary landscape.
In 2016, the company switched to the Mexican music format, combining hits from the Mexican countryside with regular programming.
Frequency: AM: 980KHz
Website: KFWB
7. KFI
Another well-known AM radio station on the talkie landscape, KFI is a popular Los Angeles station owned by iHeartMedia.
The station began operating in 1922 and quickly became one of the first high-performing Clear Channel Class A stations in the United States.
Along with KNX, KFI is one of the key entry points for Southern California’s emergency alert system. The channel is also licensed to broadcast in HD format, but apparently shut down its HD signal in 2015.
KFI adheres to a standard talk radio format, presenting local presenters and frequent news and traffic updates.
The station experimented with a few music playlists for a while before going full-on with a conversation-based strategy. Rush Limbaugh’s nationally broadcast show was also available on this channel between 1988 and 2014.
Frequency: AM: 640kHz
Website: KFI
8. KNX
Part of the Audacy brand, KNX is a commercial AM radio station focused on news-based content.
This station is considered one of the oldest in the United States and first went on the air in 1920.
In addition to regular news programs, the station also broadcasts weekly traffic reports from the greater Los Angeles area.
A handful of celebrities started out as presenters on the KNX station, including Jerome Lawrence, Jack Benny, George Burns and Edgar Bergen.
Additionally, Bob Crane was the station’s morning anchor between 1957 and 1965, when he rose to fame as a supporting actor on the ABC program The Donna Reed Show.
In 2009, KNX adopted the slogan “All the news, all the time” and won its first national breaking news award in 2017.
It was also nominated for various other awards, such as Legendary Station of the Year and Talk/News Station of the Year awards.
Frequency: AM: 1070KHz
Website: KNX
9. KEIB
Owned by iHeartMedia, KEIB or The Patriot, a Los Angeles commercial radio station focused on the talk radio format.
The station’s weekday programming includes various nationally broadcast talk shows, such as The Sean Hannity Show and the Glenn Beck program.
The station also broadcasts Anaheim Ducks and UCLA Bruins games in case of conflicts with their regular flagship stations.
Weekend playlists typically feature weekday reruns of shows and programs hosted by two local presenters: Joe Escalante and Mark Moss.
In addition to syndicated shows and chat sessions, the KEIB playlist occasionally includes sports commentary. The group even broadcast the 2012 NCAA basketball championship.
Frequency: AM: 1150kHz
Website: KEIB
10. KKLA
KKLA-FM is a commercial radio station broadcasting a Christian teaching and conversation format for the greater Los Angeles area.
The channel was originally owned by Paster Ray Schoch Faith Center Church when it started in 1956.
Over the years, KKLA’s ownership has changed to Salem Media Group, but the station has retained its Christian format.
Although Christian music aired for a number of years, these playlists were removed in 1990.
Monday through Saturday, KKLA-FM airs popular call-in talk shows that discuss various conservative and religious issues.
At all other times and on Sundays, the station broadcasts teaching programs and sermons by well-known speakers. The station claims to be the most listened-to Christian talk show in the United States.
Frequency: FM: 99.5MHz
Website: KKLA
11. KSPN
Finally, KSPN, also known as ESPN LA, is a commercial AM radio station serving the greater Los Angeles area.
It was launched in 1927 and is currently owned by the Good Karma Brands company.
Today, as a radio partner of ESPN sports channel, KSPN broadcasts a sports and talk show format.
Over the years KSPN has gone through many format changes, experimenting with standard talk radio and entertainment programming, sports radio and even Spanish music.
For a short time, the station even belonged to the ABC and Disney group.
Today, KSPN is considered one of the most popular radio stations in LA for sports fans looking for breaking commentary on the biggest sporting events in the US.
Frequency: AM: 710KHz
Website: KSPN
If you want insight into the latest political events, news updates or sports commentary, LA has many excellent talk radio stations.
Each station has a unique approach to programming with a variety of dedicated hosts and presenters.
Above you will find a station that suits your taste, whether you are an AM or FM fan.
Also, remember that thanks to online streaming options, you can listen to most of the stations featured in this list on your smartphone or computer.
