KMBY to Celebrate 90th Anniversary with Birthday Bash

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 3, 2025 | 2:24pm CT

KMBY-AM & FM in Monterey

One of Monterey Bay's most enduring broadcast institutions, KMBY (1240 AM and 106.7 FM), is turning 90 -- and the station is inviting the entire community to celebrate the milestone with a two-day birthday party next weekend. The festivities will take place at KMBY Studios at 651 Cannery Row, Monterey, on Friday, July 11 from 12-6pm, and Saturday, July 12 from 10am-7pm. The event is free and open to the public.

The celebration will include birthday cake, refreshments, behind-the-scenes studio tours, on-air remotes, and meet-and-greets with KMBY DJs from throughout the station's nine-decade history. Attendees can expect appearances from beloved radio personalities, including those who helped define KMBY's golden era, along with memorabilia and historical displays documenting the station's legacy.

Founded in 1935 as KDON and rebranded to KMBY just three years later, the station quickly became a mainstay for music and local news on the Central Coast. Notably, it was partially owned for 26 years by legendary entertainer Bing Crosby.

Since its acquisition by HYS Incorporated in 2020, under the leadership of longtime radio veterans Chris and Denise White, KMBY has doubled down on its commitment to local programming and community engagement.

"Our Local Flair lineup is made up entirely of local talent," said Denise White, President of HYS. "This isn't just a birthday party for a radio station-it's a celebration of the community that built us and the community we're proud to serve."