Los Angeles, often hailed as the entertainment capital of the world, offers an exciting mix of music on its airwaves. The city is a key player in shaping music trends, and its radio stations reflect that cultural influence. When it comes to pop music, Los Angeles delivers a rich variety of stations that play chart-topping hits, beloved throwbacks, and underground favorites. Each station brings its own unique voice and connection to the local community. Whether you’re driving along the Pacific Coast Highway or relaxing at home, these pop radio stations offer the soundtrack to life in L.A.
KIIS-FM – The Pulse of Contemporary Pop
KIIS-FM is one of the most iconic radio stations in the United States. Based in Los Angeles and owned by iHeartMedia, KIIS-FM specializes in contemporary hit radio (CHR), meaning it plays the most current and popular songs across the country. It’s home to the hugely popular morning show “On Air with Ryan Seacrest,” which combines music, entertainment news, celebrity interviews, and interactive audience segments.
The station has long been a trendsetter, breaking new artists and helping shape the pop landscape. Its playlists are updated regularly to reflect the hottest songs, and its events like the iHeartRadio Wango Tango and Jingle Ball are major music industry gatherings. KIIS-FM also features well-known DJs and on-air personalities who bring energy, humor, and insight into pop culture. If you want to know what’s hot in pop music, KIIS-FM is often the first place to look.
KBIG MYfm – Feel-Good Pop and Hits from the 2000s
KBIG, better known as 104.3 MYfm, plays a mix of modern pop and hits from the early 2000s and late ’90s. Its format is often referred to as hot adult contemporary, which means it blends upbeat current songs with nostalgic favorites that appeal to a wide age range. Listeners can expect to hear artists like Taylor Swift, Maroon 5, Ed Sheeran, and Kelly Clarkson all in one hour.
MYfm is best known for its morning show, “Valentine in the Morning,” which offers a fun and easygoing atmosphere. The show includes relationship advice, pop culture discussions, listener call-ins, and of course, a great playlist. MYfm aims to create a feel-good environment where music lovers can enjoy familiar songs and discover a few new ones along the way.
KOST – Soft Pop and Holiday Magic
KOST 103.5 is beloved for its smooth and comforting blend of adult contemporary music. It’s the station many people turn to for background music at work, during their morning coffee, or while relaxing with family. KOST leans toward softer pop songs, love ballads, and inspirational tunes that resonate with a more mature audience. Artists like Adele, Michael Bublé, Whitney Houston, and Celine Dion are frequently heard.
One of KOST’s most distinctive traditions is its holiday programming. Every year, the station flips to an all-Christmas music format in November, becoming the unofficial soundtrack to the holiday season in L.A. Ellen K, who hosts the morning show, brings warmth and sincerity that match the station’s overall vibe. KOST is more than just a radio station—it’s a seasonal tradition for many families.
Power 106 – Pop Meets Hip-Hop Energy
Power 106 is a powerhouse in the L.A. music scene. Although it’s known primarily as a rhythmic station focused on hip-hop and R&B, its playlist overlaps significantly with pop music. That crossover appeal makes it one of the most influential stations for pop fans who enjoy energetic, beat-driven tracks.
Over the years, Power 106 has helped launch and support major artists like Drake, Rihanna, and Post Malone, who are often played on both hip-hop and pop stations. The station’s morning and afternoon shows are energetic, funny, and often feature interviews with celebrities, making it feel like a direct connection to pop culture. Its influence extends beyond the radio, with events, live DJ sets, and a strong social media presence that keeps listeners engaged 24/7.
ALT 98.7 – Indie and Alternative Pop Crossover
ALT 98.7 focuses on alternative rock, but its playlist often includes songs that blur the line between alternative and pop. Think of artists like Imagine Dragons, Billie Eilish, and Twenty One Pilots—acts that started on alternative charts but became mainstream pop sensations.
The station’s standout show, “The Woody Show,” offers irreverent humor and a strong sense of community, attracting a loyal audience. ALT 98.7 is known for breaking new artists and pushing boundaries. Its eclectic nature makes it ideal for listeners who want something a little different from the usual Top 40 pop—music that’s creative, emotional, and slightly off the beaten path.
AMP Radio – A Contemporary Hit Machine
AMP Radio, also known as 97.1 AMP, delivers nonstop Top 40 hits with a high-energy format. It’s the kind of station that keeps your foot tapping during a workout or dance party. AMP features a tightly curated playlist that includes the biggest names in pop: Dua Lipa, The Weeknd, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, and others.
The station is known for its upbeat tone and engaging hosts, many of whom interact with fans through social media and live events. AMP’s branding is sleek and youth-focused, making it a go-to choice for younger audiences who want to stay up to date with the latest tracks.
Cali 93.9 – A Latin Pop Powerhouse
Cali 93.9 brings a refreshing twist to L.A.’s pop scene by spotlighting Latin pop and reggaeton. This station celebrates the rich musical traditions of Latin America while mixing in U.S. pop crossovers. Artists like Bad Bunny, Karol G, J Balvin, and Shakira are staples of the Cali 93.9 playlist.
The station offers bilingual content and reflects the cultural diversity of Los Angeles. With its vibrant energy and genre-blending sound, Cali 93.9 connects listeners to the global rise of Latin music while maintaining a distinctly L.A. identity. It’s especially popular among younger Latinos who grew up listening to both English and Spanish-language pop.
Jack FM – Pop With Personality
Jack FM, at 93.1, is known for its “we play what we want” approach. It doesn’t follow traditional radio formats or rely on DJs in the usual sense. Instead, the station plays a wide variety of songs from the ’80s, ’90s, 2000s, and today, often jumping from rock to pop to dance tracks in one segment.
This unpredictability is part of the station’s charm. It’s ideal for listeners who enjoy a bit of surprise and variety. The station’s pre-recorded voiceover personality adds a humorous touch to the listening experience, making Jack FM feel less like a broadcast and more like a playlist curated by your witty friend.
KCRW – Artistic and Eclectic Pop
KCRW is not your typical pop station, but it plays a key role in shaping what’s next in the genre. As a public radio station with deep roots in arts and culture, KCRW offers carefully curated shows that introduce listeners to new and experimental sounds. Its pop selections often lean toward the indie, electronic, and global scenes.
Shows like “Morning Becomes Eclectic” are legendary for breaking new artists and offering live in-studio performances. If you want to hear what’s bubbling under the surface before it hits mainstream pop radio, KCRW is a great place to start. It’s the station for music discovery, ideal for fans who value depth, storytelling, and sonic diversity.
KXLU – College Radio with Underground Pop Gems
KXLU 88.9 FM, run by Loyola Marymount University, is one of the best college radio stations in Los Angeles. While not exclusively a pop station, KXLU’s commitment to independent and underground music often includes emerging pop artists before they get mainstream attention. From bedroom pop to indie electronic acts, KXLU’s shows vary widely, and that’s part of its appeal.
Students and volunteers host the station’s programs, bringing fresh perspectives and a passion for music exploration. KXLU is a must-listen for pop fans who want to go beyond the hits and find the next big thing before it breaks.
Conclusion
Los Angeles offers a vibrant radio scene filled with pop stations that cater to every taste and style. From the high-energy hits of KIIS-FM and AMP Radio to the smooth sounds of KOST and the cultural blend of Cali 93.9, each station brings something special to the airwaves. Some focus on the latest chart-toppers, while others dive deeper into the roots of pop, exploring alternative, Latin, or indie influences. Whether you’re a casual listener or a serious music lover, there’s a station in L.A. that speaks your language and delivers the pop experience you’re looking for.
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