KBIG

Template:Infobox radio KBIG-FM is an FM radio station in Los Angeles, California. The station plays a Hot AC format with a rhythmic lean. They are owned by Clear Channel Communications.

At one time KBIG was once one of the highest-rated Beautiful music stations in the country. KBIG began broadcasting in 1952 as an AM radio station originating from Catalina Island off the coast of California. The call letters were named in honor of the station's original disc jockey, Carl "Mr. Big" Daily. They originally broadcast Big band and popular music of the times.

In the mid-1960s, KBIG began simulcasting its AM signal on the 104.3 FM frequency (where KBIG continues to broadcast today). As an FM station, KBIG broadcast the format for which the station is best known, Beautiful music, playing lush instrumentals and occasional vocal performances. KBIG also had its staff of "KBIG Singers", who would sing the station's jingles and also record their own albums to offer to listeners. One of the "KBIG Singers" was session singer Sally Stevens, who began her career at KBIG. The station was owned by Bonneville International for many years.

The Beautiful music format continued until 1987. At that time the station dropped its instrumentals and became a Soft AC station. In 1988 KBIG began mixing in more rock and roll oldies from 1964-1969 as well as hotter AC artists. They were still Gold Based AC at that point.

By 1990 KBIG began playing more current hist and less 60's music. By 1992 the 60's songs were dropped and KBIG was more of a Hot AC station (which is sort of the format KBIG continues to air today). By 1995 KBIG moved toward more of a mainstream AC to compete against rival KOST. Nicknamed K-BIG 104, KBIG is today home to morning host Charlie Tuna and to Disco Saturday Night, an all-night '70s music program.

Bonneville though decided to sell KBIG to Chancellor in 1996 but when Chancellor had too many other stations they sold KZLA 93.9 the Country station to Bonneville. In 1997 KBIG moved toward a Hot AC format. When Chancellor acquired Modern AC station KYSR and AC station KOST they kept KBIG a Hot AC format with a lean on uptempo Pop, 70's and 80's gold, uptempo AC currents, and Rhythmic pop.

In 2000 Chancellor merged with Clear Channel and so KBIG is now a Clear Channel station. On July 18, 2005, KBIG made major changes by cutting back on commercial time(concentrating on 30 minute music sweeps), dropped the jingles and the top of the hour IDs( i.e."..It's 4 O'Clock In The West..." would no longer be heard), and tweaked their musical direction by focusing on less currents and more recurrents from the 1980s and 1990s, with most of the music leaning towards a rhythmic approach.

Clear Channel Communications still owns KBIG.

External link

• Official website
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