This is truly The Best Radio Station On Earth! Starting my day with Novena Carmel (*swoon!*) hosting the kick-ass music show "Morning Becomes Eclectic" is guaranteed to pick me up and set my spirit dancing! (And now the second hour of her show is LIVE on YT! SWEET!) MBE has been my morning jam since the days of Nic Harcourt, and I've discovered so much new music! The technical staff at KCRW does EXCELLENT work, and the locally-oriented and produced shows are always a treat, since I'm geographically convenient to Los Angeles! The NPR content is fantastic, the night-time music programming is perfection, and I am a monthly contributor to KCRW going on a couple of decades, now! GREAT WORK, PEOPLE! read more

Family day at KCRW was held this past March 8th, 2025 and it was a heap of fun. Personnel were incredibly welcoming given the chaos of so many children and parents involved. They had stations for weaving and a badge/story telling set up. In addition, there was a full day of scheduled music events that were hands on and allowed children to use the musical instruments! My child's favorite was the pie making station activity. He bow wants to make pies every day!!! This one is in for the books and highly recommend this event to all families! read more

See all

I no longer listen to KCRW. I couldn't take Danielle Chiraguayo anymore. Her hosting was like listening to nails on a chalkboard. Now I listen to NPR on LAist. Unfortunately, the signal can sometimes be staticky, but the static is much more tolerable than Ms. Chiraguayo. read more

I seriously do not understand why this station could possibly have any bad reviews. I love getting my news from NPR because it covers a lot of stories you don't hear about otherwise on television or a lot of newspapers. You also don't get the sensationalism or the gore factor. The music...you will always hear something new and fresh that you could not possibly hear anywhere else and when these bands make it big, you likely heard them first on KCRW. No need to listen to Spotify on the weekends because they play all kinds of dance and electronic music on Friday and Saturdays nights. They also host a lot of community events which are worth checking out and if you support the station you can become a member with "Fringe Benefits" that get you discounts at various museums, stores, theaters and other businesses in the community. I wish KCRW could be broadcast in every major city. read more

*** I recently attended a screening hosted by KCRW, The Document. *** The movie was titled "Maiden" about the Whitbread Round the World yacht race. It was a grueling open-ocean race dominated historically by only men. But in 1989, a young woman put together an all-female crew to challenge that. The Document invited hundreds of KCRW members to attend, so I RSVP'd. And I'm glad that I did. This film is inspirational. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/writers-guild-theater-beverly-hills-2?select=mGn0PJVXuasfx_E_5a1E9g I am not a woman and I don't sail, yet even I was inspired by this story. These women sailed the sea for about six months against tremendous odds (including the Southern Ocean off the coast of Antartica). Amazing! That inspires me to challenge myself much more in my life as a result. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/writers-guild-theater-beverly-hills-2?select=LMNKf0eXIqhQnlkXLtAKaw There were several food trucks and complimentary wine followed by a Q&A with the yacht captain Tracy Edwards and "Maiden" director Alex Holmes. Overall, a very nice event held at the Writer's Guild theatre. *** I don't subscribe to KCRW for its perks, but nice to partake. ;p *** read more

I used to listen to Eclectic 24 all the time. Unfortunately they changed their streaming URLs which broke my primary listening device, an old Roku SoundBridge. Fair enough, technolology moves on, but I was frustrated by the fact that repeated attempts to ask if there was an alternative got me no response, not even a "sorry we don't have a solution." In the meantime, I continue to get fundraising appeals. Oh well, I've found other stations -- KEXP actually replied to my technical question and gave me a workaround. read more

Too much music... I wish they will have more news or talk. Everyday I listen TO KCRW until 9am and then I switch to WNYC or KPCC to the rest of the day. read more

I went to the KCRW Uptown Underground "Slow Dancing" event at the Music Center on Saturday night. Can I just live here? Fabulous event, with slow motion dancers on huge screens. Jason Bentley, looking so sweet and shy rocks the house. Urban, downtown vibe, great dance music, awesome crowd, beautiful people, I'm a happy camper. Spontaneous, friendly and lively crowd. My all-time favorite radio station. Listen at night, the music is so awesome, it amazes me. KCRW - you're the best. 11-03-07 Update KCRW's music is eclectic, sophisticated and cool. DJ's Jason Bentley, Garth Trinidad, and Nic Harcourt are so talented, I'm in music heaven when listening to them. You will never hear anything stupid, silly, insulting, or phoney. Like no other, this radio station offers an international perspective in music, news, politics, discussion, and cultural events. read more

See all

I was driving back from Palm Springs tonight and looked forward to a few hours of KCRW until I heard the voice of Henry Rollins. How did he get here? Really, KCRW, why did you hire this decibel dripper who is more interested in his own voice and his inane stories than playing music? (Sorry, Mr. Rollins, instead of spinning yarns about Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath on a Saturday night, how about getting reacquainted with a turntable and play songs that listeners may want to hear? It's really not about you.) I love you KCRW and you'll still get my five stars, but Mr. Rollins' two hours on the radio are two too many. Can't you find a nice midwest college radio station for him to inhabit? read more

I was a fan of KCRW before I even lived in LA... my friends in LA would constantly speak about this "kick ass station" so I checked them out online. Now that I've lived here for a while... I listen to KCRW and my boyfriend was a subscriber. I love everything about this station.. the music, Morning becomes Electic (my boyfriend and I have a joke where we say everything becomes eclectic. Such as "Dinner becomes eclectic", "shower becomes eclectic".. you get the idea), the DJ's, guest DJ's, etc. KCRW is a great gift to the community from Santa Monica College. Listen to this and NPR and you won't listen to any of that other radio crap again. read more

Thank God for internet radio. They are one of THE best stations in the country. Nic Harcourt is one of personal heroes because he actually knows what he's talking about music-wise. The live studio sessions are always amazing and he asks the artists pertinent questions. If I ever move to SoCal this would be one of the reasons I would...so I can actually listen to it in the car. Is that sad? I can spend hours listening to the archives on their website. KCRW- Amy Loves You. Hmmm...I wonder if I should make that into a t-shirt? read more

Outstanding. 'Hand picked music' and news from NPR. And the music is almost always stuff I've never heard! Which is a good thing. I love hearing new funky stuff in the morning, then more trippy stuff late in the evening. Pleasant, informed, laid back djs, and anncrs. This is the station I was looking for. Don't get me wrong, I still flip around to its competitor sometimes...and other times to completely different radio formats. But this is the station I go to first. Most the shows they have are the NPR ones I like. They're missing one or two (Writers Almanac) and they have a very popular one that I just plain loathe. And yeah, I finally became a subscriber. The purple card (loyalty discounts) is pretty cool, too. read more

You won't find a better radio station with more eclectic music programming. It is my favorite radio station to listen to - one that I have listened to quite faithfully since moving to LA/Orange County back in 2010. The only program that I would say is not generally in my realm of musical tastes is Henry Rollins' show on Sunday nights from 8-10 pm. The music he plays is often incredibly strange (literally eerie sounding) or just really loud and raucous. It must suit someone's tastes though, because he has been a regular staple for quite awhile. I also enjoy the talk and news programming -- especially Press Play with Madeline Brand every weekday at noon. The topics covered are often interesting, insightful, and sometimes just fun. read more

The news and talk shows such as Madeline Brand, Warren Olney are great but the music programming is absolutely awful. Ever since Jason took over as head of music, it's become bland to the point of unlistenable. The sad thing is that due to the power and influence of KCRW, their endorsement of yawningly tedious EDM, fake soul and inoffensive "alt" bands actually encourages this type of mediocrity. Jason recruited a bunch of his hipster DJ friends to spread his blandness on the airwaves so it's hard to escape. The only safe place is Henry Rollins, who has a passion for original, challenging and truly eclectic music. There are so many exciting young bands in L.A. and elsewhere. What a shame that KCRW largely ignores them. p.s. Jason seems like a nice guy, but it's time for him to move on and make music exciting again! read more

I'm still all glowy and happy from my excellent night on the town attending the KCRW "Slow Dancing" event on Grand Street in front of the Dorothy Chandler pavillion. More and more I'm convinced that if NYC tries hard enough, it can kind of be as cool as L.A. 'Cause here was a hip, fun, friendly, smart crowd dancing to the beats of KCRW dj-demigod Jason Bentley, while giant screens showed sureally slow movements from a multi-culti cast of dancers and performers. The colors of the dancers' costumes and skin, mixed with the perfect autumn-evening-after-a-rainfall air, mixed with spontaneous dancing and a hugely varied crowd (all ages, all ethnicities, all friendly and having a good time) made for an unforgettable evening. Now if only Mr. Dylan McDermott lookalike would have gathered up enough courage to actually come and TALK to me instead of following me around and staring, it would have been even better. Dude, since when is it up to the ladies to do the heavy lifting? I'm old school that way. Anyway, you have to love KCRW...one of the best, most varied, and smartest public radio stations in the country. Thank you good people for making our city of angels an even better place to live. Now can you do something about the pedestrian situation? Because once we start building apartments above stores and having some light rail/more taxies, more walking around/more interacting, we're going to be the best freakin' city in the world. That's my cause and I'm sticking to it. read more

If you are not a member or listener of KCRW and you've stumbled across this yelp review take heed of this recommendation to tune your dial to 89.9 FM, stream from your web browser, or down load their streaming App. Here's the content that I listen to most: * Morning Becomes Eclectic with Jason Bentley - since this sow is on at 9 am and I drive into work at 8am I listen to day old MBE on my iPhone app each morning * Garth Trinadad - at night I'll often turn on the smooth sounds of Garth Trinadad * On Saturday and Sunday I'll try to catch part of music polymath Henry Rollins take me on broad forays across music spectrums * Evan Kleiman Good Eats * Which Way LA with Warren Olney * Guest DJ Project - http://www.kcrw.com/music/kcrw-guest-dj-project * 5 Things Blog - http://blogs.kcrw.com/fivethings/ read more

Do you enjoy listening to loops? Are you entranced by the idea of listening to the same four bars of music over and over again? Why then KCRW is the place for you! All loops! All the time! But wait there's more! Are you an aging late-40's former punk rocker who has now mellowed into the realm of writing the perfect pop song (AKA you just copy Brian Wilson's every move)? Are you too old to write songs about "getting that girl", but do it anyway? Then you can enjoy getting your music played by KCRW, especially on our Nyquil-esque morning show! Ahem... When I moved to LA 15 years ago, this station was great! It exposed me to all sorts of music I'd never heard before. Way out there stuff, world music, jazz, etc. And of course, there was that mysterious demigod of radio Joe Frank. But it has progressively gotten more and more dull and drained and boring throughout the years. I'm not exaggerating the loops thing. Turn the station on during any music show and you will hear a loop. Yes, yes, mixing and DJing is an artform. But how excited can you get over loops...all the time? Some of their local news talk shows are still decent. The NPR stuff is great on its own. But the music programming reeks of stale hipsters who would poop themselves if they ever heard music that went beyond therapeutic. I dare you to play John Zorn, Nic Harcourt! I fucking dare you! read more

I'm not a nerd; I prefer the term 'intellectual!' OOOK, I admit it, I'm kind of a nerd, since I have reviewed and am currently reviewing stations that broadcast NPR. This is one of the Los Angeles area's sources for public radio & my current source for National Public Radio. I only discovered this station since I moved down to SoCal two years ago. NPR is my only exception to music in the car, mostly during my commute to & from work, which you'd know if you read my other public radio station reviews. I also love the fact that they have quite a bit of music in their format (what can I say, I love music). On the rare occasion, I get to hear Morning Becomes Ecletic. Last year, I went to one of the shows they sponsored at the Hollywood Bowl where 2 of my favorite bands played: Ozomatli & Michael Franti & Spearhead! It doesn't get much better than that! I'd have to say so far, of the different public radio stations that I've listened to in the different places I've lived, this one is my favorite. Oh, & their on-line streaming made my "research" month earlier this year where I was stuck in the library on my laptop much more tolerable too! Yes, I'm a member of KCRW. They have some pretty good CD compilations that you can get, if you contribute certain amounts of $. Oh that reminds me, I need to renew my membership! read more

I used to think this was a great station, but it's gone downhill in the last few years. Now it seems they have handshake deals with a lot of record companies / film soundtracks and push those. If you call to complain about a song (say, it's inappropriate, for example) they'll just tell you they're going to play whatever they want to, anyway. Then they'll send you donation requests. Arrogant and unresponsive, that's the new KCRW. And increasingly, out-of-touch. If you like public radio, send your money to KPCC, and if you want music, choose another online station, Last FM, or Pandora. Or just use your MP3 player. Peace. read more

KCRW. Let's face it, it doesn't get more LA local than this. I don't own an i-pod, (I know, I know, shoot me now, point and laugh, go ahead) but if I did, I think it would sound like KCRW. This station defines the word eclectic and no matter what show you happen to tune into, you will hear something unique and special. I haven't actually listened to the Morning Becomes Eclectic show in ages, because, ewh, mornings are for kids, BUT, I do listen to this (and Indie 103 of course) for the majority of the other parts of my day and I love it. Also, the pledge drives offer really cool stuff in return for supporting local radio. The KCRW card is awesome too. It's good practically everywhere, so if you haven't stumbled onto this station yet because you've been living under a rock inside a cave in Timbuktu, then open your eyes sunshine, cuz this is a station to add to the program dial. read more

Best radio station in Los Angeles! KCRW is known for broadcast of cutting edge music, as well as originating numerous news-talk-information and cultural programs that are distributed nationwide. KCRW is a recognized for new music from around the world, with trend setting hosts such as Music Director Nic Harcourt, who features live in-studio sessions and interviews with established and emerging artists on Morning Becomes Eclectic and the nationally syndicated Sounds Eclectic; music supervisor and electronica expert Jason Bentley with Metropolis; indie and alternative rock on The Open Road with music supervisor Gary Calamar. Other programs include neo-soul and funk on Chocolate City with Garth Trinidad; Nocturna with Raul Campos features dance rhythms and Latin beats; New Ground with Chris Douridas spotlights the latest singer-songwriters and music in all genres. KCRW features the best of underground flavors, independent records, NPR News and progressive major releases; they play music I love, by artists I believe in, all hand selected by real DJs. (note) No need to hire a DJ for your next house party. Just crank up Nocturna or Chocolate City. read more

Hey look at me, I listen to kcrw. I'm so cool. It's like LA's gentrification has radio representation. I imagined there was a brainstorming meeting about 10 years ago where they decided on their brand words: "smug, elitist, foolish, sellout" I'm sure went on the white-board in prominent letters. You can hear all of this in the mere utterance of the four words "k c r w". I imagine they say it from some kind of recliner with a monocle (see attached). Then they have these events with I kid you not, modern folksy country bands, over-priced food-trucks, and bars selling those expensive micro-brews that sons of millionaires make in their bathtubs out in pomona. I have the station programmed in my car because on rare occasion, it's slightly better than some 18 year old's first radio show on KXLU. But to be honest, the squeaky voiced teenager in that basement at LMU seems to outperfom the basement of SMC 90% of the time. Occasionally I'll drift the dial to some opera on KUSC to listen to something less pretentious and narcissistic. They found a comfort zone, a target audience, then went on auto-pilot. The Woolworths of NPR. read more

Why do I love thee? Let me count the ways... I love this station for many reasons but one of the major ones is because it introduced and gave me a great love for Brazilian music. Tom Schnoval used to be the dj on the weekends and I believe that he was the one who started the "Morning Becomes Eclectic Show." I was a devout fan and the more enamored with Brazilian music I became, my desire to have a rich and varied selection of Brazilian CDs increased... One fine weekend during a balmy Summer, Tom was spinning his awesome mixes and I decided to call the radio station to see if I could speak to him. They put me right through and he was incredibly personable and nice enough to take the time to give me a list of his fave Brazilian music. We must have been on the phone for over an hour (I would "hold" while he had to announce a tune or two on his show) and then he'd return with more info. Other reasons that I love KCRW: The same reason that I love HBO and Showtime...No commercials! BBC World Report The Food Show where they have various chefs talk aout their latest cook books on regional cuisine from around the globe. "This American Life." The KCRW Card. An inexpensive yet invaluable card that gives you great discounts to businesses such as "Whole Foods" to "Borders Bookstores." Also, the first time that I ever heard of Sarah McLauchlin was on this station. She was pretty unknown in the States at that time... I heard a tune or two of hers on the station and then they told their listeners of a concert at a small venue in Santa Barbara where Sarah would be performing... I knew immediately that I would be attending and when I heard her in person, I was totally hooked. Thank you KCRW. I love that they have major performers that come in to play their music and also to be interviewed... such as Joni Mitchell, David Bowie, many Brazilian and African singers, Rufus Wainwright, Brian Eno and on and on... Love the evening program where they play French Trance Music. Also, I've won tickets to concerts at the Hollywood Bowl by just picking up the phone when they've announced that they had a couple to give away to their subscribers. It was that simple... there was no contest, and I didn't have to come up with the right answer to a rediculously difficult or inane question. They just handed them over and BOOM, I had great tix to the Playboy Jazz Festival. SCORE! read more

Dear KCRW, This will sound like an Oscar acceptance speech because I have a list of thank yous. Thank you for: Making my commutes more bearable with your interesting stories and variety of music. Giving me the news objectively and letting me know what's going on in the world without having to touch a keyboard or newspaper. Helping me discover songs and movies that I probably wouldn't have otherwise heard about. Making me stay in the car when I have reached my destination so I can finish listening to something so engrossing that I can't leave the car just yet. Ex. Ironically, once was listening to a Good Food piece about milkshakes at my gym's parking lot before heading in...) Making me feel smart! (hehe...) Sincerely, Crystal read more

I am not from Los Angeles, but I have adopted the city as my own. I never thought I would come to love a city so greatly, or miss a city so much when I am too far away for too long, but oddly enough Los Angeles has pickpocketed its way into my heart. When I am travelling, I never feel quite at home until I turn on KCRW on the way home from the airport. If I am driving, I know I have entered Los Angeles when I crest the Angeles mountains and start to hear the station loud and clear. Not only do they play NPR throughout the day so I can get my news, but they also have some of the most amazing DJ's and playlists ever. Music is never ordinary on KCRW; it's always well-thought out and unique. Most of my favorite groups have been discovered through this station. DJ's like Garth Trinidad, Raoul Campos and Jason Bentley always throw down great beats, lyrics and soulful melodies. Nick Harcourt makes my morning that much brighter. And thank you KCRW for putting on amazing events, like the one I attended last night that had a surprisingly cool art installation of slow dance and one of Jason Bentley's epically cool sets. read more

I listen to KCRW regularly, I love this station. It is independent and awesome! This was my latest experience with them. I was listening to KCRW a while ago and to my surprise, they had announced having two tickets available for donation to John Waters "This Filthy World Goes Hollywood" better believe I began dialing. I have never seen him live, and am keeping it a surprise for myself. If you are at all familiar with John Waters, you know he is an American filmmaker, actor, visual artist, writer, journalist, who rose to fame in the early 1970s for his cult films. In the 80's he was still filming and would regularly higher people such as Divine, Mink Stole, Mary Vivian Pearce and many others. John Waters' film making went mainstream with "Hair Spray" which introduced Ricky Lake. He also began to use actors like Johnny Deep, Tracy Ullman, Johnny Knoxville, Christina Ricci, Kathleen Turner, and many others. His films include, Pecker, Mondo Trasho, Pink Flamingo's, Desperate Living, Polyester, and more. If these give you an idea, if not look him up, he is absolutely amazing! I just remembered he had an appearance in The Seed Of Chucky, one of my favorites, as the photographer. He was awesome! I have no Idea what to expect, I am sure it will be nothing short of brilliant! I cant wait. I have been listening to KCRW for a long time. I contribute regularly. What a treat to have the opportunity to see such a brilliant man. KCRW is my favorite station, for music, world news, the ability to be involved in such an awesome radio station, and they tell about the things I find interesting, the music is to my taste, and the donation giveaways are amazing. Plus the fringe benefits are awesome! read more

While KCRW deserves credit for the creating likes of City Billy and Morning Glory it must be criticized for killing same. Without the brilliance and musical knowledge of Tom Schnabel, KCRW is reduced to being yet another, non-descript, unoriginal "public radio" station flogging third-world music with SP world view accompaniment. The pinnacle position of exploring and promoting great music once achieved by KCRW has been assumed by WXPN (sans insufferable socio-political back beat!) read more

Perhaps someone at KCRW read my review. Why???? GARTH TRINIDAD has come back to weeknights!! Jason Bentley has moved up to Music Director and is now hosting Morning Becomes Eclectic. Everyone is movin' on up, and I am happy again (despite the fact that Says You got moved from Tuesday to Friday). On Tuesday nights when there isn't a S.M. City Council meeting, Garth will spin all vinyl. Nice. read more

Classic love story: Girl discovers awesome radio station. Girl moves back home where she can't get a strong radio station signal Girl moves to to an area where she gets a strong signal Girl then realizes she can just listen online... I love this station. I really do. I remember sitting in traffic with friends while listening to Metropolis, and hearing some of the most amazing sessions of my favorite artists on Morning Becomes Eclectic. Listening to NPR also helps me seem like I'm kinda smart. You're also reading the review of a KCRW quasi-Angel...since I donated to their member drive at the Angel level but wanted a premium they were offering for the drive, people there know I'm an Angel at heart even though they didn't sound the horns and get all the perks...at least I get the super awesome card... This is great radio. For great people. If you are in any shape or form great, you should listen to this station...provided you get a clear signal (or just listen online!) read more

I started listening to KCRW several years ago because I greatly enjoyed the music. Then I was really into listening to politics during election years. After all that hub-bub was over I started taking in the news with NPR and some of their other shows. I've really gotten into "All Things Considered". It's so awesome that this show covers anything from the life of farmers in the US, to dung beetles, to what's happening in world. I love it all and it's always great to have something fascinating to listen to while in traffic. Anyway, I appreciate KCRW so much I decided to become a monthly member during the WInter Drive. That paid off greatly with my Fringe Benefits Card for discounts throughout LA and Orange Counties. I got an added bonus when I won the Playa Viva sweepstakes in January. That was a wonderful surprise that I hope to use later this year! Thanks again!!! read more

This is one of the best radio stations out there. I used to listen online, but now that I live here in LA, I can listen in the car and online as well... New music, world music, NPR news and unique programming are reasons to tune in. KCRW does a great job of updating and maintaining online content, such as archived live performances and offering a free "song of the day" each and every day. Apparently they have an iPhone app, but doesn't everyone these days? Well--I've heard it's good (I have no iPhone), and for a dollar, worth checking out. In addition, interactive playlists and event listing--all for free--are a great thing to check out. The benefits of becoming a member ("Fringe Benefits" kick in at $50/year) means you're eligible for ticket giveaways and great incentives during the pledge season (raffles and prizes). I've been able to go to many free shows and events as a member, making this a great value while supporting a station I care about. I know not everyone pledges, and the drives can be a little annoying, but for a station that relies on listener support, they really do a lot on a limited budget. Sure--there are times where I change the station to Radio Paradise (Online) or KXLU (in the car). It can be frustrating when the station gets "stuck" on certain artists or songs that I might not like. But, for every song I'm not a fan of, I discover something I really enjoy. I've also figured out that certain djays tend to play things more to my tastes than others. Besides music, shows like This American Life and Which Way LA are awesome. The news is great. i am glad to tune in to a station where I can hear political discussions without any yelling and truly varied perspectives (Left, Right & Center). The news on NPR is truly insightful and informative. Overall, a great station worth checking out online and on the dial. read more

Thank god for KCRW! Why limit yourself to Clear Channel stations where they play the same song over and over again! Aren't you guys tired of listening to the same old crap, morning talk shows?! Grow up and expand your horizon. If you really are into GOOD music, you'll like Morning Becomes Eclectic, Metropolis, Norcturna. And on Saturdays, do tune in to New Grounds with Chris Douridas and the A-Track...Heading out on a Saturday evening? The Drop readies you up for the night. It's not only music, it's about life in general. Morning Edition and All Things Considered from NPR. Martini Shot. Good Food. This American Life. And please, support public radio! read more

The high point of my freshman year of high school about twenty years ago was discovering KCRW on the left side of the dial. I was trying to get a better signal from 91X's Tijuana transmitter to listen to "Backstage Pass"-- (this was before Clear Channel, when 91x broadcast interviews with artists). I was sitting on the floor of my bedroom, listening to my clock-radio, because it got the best reception, when I heard Dierdre O'Donaghue announce the need to write letters for prisoners of conscience supported by Amnesty International. I became a faithful follower of SNAP & wore out my tape deck capturing the many live performances she hosted. Dierdre (RIP) will always be the original. I loved driving & absorbing Joe Frank's surreal universe, tuning in late at night to Gary Calamar & Tricia Halloran. Sandra Tsing Loh's dispatches were intimately hilarious. The station had a community hominess with NPR cred. The last time I listened daily to KCRW was when I was straight out of college and had the most monotonous temp job opening and alphabetizing mail at a prosthetic limb company-- every morning I set the dial to Chris Douridas's tenure on Morning Becomes Eclectic & felt lucky to be paid to listen to music for hours. KCRW opened my mind & spirit immensely beyond what existed in the OC of the 80's. I was a subscriber. I still listen occasionally on-line, but the station has certainly become less risk-taking & less interesting, with a more conservative, pseudo-corporate feel. Before I left LA, I switched the dial over to KPFK to get my morning dose of "Democracy Now!" on my way to work. But, I'll admit that last summer's Groove Armada/Cafe Tacuba show did rock, except for all hipsters who rudely left at the start of Cafe Tacuba's set, complaining that they couldn't understand anything... read more

I've been hooked on KCRW since around 1990...driving in my 73 Orange Volvo from Los Feliz to the beach each weekend...such great stuff! FAVS: This American Life Good Food The World Studio 360 Chocolate City NOCTURNA (Aah, such a treat when I catch it) Morning Becomes Eclectic (getting kinda irritating lately, but I still get a lot of great stuff from their song of the day pod casts) What do ya know and, of course NPR Being a fringe benefits member has been a real treat! I have won some great concerts at the Bowl over the years. I actually like listening to their pledge drive to see what kind of goodies are being offered. I always plegde during Good Food or This American LIfe snce these shows always have the best FOODor WINE premiumd from places like SIlverlake Wine, Du Vin, Violet, and other places I am so happy to go to anyway. I was so excited to finally become a fringe benefits provider! My studio will finally be mentioned in the next pledge drive...supe cool. One year I made it a point to try to eat my way through the Frindge Benefits List of Restaturants...we did a pretty good job. KCRW is the best! I missed it so much when I was living in MO...so happy to be back so I can listen to some great stuff! Thanks KCRW! read more

Long story short: Had a horrible experience at The Bowl last night. EVERYWHERE people would not stop talking. At one point, the person who I was with had to shush the audience members next to her. People kept hanging around in the walkway talking the WHOLE entire show. I tried to wave down and even shouted for security, but they kept ignoring and walking by. After telling the people next to her to stop talking, several people chimed in to tell them to be quiet as well. After, my friend finally went to security, and told her that they need to keep the walkway clear; because, people are being disruptive and rude (hanging out in one place and having loud conversations) through the show. Finally, I climbed out of my seat and went over to the woman who kept talking the whole entire time to tell her to be quiet. She responded: I'm not talking loud. I told her: yes, you are. I can hear you from over there. (What I didn't tell her is that I have ear issues, so for me to hear someone being that obnoxious). She still continued talking and being rude, instead of apologetic. Then, her dad (?) started laughing in my face in a really obscene, disrespectful manner. (If I was an aggressive person, like the dad, this could have been a really ugly situation). After he did that, I went up to the same security person that my sister did. And, finally she told them to stop. I could see why audience members keep quiet and put up with unnecessary annoyances. The aggravation isn't worth it. Nor is dealing with bad behavior - which is one of the reasons I will stop going to KCRW sponsored shows at The Bowl. What the security did tell my friend: KCRW is responsible for hiring security for their events. And, they underestimate the maturity level of concert goers. As a security guard, she is responsible for multiple sections at one time. When my sister explained this to me, I saw how short staffed The Bowl is. Even at the opera - where fights are less likely to breakout due to audience behavior - there is more staff stationed per section. Upon leaving the venue, multiple people were talking about the audience's level of disrespect. If you want to keep your shows safe and friendly, please invest in more security. read more

Bye bye Indie.....I'm sorry. So, the last bastion of good music on the radio in LA is KCRW 89.9 FM. Morning Becomes Eclectic is all we have left folks. Don't be poisoned by the crap that is played on what is so called FM radio....it's really just crap. KCRW continues to fight the good fight with alternative and diverse broadcasting. This American Life, Morning Becomes Eclectic, Weekend Becomes Eclectic, All Things Considered, Le Show, NPR's Morning Edition, Which Way LA, etc....OMG!!!....Just listen.....PLEASE!!!.........get your brain pumping again. You'll be glad you did PLEASE!!!!! read more

Is there another radio station on the planet that compares to KCRW? If so, I have yet to encounter it. Their indie-heavy approach to public radio pleases me greatly. I get my NPR & BBC news, to amp up my nerd-girl quotient, I get my indie rock to help me keep up with the youngsters, I get the classical & author interviews to keep me in the cultural loop. Without KCRW, I would be nothing. read more

Sometimes I wish that I lived in Southern California again just so I could listen to KCRW all the time. Much less stuffy than its Bay Area counterpart, KQED, with really cool music shows to go along with the NPR and local programming. Luckily, they are on the ball technologically speaking and a majority of their shows are available on the Web and via iTunes. I'm huge fan of Evan Kleiman's Good Food and for politics, I like Left, Right and Center, which feeds my "infatuation" with Arianna Huffington. I would have given it 5 stars, but they did fire Sandra Tsing Loh over a bullshit FCC issue when I thought they could have stood up for her instead of caving. read more

I love me some KCRW. I would make out with Metropolis if such a thing were possible. I don't know what I would do during my morning drive without Steve Inskeep and the other folks on Morning Edition from NPR. And then there's Ira Glass on This American Life. He's my bff (he just doesn't know it yet). I can do without Morning Becomes Eclectic, Nocturna, and some of the crappy weekend programming. But the rest makes my membership worth it. read more

I am not sure what I would be listening to right now if KCRW did not exist. This radio station has shaped my life. I have been in the US for almost 9 years and for the first 3 I was musically lost and dragged around by the top 40. Discovered the station one night after I had had it listening to the same songs and decided to move the dial around. Magic! Amazing djs that are knowledgeable about what is music and are always finding great new talent. I was not one to follow politics and/or current events but the programming offered by kcrw just makes it interesting enough that I now care! Become a member, support and you will not only feel proud about listening but will get rewarded by winning tickets and getting discounts around town. They also present different kinds of events, some free. Thanks KCRW! read more