California classical network picks up two stations

A California classical radio network will expand its coverage with the addition of two stations in the state’s central coast region.

USC Radio Group has applied to the FCC to buy 103.9 FM in Monterey for $475,000 and to receive 95.9 FM in Big Sur as a donation, the University of Southern California announced Thursday. USC Radio Group owns Classical KDFC in San Francisco and Classical KUSC in Los Angeles.

Both stations changing hands are owned by Los Angeles–based Mount Wilson Broadcasters Inc. The 103.9 signal currently airs classic hits, while 95.9 FM airs classical. The stations will rebroadcast Classical KDFC.

The Mount Wilson owner wanted to give USC the first chance to buy the Monterey signal. “We were honored to work on this deal with Saul Levine of Mount Wilson Broadcasters, who has had a long commitment to classical music,” said Brenda Barnes, president of USC Radio Group, in a press release. “We are grateful that he came to us first in order to ensure these important communities had a strong classical music service.”

The addition of the stations will increase Classical KDFC’s signals to seven. It currently broadcasts on 90.3 FM in San Francisco, Berkeley and Oakland; 89.9 FM in Napa and Sonoma; 92.5 FM in Ukiah and Lakeport; 104.9 FM in the South Bay and Peninsula; and 90.3 FM in Los Gatos and Saratoga.

The new stations will begin broadcasting pending FCC approval.