Classical Station KFAC-AM for Sale; Ratings Decline

KFAC-AM, the only AM radio station that broadcasts classical music in Los Angeles and Orange counties, has been put up for sale by its owner, Classic Communications of Los Angeles Limited Partnership.

The station--and KFAC-FM, which also offers classical programming--was purchased less than two years ago for $33.5 million. The AM station is expected to fetch $8 million to $10 million, according to Louise Heifetz, president of Classic Communications Inc., the general partner operating the station.

Heifetz said the AM listenership has eroded significantly because of FM’s superior technology and wide availability in Southern California cars and homes. She estimated that KFAC-AM’s listeners number as few as 5% of the FM station’s listening audience. “Listeners and technology have really been the decision makers for us,” she said.

Nevertheless, as a condition of the sale, the eventual buyer will be asked to agree not to compete in classical programming, the Classic president said.

Heifetz said the AM station’s sale will have “no impact on the staff,” which will continue to program classical music on the FM signal.