KDFC is part of a huge statewide win — here’s what that means
In the October Nielsen period*, KDFC was the Bay Area’s top music station and ranked third overall, while our sister station KUSC reached 698,000 weekly listeners, making it the most-listened-to public radio station in the United States ahead of major NPR news outlets like KQED and WNYC.
Record-breaking listener support and ratings
KUSC (Classical California-LA) weekly listeners: 698,000
Rank: most-listened-to public radio station in the United States
KDFC (Classical California-SF): top music station in the Bay Area and number three overall in SF for the month
Statewide reach: In addition, our signals reach Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, San Luis Obispo, Ventura, Monterey, and Ukiah, plus hundreds of thousands listen to our digital platforms across California, the U.S. and the world
Community support: nearly 7,000 donors gave $1.6 million during our first all-Classical California membership drive in October, surpassing the goal by 60 percent
The funding picture matters because listeners are the reason this service stays free to anyone who needs it.
Classical California is now heard from studios in LA and SF, as one station, everyday.
On October 27 two studios began sounding like one. At 8:59 a.m. Jennifer Miller Hammel closed the hour from Los Angeles. At 9:00 a.m. Maggie Clennon Reberg picked up in San Francisco. Same station. Same ease. A statewide sound that moves with you.
This change was not cosmetic. It brought together hosts, curation, and live moments from both cities so the day feels continuous whether you are listening on any of our 11 radio frequencies across the state, or streaming on kusc.org, kdfc.com , or our apps.
Why this moment matters
Numbers explain reach. They do not explain belonging.
Classical California has always been about human connection. The unified clock makes that connection clearer. A listener in Santa Monica and a listener in Palo Alto now share the same experiences through the day, with stories and performances that reflect life here.
“I catch the 9 a.m. handoff in the car. It feels like the two cities are waving to each other.” — Marisol, Glendale
That feeling leads naturally to the next question.
A unified weekday flow
Here is how the day now unfolds.
Morning with Jennifer Miller Hammel. Mid-morning with Maggie Clennon Reberg. Midday with Alan Chapman. Afternoon with Dianne Nicolini. Drive time with Brian Lauritzen. Evenings with Lara Downes. Overnight with Classical California All Night.
City-to-city handoffs are built into the clock so the station feels seamless wherever you are.
What’s next — and how to be part of it
Classical California is for everyone. Here is how you can help shape what comes next.
Share what you’re hearing. Tell us about a piece that stopped you in your tracks or a handoff that surprised you in a good way.
Bring a friend. Share the stream with someone who thinks classical music isn’t for them. Start with a track you love and why it matters.
Support the music. If you can, become a monthly donor. Listener support keeps this service free for anyone who needs it.
Classical California is a Public Radio Service of USC, sustained by a community of listeners across California and beyond. It makes everyday life more harmonious. Tune in, add your voice, and help keep it thriving.
*based on Nielsen Oct 2025 ratings period.
