Classical California KDFC and KUSC Achieve Record Audience Highs

In the December 2024 Nielsen Audio PPM Ratings, Classical California’s stations, KDFC and KUSC, celebrated new audience milestones.

KDFC earned an unprecedented 6.3 share in the San Francisco, placing 3rd among all stations in the region, which includes all nine Bay Area counties. This is among the highest shares ever for classical in a major market. The total radio audience was 288,000.

Classical California KDFC celebrates "KDFC Day"

Meanwhile, KUSC achieved a 3.0 share of all radio listening in the Los Angeles market, which spans both LA and Orange counties. This marks a record high for the station, reaching a unique radio audience of 472,000 weekly listeners—the largest classical radio audience in the country.

The Classical California KUSC Staff at the LA Times Festival of Books, April 2024

KDFC earned an unprecedented 6.3 share in the San Francisco, placing 3rd among all stations in the region, which includes all nine Bay Area counties. This is among the highest shares ever for classical in a major market. The total radio audience was 288,000.

In addition, KUSC and KDFC now attract a combined monthly digital audience of approximately 375,000, reflecting the growing reach of Classical California across multiple platforms. KDFC also broadcasts in the Ukiah and Monterey areas, while KUSC extends its presence to Palm Springs, Oxnard, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo.

As America’s most popular classical music network, Classical California brings the magic of classical music to diverse communities with a vision to make everyday life more harmonious. The network continues to expand its audience through innovative digital experiences, including custom streams like Arcade (video game music), Glissando (for families), and The Great Escape (a chill-out channel), attracting new fans and enriching the classical music experience.

Partnerships with cultural icons and organizations—such as rapper RZA, La Plaza de la Raza, and the Watts Learning Center in Los Angeles, as well as the SF Community Music Center and The Tech Interactive Museum in the Bay Area—have helped Classical California connect with younger and more diverse audiences, ensuring a bright future for classical music.