KYA (1260 AM) is one of San Francisco’s oldest and most storied radio stations, with a history spanning over a century. Licensed to San Francisco, it has evolved from a pioneering broadcaster to a Top 40 powerhouse in the 1960s, directly rivaling KEWB during the rock ‘n’ roll era. Known for its catchy formats, celebrity DJs, and cultural ties to the Bay Area’s music scene, KYA outlasted many competitors.
KYA signed on December 11, 1926, as part of the Hearst Corporation’s media empire (owned by William Randolph Hearst). It was one of the Bay Area’s earliest stations, starting with 500 watts from studios in the Hearst Building at Third and Market Streets in San Francisco. Early call letters stood for “Know Your America,” reflecting educational programming.
In the pre-TV era, it aired a variety of content: big-band remotes from venues like the St. Francis Hotel, news (leveraging Hearst newspapers), sports (e.g., San Francisco Seals baseball), drama serials, and live music. It boosted power to 5,000 watts by the 1930s and joined the NBC Blue Network (later ABC) for national shows.
During WWII, it broadcast war news and morale-boosting programs. In the 1950s, it shifted toward middle-of-the-road (MOR) music, block programming, and local personalities, but ratings lagged as rock ‘n’ roll emerged on TV and rival stations.
The Top 40 Era and Rivalry with KEWB (1950s–1960s)
Flip to Rock ‘n’ Roll
In 1958, under new management (sold by Hearst to the Golden Gate Corporation for $1.5 million), KYA adopted a Top 40 format to chase the youth market. This directly responded to the rock boom, pitting it head-to-head against KEWB (which launched its Top 40 in 1959). KYA branded as “The Boss of the Bay,” emphasizing hit songs, contests, and teen appeal.
KYA and KEWB battled for Bay Area teens with similar playlists (Elvis, Buddy Holly, The Beatles). Surveys like Pulse and Hooper showed them trading #1 spots—KYA often edged out in San Francisco proper, while KEWB dominated Oakland.
KYA sponsored “Boss Radio” events, car cruises, and dances at places like the Cow Palace. It aired “KYA Beat” charts and gave away prizes like transistors and records.
By 1963, KYA hit #1 in ratings, boosted by the British Invasion. It hosted Beatles concerts and interviews, cementing its role in the San Francisco Sound (pre-psychedelia).
Technical Notes: Broadcast at 5,000 watts on 1260 kHz AM, with a strong signal across the Bay. Studios moved to 1001 Market Street.
In the 1950s, hosts like Les Crane (later a TV pioneer), 1960s: Tom Donahue, the “Father of Progressive Rock” started here in Top 40 before flipping KSAN to FM underground in 1968; Bobby Mitchell, high-energy afternoon host; Emperor Gene Nelson (mornings), Mike Cleary, Chris Edwards, and B. Mitchel Reed (who moved to LA’s KMET). Others: Russ “The Moose” Syracuse, Jim Lange (future Dating Game host), and Dr. Don Rose (later KFRC’s morning king).
Strong local news under directors like Bill Agee; covered events like the 1960s civil rights marches. In the 1970s, hosts like Shotgun Tom Kelly; 1980s oldies with “Big Tom” Parker.
Sold to Avco Broadcasting, then King Broadcasting. Stuck with Top 40 until 1968, then briefly easy listening. In 1972, it revived rock as “KYA 93” (simulcasting on FM 93.3, added in 1969).
Flipped to oldies in 1983 as “KYA-FM” (AM became talk/simulcast). Competed with KFRC. Sold to Bonneville International, then Duffy Broadcasting. Iconic jingles like “KYA… Fun in the Sun!” echoed the past. FM’s rise hurt AM; KYA-FM focused on 1950s–1970s hits, attracting boomers.
Became KOIT-AM (easy listening simulcast of FM sister), then KSFB (religious). Ownership shuffled: Bonneville to Entercom (now Audacy), then Immaculate Heart Radio.
As KSFB, it aired Catholic programming (EWTN network). In 2017, flipped to Christian contemporary as “The Spirit 1260.”
Today: KSFB (1260 AM), owned by Relevant Radio (Catholic network), broadcasting religious talk and music. The FM (93.3) is KRZZ, a Spanish-language station. Power remains 5,000 watts; studios in San Francisco.
Airchecks from archive.org
Simpler times
October 19, 2025 at QZVX
Dick Ellingson says:
When I worked at KURB, all of south Snohomish County from the King County line to Everett had the same phone book and I was listed. Listeners called me at home sometimes. I never got used to being a celebrity, whatever that is, so I thought it was nice, like “Wow, somebody actually knows who I am.”
When I got my steady night gig at KAYO, there was a lady who called almost every night. She was in her eighties and as sweet as could be. Her name was Pearl Getchell and she lived in Lynnwood. All the night jocks at KAYO loved her. I always said “Hi to my old girl Pearl” and we talked on the phone almost every night.
Pearl told me she had to go in the hospital for a few days and maybe I could come and visit her, and I did. Time flew by, almost three hours, and her daughter arrived. Pearl made the introductions and I left.
About four years later, we still lived in Edmonds and our son was born. In those simpler times, the papers listed the birth date, the hospital, boy or girl, and the parents’ name and address. Pearl had passed away a couple of years before, but the doorbell rang, my wife answered, and there stood two strangers. It was Pearl’s daughter and her husband, baby gift in hand, asking to meet the new arrival.
I told them to come on in. I don’t know what would have happened if I hadn’t been home.
There are good people
October 19, 2025 at QZVX
Jason Remington says:
A few smiles, nods and some short conversation can make your day better. It doesn’t take much to brighten their day and yours.
Tall Tom Campbell
October 18, 2025 at QZVX
William Engelhardt says:
He was known to loan his personal phonograph, record collection and even his car to individual listeners under the caveat that they simply return them, which they apparently did. His home and car phone numbers were publicly listed in the white and yellow pages of most Bay Area phone books, and he would receive calls from listeners at home.
— Wikipedia
That's right, Ollie
October 18, 2025 at QZVX
Jason Remington says:
I read the same about Stan Laurel. (phone number listed…invited people to his home) Simpler times, maybe?