Radio Market Shifts: K-Car Launch Troubles and New Memoir Release

Southern California radio listeners faced an uncertain start this week as a new oldies station struggled to maintain its signal. The instability affects the daily programming of the station formerly known as KMZT. Listeners who tune in to 1260 AM have experienced a variety of formats within a single day. The station currently airs classical music, a departure from its intended lineup of soft tunes from the 1970s and hits dating back to 1955.

Saul Levine changed the call letters from KMZT to KKAR, or K-Car, on October 30. He introduced the new identity with fanfare and excitement. The goal was to provide a consistent stream of classic music. However, the first week of operation has seen the station switch between oldies, classical, and Christmas music. The frequent changes in format have created confusion for regular listeners who expected a stable oldies stream.

The station went off the air entirely for a period during this initial launch phase. As of Monday, the broadcast returned with a classical format. Levine recently mentioned vandalism at the transmitter site. This potential technical issue may be the cause of the irregular programming. The station has not responded to phone calls or emails from reporters. Levine usually responds to inquiries quickly, but the silence has raised questions about the operational status of the new venture.

The online stream for K-Car remains available for those who can access the digital feed. The signal is accessible via live365.com. This provides an alternative for listeners who are affected by the AM frequency interruptions. The situation highlights the challenges of launching a new format in a competitive market. Technical reliability is a key factor in retaining the audience during the critical early weeks of a brand relaunch.

In related news on the business side of radio, Brian Beirne released a new book detailing his career. The memoir, titled “Eleven Down from Elvis,” covers more than 60 years in the music industry. Beirne, known on the air as Mr. Rock and Roll, worked at KRTH (101.1 FM) for many years. He describes the book as a personal history told in his own words. The narrative follows his life and career, including the people he met along the way.

Beirne recounts a specific incident from his childhood that shaped his resolve. When he was five years old, doctors told his parents he had only 48 hours to live. His heart rate would not return to normal despite treatments. As an only child, he focused on staying alive for the next episode of Flash Gordon. The doctors were incorrect in their assessment. This early experience is one of several personal stories that form the core of the book.

The book also documents his record and pop memorabilia collection and the stations where he worked. Beirne claims to have encountered over 300 artists during his career. He lists names such as The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Walt Disney. His star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is located eleven spaces down from Elvis Presley’s star. The title of the book references this specific placement on the sidewalk.

Holiday programming is also becoming a factor in the local radio market. KOST (103.5 FM) is currently playing soft hits but may switch to holiday music on November 13. KKGO’s 105.1 FM sent holiday music on its HD3 digital stream for a time. Palm Springs MeTV FM affiliate KMEE (92.1 FM) switched to all holiday music on Election Day. Relevant Radio, the owner of KHJ (930 AM), offers two streams of Christmas music through its app. These options provide listeners with multiple avenues to access seasonal programming.

The local radio landscape continues to evolve with new formats and technical adjustments. Listeners must monitor multiple sources for the most up-to-date information on their preferred stations. The launch of K-Car and the release of Beirne’s book represent two distinct developments in the industry. Both involve established figures attempting to reach new audiences or document past achievements. The market remains active with changes in ownership, format, and content delivery methods.

Richard Wagoner, a San Pedro freelance columnist, covers these developments in Southern California. He provides updates on the status of K-Car as information becomes available. The online stream remains the most consistent way to hear the new format despite the AM broadcast issues. The market for radio content continues to adapt to the needs and preferences of the local listening public.