KCSN
KCSN (The SoCal Sound) is a non-commercial public radio station operated by California State University, Northridge, broadcasting alternative rock on 88.5 FM and serving Southern California listeners through memberships, donations, underwriting, and bilingual HD subchannels.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersNorthridge, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What KCSN does
KCSN (branded "The SoCal Sound") is a non-commercial public radio station licensed to California State University, Northridge (CSUN), operating as a 501(c)(3) entity of the CSUN Foundation and broadcasting from 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, California. It transmits at 88.5 FM with HD Radio subchannel capability (HD2/HD3 carrying "Bilingual Sounds," a bilingual American-rock and Latin alternative format featuring Rock en Español). The station's core technology stack pairs traditional FM over-the-air broadcast with web streaming at thesocalsound.org and bilingualsounds.org, dedicated iOS/Android mobile applications, smart speaker skills, and third-party distribution through iHeartRadio and TuneIn, enabling 24/7 access well beyond the SoCal FM contour.
Programming centers on adult alternative and independent rock, with structured content franchises including 88-5 Album Dives (new and retro), SoCal Sound Sessions (in-studio video performances), Artist In Residence, specialty shows (blues, Americana, jazz, rock), and a weekly Pet of the Week via the Rockstar Rescue community initiative featuring Pasadena Humane, A Purposeful Rescue, and Tail Town Cats. Membership programs include monthly sustaining tiers ($5 ADVOCATE to $200 LEADER), one-time donations ($60 to $2,500), underwriting/sponsorships, a vehicle donation program via careasy.org, and planned giving (DAFs, stock gifts, QCDs, wire transfers). Payment processing uses PayPal Express and major credit cards, with Double the Donation employer matching integrated.
The revenue model is a publicly disclosed nonprofit membership-and-underwriting stack. Customer segments are geography and persona based: Southern California adult alternative listeners, bilingual/Latino Rock en Español audiences, and community-minded public radio supporters. Distribution extends across FM (regional), mobile/web apps, smart speakers, and major streaming aggregators, while live events and ticket giveaways with The Ford (LA Phil), Live Nation, and SoCal venues (Greek Theatre, The Coach House, Bellwether, Arroz and Fun) anchor member engagement and acquisition. Leadership visible in the data is light: Laura Kelly serves as 88.5 FM Membership Director and Julie Slater as Weekday Mid-Day Host and SoCal Sound Blog writer.
KCSN firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- KCSN
- Legal name
- California State University Northridge Foundation
- Website
- https://kcsn.org
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- KCSN (The SoCal Sound) is a non-commercial public radio station operated by California State University, Northridge, broadcasting alternative rock on 88.5 FM and serving Southern California listeners through memberships, donations, underwriting, and bilingual HD subchannels.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
KCSN industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Public Radio Broadcasting
- NAICS
- Radio Broadcasting Stations (51611)
- SIC
- Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832)
- akta.pro primary industry
- National Public Radio Networks & Member Stations (NPR-style) (MPABADAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Public Broadcasting Content Distribution & Interconnection (Sat/IP feeds) (MPABADAI), Internet Radio & Streaming Broadcast Stations (Simulcast/Online-only) (MPAIAEAE)
Keywords
Where KCSN is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Northridge
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
KCSN business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Listener Donations and Memberships: Voluntary contributions from listeners through one-time donations, monthly sustaining memberships, and annual pledge drives. Members receive benefits including concert ticket access, station swag, and access to special events.
- Corporate Underwriting/Sponsorships: Business sponsorships and underwriting opportunities for companies seeking to support public radio while reaching the station's audience
- Vehicle Donations: Vehicle donation program allowing supporters to contribute automobiles, boats, and other vehicles as charitable donations
- Planned Giving: Donor advised funds (DAF), stock/securities gifts, wire transfers, and IRA distributions (QCDs) for legacy giving
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Sustaining monthly memberships from $5 to $200 per month |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | One-time donation levels from $60 to $2,500 |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Premium thank-you gifts with minimum donation requirements |
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels7 records
KCSN product offering
Product offeringCore offering
KCSN 88.5 FM (The SoCal Sound) is a non-commercial public radio station broadcasting curated alternative rock programming—including indie, electronic, punk, and Southern California local music—24/7 to the greater Los Angeles market. The station also operates two HD Radio subchannels (HD2 and HD3 Bilingual Sounds) delivering Spanish-language and bilingual music and programming, and extends its reach through dedicated mobile apps, website streaming, and smart-speaker integration.
Product overview
KCSN (88.5 FM) is a public radio station operated by California State University, Northridge, offering a multi-platform radio experience centered on its main FM broadcast. The station's core products include the primary KCSN 88.5 FM radio station featuring rock music programming with album dive segments, specialty shows, and concert coverage, alongside the Bilingual Sounds HD3 secondary channel focusing on Latin alternative and Rock en Español. Digital access is provided through dedicated mobile apps for both The SoCal Sound and Bilingual Sounds, with additional streaming via TuneIn and iHeartRadio. Supporting offerings include Rockstar Rescue community initiatives, ticket giveaways for members, artist residencies, and various membership programs including sustaining donations, underwriting sponsorships, and vehicle donations. The station also produces video content through SoCal Sound Sessions featuring in-studio performances.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Bilingual Sounds HD2: A bilingual public radio station blending American rock with Latin alternative music, streaming on 88.5 HD3.
Products and services
- KCSN 88.5 FM (The SoCal Sound) The flagship non-commercial public radio broadcast of KCSN, airing curated alternative rock, indie, electronic, punk, and Southern California local music 24/7 to the greater Los Angeles market at 88.5 FM. Targeted at adult listeners who value listener-supported, community-rooted programming distinct from commercial rock stations.
- Bilingual Sounds HD2/HD3 Radio Channels Two HD Radio subchannels (HD2 and HD3) carrying Bilingual Sounds programming—Spanish-language and bilingual music and content—serving Hispanic and bilingual audiences across the Southern California broadcast footprint of KCSN.
- The SoCal Sound Mobile App Mobile application (iOS and Android) providing live and on-demand streaming of KCSN 88.5 FM (The SoCal Sound) alternative rock programming, plus access to station features and membership/donation functionality. Targeted at Southern California listeners and global fans of the format who want portable access.
- Bilingual Sounds Mobile App Mobile application (iOS and Android) streaming the HD2/HD3 Bilingual Sounds Spanish-language and bilingual music programming from KCSN, targeted at Hispanic and bilingual listeners in and beyond Southern California.
- Corporate Underwriting and Sponsorships On-air underwriting message sponsorship packages sold to local and regional businesses, arts organizations, and venues seeking association with KCSN's engaged alternative-music audience in Southern California. Provides non-commercial, credibility-driven brand exposure distinct from conventional radio advertising.
Companies that use KCSN
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
KCSN technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration7 records
Feature3 records
KCSN partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- California State University, Northridge (CSUN)coreKCSN operates as a public service of CSUN, with the station licensed through the university. The station is a 501(c)(3) entity of the CSUN Foundation.
- The Ford Theatre (LA Phil)corePartnership with LA Phil's Ford Theatre for concert ticket giveaways and promotional events. Ani DiFranco Spirit of Love Tour giveaway featured as example partnership.
- Live NationcoreConcert ticket giveaway partnerships for shows at venues including Greek Theatre and F&M Bank Amphitheater. Turnpike Troubadours and The Guess Who giveaways mentioned.
- Arroz and FunminorVenue partnership for Summer Fun Sounds showcases featuring Mel Muñiz and Joey Quinones performances with Q&A sessions.
- The BellwetherminorConcert venue partnership for ticket giveaways including Dinosaur Jr. performances.
- The Coach House (San Juan Capistrano)minorConcert venue partnership for Robert Cray ticket giveaways.
- Pasadena Humane SocietyminorNon-profit partner featured in Rockstar Rescue program. Portion of member donations support the organization. Featured pets for adoption weekly.
- A Purposeful RescueminorNon-profit dog rescue partner in Rockstar Rescue program, focusing on Los Angeles high-kill shelter prevention and community outreach.
- Tail Town CatsminorNon-profit cat rescue partner in Rockstar Rescue program, partnering with Kitten Rescue of Los Angeles to save cats from high-kill shelters.
- Electric Moon FoundationminorNon-profit music education partner providing instruments and lessons to disadvantaged youth. Donation option available.
- LA Regional Food BankminorFood bank partnership offering meal donation options in lieu of thank-you gifts (30 or 70 meals for families in LA County).
- Second Harvest Food Bank Orange CountyminorOrange County food bank partnership offering meal donation options (30 or 60 meals) for food-insecure families.
- TicketmasterminorPrimary ticket distribution platform for concert events featured in station giveaways.
- iHeartRadiominorStreaming distribution partner allowing listeners to access station programming through the iHeartRadio platform.
- TuneInminorStreaming distribution partner for online radio access through the TuneIn platform.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
KCSN competitors and assessment
Company assessmentOthers
- WXRT93.1: Chicago-based commercial alternative rock radio station owned by Audacy. Comparable to KCSN in adult alternative format and audience, though commercial rather than listener-supported, making it more of an audience-overlap and format-comparable peer than a direct competitor.
Broad incumbents
- KQED: San Francisco Bay Area public media organization operating KQED 88.5 FM with news/talk programming. Comparable to KCSN as a larger California public radio operator with broader news programming rather than alternative-music specialization.
- WNYC: New York-based flagship public radio station (WNYC 93.9 FM / WNYC-FM) operated by New York Public Radio. Comparable to KCSN as a large-scale listener-supported public radio station, though focused on news/talk rather than alternative music.
Direct peers
- KCRW: Santa Monica-based non-commercial public radio station (89.9 FM) broadcasting eclectic music, news, and culture to the Los Angeles region. Directly comparable to KCSN in format (curated indie/alternative music), funding model (listener-supported), and broadcast geography.
- WXPN: Philadelphia-based non-commercial public radio station (88.5 FM) operated by the University of Pennsylvania with an adult alternative format. Comparable to KCSN in university-affiliated governance, adult alternative/indie format, and membership-driven funding.
- WFMU: Jersey City-based freeform non-commercial radio station known for eclectic indie/alternative programming funded by listener donations. Comparable to KCSN in non-commercial status, alternative programming, and donation-driven model.
- KEXP: Seattle-based non-commercial public radio station (90.3 FM) specializing in indie, alternative, and experimental music with a global streaming audience. Comparable to KCSN in alternative-music focus, listener-supported model, and investment in digital streaming distribution.
- KUTX98.9: Austin-based public radio station (98.9 FM) owned by the University of Texas and dedicated to new and alternative music. Comparable to KCSN in university ownership, alternative-music format, and community-engagement programming.
Emerging players
- SomaFM: San Francisco-based independent internet-only radio network offering dozens of commercial-free, listener-supported alternative music channels. Comparable to KCSN as a niche-music, listener-supported broadcaster, though digital-native and lacking an FM broadcast license.
Regional players
- LAist (KPCC): Southern California Public Radio operates KPCC 89.3 FM from Pasadena serving the LA region with news/talk format. Comparable to KCSN as a regional public radio competitor in the same SoCal broadcast market, though focused on news rather than alternative music.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
KCSN social profiles
Digital presenceKCSN financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
KCSN leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
KCSN funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
KCSN M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about KCSN
What does KCSN do?
KCSN 88.5 FM (The SoCal Sound) is a non-commercial public radio station broadcasting curated alternative rock programming—including indie, electronic, punk, and Southern California local music—24/7 to the greater Los Angeles market. The station also operates two HD Radio subchannels (HD2 and HD3 Bilingual Sounds) delivering Spanish-language and bilingual music and programming, and extends its reach through dedicated mobile apps, website streaming, and smart-speaker integration.
Is KCSN a public or private company?
KCSN is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was KCSN founded?
KCSN was founded in -1. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is KCSN based?
KCSN is headquartered in Northridge, United States, in the North America region.
How does KCSN make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Listener Donations and Memberships are the primary driver. The others are corporate Underwriting/Sponsorships, vehicle Donations and planned Giving.
Who are KCSN's main competitors?
WXRT93.1 is listed as an others. Broad incumbents are KQED and WNYC. Direct peers are KCRW, WXPN, WFMU, KEXP and KUTX98.9. SomaFM is listed as an emerging player. LAist (KPCC) is listed as a regional player.
Does KCSN have an API?
No public API is recorded for KCSN.
What industry is KCSN in?
KCSN's product category is Public Radio Broadcasting. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPABADAB, National Public Radio Networks & Member Stations (NPR-style), with a secondary code of MPABADAI, Public Broadcasting Content Distribution & Interconnection (Sat/IP feeds). Its NAICS code is 51611 and its SIC code is 4832.