Audio
January 16, 2025

KNX News 97.1 FM Emerges as a Crucial Lifeline During Southern California Wildfires

By Reggie Shah, Senior Director Research & Insights, Audacy

When wildfires swept through Southern California, residents urgently needed real-time, reliable information to stay safe. That was when LA’s KNX News stepped in with around-the-clock coverage that became a true lifeline. Over-the-air, online, or through push alerts, KNX News kept everyone connected and informed. This underscores the vital role local radio plays in a crisis.

Broadcast Radio’s Vital Role
For many, the over-the-air signal remained the go-to source for immediate and trustworthy updates. In the face of power outages, cell service disruptions, and evacuation orders, KNX News provided information exactly when it was needed. With roads clogged by evacuees, radio helped cut through the confusion by relaying official statements in real time.

Stories That Hit Home
KNX News reporters have been the eyes and ears in the fire zones for listeners desperate for information about what was happening to their homes and communities. Veteran reporter Pete Demetriou was the first to report that homes along Pacific Coast Highway were burning, offering harrowing live descriptions from his vehicle.

Listeners and KNX News staff alike experienced the devastation firsthand. One reporter, Nataly Tavidian, learned that her family home had been destroyed. She went on-air to describe the wreckage in real time, sharing her heartbreak so others facing similar losses would know they were not alone.

Nataly Tavidian, KNX News
Pete Demetriou, KNX News


Many employees faced their own challenges, from evacuations to power outages, yet remained committed to delivering the news.

We realized how much the community depends on us. It’s not just a job; it’s a responsibility.

Jeff Federman
Regional President, Audacy

A Huge Spike in Demand
It started the week of January 5, 2025, when Google Trends showed record searches for KNX1. As the fires worsened, KNX News drove a steep jump in app downloads2, reflecting how urgently people needed live, accurate updates. Compared to the previous week, streaming climbed significantly. Plays rose by 309%, unique listeners by 212%, and total listening hours and average active sessions were both up by 160%3.

Over-the-air listening also saw a significant increase, with KNX News listening rising by 354%. For many listeners, particularly those facing power or internet outages, KNX’s signal provided an essential source of real-time information during the crisis4.

On social media, KNX News extended its reach even further, generating more than 17 million impressions and 670,000 engagements across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X during the week of the fires. This broad digital presence ensured critical updates were available across multiple platforms, keeping communities informed and connected5.

Balancing Urgent Updates With a Little Comfort
While KNX News stays focused on fire coverage, sister music stations The Wave, KROQ, K-Earth, JACK-FM and Channel Q offered Angelenos an escape. The stations carried regular fire updates via KNX News and of course information on donations, but otherwise stuck to music and entertainment. “It’s a difficult balance as you don’t want to be insensitive to what is happening in the community but you also want to offer an escape,” Federman said. “The team is doing a great job setting the right tone and offering comfort in a scary situation.”

Committed to Community
What truly sets KNX News apart is its close bond with listeners across Los Angeles. Residents don’t just tune in, they call in, too. Some seek information, sharing local conditions and asking for real-time updates. Others simply want to say thanks. During these fires, Natasha from West LA called in to express her gratitude.

I just want to thank KNX News for being my number one lifeline into the information in these fires. My 3 family homes — my mom, my dad and my grandparents’ homes have been threatened in these fires, and it’s been really great to hear up-to-date coverage. And it’s comforting that I can always check in with you guys. So thank you.

Natasha
KNX News Listener

Now that Southern California is in recovery mode, KNX News’ efforts highlight the ongoing importance of local radio. By being available on every platform—broadcast, apps, smart speakers, and connected dashboards—KNX News offered not just essential updates but also a sense of unity when people needed it most. This is a role the station has filled for decades, and one it will continue to fulfill whenever disaster strikes.

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SOURCES

1 Google Trends, search interest over time (10 yr)

2 Audacy 1P Data, app installs from 1st content listened, 1/8/25

3 Triton Digital, KNX, 1/8/25 vs prior week

4 MediaMonitors Audio Overnights, KNX AM Day of Week Trend, Quarter Hours Listened, P6+, 1/8/25 vs prior week

5 KNX News social accounts gross impressions & engagements/reactions week of 1/5/25

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