KCAL-FM 96.7 shifts to “All Music, All the Time” classic rock Saturday. Anaheim Broadcasting reduced on-air talk to emphasize songs and artists across generations.
What We Know: Anaheim Broadcasting rebuilt KCAL around listener-preferred classic rock hits. The format features broader song selection spanning multiple generations while emphasizing fewer interruptions throughout the day. Notably, COO Kelly Sanders emphasized they “built it right here at home.” Meanwhile, sister station KOLA-FM 99.9 operates a classic hits format alongside KCAL’s new classic rock direction.
What’s at Stake: The format change strategically gives Anaheim Broadcasting two distinct music brands in the market. Furthermore, advertisers gain two separate options for reaching established adult consumers. Additionally, KCAL maintains its longstanding Inland Empire presence through strategic differentiation from competitors. Ultimately, the strategy positions both stations as consistent listening options for the region’s audiences.
What Remains Unclear: Management hasn’t defined the specific playlist era focus. Managers haven’t clarified local programming integration plans. Rival stations haven’t announced competitive responses yet. The company hasn’t revealed revenue projections.
What It Means: Music-focused formats continue gaining significant traction across radio markets nationally. KCAL’s transition reflects an industry-wide shift toward safer, music-heavy programming strategies. The station’s previous format ultimately gives way to this personality-reduced approach, prioritizing audio content now. While talent opportunities remain viable for future integration, stations are strategically repositioning music first.
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David Hill serves as a Music Radio Editor, Columnist and Features writer for Barrett Media. A radio lifer with more than 30 years behind the mic, in the control room, and in the program director’s chair, David’s career spans influential stops at brands such as WIYY 98 Rock, WBAL-AM, and 99X. He has worked across multiple formats and ownership groups, including iHeartMedia and Cumulus Media, developing talent, breaking music, and navigating every major industry shift from diary to PPM and terrestrial dominance to streaming disruption. When he’s not writing or analyzing the industry, Dave runs The Tune Farm, a marketing firm built to help artists and brands grow audience the same way great radio always has—by creating connection, not just impressions. He can be reached at David@BarrettMedia.com.