History and Future
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KKJZ 88.1 FM (“KJazz”) is the #1 full-time mainstream jazz station in the United States and one of the top ranked public radio stations in the country. Originally designated with the call letters KLON and later renamed KKJZ, the California State University, Long Beach Research Foundation has been broadcasting jazz on the station since 1981. In December 2004, KJazz increased transmitting power, going from 6,500 to 30,000 watts, and added an HD Radio digital signal.
Despite the fact that jazz is considered to be one of the few truly American art forms, there are only five full-time mainstream jazz stations remaining in the country. In fact, there are only a small number of full-time jazz stations around the world. As a result, in addition to its #1 position in the U.S., KJazz has a strong international following.
KJazz prides itself on broadcasting a wide range of the best jazz, blues, and Latin jazz programming. KJazz also produces and promotes free concerts to help bring live jazz and blues into our community. In addition, the station provides four scholarships for jazz musicians to attend California State University, Long Beach and provides paid student internships each year to support and cultivate jazz music among younger generations.
