CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

The SoCal Sound, Los Angeles

Operating in the entertainment capital of the world, The SoCal Sound in Los Angeles is exactly what their name implies. The music is decisively Southern California, spanning Laurel Canyon ‘70s classic rock, ‘80s and ‘90s classic alternative, and ‘00s to today indie rock, alternative, singer-songwriter, and soul in a bold mix that includes local bands. Their listeners include vocal supporters such as Paul McCartney (unexpectedly phoned in from his car!), Ringo Starr (came in for a rare sit-down interview), Jackson Browne and late Tom Petty, both of whom have performed benefit concerts to support The SoCal Sound. They don’t just play rock stars, their market vet hosts are as well: Nic Harcourt and Jet in mornings, music director Julie Slater in middays, Matt Pinfield in afternoons and program director Mookie at night. Each weeknight, Byron Gonzalez curates Bilingual Sounds, which extends to America’s only 24/7 Latin Alternative streaming public radio station. Broadcasting at 88.5 FM on two frequencies covering north to south SoCal, intrepid general manager Patrick Osburn leads a world-class staff worthy of market #2.

KERA News, Dallas

Solidifying its position as one of America’s most successful public radio News stations, KERA News in Dallas reached the lofty position as the #1 rated station in August 2024 and remained above a 4 share for seven consecutive months. KERA’s gains followed local market research from Paragon and a revamped midday schedule. KERA News provides listeners with a robust local schedule including newscasts throughout the day, Think with Krys Boyd, and Texas Standard. KERA is a contributor to the Texas Newsroom that provides statewide news from KERA and affiliated stations. As the anchor radio station to North Texas Public Broadcasting in market #4, KERA News is led by Program Director Jeff Penfield, COO Chris Wagley, and President/CEO Nico Leone. KERA News has a 35-person newsroom and regular collaborations with the Denton Record Chronicle, Fort Worth Report, Dallas Morning News, and the Texas Newsroom. Fueled by a $100 million capital campaign, KERA is planning to move into a new facility that will serve as a community center and launch a new local show to increase local service.