KMBY 104.3

[JimmyJames]

So, KMBY 103.9 has given up on the "X Revolution" format.

What I'd like to know is if anyone remembers the 90s incarnation of KMBY at 104.3. I have one of their stickers with the cool "planetary" logo and KMBY - Alternative 104.3 as the slogan. Haven't dug up any airchecks yet, but wondered if anyone remembered when it went alternative and some of the jocks and music mix?

 

[Big D]

I remember listening to the station around '99-'01 when driving to/from home during breaks in college (great signal down 101)...a great alternative station for a rather small market (Salinas mainly since the reception in SC was fairly spotty). Don't remember much specific, just that the jocks were local, and they played a pretty good variety of music...even some cuts from the album that weren't current singles. I think their big feature was a punk rock show that ran nightly.

I tuned in a few times after they switched frequencies to 103.9 and the music mix didn't seem as good as when they were at 104.3. Oh well, RIP KMBY...

 

[Richie Rich]

I remember this station. My favorite jockey was Kenny Culpa if i recall his name correctly. I was actually on air with him long ago doing a stunt. To get Motley Crue concert tickets, i ate a can of dog food! Got a bus ride and the concert for my efforts. Alas, when the Crue hit the stage i passed out.. :-\ I also went to his house, detailed his car. We had lunch, i held his newborn baby. A good day indeed. Wonder where he is now?

 

[Thomps2525]

KMBY-FM was at 107.1, then 104.3, then 103.9. Did I forget any frequencies? Among the DJs over the years were Opie, Redbeard, Brian Kay (Brian Berry), Phyllis West, Rich Berlin, Mike Witte, Jim Phillips, Patty Murry and Mark Seagul.

Some fun (and useless) trivia: In 1963-65, Ray Lenhart worked overnights at KMBY-AM (1240}, using the name Ray Farrell. He later worked at KYNO-Fresno at Johnny Scott, then at several stations in San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco as Bobby Ocean.

 

[Jim Culligan]

I remember KMBY AM (1240). The non-directional antenna on Cannery Row in Monterey. The studios were across the street from the transmitter in the old Bear building. This was during the late 60's and into the 70's, It's biggest battle for ratings was with KDON AM (1460) in Salinas. KDON had a better signal and usually won the ratings battle. Both stations had some pretty good air talent back then as I remember. Jim Steel, Mike Crawford,Chris Lance, ect.

I didn't know KMBY had moved to 103.9 FM. As I remember 103.9 used to be KERR-FM, Owned by the Marks Family. Lloyd Marks was the owner in the late 60's and early 70's. I think when the Marks family sold KERR which was a progressive rock station at the time, a spanish language station bought it.

There was also a small AM non directional country radio station on Sanborn Road in Salinas that was pretty good back then also, but unfortunately I don't remember the call sign.

 

[Thomps2525]

I believe the KERR call letters were used in the 1970s. The KMBY call letters and alternative rock format were on 103.9 from 2002 to 2008. Then KBOQ moved its call letters and classical format from 95.5 to 103.9. The station is still KBOQ but it's now known as B103.9 and has an AC format: http://www.b1039fm.com/

When KBOQ was classical, the call letters were pronounced "K-Bach." Here in Los Angeles, we have classical KMZT, "K-Mozart." Should composers' names really be used in such a flippant way? I think not!