Q + A

Laguna Beach has been hitting the airwaves through nonprofit radio station KXFM since 2012. Locals have been tuning in to 104.7 FM (the frequency changed from 93.5 FM in 2020) to hear musical hosts spinning a variety of tunes and listen to talk shows discussing topics near and far.

With new Chairman and Executive Director Billy Fried at the helm since May, the station is heading in a different direction—focusing less on music and more on how the station can be a hub for the community, highlighting what and who is important in and to our small town. “We have a vision for how … FM radio can be a vital asset to a community like ours, where we are less reliant on music and more focused on being a virtual town square,” Fried says.

The updated programming will include 30 new shows, with a weekday “Neighborhood Block Party” of various local shows presented from noon to 4 p.m. They are aired live on the radio, as well as streamed on KXFMradio.org and through the KX FM Radio app.

In addition to leading the station, Fried hosts his own weekly radio show, “Laguna Talks,” for which he interviews people on both sides of city government issues. Fried has been hosting that show for 10 years and previously hosted a funk music show called “Old School Bump.” Beyond the radio station, he’s also the founder of La Vida Laguna, which offers daily surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, biking and kayaking lessons and tours, as well as team-building experiences.

LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE: Why did you want to lead the radio station?

BILLY FRIED: When [the founder] announced the imminent closing of the station [early this year], I immediately felt what a great loss it would be to our community. … I felt a strong calling that this would be a great fit for my career experience in media, marketing and journalism and a unique challenge as a businessman and a creative artist of sorts. I like to think of it as my service to a town that’s been so good to me, something I’d like to make important and vital, and then pass off to future generations.

LBM: What is your vision for programming moving forward?

BF: It goes far beyond programming because we are essentially a portal to community. We intend to generate a healthy and ongoing slate of community happenings and events. We are making our website a hub for community information, news, events and the arts. And we hope to reactivate the Irvine Bowl for spring and fall concerts.

LBM: Why is the station putting less emphasis on music?

BF: I believe there are so many unique voices in our community, who are authorities on universal topics. [We intend] to promote and amplify these shows and blend them with our outstanding and diverse lineup of music shows.

LBM: Can you tell us what some of the new shows are about?

BF: We’ve got experts on just about everything around us in the built and natural environment. … [Plus, we’ll have] new music shows … and a new late-night electronic [music] show. [We will also be] bringing more musicians into the studio for live performances.

LBM: What are the plans to extend your reach beyond the radio station?

BF: My absolute hope is to deputize everyone in town to take ownership of this gem and do their little part to polish and make it sparkle. I am hoping our city, our residents and our businesses recognize the importance of what we are doing—as a connected community, and particularly in the area of emergency services—and rally and support us on this wild and crazy ride to make radio great again. Radio has the unique ability to foster community, connection and unify rather than divide us. And that is something we need now more than ever.