Ever heard a radio station’s story unfold like a thrilling novel? KLTX-AM in Los Angeles has one. It began broadcasting on December 12 1926. Its original call sign was KGER. It wasn’t always KLTX-AM.
KGER was owned by C Merwin Dobyns a man involved in Long Beach’s oil boom. He also ran a shoe store. Imagine a radio station operating from a shoe store. That was KGER’s early home at 435 Pine Avenue Long Beach. Early programming focused on Christian religious content. It also featured local news a novelty then. Clete Roberts a future Los Angeles news legend started his career there. Live music filled the airwaves including sets by Nelson Case and even Dobyn’s Shoestring Orchestra.
KGER’s journey involved frequency changes. It moved from 920 kHz to 1360 kHz eventually settling on 1390 kHz in 1941. Its power increased too from 100 watts to 5000 watts by 1942. It even time-shared its frequency with KPSN. This was typical in the early days of radio. They eventually merged in 1931.
The station hosted influential figures. Charles E Fuller a Baptist minister had a popular weekly show. He later became a famous radio evangelist broadcasting elsewhere. In 1944 KGER launched Wilbur Nelson’s Morning Chapel Hour.
After Dobyns’ death in 1946 KGER was sold to John Elward Brown. He was an evangelist and founder of John Brown University. Brown boosted the station’s Christian programming. He aired God’s Half Hour. The station also featured programs from diverse Christian groups. It broadcast Billy Graham’s 1949 Los Angeles Crusade reaching over 2.5 million listeners. J Vernon McGee a future influential pastor started his radio ministry on KGER.
In 1986 Salem Communications acquired KGER. Then in 1997 the station changed its call sign to KLTX. It was branded as “K-Light” focusing on Christian talk. Michael Reagan’s show aired. Spanish language religious shows were broadcast at night.
In 2000 KLTX was bought by Hi-Favor Broadcasting. It joined the Radio Nueva Vida network. It later left the network maintaining its Spanish language Christian programming as Radio Inspiracion.
KLTX-AM’s history mirrors the evolution of radio. Its enduring legacy lies in its religious programming and its role in broadcasting history. It’s more than just a radio station. It is a testament to faith and broadcasting innovation. So next time you tune in remember this rich tapestry of history woven into the fabric of KLTX-AM’s signal.