Black Radio’s Frequencies

KJLH(102.3 FM; 2.3 Arbitron rating or approximately 37,300 listeners per average quarter hour) Los Angeles’ highest-rated black-oriented station, KJLH stresses the dance music sounds of such artists as Jody Watley, Paula Abdul, James Brown, and Keith Sweat plus occasional reggae, jazz and rap, said program director Cliff Winston. “We play city-dweller music for ‘hip’ people,” he said. The station aims for an 18-plus age group with annual incomes of between $25,000 and $50,000. An average ad costs about $200 on the station owned by Taxi Productions and Stevie Wonder.

KACE (103.9 FM; 1.4 rating or 22,700 listeners per average quarter hour). Up from a 1.0 rating last summer, KACE, which used to emphasize slower, more adult urban music, is now adding more uptempo urban hits and jazz. The station caters to an audience aged 18 to 49, with incomes averaging $35,000 and up, said Gerrold Smith, account executive. Owned by All-Pro Broadcasting, KACE features a Sunday morning program from 7 to 9 dealing with issues affecting the black community. Ads during morning drive time cost $150; night-owl spots as low as $25.

KDAY (1580 AM; 1.2 rating, 20,100 listeners per quarter hour)--Leans heavily toward teen-oriented rap, although KDAY also plays music by current black artists such as the Boys, Luther Vandross and Karyn White. The majority of listeners fall between the ages of 12 to 35, with a strong showing among those 18 to 24. Hernan Padilla, in charge of sales and operations, describes the young listeners as urban yuppies, with incomes between $21,000 and $25,000. “We try to be on the cutting edge of street music,” said Padilla. The station is owned by Heritage Media in Dallas and ads average $180 a minute.

KGFJ (1230 AM; .6 rating or 9,000 listeners)--Billing itself as Los Angeles’ “heart and soul” station, KGFJ plays classic soul oldies for an listeners between 25 and 49 whose incomes average around $30,000, said DJ Johnny Morris. Owned by East/West Broadcasting Corp., KGFJ charges $90 for an average ad. Special features include a Sunday evening B. B. King Blues Hour, hosted by the blues guitarist.