KGFJ-AM to Try ‘Positive Programming’

KGFJ-AM(1230) on Monday will change its format from R & B oldies to what the station calls “sweet inspirations,” a combination of gospel and religious music and other programming with positive messages.

“We feel there is a void in the marketplace and positive programming of this nature will serve a population seeking alternative music,” operations director Shirley Jackson said Thursday.

Among the artists who will be featured are Andrae Crouch, Sounds of Blackness and Stephanie Mills, along with songs deemed “inspirational” by Earth, Wind and Fire, Aretha Franklin and Al Green. The station will continue its talk programming and community-service shows.

The new KGFJ will also put out “power messages,” ranging one to five minutes in length, which Jackson described as “positive ways to start your day.”

Officials said some personnel changes will take place after the new format debuts.

The station, which is owned by East-West Broadcasting, has been languishing with its “soul oldies” format, having tied for 40th place--averaging a 0.4% share of the audience--in the latest Arbitron ratings survey. Station officials hope the new format will draw a larger audience.

“There’s really no station in L.A. that will be providing this type of programming,” Jackson said.