KRML 94.7 fm

What KRML 94.7 fm does

KRML 94.7 FM is a privately-held local radio station serving the Monterey Bay region of California. Originally established in 1958 and reimagined under its current identity in 2012, the station broadcasts on 94.7 FM (K234DH, Monterey) and 1410 AM (KRML, Carmel), with digital streaming available via krml.com, a dedicated mobile application, and voice-assistant integration (Alexa, Google, Siri). It is licensed and operated by KRML Radio, Inc., a California corporation headquartered at 27300 Rancho San Carlos Rd., Carmel. Programming is built on an eclectic mix of music genres and eras, supplemented by approximately 20 specialty shows including Pub Talk (a weekly live broadcast from Alvarado Street Brewery), Mornings with Marley & Friends (presented by California Roots Music & Arts Festival), Modern Jetset, Sheroes Radio, Just Jazz KRML, Little Steven's Underground Garage, Acoustic Cafe, eTown, and the Grateful Dead Hour, plus daily features such as Local Music Spotlight (sponsored by Monterey Regional Airport), the Surfrider Surf Report, Peter B's Sports Fix, and the KRML Concert Calendar.

The station runs a community-led go-to-market and derives revenue almost entirely from local advertising and event sponsorships under quote-based, non-publicly-disclosed pricing. A sponsorship ecosystem of approximately 50 named Monterey Bay businesses, nonprofits, and cultural organizations supports the station — including Alvarado Street Brewery (flagship Pub Talk sponsor), Coastal Roots Hospitality (Tarpy's, Montrio, Rio Grill), Golden State Theatre, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Folktale Winery & Vineyards, Sunset Cultural Center, Surfrider Foundation Monterey County, Meals on Wheels Monterey Peninsula, and California Roots Music & Arts Festival. The core operating team consists of approximately five members: Program Director Jeff White (three-time Triple A National Program Director of the Year nominee), afternoon host and business operations lead Jasmine Jones, Accounting and Traffic Director Jolie LaBlanc, and Santa Cruz Ambassador Perri Chaney, supplemented by contract talent for individual shows. The station has no disclosed institutional funding, no patents or trademarks, and limited social-media reach (5,498 Instagram followers and 1,024 posts as of June 2025). In April 2026, KRML Radio, Inc. filed an FCC application to assign the broadcast licenses for KRML(AM) and K234DH to El Avance LLC, signaling a pending change of ownership whose strategic intent and post-deal operating plans are not disclosed.

Name

KRML 94.7 fm

Legal name

KRML Radio, Inc.

Website

https://krml.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1958

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

KRML 94.7 FM is a privately-held local radio station broadcasting on 94.7 FM and 1410 AM in California's Monterey Bay region, delivering eclectic music, specialty shows, and hyperlocal community content to Monterey Bay residents and SMB advertisers via traditional broadcast, digital streaming, mobile app, and voice assistants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Local Radio Broadcasting

NAICS

Radio Broadcasting Stations (51611)

SIC

Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832)

akta.pro primary industry

Internet Radio & Streaming Broadcast Stations (Simulcast/Online-only) (MPAIAEAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Radio Streaming & Catch-Up Audio Platforms (MPAIADAJ), Radio Content Production & Studios (On-air Production, Imaging, Jingles) (MPAIAEAL)

Keywords

• Local radio broadcasting
• Community radio station
• FM AM broadcasting
• Digital audio streaming
• Radio advertising sales

Headquarters

HQ city

Carmel By The Sea

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Advertising and Sponsorships: Local businesses and organizations sponsor shows and segments on KRML, providing revenue in exchange for brand visibility and community association. Examples include Alvarado Street Brewery sponsoring Pub Talk, Monterey Regional Airport sponsoring Local Music Spotlight, and various restaurants/hospitality venues sponsoring specific shows.
2. Event Sponsorships and Partnerships: Collaborations with local venues and cultural organizations (Golden State Theatre, Sunset Cultural Center, WeatherTech Raceway) that support the station through partnership agreements

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

KRML 94.7 FM is a local radio station broadcasting on 94.7 FM and 1410 AM frequencies, serving the Monterey Bay community with eclectic music programming, local news, and community-focused content. The station supplements traditional broadcast with digital streaming on its website, mobile app, and voice assistant platforms. Its programming includes approximately 20 specialty shows (e.g., Pub Talk, eTown, Modern Jetset, Sheroes Radio) and daily features (Local Music Spotlight, Surfrider Surf Report, Peter B's Sports Fix, Concert Calendar). Revenue is generated through advertising and sponsorships sold to local businesses, hospitality venues, cultural organizations, and nonprofits.

Product overview

KRML 94.7 FM is a local radio station serving the Monterey Bay community with broadcasts on 94.7 FM and 1410 AM frequencies, supplemented by web streaming via its website and mobile app. The station's core product is its radio programming, which includes a mix of eclectic music spanning multiple genres and eras, local news, community features, and approximately 20 specialty shows. The station differentiates itself through hyperlocal content, community partnerships, and weekly live programming including Pub Talk (from Alvarado Street Brewery), live music shows, jazz programming, and daily features like the Surfrider Surf Report, Sports Fix, and Concert Calendar. Listeners can access content through traditional radio, the KRML website, a mobile app, and voice assistants (Alexa, Google, and Siri).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• KRML Radio Broadcasting Service Local radio broadcasting on 94.7 FM and 1410 AM serving the Monterey Bay region, providing eclectic music programming, local news, community features, and approximately 20 specialty shows for listeners in Carmel, Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz, and surrounding communities.
• KRML Mobile App

Quantifiable outcome

• Serves Monterey Bay with 94.7 FM, 1410 AM, and digital streaming

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Alvarado Street BreweryflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerPrimary sponsor of Pub Talk show; hosts weekly live broadcast from their brewery every Thursday 5-6pm; provides beer drop features during show; collaborative community events
• Coastal Roots HospitalitycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOperates Tarpy's, Montrio, Rio Grill; sponsors eTown show with Pick It Up And Pay It Forward Program benefitting local nonprofits
• Monterey Regional AirportcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Local Music Spotlight daily feature and specific broadcasts like 6.23.25 LMS show
• Golden State TheatrecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerConcert venue partner featured on KRML Concert Calendar; joint promotion of shows at downtown Monterey venue
• WeatherTech Raceway Laguna SecaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal racing venue partnership for community engagement
• Meals on Wheels Monterey PeninsulacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNonprofit partner featured on Meals and Feels weekly show discussing nutrition and community compassion
• California Roots Music & Arts FestivalcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Mornings with Marley & Friends Saturday show; nation's largest reggae festival at Monterey County Fairgrounds
• Sunset Cultural CentercoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Box Office Banter Monday show; features discussions about theater, arts, and cultural events
• The Wahine ProjectcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Sheroes Radio Saturday show celebrating women in music
• Folktale Winery & VineyardscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerHost of Live in the Vines concert series; sponsor of Live in the Vines Music Hour Saturday show
• Wild Fish RestaurantminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Just Jazz KRML Sunday show featuring Leroy Downs
• Destination 831minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Bixby Bridge Blues Hour Sunday show
• The Catalyst ClubcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSanta Cruz concert venue partner on KRML Concert Calendar
• Felton Music HallcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSanta Cruz mountains concert venue partner on KRML Concert Calendar
• Surfrider Foundation Monterey CountycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Surfrider Surf Report weekday feature; focuses on ocean and beach preservation
• Big Sur Canna BotanicalsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Canna Conversation Friday show discussing cannabis industry trends
• Edible Monterey BayminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Friday Found Treasures feature with Mark C. Anderson covering local culinary scene
• Monterey County Vintners and Growers AssociationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Wine Down Wednesdays show featuring consultant Kim Stemler discussing local wine scene
• Portola Hotel & SpaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerParent company of Peter B's Sports Fix sponsor
• Woody's at the AirportminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAirport restaurant partner
• Monterey SymphonyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal arts organization partner
• Scheid VineyardsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal winery partner
• Big Sur Land TrustminorGTM or Marketing PartnerConservation nonprofit partner
• United Way Monterey CountyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNonprofit community partner
• Live Nation EntertainmentminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEntertainment promoter partner

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• KUSP: Former Santa Cruz-based independent/community radio station with eclectic music programming and local community focus. Direct peer because KRML also serves Santa Cruz and surrounds with eclectic music and community-driven content under a similar community-supported model.
• KWMR West Marin Radio: Community radio station serving West Marin with hyperlocal programming, local music, and partnership-driven underwriting. Direct peer because KWMR and KRML share the small-market, community-anchored, sponsor-supported operating model with eclectic music mix.
• KIDD 630 AM (or other Monterey-area AM operators): Other licensed AM/FM stations in the Monterey/Salinas market competing for local ad dollars and listener attention. Direct peer because they operate the same regulatory asset class (local broadcast license) in the same geography with comparable ad inventory.
• KAZU: Public/community radio station serving the Monterey Bay (Pacific Grove/Monterey) with news, talk, and music programming. Direct peer because both KRML and KAZU operate local broadcast stations targeting the same Monterey Bay geography with hyperlocal content and underwriting/sponsorship revenue models.

Broad incumbents

• Townsquare Media: Multi-market local radio operator in smaller and mid-sized U.S. markets with digital and live event monetization. Broad incumbent because Townsquare applies a similar small-market radio-plus-events playbook at much greater portfolio scale.
• Salem Communications: Radio broadcaster specializing in niche and community formats including talk and faith-based content with local sales networks. Broad incumbent comparable in that Salem runs community-format radio with local sales as a key revenue lever, though at multi-market scale.
• iHeartMedia Monterey-Salinas-Santa Cruz Cluster: National radio broadcaster operating multiple FM/AM stations in the Monterey/Salinas/Santa Cruz market, competing for the same listener and advertiser pool as KRML. Broad incumbent because iHeart operates the dominant share of local radio in the same DMA but across many formats and stations rather than a single community-focused property.
• Cumulus Media / Audacy Monterey-Salinas Stations: Major national radio operators (Audacy/Cumulus) carrying stations in the broader Monterey Bay region competing for advertising share. Broad incumbents because they run multiple formats/stations within the same DMA but at significantly greater scale and with network/format programming.

Regional players

• Monterey County Weekly: Independent regional print and digital media outlet covering Monterey County, including the Best DJ awards cited by KRML. Regional player because it competes for the same local advertisers and reader/listener attention but in print/digital rather than broadcast radio.

Emerging players

• Spotify (Local/Regional Audio Advertising): Global audio streaming platform with growing podcast and local ad offerings competing for the same audio advertiser budgets. Emerging player for comparability because Spotify represents the secular shift away from terrestrial radio ad dollars that KRML must compete against for SMB marketing spend.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/krmlradio
• Xx.com/thenewKRML
• Facebookfacebook.com/KRMLRadio
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/krml-radio

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about KRML 94.7 fm