Random Questions, Random Answers

your queries about KALX Radio, serviced with wit and verve

Here are answers to some of the common questions we receive here at KALX. If there is a question you would like to see answered on this page, please email your idea to our If you want to communicate with KALX station management, please send them email at

What is KALX?
Berkeley's community and student radio station, licensed to the University of California at Berkeley, and proudly broadcasting at 90.7 FM in Stereo with over 500 Watts of power.

Why "KALX?"
KAL, CAL, California.
X, Just because.

Who can get KALX?
Our listening range covers most of the San Francisco Bay Area, from as far south as Fremont and Redwood City, to San Rafael and Petaluma in Sonoma County, Oakland, Berkeley, and parts of San Francisco (damn, those hills). Rumors exist that some Bay Area cable companies have chosen to add KALX to their FM broadcaster selection. If you get us on cable the city and cable company. If not, then ask for KALX by name!

How do I get in touch with KALX?
You can call our main office number at (510) 642-1111 during normal weekday business hours. For specific staff office hours, check out our Contact page.

How do I get my gig/show/film listed on your Entertainment Calendar?
Email the pertinent information to and we'll try and it get on the air (everyday at 7:30 AM, 3:30 PM, 7:30 PM).

How do I submit a UC Berkeley campus event (lectures, panel discussions, exhibitions, concerts, etc.) listing to your Campus Calendar?
Email the pertinent information to and we'll try and it get on the air (everyday at 1:15 PM and 8:15 PM).

How can I get a Public Service Announcement (PSA) read over the air?
Mail the text of your PSA to us at

    KALX 
    Attention: PSA
    University of California 
    26 Barrows Hall #5650
    Berkeley, CA 94720-5650

Please keep the script short and give us at least four weeks advance notice. At a minimum we need the following info:
a. What is the Organization:
b. Contact Name or contact information (one we can release to the public as contact information)
c. Information for the PSA (2-3 sentences about your organization, including types of services and the best way for KALX listeners to get involved or use your service. Like when is it happening? Where will it be?)

Where do I send music from my record label for airplay consideration? 
First, read the Music Departments advice on Submitting Music for Airplay on KALX. Then send your LPs, CDs, and 7"s to:

    KALX 
    Attention: Music Director 
    University of California 
    26 Barrows Hall #5650
    Berkeley, CA 94720-5650

Where do I send the demo tape of my band?
Send that beautifully crafted musical piece of art and pathos to:

    KALX 
    Attention: The Next Big Thing
    University of California 
    26 Barrows Hall #5650
    Berkeley, CA 94720-5650

Who do I talk to about scheduling an interview with my band?
Contact our Music Interview Coordinator, Lindsay Melnyk, at

I'm a listener who replaced all my vinyl with CDs. Do you want my old vinyl records?
You bet we would! Please call the main office at 510/642-1111 and leave a message for the Music Donations Coordinator. They will call you back and make all the necessary arrangements.

How do I find out about that great tune I'm hearing on KALX right now?
Walk (don't run) to your nearest telephone and call the at DJ at (510) 642-5259 and ask them. The DJs are very friendly and would love to hear from you, and they don't usually bite.
Also, we now post a live listing of songs we've broadcast in the last 24 hours. The listing can be seen by selecting the new navigation menu link Recent Songs on Air.
If you want to know about something you heard a while back, call the DJ at about the same time and day a week later...if you are lucky it will be same person, and they might remember enough of their show to help you out.

How can I improve my reception of KALX?
Hot shit cool guy and former KALX nerd[geek]-in-residence Sonic Purity has put together a nice "how-to" guide for improving your radios drawing power.

Can I donate stuff to KALX?
You Bet! KALX accepts all kinds of donations. A large portion of our operating budget comes from our generous listeners. We scrimp, save and salvage any way we can but your donations really help us out. If you have albums you want to donate, leave a message for the Music Donations Coordinator at (510) 642-1111 and they will get back to you. If you have anything else (and we mean anything) that you would like to donate to us, call the Office Manager at (510) 642-1111. Equipment and office supplies are always welcomed.
We are looking to replace our hot tub, got one you're trying to ditch?

How do I become a volunteer at KALX?
Easy. Just come to one of our thrice yearly volunteer recruitment meetings and we'll fill you in on the joys of working at KALX. You'll get to hear all about the behind the scenes work available to our eager volunteers. If you have some free time and would like to help, please join us!