{{short description|Contemporary Christian music radio network in the United States}} {{Use American English|date=February 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}} {{about||the Philippine romantic comedy|K-Love (Philippine TV series)|the Los Angeles Spanish language radio station|KLVE|the basketball player|Kevin Love}} {{Infobox radio network | network_name = K-LOVE | logo = KLOVE 2014.svg | country = United States | network_type = Radio network | available = National, through broadcast stations and translators<br>Worldwide on select stations via TuneIn | owner = Educational Media Foundation | sister_stations = {{hlist|Air1|Radio Nueva Vida}} | launch_date = {{start date and age|1982|10|15|p=y}} | radio_stations = See List of K-Love stations | webcast = {{ubl|{{listenlive|url=https://listen.klove.com/}}|{{iHeartRadio|5162}} }} | website = {{official url}} }} '''K-Love''' (stylized as '''K-LOVE''') is an American Christian radio network. Owned by the Educational Media Foundation (EMF), a non-profit Christian ministry, it primarily broadcasts contemporary Christian music.
As of June 2019, the network's programming is aired over 520 FM stations and translators in 48 U.S. states, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.klove.com/music/station-finder/stations |title=Stations {{pipe}} Positive Encouraging K-LOVE |publisher=Educational Media Foundation |access-date=September 22, 2020}}</ref> As of 2018, K-Love and its sister network Air1 reportedly had a weekly cumulative audience of about 20 million listeners.<ref name="radio-ink">{{cite news |last=Ryan |first=Ed |date=May 7, 2018 |title=Spreading God's Word – With Radio |url=https://www.klove.com/uploadedFiles/K-LOVE_New/Content/Home/Tiles/KLOVE-MikeNovak-RadioInc.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602134204/https://www.klove.com/uploadedFiles/K-LOVE_New/Content/Home/Tiles/KLOVE-MikeNovak-RadioInc.pdf |archive-date=2019-06-02 |url-status=dead |work=Radio Ink |pages=20–29 |access-date=June 2, 2019}}</ref>
==History==
===1980s=== In 1980, the Christian Life Center First Assembly of God of Santa Rosa, California, received a construction permit to operate a new noncommercial radio station in that city, KCLB on 91.9 MHz. The church, however, was being affected by a major scandal involving its trust fund, which had forced it into bankruptcy two years prior and had required the church to abandon its plans for the time being.<ref>{{cite news|title=No money from church; Attorneys' pay bid rejected|date=June 12, 1980|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/45552858/|access-date=February 24, 2020|work=Press-Democrat|first=Bob|last=Klose|page=2A}}</ref> Later in 1980, under new management, the church hoped to raise the funds to put the nearly fully equipped station on the air as a contemporary Christian music radio station.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/45553287/|page=1A, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/45553168/ 10A]|title=Bankrupt in money but flush in spirit|first=Bob|last=Klose|date=November 10, 1980|access-date=February 24, 2020|work=Press-Democrat}}</ref>
In 1982, after several attempts to purchase a station in San Francisco,<ref name="lagrandeobserver2003"> {{cite news | last = Stave | first = Dave | title = K-LOVE, broadcasting on 88.9 FM in La Grande, spread words of faith, inspirational songs, hope in ch[...] | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007201818/http://www.lagrandeobserver.com/Features/Spiritual/Life/K-LOVE-broadcasting-on-889-FM-in-La-Grande-spread-words-of-faith-inspirational-songs-hope-in-ch | archive-date=October 7, 2008 | url-status = live | publisher = The Observer | date = January 3, 2003 | url = https://www.lagrandeobserver.com/archive/dni/k-love-broadcasting-on-88-9-fm-in-la-grande-spread-words-of-faith-inspirational/article_ba3cc447-ed60-5f4a-a54d-c57329e670f2.html | access-date = September 22, 2020}} </ref> the Educational Media Foundation purchased KCLB for $65,760.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-BC/BC-1982/BC-1982-04-26.pdf|access-date=September 22, 2020|title=For the Record|work=Broadcasting|date=April 26, 1982|page=93}}</ref> Bob Anthony Fogel, a former DJ at KFRC, founded EMF, which in its early years was also known as Christian Media Ministries.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/45552388/|access-date=February 24, 2020|date=January 8, 1982|first=Robert|last=Digitale|title=Christian radio stations come to Sonoma County|work=Press-Democrat|page=14A}}</ref> Charles Colson assisted in fundraising efforts for KCLB in the San Francisco area.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/45553704/|title=Colson is spellbinding as he helps push for Bay Area religious station|first=Norman|last=Melnick|work=San Francisco Examiner|access-date=February 24, 2020|date=May 25, 1982|page=B5}}</ref> KCLB signed on October 15, 1982; the first song played on the station was "Praise the Lord" by the Imperials, which was a hit on the Christian music charts in 1979.
KCLB expanded in 1987 with new translators at San Rafael<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/45554045/|work=San Francisco Examiner|page=B-8|date=April 15, 1987|title=Notice|access-date=February 24, 2020}}</ref> and Salinas.
On August 1, 1988, KCLB changed its call letters to KLVR and adopted its present K-LOVE moniker. A month and a half later, on September 12, its wooden transmitter building on Geyser Peak was burned to the ground by a brush fire believed to have been set by an arsonist.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/45554534/|page=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/45554449/ A10]|first=Bony|last=Saludes|work=Press-Democrat|title=Crews on top of Geysers fire|date=September 14, 1988|access-date=February 24, 2020}}</ref> After the fire, the transmitter was relocated to {{convert|4000|ft|m|sp=us|adj=on}} Mount Saint Helena.<ref name="lagrandeobserver2003"/><ref name="klove1">{{cite web|title=The Story Behind K-LOVE Radio|url=http://www.klove.com/promodetails.aspx?i=1449|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141127100229/http://www.klove.com/promodetails.aspx?i=1449|archive-date=November 27, 2014|publisher=Educational Media Foundation|url-status=dead}}</ref> The new location improved signal strength, and listeners reported they could now hear the station as far as {{convert|125|mi|km|sp=us}} away.<ref name="vartv1">{{cite web|title=WZLV Frequency Background|url=http://easternshore.vartv.com/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717185241/http://easternshore.vartv.com/|archive-date=July 17, 2011|publisher=VARTV.com|url-status=dead}}</ref> By 1989, KLVR had expanded further to include translators covering Santa Cruz, San Jose, and Los Gatos.
===1990s=== K-Love expanded its reach during the 1990s by purchasing small stations and translators, and repeating its signal. In 1992, K-LOVE began using satellite technology to expand to locations further away than just northern California. The Educational Media Foundation continued to purchase small translators in California but also bought stations in Portland, Oregon (KLVP),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://feedback.pdxradio.com/forums/topic/this-day-in-portland-radio-history-february-3/|title=Topic: THIS DAY IN PORTLAND RADIO HISTORY (FEBRUARY) | Feedback.pdxradio.com}}</ref> Phoenix, Arizona (KLVA),<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/call_hist.pl?Facility_id=2749&Callsign=KLVA|title=Call Sign History|website=licensing.fcc.gov}}</ref> Oklahoma City (KYLV)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/call_hist.pl?Facility_id=50169&Callsign=KYLV|title=Call Sign History|website=licensing.fcc.gov}}</ref> and San Antonio (KZLV).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://transition.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Mass_Media/Public_Notices/Call_Sign_Changes/pnmm9292.html|title=FCC New or Modified Call Signs 12/3/1999}}</ref>
During the 1990s, K-Love also began to expand its on-air personalities. David Pierce joined in 1991 from KLTY in Dallas/Ft. Worth.<ref>{{cite web|title=David Pierce named VP of Programming for EMF Broadcasting|url=http://www.gospelmusic.org/newsmedia/OMNewswire_detail.aspx?iid=28389&tid=33|access-date=2007-09-28}}{{Dead link|date=February 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Also Mike Novak,<ref>{{cite web|title=Mike Novak Profile on kloveair1foundation.com|url=http://www.kloveair1foundation.com/mike_novak.aspx|access-date=March 5, 2013|archive-date=March 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130323195749/http://www.kloveair1foundation.com/mike_novak.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> JD Chandler and Larry Wayne<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.linkedin.com/pub/larry-wayne/4/680/345|title=Larry Wayne Profile on LinkedIn}}</ref> started working air shifts in the late 1990s. In addition to expanding the on-air talent, K-LOVE expanded its facilities and moved its headquarters from Santa Rosa to Sacramento in 1993.<ref name="klove1"/> In 1998, K-Love increased its reach online by streaming live on klove.com.<ref name="klove1"/>
===2000s===
thumb|right|K-Love Logo used from 2004 until 2014.
During the decade of the 2000s, K-Love went through a period of expansion through the purchase of stations and translators across the United States. On October 5, 2000, Colorado Christian University sold KWBI Morrison / Denver, KJOL Grand Junction and KDRH Glenwood Springs, Colorado, as well as 18 translators to K-LOVE.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kjol.org/about/ourstory.asp |title=KJOL "Our Story" at www.kjol.org |publisher=Kjol.org |access-date=2013-10-16}}</ref> The Colorado radio network was sold for a reported $16.6 million. A Colorado Christian University release said the board considered "many offers from Christian, as well as other suitors," but the priority was finding a buyer committed to "top-quality Christian programming."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://extras.denverpost.com/scene/ost1012.htm |title="Radio Waves" on denverpost.com |publisher=Extras.denverpost.com |date=2000-10-12 |access-date=2013-10-16}}</ref>
In 2003, the EMF took advantage of a window of time where the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allowed for the filing of new applications for FM translators, dubbed the "Great Translator Invasion".<ref name="recnet1">{{cite web|last=Eyre|first=Michi|title=REC proposes ideas to FCC to allow for translator/LPFM co-existence|url=http://home.recnet.com/node/252}}</ref> During that time, the FCC received over 13,000 applications for original construction permits on translators. The EMF filed over 800 applications,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.prometheusradio.org/node/2358|title=Historic accord reached between Prometheus and the Educational Media Foundation|access-date=March 5, 2013|archive-date=March 31, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130331073524/http://prometheusradio.org/node/2358|url-status=dead}}</ref> of which over 250 were approved, with most of those now carrying the K-Love network.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.klove.com/about/faq.aspx?q=stations|title=K-LOVE FAQ on Stations|access-date=March 5, 2013|archive-date=March 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310012923/http://www.klove.com/about/faq.aspx?q=stations|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In January 2007, the EMF purchased 94.3 WJKL Elgin, Illinois, which broadcasts to the Chicago area, for $17 million.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cclamp.radioandrecords.com/RRWebSite20/Members/Transactions.aspx?ContentID=44818&ContentTypeID=103&Archive=1&FormatId=0 |title=Transactions for January 8, 2007 |publisher=Cclamp.radioandrecords.com |access-date=2013-10-16 |archive-date=May 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130526225806/http://cclamp.radioandrecords.com/RRWebSite20/Members/Transactions.aspx?ContentID=44818&ContentTypeID=103&Archive=1&FormatId=0 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Shortly after the purchase, a flood hit the WJKL transmitter site that knocked the station off the air for more than a week. WJKL has since moved and now broadcasts from Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, to the Chicago market.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://radio-locator.com/cgi-bin/finder?call=wjkl&x=0&y=0&sr=Y&s=C |title=WJKL on |publisher=Radio-locator.com |date=2010-06-24 |access-date=2013-10-16}}</ref> On November 30, 2007, K-LOVE purchased 97.3 KCXM, which was an ESPN radio affiliate for Kansas City, for $16 million.<ref name="FCC.gov">{{cite web|url=http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getattachment_exh.cgi?exhibit_id=601364|title=Asset Purchase Agreement|access-date=2008-01-02}}</ref> The call letters were changed to KLRX shortly after and now broadcasts from Lee's Summit to the Kansas City area.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://radio-locator.com/cgi-bin/finder?call=klrx&x=0&y=0&sr=Y&s=C |title=KLRX on |publisher=Radio-locator.com |date=2008-06-10 |access-date=2013-10-16}}</ref> As a result, these and other station purchases, plus the new translators approved during the 2003 filing window, the K-Love radio network grew to be the largest broadcaster of contemporary Christian music in the world.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/16100/emf-broadcasting-becomes-largest-christian-music-b|title=EMF Broadcasting Becomes Largest Christian Music Broadcaster|website=All Access}}</ref> By 2010, K-Love had an estimated listenership of 6 million people.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?i=44058&p=6&view=issueViewer&pp=1|title=Christian Radio Guide Jul/Aug-2010 Page 6|website=www.mydigitalpublication.com}}</ref>
In 2002, the EMF moved its headquarters from Sacramento, California, to Rocklin. The new headquarters now housed K-Love, Air1 and ''Christian Music Planet'' magazine.<ref name="klove1"/>
In 2001, Christian radio personality Jon Rivers, along with his wife Sherry, became the ''K-Love Morning Show'' hosts, and broadcast from their ranch in Texas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.20thecountdown.com/about/|title=About the Show • 20 The Countdown Magazine - Listener Line 1-888-535-2020|website=20 The Countdown Magazine - Listener Line 1-888-535-2020}}</ref> The show continued with Jon and Sherry for 7 years until March 28, 2009, when it was announced that they would step down due to family issues.<ref name="allaccess1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/55499/jon-sherry-rivers-leave-k-love-mornings-williams-s|title=Jon, Sherry Rivers Leave K-LOVE Mornings, Williams Steps In|website=All Access}}</ref> Host Lisa Williams assumed the duties of hosting the program, and was later joined by Eric Allen.<ref name="allaccess1"/> Other DJs also joined the team during this time such as Scott Smith<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/34750/official-first-day-for-k-love-s-scott-smith|title=Official First Day For K-Love's Scott Smith|website=All Access}}</ref> and Kelli Caldwell, which eventually became the afternoon show.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/60133/air-1-mornings-moving-to-k-love-afternoons|title=Air 1 Mornings Moving To K-LOVE Afternoons|website=All Access}}</ref> On October 1, 2008, Mike Novak was named president and CEO of the EMF, replacing Dick Jenkins,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gospelmusic.org/newsmedia/OMNewswire_detail.aspx?iid=36739&tid=33 |title=GospelMusic.org GMA : Industry Newswire |access-date=2013-10-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225150745/http://www.gospelmusic.org/newsmedia/OMNewswire_detail.aspx?iid=36739&tid=33 |archive-date=February 25, 2012 }}</ref> and as a result stopped having a regular on-air shift.
On July 15, 2009, the EMF bought 101.9 WKLU in Indianapolis, for $4.75 million, plus $1.55 million for the studio. The studio then became the broadcast location for the ''K-Love Morning Show''.<ref>{{cite web |date=2009-07-14 |title=Indianapolis Business Journal 7/14/2009 |url=http://www.indianaeconomicdigest.net/main.asp?SectionID=31&SubSectionID=202&ArticleID=48834 |access-date=2013-10-16 |publisher=Indianaeconomicdigest.net}}</ref>
===2010–present=== Into the new decade, the EMF began to purchase more full-power stations in medium and larger markets. Since 2010, K-Love had begun broadcasting, or upgraded signals in Dayton, Ohio (WKCD formerly WCDR),<ref>{{cite web|title=Cedarville Univ. Sells Four Stations To EMF|url=http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/93877/cedarville-univ-sells-four-stations-to-emf|access-date=7 March 2013}}</ref> Jacksonville, Florida (WCRJ),<ref>{{cite web|title=K-Love Comes To Jacksonville, The Promise Moves Up The Dial|url=http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/90697/k-love-comes-to-jacksonville-the-promise-moves-up-|access-date=7 March 2013}}</ref> Knoxville, Tennessee (WYLV, formerly WDLF),<ref>{{cite web|title=EMF Buys Two Knoxville Stations|url=http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/85175/emf-buys-two-knoxville-stations|access-date=6 December 2012}}</ref> Salt Lake City, Utah (KKAT),<ref>{{cite web|title=EMF Paying $5.75 Million For KKAT/Salt Lake City|url=http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/79567/emf-paying-5-75-million-for-kkat-salt-lake-city|access-date=6 December 2012}}</ref> Stockton, California, San Francisco, California (KLVS),<ref>{{cite web|title=EMF Buys KLVS|url=http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/82991/ktru-sale-filed-with-fcc-emf-buys-klvs|access-date=6 December 2012}}</ref> San Diego, California, Camden, New Jersey and Detroit, Michigan on WDKL 102.7 FM.
The EMF acquired WKLV-FM in Port Chester, New York, in 2010, and in May 2011 re-located its transmitter to the Trump Plaza in New Rochelle to cover New York City.<ref name="wctz-emf2">{{cite web |last=Fybush |first=Scott |date=November 8, 2010 |title=EMF Buys Into NYC Market |url=http://www.fybush.com/NERW/2010/101108/nerw.html |access-date=January 30, 2011 |work=NorthEast Radio Watch}}</ref> In July 2012, the EMF swapped WLVM (formerly WABB Mobile, Alabama) with Cumulus Media, for Classic Hits WRQQ Nashville, Tennessee (a major hub for the Christian music community and where the majority of labels originate from). The EMF changed WRQQ's call sign to WLVU, which now broadcasts K-Love programming.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/107984/cumulus-emf-mobile-swap-includes-nashville-deal-to|title=Cumulus-EMF Mobile Swap Includes Nashville Deal, Too|website=All Access}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Audio clip from New Nashville Station|url=http://www.klove.com/blog/scottandkelli/post/2012/07/16/New-Nashville-Station.aspx|access-date=12 March 2013|archive-date=March 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130316015216/http://www.klove.com/blog/scottandkelli/post/2012/07/16/New-Nashville-Station.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[File:Road America 2013 Nationwide 18 Michael McDowell.jpg|right|thumb|Michael McDowell's K-Love-sponsored Toyota Camry in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.]] In July 2010, K-Love began sponsoring MacDonald Motorsports' #18 car and Michael McDowell in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/77843/k-love-partners-with-nascar-s-macdonald-motorsport |title=K-LOVE Partners With NASCAR's MacDonald Motorsports |publisher=Allaccess.com |date=9 July 2010 |access-date=16 October 2013}}</ref> Then in March 2012, K-Love announced it would be the primary sponsor of Tony Pedregon's Funny Car for 12 of the final 20 races of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nhra.com/story/story.aspx?F_y=2012&F_m=3&F_d=27&CustomURL=k-love-tony-pedregon |title=K-LOVE announces a major partnership with Tony Pedregon |publisher=Nhra.com |date=27 June 2012 |access-date=16 October 2013 |archive-date=October 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017082851/http://www.nhra.com/(S(cq3p5mayokipjl2qvxonr32q))/story/story.aspx?F_y=2012&F_m=3&F_d=27&CustomURL=k-love-tony-pedregon |url-status=dead }}</ref> In February 2013, K-Love announced the inaugural K-LOVE Fan Awards, a listener-voted awards show for contemporary Christian musicians held in Nashville. The inaugural ceremony was held in June 2013, and hosted by Phil, Kay, Jasie, and Missy Robertson.<ref>{{cite web|title=K-LOVE Announces Fan Awards and Ultimate Fan Experience|url=http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/115353/k-love-announces-fan-awards-and-ultimate-fan-exper|work=AllAccess.com|access-date=20 August 2014}}</ref>
In July 2011, Amanda Carroll became the new mid-morning host<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/94375/amanda-carroll-joins-k-love-middays-sterling-moves|title=Amanda Carroll Joins K-LOVE Middays; Sterling Moves Back To Air1|website=All Access}}</ref> and the network announced that Lisa Williams and Eric Allen would no longer be hosting the ''K-LOVE Morning Show''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/92747/williams-departs-k-love-morning-show-with-lisa-and|title=Williams Departs K-LOVE, 'Morning Show With Lisa And Eric' Ends July 29th|website=All Access}}</ref> JD Chandler took their place until the ''K-LOVE Morning Show with Craig, Amy, and Kankelfritz'' acquired the spot in November 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.klove.com/blog/2011/11/default.aspx?page=5|title=K-LOVE Morning Show Blog 11/4/11|access-date=March 7, 2013|archive-date=March 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130328172357/http://www.klove.com/blog/2011/11/default.aspx?page=5|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In December 2013, K-Love presented a Christmas music special for the cable network Up, ''K-Love Music City Christmas''. The special was hosted by Candace Cameron Bure, and featured performances of Christmas-themed music by various contemporary Christian musicians.<ref name=up-musiccity>{{cite web|title=K-LOVE Music City Christmas to Premiere on UP|url=http://www.uptv.com/news/2013/k-love-music-city-christmas-to-premiere-on-up|website=Uptv.com|access-date=21 August 2014|archive-date=March 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301090146/http://www.uptv.com/news/2013/k-love-music-city-christmas-to-premiere-on-up|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In 2017, the EMF announced that it would acquire KSWD in Los Angeles, KSOQ-FM in San Diego County (licensed to Escondido), and WGGI in Scranton from CBS Radio and Entercom as part of their merger.<ref>{{cite news |date=2017-09-27 |title=Prices Revealed for EMF's Entercom Spins |work=RBR |url=http://www.rbr.com/prices-revealed-for-emfs-entercom-spins/ |access-date=2017-10-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=2017-09-29 |title=100.3 FM The Sound prepares for shutdown |work=ABC7 Los Angeles |url=http://abc7.com/entertainment/1003-fm-the-sound-prepares-for-shutdown/2468607/ |access-date=2017-10-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Trakin |first=Roy |date=2017-09-26 |title=Entercom Sells Three Stations as CBS Radio Merger Nears Completion |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2017/music/news/entercom-cbs-radio-educational-media-foundation-1202573949/ |access-date=2017-09-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=100.3 The Sound To Be Replaced With Christian Music Station |language=en-US |work=LAist |url=http://laist.com/2017/09/28/1003_the_sound.php |url-status=dead |access-date=2017-10-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029150456/http://laist.com/2017/09/28/1003_the_sound.php |archive-date=2017-10-29}}</ref> The sale was approved on November 2,<ref>{{cite news |title=FCC OK's Entercom-EMF Three-Station Deal On Way To Merger. |language=en-US |website=InsideRadio.com |url=http://www.insideradio.com/free/fcc-ok-s-entercom-emf-three-station-deal-on-way/article_4aa27340-c45c-11e7-b2fa-1f042eec41d1.html |access-date=2017-11-09}}</ref> with KSWD flipping to K-Love as KKLQ; as Univision holds local trademark rights to the "K-Love" name in connection to its Spanish adult contemporary station KLVE (which has used the name since 1974), the station is marketed locally as "Positive, Encouraging 100.3" and "the K-Love for Christian music" to disambiguate it from KLVE.<ref>{{cite news |last=Venta |first=Lance |date=2017-11-16 |title=100.3 The Sound Signs-Off; Double The K-Love For Los Angeles |website=RadioInsight |publisher=RadioBB Networks |url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/121018/kswd-sets-sign-off-time-rams-to-kcbs-fm/ |access-date=2017-11-17}}</ref>
In March 2018, the EMF acquired Chicago's WLUP from Merlin Media, after Cumulus Media ended a local marketing agreement with the station due to their bankruptcy. The station was taken over by the EMF under an LMA at midnight on March 10, 2018, and flipped to K-Love; the moment was preceded by several songs referencing Satan, culminating with AC/DC's "Highway to Hell"—a subtle jab at the new ownership suggested by veteran Chicago broadcaster and former WLUP personality Steve Dahl.<ref>{{cite web |last=Venta |first=Lance |date=March 5, 2018 |title=Educational Media Foundation Acquires 97.9 WLUP Chicago |url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/166554/educational-media-foundation-acquires-97-9-wlup-chicago/ |access-date=March 6, 2018 |work=RadioInsight |publisher=RadioBB Networks}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Feder |first=Robert |title=Robservations: No-show Garry Meier throws fans for a Loop |url=https://www.robertfeder.com/2018/03/12/robservations-no-show-garry-meier-throws-fans-loop/ |access-date=2022-10-17 |website=}}</ref>
In August 2018, after soft-launching it as an online radio station, K-Love launched K-Love Classics—a new classic hits network with a focus on contemporary Christian music from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-08-15 |title=EMF Launches Christian Classic Hits "K-Love Classics" |url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/169969/emf-launches-christian-classic-hits-k-love-classics/ |access-date=2018-08-15 |work=RadioInsight |language=en-US}}</ref> K-Love Classics was discontinued on November 2020; the network carried a transitional Christmas music format until January 2021, when K-Love launched two decade-based networks to replace it—"K-Love 90s" and "K-Love 2000s".<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |date=2022-09-16 |title=Industry News Bits Thu 9-15-22 |url=http://www.hisair.net/industry-news-bits-thu-9-15-22/ |access-date=2022-10-17 |website=HisAir.Net |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=9 November 2020 |title=EMF Shuts Down K-Love Classics |url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/201114/emf-shuts-down-k-love-classics/ |access-date=2020-11-14 |website=RadioInsight |language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2019, the EMF announced that it would acquire five stations from Cumulus Media, including most prominently New York's WPLJ.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cumulus Sells Six To EMF & Swaps With Entercom In New York & Indianapolis |url=https://radioinsight.com/headlines/174511/cumulus-sells-six-to-emf-swaps-with-entercom-in-new-york-indianapolis/ |access-date=2022-10-17 |website=RadioInsight |date=14 February 2019 |language=en-US}}</ref>
In February 2020, K-Love bought out Boston's last remaining rock station, WAAF, which had been a rock mainstay of the Boston area since the 1970s. Fans congregated outside the studio while DJs Mistress Carrie and Mike Hsu with program director Joe Calgaro took the helm for a 14-hour farewell program. Again, the takeover was preceded by a classic song referring to Satan, "Black Sabbath", from Black Sabbath's self-titled debut album.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 22, 2020 |title=The End Of WAAF Boston |url=https://formatchange.com/the-end-of-waaf-boston/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223045057/https://formatchange.com/the-end-of-waaf-boston/ |archive-date=February 23, 2020 |access-date=February 23, 2020 |website=Format Change Archive |language=en-US}} *{{cite tweet|user=BostonsBlackie|number=1231119012316184578|title=The last song played was "Black Sabbath" by Black Sabbath|date=February 22, 2020|access-date=February 22, 2020}}</ref><ref>Katie Thornton, [https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/christian-radio-educational-media-foundation-1234946121/ Why Is the Radio Full of Christian Rock? Thank This Nonprofit]". ''Rolling Stone'', January 21, 2024.</ref> In the final hour, the hosts revealed that internal plans had been in place to "relaunch the station" on March 2, re-hiring station veteran Mike Brangiforte to host the morning show, replacing ''The Mens Room'' with a local night host, teaming up Hsu with Calgaro, and instituting a revamped music playlist curated by Mistress Carrie. All of these plans were immediately aborted once the sale to EMF was announced, with the ensuing "WAAF"-branded rock programming operating "as a zombie jukebox on a pair of HD subchannels and Radio.com," without any air personalities.<ref>"[https://radioinsight.com/headlines/184670/did-waaf-have-one-more-life-to-live/ Did WAAF Have One More Life To Live?]" ''Radio Insider'', Feb 24, 2020.</ref>
In September 2022, the network marked the 40th anniversary of KCLB's launch.<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-17 |title=NorCal-born K-LOVE radio celebrates 40 years of music and ministry |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2022/04/17/norcal-born-k-love-radio-celebrates-40-years-of-music-and-ministry |access-date=2022-10-17 |website=The Mercury News |language=en-US}}</ref> In February 2026, it was announced that, jointly through a partnership with Radio Vita, K-Love would expand internationally to airing stations in Europe and Africa.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gospelmusic.org/news/k-love-expands-internationally-into-africa-europe|title=K-LOVE Expands Internationally Into Africa & Europe|date=2026-02-12|accessdate=2026-02-17|website=Gospel Music Association}}</ref>
==Ministry== K-Love has a full-time ministry team that processes over 100 phone calls a day from listeners seeking guidance. According to the ministry, the pastors and staff at K-Love pray for over 1,000 prayer requests every day, and on average, intervene in one suicide case per day.<ref name="klove2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.klove.com/ministry/support-k-love/|title=Support K-LOVE page on klove.com<!-- Bot generated title -->|access-date=February 2, 2011|archive-date=January 22, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110122180832/http://www.klove.com/ministry/support-k-love/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=KLA1 Foundation |url=http://www.vimeo.com/19311863 |title=K-LOVE Pastors video |via=Vimeo.com |date=2011-01-28 |access-date=2013-10-16}}</ref> Requests are submitted online or over the phone.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.klove.com/ministry/prayer/prayer-request.aspx |title=Prayer request submission page at |publisher=Klove.com |access-date=2013-10-16 |archive-date=December 30, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101230174420/http://www.klove.com/ministry/prayer/prayer-request.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref>
K-Love also partners with other ministries and donates air time and web site space to these ministries.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.klove.com/ministry/organizations.aspx |title=Ministry partners on |publisher=Klove.com |access-date=2014-04-07 |archive-date=December 30, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101230170047/http://www.klove.com/ministry/organizations.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref>
==Awards and nominations==
{{confused|K-Love Fan Awards}}
===Christian Music Broadcasters Echo Awards=== {| class="wikitable" |- ! Year ! Category ! Nominee(s) ! Result |- | rowspan=5|2007 | rowspan=2|Air Personality of the Year (Markets 1-25 & Networks)<ref name="allaccess2007">{{Cite web|url=https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/21698/cmb-announces-2007-echo-award-finalists|title=CMB Announces 2007 Echo Award Finalists|website=All Access}}</ref> | David Pierce (K-LOVE) | {{nom}} |- | Jon & Sherry Rivers (K-LOVE) | {{nom}} |- | Industry Impact<ref name="allaccess2007"/> | EMF (K-LOVE & Air1) | {{nom}} |- | Music Director of the Year (Markets 1-25 & Networks)<ref name="allaccess2007"/> | Jon Rivers (K-LOVE) | {{nom}} |- | Program Director of the Year (Markets 1-25 & Networks)<ref name="allaccess2007"/> | David Pierce (K-LOVE) | {{nom}} |- | 2011 | Promotions Director of the Year<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/96278/echo-awards-handed-out-at-momentum-2011|title=Echo Awards Handed Out At Momentum 2011|website=All Access}}</ref> | Mike Tedesco (K-LOVE & Air1) | {{won}} |- | 2013 | Station of the Year - Major Market<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://cmbonline.org/cmb-awards-2013-winners/|title=2013 Christian Music Broadcasters Awards}}</ref> | K-LOVE | {{won}} |}
===National Religious Broadcasters Awards=== {| class="wikitable" |- ! Year ! Category ! Nominee(s) ! Result |- | 2013 | Billy Graham Award for Excellence in Christian Communications<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://nrb.org/news_room/press_center/nrb-to-honor-k-love-and-air-1-with-billy-graham-award/|title=NRB to Honor K-LOVE and Air1|access-date=March 6, 2013|archive-date=March 11, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130311055621/http://nrb.org/news_room/press_center/nrb-to-honor-k-love-and-air-1-with-billy-graham-award/|url-status=dead}}</ref> | K-LOVE & Air1 | {{won}} |}
===Best Christian Workplaces=== {| class="wikitable" |- ! Year ! Category ! Nominee(s) ! Result |- | 2004 | Media<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bcwinstitute.com/bcwlists/US04.aspx|title=Best Christian Workplaces 2004}}</ref> | EMF (K-LOVE & Air1) | {{won}} |- | 2006 | Media (100+ Employees)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bcwinstitute.com/bcwlists/US06.aspx|title=Best Christian Workplaces 2006}}</ref> | EMF (K-LOVE & Air1) | {{won}} |- | 2007 | Media (100+ Employees)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bcwinstitute.com/bcwlists/US06.aspx|title=Best Christian Workplaces 2007}}</ref> | EMF (K-LOVE & Air1) | {{won}} |}
==Finances== K-Love is governed by the Educational Media Foundation, a nonprofit, multi-platform media company.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.emfmedia.com/|title=Welcome to EMF|website=www.emfmedia.com}}</ref> No individual owns any stock in the corporation, which is held for charitable purposes. Members of the board of directors at large serve without compensation for rotating four-year terms, and a person with supervisory accounting experience holds one of the board positions.<ref name="klove3">{{cite web |url=http://www.klove.com/about/finances.aspx |title=Finance page on |publisher=Klove.com |access-date=16 October 2013 |archive-date=December 30, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101230163546/http://www.klove.com/about/finances.aspx |url-status=dead }}</ref>
K-Love stations are licensed as non-commercial educational stations; therefore, most of its funding is provided by donations. The majority of donations are made during seasonal pledge drives, usually held in the spring and in the fall.<ref name="klove2"/>
In addition, EMF is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA). Founded by Billy Graham, the ECFA oversees EMF's financial affairs, ethics and reporting standards.<ref name="klove3"/>
EMF is recognized by Charity Navigator with a Four-Star rating, the highest given to charities.<ref>{{cite web|title=Charity Navigator - Educational Media Foundation|url=http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=7640|access-date=12 March 2013}}</ref> In addition, EMF is audited yearly by an independent accounting firm, ensuring accuracy and completeness of its books and records.<ref name="klove3"/>
==See also== * Air1 * K-Love Classics * List of radio stations in California
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{Commons category-inline}} * {{officialwebsite}}
{{K-LOVE}} {{American broadcast radio}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:K-LOVE}} Category:K-Love radio stations Category:American radio networks Category:Contemporary Christian radio stations in the United States LOVE Category:Companies based in Placer County, California Category:Radio stations established in 1982 Category:1982 establishments in California Category:Educational Media Foundation