KSFN

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Radio station in Piedmont, California

title: "KSFN" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["radio-stations-in-california", "radio-stations-established-in-1947", "1947-establishments-in-california", "spanish-language-radio-stations-in-california", "regional-mexican-radio-stations-in-the-united-states"] description: "Radio station in Piedmont, California" topic_path: "geography/spain" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KSFN" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0

::summary Radio station in Piedmont, California ::

::data[format=table title="Infobox radio station"]

FieldValue
nameKSFN
logoKSFN Radio Lazer 99.3 FM & 1510 AM.png
logo_size150px
cityPiedmont, California
areaSan Francisco Bay Area
branding99.3 FM y 1510 AM Radio Lazer
frequency
translator
airdate
formatRegional Mexican
powerday
night
classB
licensing_authorityFCC
facility_id40137
coordinates
callsign_meaningSan Francisco
former_callsigns
affiliations
ownerLazer Media
licenseeLazer Licenses, LLC
sister_stationsKXZM
webcastListen Live
websiteKSFN Online
::

| name = KSFN | logo = KSFN Radio Lazer 99.3 FM & 1510 AM.png | logo_size = 150px | city = Piedmont, California | area = San Francisco Bay Area | branding = 99.3 FM y 1510 AM Radio Lazer | frequency = | translator = | airdate = | format = Regional Mexican | power = day night | class = B | licensing_authority = FCC | facility_id = 40137 | coordinates = | callsign_meaning = San Francisco | former_callsigns = | affiliations = | owner = Lazer Media | licensee = Lazer Licenses, LLC | sister_stations = KXZM | webcast = Listen Live | website = KSFN Online

KSFN (1510 AM) is a commercial radio station broadcasting a Spanish Regional Mexican music radio format. Licensed to Piedmont, California, the station serves the San Francisco Bay Area. The station is currently owned by Alfredo Plascencia's Lazer Media, through licensee Lazer Licenses, LLC. KSFN's transmitter is in an industrial section of West Oakland, California.

Programing can also be heard on a 99 Watt translator (K257GE) in San Francisco

History

The station was first licensed June 4, 1947, to San Rafael, California, with its transmitter in Kentfield, California, and was owned by Marin Broadcasting Co. The station was originally licensed to broadcast 1,000 watts during daytime hours only. In the station's early years, it aired a full service format, with an hour of jazz weekday afternoons. By 1957, the station aired popular music from the 1930s and 1940s, and an hour of classical music in the morning and afternoon, along with local news and other local programming. The station's transmitter was moved to San Rafael, California in 1960.

In 1961, the station began to be simulcast on 100.9 KTIM-FM. In the mid 1970s, the station switched from a MOR format to an album-oriented rock format. The album-oriented rock format continued through the rest of the 1970s and into the early 1980s. In 1980, the station was sold to Platt Communications. The station would end its simulcast with KTIM-FM, and in 1982, the station began airing a big band format. In 1983 the station was sold to Arthur Astor.

In 1988, the station's call sign was changed to KCAF, and the station adopted a country music format as "Calf Country". In 1989, the station's call sign was changed to KTID. In 1990, the station's call sign was changed to KAPX, and the station adopted an adult standards format. In 1992, the station's call sign was changed to KTID, and the station simulcast the adult contemporary programming of its sister station KTID-FM.

In 1993, the station was bought by Mount Wilson FM Broadcasters Inc. In Spring 1994, KTID (AM) ended its simulcast of adult contemporary KTID-FM and began airing Mt. Wilson FM Broadcasters syndicated adult standards format. On October 12, 1994, the station's call sign was changed to KKHI. As KKHI, it simulcasted the classical programming of KKHI-FM 100.9. In April 1995, the station began broadcasting Big Band Jazz, as KNOB. This occurred after America's last commercial jazz station KJAZ stopped broadcasting in August of the previous year. On February 16, 1997, the station's call sign was changed to KKHI, and the station again simulcast the classical music programming of KKHI-FM.

On December 5, 1998, the station's call sign was changed to KJQI, and the station began airing an adult standards format as "the Joy of San Francisco". On February 28, 2000, the station's call sign was changed to KMZT, and the station aired a classical music format as K-Mozart. On March 19, 2001, the station's call sign was changed to KJQI, and the station aired a Christian format as "K-Joy". On March 25, 2002, the station's call sign was changed to KJAZ, and on August 15, 2002, the station's call sign was changed to KTIM. As KTIM the station aired a country music format. On June 28, 2003, the station's call sign was changed to KMZT, and the station again aired a classical music format as K-Mozart.

In 2003, Mt. Wilson Broadcasters moved the transmitter from Marin to Oakland so as to improve its signal into San Francisco. The station is unique in that its entire directional antenna array is located on the rooftop of a large warehouse. By 2005, the station was airing an oldies format.

In 2005, Mapleton Communications purchased the station for $5.1 million, and began simulcasting the programming of KPIG-FM Santa Cruz on the station on July 1, 2005. KPIG-FM carried a progressive rock and alternative country format. AM 1510's call sign was changed to KPIG on August 4, 2005.

To help KPIG, Mapleton purchased co-channel KGA in Spokane, a 50,000–watt Class A station. In 2008, Mapleton reduced the nighttime power of KGA to afford KSFN more power at night to better cover the Bay Area. KGA kept its 50,000 watt daytime signal but dropped its nighttime power to 15,000 watts. Additionally, and simultaneously, KGA was reduced in class from Class A to Class B. Subsequently, KGA eliminated its directional antenna system, and further reduced its nighttime power to 540 watts.

On August 25, 2010, AM 1510's call sign was changed to KSFN. The station adopted a Chinese language format, targeting the Bay Area Chinese and Taiwanese communities. In 2019, Mapleton agreed to sell KSFN to Lazer Broadcasting. In anticipation of the sale, it switched KSFN to a Regional Mexican music format. Lazer specializes in Spanish-language formats. The sale to Lazer Broadcasting, at a price of $200,000, was consummated on December 31, 2019. It marked the exit of Mapleton from the radio business, as it was the final sale from their portfolio of stations.

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/51/KSFN_RadioLazer_1510_AM_Logo.png" caption="Logo before translator sign on"] ::

On February 3, 2020, KSFN changed their format from Regional Mexican to Spanish Sports, with programming from Unanimo Deportes Radio. In late 2020, Lazer dropped the Unanimo Deportes Radio Network and flipped back to Regional Mexican as "Radio Lazer".

References

References

  1. [https://cdbs.recnet.com/corres/?doc=44657 History Cards for KSFN], fcc.gov. Retrieved June 10, 2018.
  2. [http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/call_hist.pl?Facility_id=40137&Callsign=KSFN40137 Call Sign History], fcc.gov. Retrieved June 10, 2018.
  3. [https://radio-locator.com/cgi-bin/patg?id=KSFN-AM&h=N Radio-Locator.com/KSFN]
  4. "KTIM", ''[[Marin Independent Journal. Independent Journal]]'', May 13, 1950. p. M13.
  5. "KTIM Celebrates Its 10th Birthday", ''[[Marin Independent Journal. Independent Journal]]'', April 20, 1957. pp. M 8-9.
  6. [https://cdbs.recnet.com/corres/?doc=77559 History Cards for KVVZ], fcc.gov. Retrieved June 14, 2018.
  7. "It's Rock Around the Clock for KTIM", ''[[Marin Independent Journal. Independent Journal]]'', March 4, 1977. p. 22.
  8. Billboard]]'', February 11, 1978. p. 22. Retrieved June 15, 2018.
  9. Hamilton, Bob. "[http://americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Tip-Sheets/Hamilton/Hamilton's-Radio-Quarterly-76.pdf San Francisco-Oakland, CA] {{Webarchive. link. (August 27, 2015 ", ''Radio Quarterly Report '76'', Jan. 1-June 30, 1976. p. 391. Retrieved June 11, 2018.)
  10. "[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Tip-Sheets/Fred/Fred-Annual-1980.pdf National Radio Station Listings]", ''Fred Directory of Radio'', 1980. p. 58. Retrieved June 11, 2018.
  11. Billboard]]'', August 21, 1982. pp. 24 & 30. Retrieved June 17, 2018.
  12. "[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1984/BC-1984-01-09.pdf Changing Hands 1983]", ''[[Broadcasting & Cable. Broadcasting]]'', January 9, 1984. p. 90. Retrieved June 11, 2018.
  13. "[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1988/BC-1988-08-01.pdf Call Letters]", ''[[Broadcasting & Cable. Broadcasting]]'', August 1, 1988. p. 72. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
  14. Ross, Sean; Olson, Yvonne. "[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Billboard/80s/1988/BB-1988-08-20.pdf Vox Jox]", ''[[Billboard (magazine). Billboard]]'', August 20, 1988. p. 11. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
  15. "[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1989/BC-1989-05-29.pdf Call Letters]", ''[[Broadcasting & Cable. Broadcasting]]'', May 29, 1989. p. 66. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
  16. "[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1990/BC-1990-12-10.pdf Call Letters]", ''[[Broadcasting & Cable. Broadcasting]]'', December 10, 1990. p. 122. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
  17. "[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-M-Street/M-Street-Journal/M-Street-1992-11.pdf Format Changes]", ''The M Street Journal''. Vol. 9, No. 46. November 18, 1992. p. 1. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
  18. Duncan, James H., Jr. (1993) ''[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-Duncan-American-Radio/Duncan-1993-Group.pdf Duncan's Radio Group Directory, 1993-1994 Edition]'', p. 38. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
  19. "[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1992/BC-1992-12-07.pdf Call Letters]", ''[[Broadcasting & Cable. Broadcasting]]'', December 7, 1992. p. 62. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
  20. "[https://variety.com/1993/biz/news/financial-briefs-135-116125/ Financial Briefs]", ''[[Variety (magazine). Variety]]'', November 28, 1993. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  21. Stark, Phyllis. (January 15, 1994). "Vox Jox".
  22. Hamlin, Jesse. "[https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/Jazz-Is-Bustin-Out-All-Over-KJAZ-goes-cable-3037801.php Jazz Is Bustin' Out All Over / KJAZ goes cable, other stations fill airwaves]", ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]'', April 11, 1995. Retrieved June 10, 2018.
  23. Kosman, Joshua. "[https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/KKHI-to-End-Classical-Format-Switch-blamed-on-2976685.php KKHI to End Classical Format / Switch blamed on $3 million in losses]", ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]'', November 26, 1998. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  24. "[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-M-Street/M-Street-Journal/M-Street-2000-03.pdf Format Changes & Updates]", ''The M Street Journal''. Vol. 17, No. 10. March 8, 2000. p. 1. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  25. Kosman, Joshua. "[https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Upstart-Takes-On-KDFC-New-KMZT-to-carry-live-2799581.php Upstart Takes On KDFC / New KMZT to carry live Met broadcasts]", ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]'', March 1, 2000. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  26. Kosman, Joshua. "[https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/article/KMZT-Switches-From-Classical-to-Christian-2937254.php KMZT Switches From Classical to Christian / Station reverts to call letters KJQI]", ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]'', March 29, 2001. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
  27. Devine, Cathy (2003-2004). ''[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-M-Street/2003/AL-MT-M-Street-12-2003-2004.pdf The M Street Radio Directory]'', 12th Edition. p. 101. Retrieved June 23, 2018.
  28. "[https://web.archive.org/web/20030524103016/http://www.1510ktim.com/ The Bay Area's New Home for Country Music]", KTIM. [[Internet Archive]]. Archived May 24, 2003. Retrieved June 23, 2018.
  29. Devine, Cathy (2004-2005). ''[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-M-Street/2004/AL-MT-M-Street-13-2004-2005.pdf The M Street Radio Directory]'', Thirteenth Edition. p. 94. Retrieved June 23, 2018.
  30. [https://web.archive.org/web/20040406031814/http://kmozart.com/home_sf.html K-Mozart 1510 - A New Sound in San Francisco], kmozart.com. [[Internet Archive]]. Archived April 6, 2004. Retrieved June 23, 2018.
  31. Fybush, Scott. "[https://www.fybush.com/sites/2006/site-060127.html KTNQ/KTLK, City of Industry, CA]", fybush.com. Retrieved June 23, 2018.
  32. [https://web.archive.org/web/20180624041810/https://licensing.fcc.gov/cdbs/CDBS_Attachment/getattachment.jsp?appn=100661647&qnum=5120&copynum=1&exhcnum=2 Transmitter Site Plat Radio Station KTIM], fcc.gov. Retrieved June 23, 2018.
  33. Fong-Torres, Ben. "[https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/radiowaves/article/RADIO-WAVES-2637888.php Radio Waves]", ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]'', May 1, 2005. Retrieved June 29, 2018.
  34. Devine, Cathy (2005-2006). ''[https://www.americanradiohistory.com/Archive-M-Street/2005/AL-MT-M-Street-14-2005-2006.pdf The M Street Radio Directory]''. p. 92. Retrieved June 29, 2018.
  35. [https://www.radiodiscussions.com/showthread.php?633890-KGA-1510 KGA 1510] Radio Discussions
  36. [https://radioinsight.com/headlines/184130/unanimo-deportes-debuts-in-san-francisco/ Unanimo Deportes Debuts in San Francisco] Radioinsight - February 4, 2020

::callout[type=info title="Wikipedia Source"] This article was imported from Wikipedia and is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Content has been adapted to SurfDoc format. Original contributors can be found on the article history page. ::

radio-stations-in-californiaradio-stations-established-in-19471947-establishments-in-californiaspanish-language-radio-stations-in-californiaregional-mexican-radio-stations-in-the-united-states