KUSC-FM is the only classical radio station in the last 15 years to be the most-listened-to public radio station in the nation based on total listeners. (Photo/iStock)
USC-owned Classical California network scores ratings gold across the Golden State
KUSC-FM in L.A. is the most-listened-to public radio station in the country, while KDFC-FM is the Bay Area’s No. 1 music station and third overall.
After Classical California’s KUSC-FM and KDFC-FM officially merged their on-air presentation into unified programming on Oct. 27, the latest Nielsen ratings highlight an extraordinary success story for the USC-owned classical music network.
In the October Nielsen ratings period, Classical California’s Los Angeles station, KUSC-FM, ranked as the most-listened-to public radio station in the country, reaching 698,000 weekly listeners — even ahead of powerhouse NPR news stations across the country. Meanwhile, in San Francisco, KDFC-FM ranked as the No. 1 music station and third overall, behind news leaders KQED-FM and KCBS-FM.
“This listener response shows the need for the beauty and soul that the arts provide,” said Bill Lueth, president of Classical California San Francisco.
While radio ratings fluctuate, it’s rare for classical stations to achieve such impressive listenership results. Few classical stations have been rated as the top music station in a major market in the last 25 years. Additionally, Classical California’s growing digital presence on kusc.org and kdfc.com and the stations’ respective apps are reaching even more listeners online.
Classical California: Supported by a special community
“A community of supportive classical music lovers makes this all possible,” said James Muhammad, president of Classical California. “We are grateful that so many share our mission and vision, and that USC continues its commitment to supporting classical music.”
KUSC-FM is the only classical radio station in the last 15 years to be the most-listened-to public radio station in the nation based on total listeners. That distinction normally goes to various NPR news stations.
Classical California can be heard on its 11-signal network across California. In February, a unified Classical California website and app will be launched.
