KWXY

KWXY

Cathedral City, California
Broadcast area	Coachella Valley
Frequency	1340 kHz
Branding	KWXY - The Sound of the Desert
Programming
Format	Easy listening–Variety
Affiliations	Compass Media Networks Premiere Networks
Ownership
Owner	Louie Comella (IVOX RADIO LLC)
Sister stations	KKGX
History
First air date	October 1964 (1964-10)
Former call signs	KWXY (1964–2006) KPTR (2006–2010)
Technical information
Licensing authority	FCC
Facility ID	24252
Class	C
Power	1,000 watts unlimited
Translator(s)	92.3 K222DA (Cathedral City) 101.9 K270AI (Cathedral City
Links
Public license information	Public file LMS
Website	https://www.kwxy.com/

KWXY (1340 AM)

KWXY (1340 AM) is a commercial radio station licensed to Cathedral City, California, serving the Palm Springs radio market in the Coachella Valley. Established in 1964, KWXY is owned by Louie Comella through licensee IVOX RADIO LLC. The station's studios, offices, and transmitter are located at its historic facilities on Dinah Shore Drive in Cathedral City.

KWXY's programming is simulcast on FM translator K222DA, broadcasting at 92.3 MHz with an effective radiated power (ERP) of 99 watts, and is also available for streaming at kwxy.com.

Technical Information

• Frequency: 1340 kHz (AM)
• FM Translator: K222DA (92.3 MHz, Cathedral City)
• Class: C
• Power: 1,000 watts (unlimited)
• Licensing Authority: FCC
• Facility ID: 24252

History

Early Years and Growth

KWXY began in October 1964 as a 24-hour, 250-watt AM station, owned by veteran broadcaster and engineer Glen Barnett, who built the original studios and transmitter. The station increased power to 500 watts in 1968 and to 1 kW in 1973. FM operations started in 1969 on 103.1 MHz with a 3 kW signal, later moving to 98.5 MHz with 50 kW in 1976.

The station’s early format of beautiful music catered to Coachella Valley residents and seasonal visitors, making KWXY one of the most successful stations in the area. Its on-air lineup featured notable personalities like Dave Hull, named one of Los Angeles' top ten broadcasters, and Scott Ellsworth of KFI.

Ownership Changes and Format Transitions

In 2006, KWXY sold its AM frequency to R&R Radio Corporation, transitioning from beautiful music to progressive talk as KPTR. After Air America Radio’s bankruptcy in October 2006, the station shifted formats until its return to the KWXY call sign in 2010. The FM station ceased operations at 98.5 MHz in February 2010, with Dave Hull signing off.

KWXY briefly simulcast on KDES-HD2 and leased FM translator 107.3 MHz under the branding "Legend 107.3: The Sound of the Desert." By 2017, the station had returned to an adult standards format, branding itself as "Relaxing Music 1340."

Recent Developments

In June 2021, Desert Broadcasters sold KWXY, KKGX, and two translators to Louie Comella’s IVOX RADIO LLC for $105,000. The sale included the old KDES (AM) tower site in Palm Springs for $220,000 and the KWXY Broadcast Center building for $550,000. Comella plans to expand the Broadcast Center’s 28.4-acre site into a media hub featuring the IVOX+ streaming platform, a motion picture studio, and a theater venue.

KWXY returned to the air in December 2021, relaunching as "KWXY Music Radio." The station features a mix of standards, big band, jazz, and rock 'n' roll from the 1940s through the 1970s. In 2024, IVOX RADIO entered a five-year agreement with World Radio LLC to manage station operations.

Current Format

KWXY’s current programming blends Adult Album Alternative (AAA) and Classic Rock with easy listening. Popular shows and hosts include:

• Little Steven’s Underground Garage with Steven Van Zandt
• Sammy Hagar’s Rock Show
• Dee Snider’s House of Hair
• Local and regional presenters, including Mario Lalli (Fatso Jetson), Uli Bella (Ozomatli), Gabriel Villa (Chicano Batman), and Don Bolles (The Germs).

Former Programming

Past notable hosts and programs include:

• The Wink Martindale Show hosted by Wink Martindale
• Big band programming with Rob Dehlinger
• The Wolfman Jack Show (remastered)
• Rockabilly artist The Reverend Horton Heat
• M.G. Kelly, Mike Czech, and Malcolm Ryker (Skratch n Sniff)
• Local personalities Patrick Evans (KESQ-TV) and Alvin Taylor (Motown musician)

Studio Upgrades and Productions

In 2022, KWXY underwent significant technical upgrades, led by Louie Comella, sound engineer Nigel Dettelbach, and concert promoter Tom Ingram. These improvements supported music production, album recordings, and rehearsals for major events like the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Stagecoach Festival, Electric Daisy Carnival, and Power Trip Festival.

The station introduced KWXY Presents, a media series showcasing interviews and performances by renowned artists, including Johnny Mathis, Alice Cooper, and Bill Marx. In 2023, KWXY began production of The Standup Comedy Hour, launching live performances in 2024 with comedian Jamie Kennedy headlining the premiere. The series, produced for the IVOX+ independent streaming network is scheduled to debut in 2025.

Notable Events

• In November 2022, KWXY hosted Paul Rodgers (Bad Company) and Spike Edney (Queen) to promote the Rock the Plaza concert supporting the Plaza Theatre restoration.
• The station was a filming location for MTV’s Catfish in late 2022 and the media series Reel Humans (2025).

Online Presence

KWXY streams its programming online at kwxy.com, allowing global access to its unique blend of music and programming.

The station maintains active social media profiles on platforms like Instagram (@kwxyradio) and Facebook, where it shares updates about programming, events, and behind-the-scenes content.

Previous logo

External links

• Official website
• Facility details for Facility ID 24252 (KWXY) in the FCC Licensing and Management System
• KWXY in Nielsen Audio's AM station database
• Facility details for Facility ID 200709 (K222DA) in the FCC Licensing and Management System
• K222DA at FCCdata.org
• KWXY FM fan site with Don Wardell show transcriptions
• Aircheck of KWXY FM final sign off Feb. 2, 2010
• "Desert Radio Station KWXY Sold in Multi-Property Deal". Inside Radio. June 2021.