Kelly Comes Home To Bakersfield
• Following the recent sale of Connoisseur Media’s Bakersfield cluster to Frequency Broadcasting, led by local owners Danny and Kait Hill, the enterprising couple has begun reshaping the group with the return of one of the market’s most recognizable brands — “Kelly 95.3” (KLLY-FM), restoring its heritage identity while repositioning it for today’s audience. [Ed. note: The station is currently using the classic Kelly 95.3 logo while an updated logo and website are in process]
Originally launched in the mid-’80s, KLLY built longstanding brand equity in Bakersfield under the “Kelly 95.3” identity, evolving across multiple successful formats — from Soft Rock to Hot AC to Top 40 — while maintaining strong listener familiarity with its call letters. In 2015, former owner Alpha Media moved away from the “Kelly” branding, rebranding as Energy 95.3, and most recently, Live 95.3.
“We’re incredibly proud to bring Kelly back home,” said Kait Hill (left), CEO of Frequency Broadcasting. “This is a brand that already has deep roots in Bakersfield. Bringing it back is about honoring that history while building something that feels fresh, relevant, and locally connected.”
Frequency Broadcasting COO Danny Hill, who notably programmed KLLY from 2010 to 2015 and from 2017 to 2019, remarked, “Kelly has always meant something in this market. Reestablishing that identity gives us a strong foundation to grow from, while still evolving the sound and presentation to meet today’s listener expectations.”
The move is part of a broader strategic reset following the acquisition, as Frequency Broadcasting focuses on strengthening brand identity across its Bakersfield portfolio, including heritage News-Talk KNZR 97.7 FM & 1560 AM, KKBB (The Groove 99.3), KRWI (Rewind 98.1 & 93.5), and KVLI-AM/FM (Outlaw Country 95.9 FM & 1140 AM).
• And there’s more joyful homecoming news — Erik Fox, who famously spent 24 years in the building, rising to OM of KLLY, KKBB and KNZR-AM/FM until he was downsized by Alpha Media in July 2024, makes his triumphant return, this time as PD of the new Kelly 95.3. A grateful Fox posted these “back-in-the-day/present-day” photos to Facebook.
Completing this homecoming, Danny and Kait’s morning show, which had been airing exclusively on Rewind 98.1 & 98.5, is now simulcasting on the new Kelly 95.3.
