The author is president of Classical California, which is heard across the state, including on KUSC(FM) in Los Angeles and KDFC(FM) in San Francisco.
When Classical California-LA (formerly known as KUSC) became the most-listened-to public radio station in America in May 2026, it represented far more than a ratings milestone. It challenged the assumption that classical music is a niche format with a shrinking audience.
More importantly, it demonstrated that when public radio creates meaningful experiences that enrich people’s lives, audiences respond.
For a format that many have long considered to be in decline, the achievement offers an important reminder: Never underestimate the value of serving a clearly defined audience with excellence.
At a time when listeners have virtually unlimited choices — from streaming services and podcasts to personalized playlists and social media — public radio remains uniquely positioned to offer something increasingly rare: a trusted, human connection.
Our recent growth suggests those qualities matter as much today as they ever have.
For nearly 80 years, our organization has been part of California’s cultural fabric. We don’t exist simply to broadcast great music. Our vision is to be the most welcoming and engaging place to connect with classical music, inspiring listeners, strengthening well-being, and making classical music accessible to everyone.
We share a belief that music can make people’s lives better. Our on-air hosts believe in music’s power to inspire, comfort and transform lives.
Every day, they bring warmth, knowledge, curiosity and genuine enthusiasm to the microphone, helping listeners discover not only great music but also the stories, emotions, and humanity behind it. In an increasingly automated media environment, that authentic human connection remains one of radio’s greatest strengths.
This philosophy shapes every programming decision we make. Alongside the works of Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Florence Price and countless other composers, our listeners hear film scores, music from video games and contemporary composers whose work reflects the continuing evolution of classical music.
Through digital offerings such as “Classical Americana,” hosted by our resident artist Lara Downes, we celebrate the many traditions and influences that have shaped America’s classical music landscape. We see classical music as a living art form that continues to evolve and speak to each new generation, not as something to preserve behind glass.
This philosophy extends beyond the airwaves. This year, we brought listeners across California the final two Los Angeles Philharmonic concerts led by Gustavo Dudamel from Walt Disney Concert Hall, ensuring that one of the most significant moments in the orchestra’s history could be experienced far beyond those fortunate enough to have a seat in the hall.
Brian Lauritzen presented the pre-concert lecture before Dudamel’s final performance and joined Jennifer Miller Hammel in co-hosting both live broadcasts.
We also continued creating opportunities for audiences to experience classical music in person through our SKY Concert Series in San Francisco, bringing members together with world-class artists while deepening support for our mission. And at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, alongside partners including USC, USC Thornton and LA Opera, we connected with more than 200,000 attendees, introducing new audiences to Classical California and demonstrating the vital role public radio plays in the region’s cultural life.
These are the kinds of moments that remind us radio is more than a distribution platform — it is a community service that connects people to transformative cultural experiences.
Our commitment to serving local communities was recognized in June when the Central City Association honored Classical California as one of its Treasures of Los Angeles, recognizing our contribution to the cultural life of the region.
While ratings are important, recognition like this reminds us that public radio’s greatest value is measured not only by the size of its audience, but by the impact it has on the people it serves.
Our recent success has also been driven by transformation.
In October 2025, we unified our on-air service across California, creating a single statewide listening experience. Four months later, we launched a unified website and mobile app and brought our stations together under one brand: Classical California.
More than a rebranding effort, these changes created a seamless experience for listeners across broadcast radio, streaming, mobile devices, smart speakers, connected vehicles, podcasts and social media.
One lesson has become increasingly clear: Audiences no longer distinguish between broadcast and digital the way our industry often does. They simply expect a trusted service to be available wherever and whenever they choose to listen.
The organizations that create consistent experiences across every platform will be best positioned for long-term success.
We’ve also learned that many assumptions about classical music deserve to be challenged. It is often said that younger audiences have little interest in the format. Our experience suggests otherwise.
People of every generation continue to seek beauty, emotional connection, moments of reflection and relief from the constant noise of modern life. Classical music has always provided those experiences. Our responsibility is not to change the music, but to make it welcoming, relevant and easy to discover.
The lessons extend well beyond classical music. Public radio succeeds when it understands its audience, remains true to its mission, embraces innovation without abandoning its identity and consistently delivers something people cannot easily find elsewhere.
Growth is rarely the result of chasing trends. More often, it comes from earning trust over time and serving listeners exceptionally well.
Our recent ratings are certainly gratifying, but they represent something much larger than the success of one station. They demonstrate that audiences still value organizations that know who they are, serve their communities with purpose and create experiences that matter.
Technology will continue to evolve. Consumer habits will continue to change. But the need for trusted, meaningful media — and for the inspiration, comfort and connection that music uniquely provides — will remain.
Leonard Bernstein once observed that some feelings “are so deep and so special that we have no words for them … music names them for us, only in notes instead of in words.”
Every day, that is the privilege and responsibility of Classical California. Whether someone is beginning the day, commuting to work, celebrating life’s joys or navigating life’s challenges, we strive to provide experiences that uplift, restore and remind listeners of the beauty that still exists in the world.
If our recent growth tells us anything, it is that this mission is not only enduring — it is more relevant than ever.
Read a historical timeline of Classical California.
Additional affiliates of Classical California include KPSC(FM) in Palm Springs, KDSC(FM) in Thousand Oaks, KDB(FM) in Santa Barbara, KESC(FM) in Morro Bay, KDFL(FM) in Livermore, KOSC(FM) in Agwin, KDFG(FM) in Seaside, KXSC(FM) in Sunnyvale and K223AJ(FM) in Lakeport.
