KOST

Infobox Radio station
name = KOST


city = Los Angeles, California
area = Greater Los Angeles
branding = "KOST 103.5"
slogan = "Southern California's Soft Rock with Less Talk"
airdate = 1957
frequency = 103.5 (MHz) HD Radio
format = Soft AC
erp = 12,500 watts
haat = 949 meters
class = B
facility_id = 34424
owner = Clear Channel Communications
webcast = [http://www.kost1035.com/cc-common/streaming_new/ Listen Live]
website = [http://www.kost1035.com/ kost1035.com]
callsign_meaning = KOaST (play on the word COAST, as in West Coast)
sister_stations = KBIG, KFI, KHHT, KIIS, KLAC, KTLK, KYSR|

KOST (103.5 FM, "KOST 103.5 FM") is a radio station licensed to Los Angeles, California with a Soft AC musical format. It is owned by Clear Channel Communications.

History

KOST had a Beautiful Music format until November 1982, when they switched to an all-hit Adult Contemporary format. Over the years, the station has had solid ratings, and there had been little turnover in their airstaff. They still boast 2 personalities that were there at the beginning: Ted Ziegenbusch and Bryan Simmons; in fact, Simmons was the first deejay for their current format when it began on November 15, 1982. He currently hosts afternoons while Ziegenbusch hosts the weekend edition of "Love Songs on the Coast."

The "Mark and Kim" morning show had been hosted by Mark Wallengren and Kim Amidon since February 3, 1986. On November 29, 2007, the almost 22-year run of the Mark and Kim morning show ended as Kim Amidon was let go. Mark Wallengren stays on as solo morning show host. Mike Sakellarides left the station on November 30, 2007, after a 25-year run as the only midday host on KOST 103.

The station also features Karen Sharp hosting its nightly request and dedication show, "Love Songs on the Coast" Monday through Friday. Cathi Parrish, Brie Tennis and Christine Martindale are KOST's weekend Hosts. Christine Martindale also hosts "Sunday Journal" every Sunday morning at 6am as part of KOST's Public Affairs programming.

The radio station jingles are produced by JAM Creative Productions since 1985 and have become an intergrated element of KOST's stationality.

KOST was owned by radio icon Gordon McLendon in the 1960s and spent more than two decades as a property of Cox Communications. KOST is currently owned by Clear Channel Communications.

Music

KOST's format features a variety of music from the 1960s to the 2000s, with artists like Elton John, LeAnn Rimes, Phil Collins, and Enrique Iglesias. It also plays many songs from Motown artists.

During the Christmas season, the station plays Christmas music exclusively, although a few regular "love" songs are played in the evening during "Love Songs on the Coast". Also, KOST operates its "Christmas Wish" program to help those less fortunate. The station usually commences its holiday music the Friday before Thanksgiving on the Morning Show, with the opening song being Barry Manilow's medley of the classics "Happy Holiday" and "White Christmas".

Awards

In 2007, the station was nominated for the top 25 markets Adult Contemporary station of the year award by Radio & Records magazine. Other nominees included WMJX in Boston, WALK-FM in Long Island, New York, WLTW in New York City, WBEB in Philadelphia, and KEZK-FM in St. Louis.cite news |url=http://www.radioandrecords.com/Conventions/con2007/awards/indexFinal.asp |work=Radio and Records |title=2007 Industry Achievement Awards |date=2008-09-28]

References

External links

* [http://www.kost1035.com/ KOST official website]
*FMQ|KOST
*FML|KOST
*FMARB|KOST