Is it possible to imagine San Diego without the radio waves of KFSD filling the air? KFSD is a radio station with a rich history. It has transformed over the years. Let’s dive into the story of this San Diego station.
KFSD’s story began in 1957 as KOWN. The station broadcasted from studios in Escondido. In 1964, KOWN moved to the Escondido Village Mall. Here shoppers could watch DJs spinning records. In 1966, KOWN added an FM station, KOWN-FM, on 92.1 MHz.
The transmitters for both AM and FM stayed on Hale Avenue. Then in 1972, they moved to a new location south of the city. Both stations moved again in 1974. They found a home in the Vineyard Shopping Center. This was on Valley Parkway, just east of the Escondido Village Mall.
The KFSD call sign later reappeared on 92.1 in Escondido. Today, 92.1 Escondido simulcasts KSON. The KFSD call letters were then transferred to AM 1450. KFSD lives there today.
KFSD has undergone many format changes. From 2004 to 2007, KFSD was a classical music radio station. It broadcast classical music all day and night. KFSD claimed to be the only commercial classical station in San Diego County at that time. It had access to a large music library and nationally produced programs. These programs appealed to classical listeners.
Before that it was known as KOWN from 1957–1987. It was also KOWA from 1987–1990. And KSPA from 1990–2001. The KFSD call letters stand for First in San Diego. This dates back to the first commercial broadcast license in San Diego.
The KFSD call letters were first assigned in 1926. They went to AM 620, later 600. KFSD was on 600 from 1926–1963. KFSD was also on FM 94.1 from 1948 to 1963. It reappeared on 94.1 in 1973 until 1997. KFSD-TV was on Channel 10 from 1953–1963. In 1963, all three KFSD stations became KOGO. An IBM computer chose KOGO as the perfect call letters. The computer used information about San Diego and its people.
The last iteration of KFSD-FM 94.1 was as a classical station. KFSD had a loyal audience. But Nationwide Communications bought the station. Nationwide wanted a more aggressive music format. KFSD became KXGL, and became the Eagle 94.1. The Eagle’s format failed. In 1998, it became KJQY or KJOY 94.1.
KFSD went off the air on June 1, 2019. In July 2020, North Shore Broadcasting sold KFSD. Raul Caro and Stephen Beuerle’s IHS Media bought it for $125,000. IHS operates low-power FM St. John Paul Catholic Radio KCJP-LP in El Centro, California. The sale was finalized on November 13, 2020.
KFSD has a complex history. It adapted to changing times and tastes. From classical music to Spanish Catholic radio, KFSD has served San Diego. The station may be off the air now, but its legacy lives on. The memories of KFSD’s broadcasts continue to resonate in San Diego. It reminds us of the power of radio.