KDB

KDB is a non-commercial radio station in Santa Barbara, California, and is owned by the University of Southern California. The station airs a classical music format, simulcasting KUSC 91.5 FM Los Angeles. The station went on air as KFCR-AM radio in 1926. The station was also purchased by George Barnes in 1929, who changed the call letters from KFCR to KDB in tribute to his wife, Dorothy Barnes. In October 1929, KDB’s license was cancelled for failure to comply with regulations from the Federal Radio Commission. At issue were broadcasts of “The Crusaders,” which promoted the repeal of Prohibition. Station management put up a vigorous fight and KDB returned to the air by the end of the year. Over the next couple of decades, KDB was bought and sold a few more times. It was Santa Barbara’s first 24-hour station, broadcasting on both AM and FM. KDB-AM and KDB-FM were bought in 1971 by the Pacific Broadcasting Company, consisting of Bob Scott, Harvey Pool, and Dick Marsh. After programming American show tunes and beautiful music for nine years, KDB-FM changed its format to classical music in 1980. In 1990, KDB-AM and KDB-FM were split apart due to an owners’ dispute.